Poll: How often do you drink wine?

[pmmahan]

Sinc we're all trying to eat healthy and exercise around here, I was just wondering how often you drink wine - as it has its health benefits, it still is pretty high in calories.
I wish I could drink it everyday; however, since I like to have 2 glasses in a sitting, that's probably not a good idea for my waistline! I would say I usually have 2-4 glasses per week.

What about the rest of you??

[BlueMoose]

At the risk of being banished from the BB, I am responding to this poll...I never drink wine http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif . Wine seems to give me an immediate headache, plus I just don't care for it. I'll start dodging the rotten grapes being thrown at me now!

Chrisi http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[lbudis]

I would also LOVE to drink it everyday but all calories count - even liquid ones! So no drinking on "school" nights for me - only on Friday and Saturday. 2 - 4 glasses is about my average.

[Curleytop]

Love Wine! We usually have a small glass of either Chardonay or Merlo, depending on the meal. No SECONDS! Sometimes we SHARE a beer, when we have Mexican food! Since we are "OLD FOLKS" it might have something to do WHY we lived to be this old! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif
Think of that!

[emilycat]

I have a feeling I'm going to feel like a lush after reading everyone else's posts, but here goes: I drink wine nearly every day -- generally two glasses; sometimes I don't feel as much like drinking and have only one, but other times I'll have three. On the days I'm not drinking wine, I'm probably drinking Bass.
I don't exactly have to worry about the calories, and health-wise, this excerpt from Runner's World is my current rationalization http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif


The decision to drink alcohol is a personal one with pros and cons that vary from person to
person. Here's the most recent thinking on the subject.
Your Health: According to most research, women who consume 14 alcoholic drinks a week
and men who have 21 drinks experience a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, says
Ruth C. Engs, Ed.D., professor of applied health science at Indiana University in Bloomington.
(Once drink equals 12 ounces beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 1/2 ounces of liquor.) But once
you exceed daily drinks, your risk rises. For women in particular, heavy drinking may
increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancers.



[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-25-2001).]

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-25-2001).]

[JulieM]

I drink 1-2 glasses about 4 days a week. I've noticed though that my weight doesn't budge unless I cut it out almost completely. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

[pmmahan]

Emilycat-

just out of curiousity - I know you run a lot and don't have to "worry" about calories, but when you drink 2-3 glasses of wine, do you compensate in any way? Running more, eating less, that day?

I liked that piece from Runner's World. Phew! 14 glasses! I was worried I was drinking too much!

I suppose we could all look to the French and Italians, who drink wine quite frequently, right? THey have the lowest incidence of heart disease and no weight problems!

[Jewel]

I'm a weird one...I like wine, but I really only like it chilled. I don't care that most wines are supposed to be served at room temperature. I can't drink ANYTHING at room temperature! I will chill a $5 box wine or a $20 bottle. Don't give a fig about what it does to the 'bouquet'.

I have mentioned before that the hour or so that I have to myself in the late afternoon to cook dinner is my time...I put on a CD (Eagles or John Denver), dance around my kitchen, chop veggies, try to explain to the dogs that Mommy isn't deranged, and usually I enjoy a glass or two of chilled White Zinfandel while I'm cooking. I don't usually drink it with dinner, and DH and I will occasionally have a glass after dinner, but usually it's just me Marinating the Chef ! It's my time to unwind, get creative, and practice my dancing! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Lynne1975]

I am with emilycat on this issue - I drink several glasses of wine per week, usually at least 1-2 glasses after work. I enjoy the experience of wine, and it relaxes me. As for the calories, you have to manage them just as you would calories from food. In terms of health benefits, I think being stressed out is way more unhealthful than drinking wine. Scientists will never know conclusively if wine is good or bad for you - same with coffee, red meat and other foods. So just enjoy life - that is why we're Cooking Light members, right??? That said, if you do not enjoy wine or other alcohol, that is perfectly fine. Everyone is different, thank goodness!

[gisele489]

This is an interesting topic! There was a time in my life in which I enjoyed a glass of wine with my evening meal, each night of the week. Seven years ago, I made the decision to reduce my alchohol consumption and have perhaps enjoyed 3-4 glasses during that period of time and do, on occasion, split a bottle of Mexican beer with my husband. I do in fact miss the combination of fermented grapes with my meals.

Just recently have we (hubby and I) begun to talk about incorporating wine into our lives again. Yet, we both came to the conclusion that we are generally awake longer into the evening and feel more productive the following day when we sleep without the alchohol content in our bloodstream.

To reiterate .... nothing could be finer than a glass of wine with a most fabulous meal!

[GayeC]

I drink wine rarely, maybe twice a month, one or two glasses. There are 2 reasons. one is that I cannot afford the calories, as I am trying to lose weight. If that were not the case I would probably drink wine once or twice a week. The other reason is that a member of my immediate family was an alcoholic, and I know that alcoholism has a tendency to run in families. I think that I would increase my risk of developing an alcohol problem if I drank it on a regular basis.

[LGBurns]

It's so interesting how often this board "echos" something I've been thinking about in my life. Just yesterday I read an article in the NY Times about women and heart disease. It talked about how the majority of women are far more worried about cancer than heart disease even though heart disease is the number one killer in women. The article had a supplement by Jane Brody with 10 things women can do to improve their heart health; one was drinking a glass of red wine a day. I decided to stop worrying about the calories and expense, find some good inexpensive wines and indulge in a glass a night starting tonight. (I just bought some Round Hill Zin at Trader Joe's for $5.99! Hope it's good.) So, my answer to this question now would be a glass a night, but if you had asked me Saturday I would have said maybe one or two glasses of wine or beer on the weekend. I actually tend to drink beer more because it's cheaper, but I prefer wine. As for calories, I'm just maintaining not losing and I eat almost exclusively vegetarian so I feel I can afford the extra calories. After all, it's for my heart!

[erinyyc]

O.K. I'm probably going to sound like a lush here. We have a couple of beer or share a bottle of wine each night (we make our own from kits). We both work out, have high metabolisms, don't have sweet tooths or ever eat dessert and I haven't had any type of fast food in over 20 years (just the smell makes me feel ill). We also tend to be late night people, so the drinks help us relax and get to bed earlier so I feel so much better than not getting enough sleep. On the days there is nothing in the house I don't miss it at all so I'm not worried about a problem.
Erin http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[gertdog]

I drink wine a lot less often than I would like! That's for a combination of the reasons given above... extra calories, and especially not wanting to mess up my sleep. I'm such a good sound sleeper now, and I need every wink in order to be able to deal with my job.

That said, we enjoy wine and drink it with meals several times per month. Much more often in the summer when we can have a chilled bottle out on the porch.

[Lynn B]

Interesting thread!

Personally, I don't drink much alcohol at all, although I certainly don't have any aversions to it! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

It really comes down mostly to calories. I do occasionally have a glass of wine or a bottle of beer - but in general, I'd rather EAT chocolate!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Lynn

[HDgirl]

I was drinking wine almost everyday with dinner. But I'll have it Thurs, Fri, and Sat now. Two or three glasses and sometimes instead of wine, vodka tonics.

I needed to cut back because I usually don't sleep as well and since I'm approaching 40 the calorie thing and it gets expensive $$$$$$$.

[Lil' Lo]

I always debate this topic with my husband. I love to drink a glass of wine while I'm cooking. He also enjoys wine. Our debate is always should we save it for the weekend? Sometimes we do, sometimes, we don't. Depends on the week! However, I would drink wine everyday if I could!

[Karenf]

Everyday for my husband and I. "A day without wine is like a day without sunshine". I have an apron (never wear it!) that says that on it.

[kwormann]

....not nearly enough.....

[SQ]

Originally posted by kwormann:
....not nearly enough.....

How can I sound clever after that?

[lindrusso]

When traveling alone (a total of over 1200 miles in the van) with young kids - early and often is my motto! (er...but not WHILE I'm driving...)

Otherwise it's a fairly regular occurence, but not every night. It usually goes by whim or by the meal. Or, sometimes, as suggested above, by the type of day we're having....

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 06-25-2001).]

[ashley]

I LOVE a good glass of wine and would drink a glass or two every day if I had the time. If I get home late I won't have anything to drink unless it's been a particularly bad day! I would say that I generally drink about 4 days a week. I especially enjoy having a glass while I'm cooking.

[CathyPA]

Interesting reading. Like many others, I like to sip a glass when I am cooking. Sometimes will drink a glass or two during the week, but generally more so on the weekend (maybe 3-4 glasses/night Friday and Saturday. Though I love reds, seem to wake up with sinus-like headache if the wine has high tannin level. Enjoy keeping various wines around to fit any mood/meal - so much so that I just ordered a 36 bottle wine rack from W/S.

Really into exploring whites right now, still enjoy a good chardonnay, but having fun with other varieties lately. It's kind of a summer ritual- the fun of searching for a new "light" wine, anticipation of drinking it and savoring the relaxation (after the kids go to bed!) I absolutely love to sit on the back porch, or on the deck at our shore house, drink a great glass of wine, and soak (no pun intended) in the flowers, birds, ocean air, etc. Oh, oh, getting carried away! Thinking about the new Italian wine I'm saving for our vacation this week!!

Cathy

[cdm]

I love to drink mulled wine around the holidays. I make it, and we have it at a Christmas festival that happens the first weekend in December. I like it after the holidays too, Id say maybe twice in January and thats it. I use wine as more of a celebration than anything else. I'm having some Lambrusco this weekend, cause Im on vacation for a week. I love that stuff too if I make a taco or some other salad for a weekend dinner.

[SoCal]

Hardly at all (a couple of glasses a year) although I just received notice that my rent has been increased...FOR THE THIRD TIME THIS YEAR http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/mad.gif , AAAAHHH! I may just go out and by a box, umm, I mean a bottle of wine and drink it all tonight http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif !! Moving to North Carolina is sounding better and better, hhmmm.

OK, I feel a little better now (not much) so thanks for letting me yell!

[This message has been edited by SoCal (edited 06-25-2001).]

[Jogren]

DH and I love a bottle of wine with our weekend meals. However, repeating what others have said before, I try not to drink during the weekdays because it just knocks me out and then I don't get anything done after work. I'm moonlighting trying to start my own business so I need to stay awake http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[KValley]

Interesting question!

When I had an office job, I never drank during the week because I was too worried about messing around with my ability to get a good night's rest- I lost enough sleep due to stress as it was.

On the weekends, however, DH and I would drink a bottle with our Friday, Saturday, and Sunday meals (I was relaxed enough by SUnday to not wake up in the middle of the night worrying about work).

Some changes this past year- since moving to a small town, we are now without a decent wine shop, so the pleasure we took in spending our Saturdays picking out wines for the week is gone. We tend to stick with the tried and true -which are great local wines- but the anticipation is not the same. I know this has had the greatest impact on my reduced consumption of wine.

THis has made it easier to drink less and save considerable calories, while still enjoying a new wine when we find one. I limit myself to a glass with dinner two or three times/week- usually weekends. I'm also hoping to get pregnant in the Fall and preparing myself to give it up completely for a time.


[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 06-25-2001).]

[emilycat]

Emilycat-

just out of curiousity - I know you run a lot and don't have to "worry" about calories, but when you
drink 2-3 glasses of wine, do you compensate in any way? Running more, eating less, that day?

Sorry, I guess that sounded kind of obnoxious, didn't it? Seriously, I drink almost every day -- so if I quit drinking that much, I'd need to eat more, or I'd lose weight. I get around 2,000 calories a day aside from the alcohol, so I don't really feel as if I'm substituting empty calories for nutrient-rich ones I should be getting. I should also say that my entire family is blessed with a high metabolism, so that combined with my mileage leaves me room for some "extras." I should also say, though, that I don't eat that much dessert (well, okay, compared to the fact that I used to eat it after lunch and dinner, and usually a bit of chocolate in between http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ), so other than a small custard-sized bowl of sorbet in the evenings, wine is generally my other "treat."


[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-25-2001).]

[joyous]

I don't generally drink wine at all. I don't care for it, as well as most other kinds of alcohol.

However, I'm trying to develop a taste for it. As the plan goes, my BF is taking an early retirement in about 6 years, buying a sailboat, and hitting the oceans. "I'm taking you to Italy, and you don't drink wine?" he asked recently. "Hmmm."

[MelissaAS]

I too avoid almost all alcohol, almost all the time because I can't afford the calories at this point. I probably have 4 drinks/month- half wine, half beer. Honestly, I enjoy eating my calories more than drinking them http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Beth H]

I drink about one glass of wine each day, when I'm preparing dinner. Some nights, I drink two glasses, though. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I don't really worry about the calories from wine -- I don't eat a lot of desserts, sweets, or snacks. It really makes cooking more fun and relaxing, though.

[pmmahan]

Originally posted by emilycat:
Emilycat-

just out of curiousity - I know you run a lot and don't have to "worry" about calories, but when you
drink 2-3 glasses of wine, do you compensate in any way? Running more, eating less, that day?

Sorry, I guess that sounded kind of obnoxious, didn't it? Seriously, I drink almost every day -- so if I quit drinking that much, I'd need to eat more, or I'd lose weight. I get around 2,000 calories a day aside from the alcohol, so I don't really feel as if I'm substituting empty calories for nutrient-rich ones I should be getting. I should also say that my entire family is blessed with a high metabolism, so that combined with my mileage leaves me room for some "extras." I should also say, though, that I don't eat that much dessert (well, okay, compared to the fact that I used to eat it after lunch and dinner, and usually a bit of chocolate in between http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ), so other than a small custard-sized bowl of sorbet in the evenings, wine is generally my other "treat."


[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-25-2001).]

I didn't think that was obnoxious at all! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I, too, am blessed with a high metabolism, although I don't run like you do. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I 've been eating fewer desserts lately; I usually have wine as a substitute.

I just really enjoy wine, and especially with cooking as a passion, the two go hand in hand. I've read that alcohol can contribute to weight gain - with my 9-5 desk job, I am trying to avoid that. Ahhh, it would be nice to have a more "active" job and be less chained to a desk!

[LenaS]

I agree.....A day without wine is like a day without Sunshine! Couldn't be put any better!

Usually have 1-2-3 glasses a day, and speaking of lushes - I can handle a little more on the weekends at functions! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Gail]

Jusht a mininute... I'll ansher jusht as soon as the screen stops moving... (hic!)

Okay. Better. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

No, actually, it's a weekend-only thing. Friday, Saturday and Sunday we'll usually have a bottle with dinner. Now if we're away on vacation, then every night's a weekend!

[SandyM]

Whew. There she is. Now I can post. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Believe it or not, I do the same. Never on a school night (as I used to call it as a kid). It interrupts the sleep (even one glass). I generally crack a bottle on Friday and then again Saturday. But never, ever on a Sunday........... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Michael Smith]

Great topic - you get a star for this one!

From what I've read, the health benefits are limited to red wines, but I'm certainly not a card-carrying member of the ABC club. I enjoy a variety of both reds and whites. Just like trying new recipes and new ethnic cuisines, you've got to venture and try new wines in order to gain experience and taste. A quick idea: throw a wine party. Each single or couple bring a bottle for taste-testing. It's a fun and inexpensive way to taste a variety of wines. Serve some great CL appetizers and your got a cool theme party. Just be careful not to over taste - it dulls the senses!
As for the calories, alas that's where you pay for this indulgence, but remember, not every glass has to be a giant goblet. Buy some small glasses and cut your calories.

A toast to your sensibility!

[Wendy w]

You all make me feel like the lush of the century! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif I have about 1-2 glasses every day. I like to have a glass when making dinner and maybe another with dinner. It relaxes me and life is too short.

Unfortunately, that over 40 thing has snuck up :eek http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gifn me the last year or so and I may have to start not having any on "school nights". Add a desk job! I have been trying to exercise more by walking a mile at lunch and then 2 more when I get home at night. I may need to add more exercise and only cook on the weekends. Getting old sucks!

Socal, I have noticed that your rent has gone up 3 times this year. Sorry to hear that, and I can't blame you for wanting to take up wine drinking or moving to N.Carolina. Can you say greed?



[This message has been edited by Wendy w (edited 06-26-2001).]

[food girl]

I love wine! I would certainly drink it every day but, as I sit here in the CANCER CENTER (did I scream that?) I have open my giant book of "Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective" and under breast cancer and alcohol there are 48 studies listed! The final recommendation: Alcohol intake probably increases the risk of breast cancer.

I have spent part of my day today crying with a woman with breast cancer, whether she drinks at all - I can't even remember. It just isn't worth it!!

As far as the health benefits to your heart, the benefit outweighs the risks at age 60!!!


Sorry to be the prophetess of doom.

Lisa

[lorilei]

Well, ask my husband. He'll tell you I whine almost every day http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Seriously, though -- we do drink wine almost every evening. And then we go in streaks where we drink none at all (during these times we marinate with other substances).

Bodies react to substances SO differently that I won't even attempt to try to figure out if this raises my cancer risk or makes me fat.

Life is simply too short... and so am I.

[SoCal]

Thanks Wendy! I think that I am still in shock but I guess I should have expected it (but not 3 times in 6 months http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif !). This time the reason was 'because of the rising cost of energy and a surcharge on trash pick-up' (Read: Bend-over!). I guess it is the price you pay for living in beautiful Southern California! On a good note, I found out I am living in an exempt from blackout zone http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif !!

[Gail]

Originally posted by SoCal:
...On a good note, I found out I am living in an exempt from blackout zone http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif !!

How did you find this out? I've been living in a vacuum lately... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

[pmmahan]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gail:
[B]Jusht a mininute... I'll ansher jusht as soon as the screen stops moving... (hic!)

Okay. Better. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

ROFL! I am giggling right now, Gail!!

[iqueen]

I'm with Emily on this one, only I don't have her metabolism or her running. Wine is my indulgence as I too don't eat sweets or dessert very often. Life is too short to worry about wine calories. I make them up walking or cutting out elsewhere.

[gobluem82]

Sunday night is our "special dinner night" where we usually grill something nice and crack open a bottle of wine to share between the two of us. Depending on what we have the rest of the week, we might have a glass of wine with dinner one or two other nights--Italian food just begs for a glass of red wine, doesn't it? Anyway, my kids say that we drink wine "all of the time", and I shudder to think of what they say and school--their teachers must think we're lushes!!

[SoCal]

Gail - Do you have Southern California Edison as you electric company? On their monthly bill they give you a 'Rotating Outage Code'. Mine is N001 which make my area exempt since it is near a hospital(?). 50% of the So Califonia Edison users are exempt! Hardly fair for the other 50%. You can also get information on their website:
http://www.southerncaledison.com

They post which codes are due for blackouts.
Good Luck!