Alcohol...

[Primal]

Hey CB! I noticed this was another topic nobody had yet touched upon and I was curious about it. Recently, I've been hanging out with some old friends and they like to drink, not lots but some nonetheless. I very rarely ever drink, actually I can count how many drinks I've had on my hands and this is mostly due to the fact that 1) I hate the idea of poisoning myself and 2) I'm worried that it will hurt some of my gains. But it's gotten to the point now where I wouldn't mind having a drink or too just to fit in with my friends a bit. I mean, when everyone else starts drinking and they ask if you want one and you tell them you can't because of your training... sometimes it kills a vibe. On top of this, I've been asked a few times by women if I wanted to have a drink with them at several 'social' occasions and I'd have to refuse (oh how I regret some of those nights...).

So, I was wondering, is it alright to have a drink or two when out with friends? Literally, when I do choose to drink I never go above 3 drinks and if it is hard liquor I don't even bother. My goals are, at the moment to gain as much mass as possible so would this affect my gains negatively? If I do choose to drink, what can I do to prevent some of the negative impacts on my gains? Eat before and during drinking? I heard this might help a bit. Also, just out of curiosity, do any of you guys drink alcohol any? How often?

Thanks!

-Primal

[cog]

Hey CB! I noticed this was another topic nobody had yet touched upon and I was curious about it. Recently, I've been hanging out with some old friends and they like to drink, not lots but some nonetheless. I very rarely ever drink, actually I can count how many drinks I've had on my hands and this is mostly due to the fact that 1) I hate the idea of poisoning myself and 2) I'm worried that it will hurt some of my gains. But it's gotten to the point now where I wouldn't mind having a drink or too just to fit in with my friends a bit. I mean, when everyone else starts drinking and they ask if you want one and you tell them you can't because of your training... sometimes it kills a vibe. On top of this, I've been asked a few times by women if I wanted to have a drink with them at several 'social' occasions and I'd have to refuse (oh how I regret some of those nights...).

So, I was wondering, is it alright to have a drink or two when out with friends? Literally, when I do choose to drink I never go above 3 drinks and if it is hard liquor I don't even bother. My goals are, at the moment to gain as much mass as possible so would this affect my gains negatively? If I do choose to drink, what can I do to prevent some of the negative impacts on my gains? Eat before and during drinking? I heard this might help a bit. Also, just out of curiosity, do any of you guys drink alcohol any? How often?

Thanks!

-Primal

My understanding is that a drink immediately after training will result in a wasted workout.A light beer or two later on shouldnt have too much effect.Hard drinking is another story.

[Praetorian]

You can still enjoy life while reaching your goals. Life is not all about BB and trust me a couple drinks on the weekend will not kill your gains. Just time them with your chest meal etc and enjoy yourself. Have goals and working hard is great...but life is about balance...so dont put BB ahead of relationships, career., school etc...being a great BB comes from drive and motivation as well as balance in life.

P

[Primal]

Yeah I always find I seem to prioritize training too much over anything I find. I have to keep reminding myself that a good future with my academics, friends and family come first. Great, I'll time alcohol consumption with my cheat meal, thanks!

-Primal

[steve_d]

If you don't want to drink, just make sure you don't blame it on training.

1. There is nothing worse than hearing that as an excuse to people who aren't as serious in it as you.
2. It just isn't true. Unless you have a bodybuilding or powerlifting competition in the next couple days, that drink will not do anything bad to you're 'gains'. lol

[Primal]

If you don't want to drink, just make sure you don't blame it on training.

1. There is nothing worse than hearing that as an excuse to people who aren't as serious in it as you.
2. It just isn't true. Unless you have a bodybuilding or powerlifting competition in the next couple days, that drink will not do anything bad to you're 'gains'. lol

No I'm not saying that I blame not drinking on training. What I meant before was that the idea of poisoning myself to such an extent doesn't sit well with me. For example, one buddy of mine whenever he drinks, he purposefully does it to get drunk. Every time. Before I just used to be against alcohol completely but my ideals have changed in the past year. Point 1) is definitely correct that's for sure whenever I say no, people (especially the girls) always tease me as to how serious I am into training. Obviously they have never seen a real bodybuilder in real life. I'm definitely not as serious as those guys. Good to know about point 2) I'm sure my friends will be happy about that!

-Primal