January 2015 - No Alcohol Challenge!

mariamathsgeek

I wasn't chastising anyone, just stating a fact. We all joined this thread for support and when people slip it makes other people feel weak and want to slip too. There are two sides to every coin. Personally, if I slipped and had a glass of wine (and believe me I've been tempted, especially last week when I had lots of stressful things happen)....anyway, if I slipped, I'd fess up, wish everyone well and leave the thread.

No alcohol January means NO ALCOHOL JANUARY not 'well I only had one glass of wine so blah, blah, blah'....we ALL need support and those who slip for whatever reason are not supporting those who are sticking to it and I find it's actually making it harder for me to do that.

I really couldn't care less if you have a glass of wine or whatever....it's your life, your liver, your body....we are all adults. But if you have had any alcohol in January 2015 then you are not doing a dry/sober January. Fact.

mariamathsgeek

And while I'm on a roll with 'how to lose friends and alienate people'....what is it with people who never or rarely drink joining this challenge? If you NEVER drink anyway or only have a glass of wine a few times a year then giving up alcohol for January is not a challenge for you. You may think you are being supportive but you are not...what you are doing is being smug and mocking those of us who really need/want to do this. A challenge is something that is difficult and needs determination to accomplish....so maybe a different challenge would be better for those of you who can take or leave the booze.....no chocolate/cake/cheese/whatever your weakness is.

I know I sound a little serious and strict about this whole challenge but that's because I need to do this....my drinking has been getting gradually worse for years and it got to the stage where every stressful day saw me opening the wine....and that was often 5 or 6 days a week. Then December 2014 was a right off with barely an alcohol free day....so my husband and I decided we needed the whole of January off to re-set, give our livers a well needed break and develop a healthier attitude towards drinking.

I've been trying to lose weight for years and booze has always been my downfall....and I've used every excuse in the book to let myself off the hook for being overweight and for my bad habits. But, January 1st was a fresh start for me and I am serious about losing weight and a big part of that is this month off the booze.

So, take my comments anyway you wish but if you are not serious about this challenge or if you really don't need to do it then do the rest of us a favour and let us get on with it.

notcorky

^^^ What she said. 17 days alcohol free. This is like a world record for me

mariamathsgeek

Thank you, notcorky!!!! I was beginning to feel like the big bad wolf.....but I had a feeling that some people may feel the same about this challenge as I do.....and I just needed to say something.

Well done on your 17 days....I'm on day 21 and that's my longest dry period (other than during my pregnancies) for years and years....maybe even most of my adult life.

Blueseraphchaos

If i slipped up, I'd fess up and hop right back on the train. That's a little like saying that if you slip up and go way over on your calories one day, you'd fess up and wish everyone else well and leave mfp...it just doesn't make sense to me. Not everyone is an "all or nothing" type. Many people need support whether they slip up or not, and it's not their fault that them fessing up to having a drink makes other people feel weak.

People join this challenge for many reasons. Some because alcohol is the reason they are having trouble losing weight, some because alcohol is a serious problem or they feel it's becoming a serious problem for them...i joined because i had done it before and it helped with my weight loss, so i felt like it was time to kick it back into gear after the holidays.

But okay, I'll wish you all well and step right off this thread. Hope everything goes well for you guys.

melissakolpin

I have recently quit drinking. I have chosen to quit for many reasons, but weight loss was/is a big motivator. I was a daily drinker. And had been for many years. Only a couple of drinks a day....but every day. Vodka and water and Mio was my favorite, because it's so low in calories. However, after one drink, I was a little bit less accountable. After 2 drinks, I didn't have an accountable bone in my body. I haven't had a drink in 2and 1/2 weeks and I feel great. AND...with only a small amount of exercise and staying within my calories... I've dropped 5 lbs. Good luck to everyone!!

PS... looking for new friends with similar goals. Feel free to add me.

TavistockToad

I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying it, but I always find it rather alarming when people cannot manage a month without drinking.

mariamathsgeek

TavistockToad wrote: »

I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying it, but I always find it rather alarming when people cannot manage a month without drinking.

I agree....and that's why I am doing this. I don't want to be the type of person who can't go without booze for a month....but the fact is that I was that person. I like red wine...in fact, I love it! But, I don't want to slip into alcoholism then have to join AA and give up for life simply because I can't go a month/week/day without it. It's a slippery slope. And that's why I'm being so strict with myself....and maybe I've been a bit harsh on those who have slipped up.

CJ8585

I always liked the quote "shoot for the moon. If you miss, you'll still land in the stars". I have been strict with myself and not had any alcohol all January so far which was extremely hard for me because I have social drinks every weekend. Soo happy for the other people who have been staying completely alcohol free for January and for those that have slipped up, hopefully it is still a lot less than you would normally have so that is great too. Let's try to get to the end of this month with nooo booooze!!!!

mariamathsgeek

Yup, lets do this!!!

Peacefulhooligan

I am sure this is a big factor in why I have lost 16lbs in 3 weeks, due to giving up alcohol for January. Although I have a box of Coors in the front porch from Christmas and it kept calling, I put the dogs blanket over it and now I forget its there. Good luck and keep going people

meeganbrett

Day 19 here! Love my red wine too, this has been a big challenge for me, I drink every weekend as well. I have lost a few lbs and I know it's because of the drinking for the most part. Great job everyone!!

mariamathsgeek

tattflash wrote: »

I am sure this is a big factor in why I have lost 16lbs in 3 weeks, due to giving up alcohol for January. Although I have a box of Coors in the front porch from Christmas and it kept calling, I put the dogs blanket over it and now I forget its there. Good luck and keep going people

Wow!!! 16lbs in 3 weeks? That's awesome! Well done. I've lost 9.5lbs in 3 weeks and am delighted!!! I am also convinced it's all to do with giving up the booze. The wine cals are one thing but after 3 glasses of wine I get the late night munchies and only carbs smothered in fat will do....chips (French fries) with melted cheese & mayo or cheese on toast or I have been known to rustle up a bit of pasta tossed in butter and covered in cheese. So the booze offers a double whammy - empty calories then late night carb/fat calories on top of a days food. No wonder the weight is dropping off now!!!

How's everyone else doing? Hope you are all getting the results you want.

clairlita

22 days here. I've found no alcoholic beer to be a good replacement some weekends. Becks blue is the best if you're in the UK. It's weird what alcohol can connote to you... Just one sip of something that TASTES like beer (but isn't) and my body reacts like "oh, so I can relax now?" It's weird.

Doing a vegan January too so there's a double challenge!

Peacefulhooligan

mariamathsgeek wrote: »

tattflash wrote: »

I am sure this is a big factor in why I have lost 16lbs in 3 weeks, due to giving up alcohol for January. Although I have a box of Coors in the front porch from Christmas and it kept calling, I put the dogs blanket over it and now I forget its there. Good luck and keep going people

Wow!!! 16lbs in 3 weeks? That's awesome! Well done. I've lost 9.5lbs in 3 weeks and am delighted!!! I am also convinced it's all to do with giving up the booze. The wine cals are one thing but after 3 glasses of wine I get the late night munchies and only carbs smothered in fat will do....chips (French fries) with melted cheese & mayo or cheese on toast or I have been known to rustle up a bit of pasta tossed in butter and covered in cheese. So the booze offers a double whammy - empty calories then late night carb/fat calories on top of a days food. No wonder the weight is dropping off now!!!

How's everyone else doing? Hope you are all getting the results you want.

Well done Maria, keep up the hard work, it will be worth it, the funny thing is I havent found it as hard as I thought I would

mariamathsgeek

Day 23: Friday - the hardest day! This is our 4th alcohol free Friday. Good Luck everyone!

meeganbrett

I'm only on day 20, because I started the 4th, but agree Fridays are the hardest day. I'm going out to dinner tonight and going to order a soda water (no calories but fizzy with a lime). I got this, right???

lizfiz50

I rarely drink alcohol now and I'm still having a hard time losing weight... I need a month free of sweets and bread more like it.

notcorky

Still alcohol free! This is Day 19, going into my third weekend alcohol free. Whew! This is definitely unchartered territory for me. I can honestly say I have no idea when the last time I went this long in between having a drink.

gemm30

I am generally a wow it's been a hard day at work ill will have 1,2,3 large glasses of wine girl, but this yr I decided one to stay in and not go out partying New Year's Eve which resulted in me not drinking at all and then have just carried on, I have more energy for the gym more money in my purse and a massive feeling of pride in myself.

JohnH71

Day 18 for me, and my third Friday. Still getting my mates texting me photo's of the guest beer at my local pub, but I'm not tempted. I don't think I've been this long without any beer whatsoever since I started drinking the stuff ~ I've had periods where I've cut down to a few pints a week, but never total abstinence. I'm seriously considering extending it a bit.

gemm30

JohnH71 wrote: »

Day 18 for me, and my third Friday. Still getting my mates texting me photo's of the guest beer at my local pub, but I'm not tempted. I don't think I've been this long without any beer whatsoever since I started drinking the stuff ~ I've had periods where I've cut down to a few pints a week, but never total abstinence. I'm seriously considering extending it a bit.

Ha ha literally just got a text off my friends who have gone away for the weekend with a bottle of wine in the pic. I sent one back of some paracetamol and happy hangover.

JohnH71

lol, that is class. Wish I had thought of that, I might have to steal your idea!

sassaparker2015

I have 3 teenage boys & work hard. I REALLY enjoy being able to come home from stressful days, send boys off, put my feet up and enjoy my cocktail hr! I do however know this does effect my weight loss

mariamathsgeek

Day 25: Still staying strong!!! I've been very grumpy with PMT/period pain for the last few days and have had dreadful cravings but I didn't cave. Feeling very proud to have got through 4 Fridays and Saturdays without booze.....first time in ages (probably since pregnancy!). I know that may be quite shocking for people who can take or leave alcohol but for those of us who really like a drink (or 3) it's a real achievement. I could never be tee total for life because I just really love red wine....but I am glad that I have taken this month to re-set and given my body a break from it and perhaps loosen the emotional ties that I have to it.

I could happily go through the rest of my life without chocolate, cakes, biscuits, crisps, cheese, bread and all the other food that some people find difficult to give up but not without red wine.

How's everyone else doing?

momof2boyz832

Well, another weekend is almost over and again I found myself with a glass of pinot grigio in my hand after supper last night. Still an improvement.. I nursed it all night and it was budgeted for in my calorie allowance. I am trying not to feel guilty about it but reality is if I can do it forever it is not going to work. I cannot and will not go without indulging in a glass of wine every once in a while..
Here is to another week....

meeganbrett

I'm on day 22 today. My husband had wine last night with his filet mignon (we bbq'd). Very tough. He said he wouldn't do that again as wine is my thing. Beer/liquor is not nearly as hard. Feeling great physically! Ran 9 miles yesterday and felt fab.

kiwi1003

It struck me today that we are almost to the end! It has really flown by, and I've actually enjoyed it! Don't get me wrong, I'm totally gonna have a glass of wine on February 1st, but I'm so happy (and kind of proud of me!) that we've done this for a whole month!

JohnH71

Another weekend gone, and still dry. I was moaning to my cycling partner that I didn't feel any different fitness wise, and he was just chuckling away. Eventually, he said 'you do realise we've done the last 15 miles 19 mins faster than last time we did this route (which was just after I had started dry january)? So, what with that and my work trousers that keep threatening to fall down, I'm happy! Going to stay dry until Friday 6th (my mates birthday), then have a drink, and a review of what next. At the very most, I will only drink at weekends from now on, but I am seriously considering stopping all together. We'll see.

Peacefulhooligan

The end of the tunnel is in sight just 6 more days so well done everyone who has stuck to it