I need friends who can relate to my alcohol problem.

TheSkyis

I've lost weight successfully through My Fitness Pal. I did all the right things. Kept my calorie intake low with healthy foods and exercises several times a week. Here I am a couple years later after gaining the weight back and trying it again, only this time I've since started drinking alcohol on a regular basis. I don't drink until I'm sloppy but I do drink daily. I realize these empty carbs sometimes loaded with sugar is severely slowing my progress. I have to reform my mind so that drinking doesn't keep me from my goal or make it take longer. Last week was my first week to not drink alcohol for at least 2 days and I've made the greatest improvement. I believe I can keep the drinking down to just weekends, but it's not difficult for me to say when it comes to my weight loss goals that for me a strong mixed drink is just as bad as a cupcake. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has this issue or feels the same way. When I talk about it to my friends, they don't seem to get it. Nobody looks at me like I'm an alcoholic and it hasn't destroyed my life in the same way alcoholism does others. Me personally, I think I have just as much a problem with alcohol as I do with bad food, but eating good food good for me is easier than saying no to just 1 drink after a long day at work.

JeopardyRight

I think you are a pretty amazing person. The ability to self realize problems you have and take genuine initiative to change habits is admirable! It also takes a really strong person.

cattas2397

Well done you , stay strong

Springfield1970

Alcohol is fun- done in moderation. My therapist says "make it your slave and not your master".

Find a way that works for you, like only at the weekend, don't buy it for home, mini bottles at dinner. There are lots of ways. Figure it into your daily calories.

syedumairtelecom

Just dont drink alcohol switch alcohol with some citric juices . That will help you a lot.

cathie2903

Giving up the alcohol is easier said than done so set yourself realistic goals. I am a weekend drinker. All week it's fine then as soon as Friday eve hits I open a bottle of wine as a weekend "treat". It's a habit - I know. It's a habit I can break but it's hard. So this week I am not having any until my sons 18th party at the end of the month. If i do it it will be a milestone reached so I will set another one then. Send me a friend request if you like and we can support each other

annied1961

Dear friend: When you get to the point that
"One is too many,and 1000 is never enough"
You are in addiction.
An alcohol addiction is just as destroying as a food, cigarette,gambling,shopping,sex addiction.
It sounds like you are sedating your emotions with a drink as with food.
Realizing a potential problem is a courageous endeavour,
Changing it takes time.
If you have to drink go low cal-like a wh. Wine spritzer.
I've been sober 14 yrs.
Write me personally if you need a friend.
One day at a time!

amandarushleau

I can understand what you're going through. For me, I can't just have one. Because if I have one, I have to have them all. I've been sober just over 8 months and it has helped in all aspects of my life. Including my weight. I'm here if you need to talk!

beck1967

I keep my alcohol consumption to the weekends, maybe one to two drinks. I could never give it up completely. Find what works for you.

jackilynh

I am a weekend drinker too. It did take a lot of discipline. Esp since the hubby drinks daily. You will def find what works for you!

TheSkyis

Right now I'm trying to just not drink alcohol during the week. Yesterday was good. I made it through Monday with only drinking some Vitamin Water in my wine glass. I feel if I can make it through the week I'll be doing good. I did drink some this last weekend but very much in moderation. I believe I can do this, but have to take it one day at a time, one week at a time, and then a month at a time...if that makes sense. Thanks for all of your encouraging words.

almondbutterbay

If I drink a drink then I want ALL the drinks. For some reason drinking sparkling water helps me not drink. I have no idea why but it does.

steeler736

I was a drink every day for a long time, even after I started working out. I to struggle with wanting to have a beer after work...slowly trying to get to just having a few a couple times a week but old habits are hard to break! I really want to be healthier so im trying hard. good luck and hope we all reach our goals!

ba155

I tend to have the same problem. I love my wine while I cook dinner after work. The problem is that instead of one glass I have 2 or 3 and then can't eat that much. I continue to work on this. Yesterday was good. I'm also trying spritzer a heavy on the seltzer. This tends to satisfy me. It's not easy. Everyone had their go to thing.

chezlinvanrooyen

Stay strong i had the same issue but i just Had to make a choice now i drink once a week or sometime i don't drink at all.

steff274

I like a drink I am not trying to lose weight but I have a naughty habit of skipping food calories for alcohol which for someone that needs all the food calories it is just as bad!! I try and only drink when I have the day off the next day.. It usually means on a Saturday I am sweating out booze in the gym!!

douglasbeale

I treat myself to a soda once in a while. I keep 8oz coke in a glass bottles in the house, it reminds me of a beer bottle and I will sometimes have one with a hotdog and chips, or even with some popcorn. It's about 100 calories, otherwise, besides my morning coffee I try not to drink my calories. If I go out to eat or find myself in a social situation where people are drinking, I will usually order gingerale with ice, and everyone thinks I'm having a drink, or a glass bottle of one of those independent sodas.

As far as alcohol goes, I myself can't have even one and haven't for over 13 years. I am a recovered alcoholic and can tell you my life if far better without any. If your attitude, or personality changes in the absence of alcohol, you may want to have a closer look at the situation. AA really helped me.

If you can drink with moderation and on occasion, God bless you, I wish I could.

FairhavenDS

For what it's worth, you're certainly not the only one. In the recent past I have often had 2-3 beers a night, and while alcohol has never ruined my life, it certainly has affected my weight. It's a little ironic seeing this, as I just had a similar conversation with my fiancé about this yesterday, and like your friends, she didn't seem to understand my concerns (she's a pretty understanding person, don't get me wrong, just didn't see an issue with it). My plan is similar to yours it sounds like, keep the drinking down to the weekends, and not keeping alcohol in the house during the week.

I think in some ways it's easier to justify drinking nightly if it hasn't destroyed your life the way it has others. At least it seems that way for me. Hang in there, though! Like you said, one day at a time.

_Ghaze_

Glad that you have reached out for support. I hope you find your happy place with all of this! I cut sweet mixed drinks completely, weaned first to diet mixed drinks, then club soda mixed. Now I actually prefer how the cognac and whiskey taste all on its own, no water no ice. As a former bartender I know how sticky my bar mats and rack got, tons of sugar in some drinks, and sugar from what I understand is a no-no.

jlcbooth

I am there too. I do not feel I have a problem at all, and I do not think anyone else would either. I can have one glass of wine at night during the week, but I feel like this one glass is stopping me from losing what I want to lose - but as much as I say "I will not drink during the week," I wind up having a glass at night. I need to work on this too.

PRMinx

I used to drink wine almost every night but since I started working out in the AM on a regular basis, I stopped. I just can't drink at night and wake up at 6 and be ready to lift heavy things.

Also, my hangovers got so bad after turning 30. How do you do it?

I pretty much only drink on Fri/Sat now.

But, seriously, one day at a time. If you focus on the whole week, instead of just one day, it gets daunting. I also suggest you pick up a hobby (gym or whatever you like) that takes the edge off so you don't need to turn to a drink.

ninerbuff

Key thing I read here was that you lost weight with "healthy foods". My perspective on that is that you weren't able to maintain eating that way and someone starting indulging in foods you missed.
So this time try losing with some of the foods you actually like, but account for them calorie wise. You should try to eat more whole foods because of nutrient density and calories, but don't deprive yourself of foods you actually like either. Just be aware of actual portions and calories in those too.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

BrettWithPKU

My advice to you is to drink for the taste--not for the effect. Some people are drawn to alcohol because they like the way drinking makes them feel.

If you drink for the feeling, starting to drink for taste only can't be done overnight, of course. If you're already there, then great.

Interesting that you draw the analogy of alcoholic drinks to desserts. This tells me that you 'get it'; a lot of people don't!
Once you have alcohol reduced to something 'tasty', you can treat it the same way you do desserts; great for special occasions, great once or twice a week, but no more. From a will-power standpoint, it should take no more will-power to avoid alcohol than it does for desserts.

When you find yourself in a situation where you'd normally drink alcohol, find a tasty substitute and drink that instead--preferably a zero-calorie substitute. My go-to options are iced tea or Diet Coke, which are available nearly anywhere alcohol is.
If you find yourself in social bar settings with friends and don't want to draw attention to yourself as the only one not drinking, order something that 'looks' like alcohol--I do club soda w/ a lime wedge.

mmnv79

JeopardyRight wrote: »

I think you are a pretty amazing person. The ability to self realize problems you have and take genuine initiative to change habits is admirable! It also takes a really strong person.

Agree. Wish you the best TheSkyis.

rockmama72

Yep. I just posted on another alcohol thread so I won't duplicate. There are so many of us going through this. I love the "make it your slave and not your master" quote.

Honestly, I feel a LOT better physically after a few weeks of cutting back on alcohol. And the days that I didn't cut back did me in. These have been good lessons!

You can do this! We can do this! We are the masters!

deathninja82

Other than the weight loss issue this sounds a bit close to home; I drink pretty much every night, never to the point it affects my home life or work, but it's there. I can work it into CICO easily enough, but it's always at the back of my mind.

It all comes down to stress, and unless I end my job, TU post, degree, relationship or life that stress is always going to be there, and I'm not planning on dropping any of those, so I can't see a resolution anytime soon.

You seem to have the bull by the horns though, so best of luck with that.

britt01any

Best of luck to you. Stay strong!!

TheSkyis

BTW, I'm Melissa from The Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas. Soon to be 40 yrs old

kimmybefit66

I totally understand ...i have just had my 49th birthday.... 4stone over wieght .... been on all types of diet but never stuck and now have the added problem of drinking wine on a too regular basis

belgerian

If you think your alcohol consumption is a issue maybe you should seek help, only you can decide if you may be a alcoholic or not, key words it has not destroyed your life yet. Myself 23 years without a drink or illegal drugs, It did destroy my life. Do not wait for it to destroy yours if you think you are having issues at least seek help. If you are able to limit your consumption more power to you (no this last sentence is not being sarcastic but sincere).

TheLegendaryBrandonHarris

Melissa, I drink often, too. My 'usual' is a half bottle of bourbon whiskey every night, and the whole bottle on Friday night. As I look back through my diary, alcohol accounts for 50-70% of my caloric intake---I would honestly rather drink than eat.

So far I would not describe it as a problem---I get up in the morning and work out. Saturdays, I cut the grass, clean up, visit friends. I am at work on time every day and maybe take two sick days a year. I feel far better in the morning after a usual night of drinking than if I had not. All of my 'business' is taken care of.

That being said, I'm a little concerned myself about this developing habit. I do have Crohn's disease that complicates things---I don't have the intestinal pain when I drink. Many foods cause those digestive issues, but not beer, wine, or liquors.

I guess the whole point of telling you this is to let you know that you are not alone.