Less alcohol-December 2017-one day at a time

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  • jeffmp29
    jeffmp29 Posts: 12 Member
    That would tempt the S out of me. Stay strong
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    jeffmp29 wrote: »
    That would tempt the S out of me. Stay strong

    It would before, but now I am in a different mindset. The funny thing is that last night, when I told him I have not had any alcohol in one week....He said, "Now I am going to have to cut down because you are shaming it into me!" He was pretty intoxicated, so we will see how that goes. LOL!! Thank you for the support!! :)
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    lporter229 wrote: »
    crazykatlady820 wrote: »
    I'm on day 64 of being sober and I am surprised at how little I think of alcohol. Today had been a rough day emotionally. This is the sort of day where I would turn to wine or bourbon and drink until I can't think anymore. Instead I'm feeling all the feelings and I'm okay with that.

    This is very inspiring! Thanks for sharing. I have not checked in since last Wednesday, but overall, I am pleased with how I have been doing this month. So far, I have had one night of overdoing it with a bottle of wine, but other than that, I have been able to keep things in check, even with holiday parties and other social events. We had a neighborhood party on Friday and I drank moderately, got up early Saturday morning and walked the dog before meeting my running group at 8AM for a 13 mile run, baked all day, washed all of the sheets on the guest beds, cleaned the house and decorated my tree. It was about 15 hours of non-stop productivity. Definitely could not have accomplished it all had I drank heavily the night before. This is the inspiration I have been using to remind myself why I need to stop before I reach the point of no return.

    My in-laws begin arriving on Thursday of this week. I usually don't drink too heavily around them because I like to keep myself in control. I am a bit worried about what could happen after they leave on December 26th though ;)

    I like what you said here. I have done one week of being sober and I will remember what you stated about when you had a rough day emotionally, to just feel all the feelings, instead of drinking...Thank you for that. I also agree with the fact that so much more get accomplished...Thank you both and best wishes for the holidays!!! :)
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,325 Member
    MaryBethHempel wrote: »
    No alcohol yesterday...which makes my first week without alcohol in about four years....a very big step for me!!
    I feel so so much better..I even look better...I am losing weight, working out, and learning guitar...I am very pleased at my new life.

    I am so happy for you. Seven days is a long time. I told my girlfriend who I like to go out with that I am thinking of quitting drinking. She replied, "oh please, not yet." She understands, but also she feels she will miss her fun drinking buddy. I can't wait to see what the new year brings for you and all of us on this thread. I have always wanted to learn guitar. Best wishes!!
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    I found this interesting post and thought that I would share it. :
    LCD Group
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    How Alcohol Interrupts Fat Burning Metabolism
    KnitOrMissKnitOrMiss
    Posts: 9,578
    Member
    So, I've always wondered about the mechanics of how alcohol interrupts ketosis, other than pausing things to process the "poison" alcohol... I found this information in the middle of a recipe post, but I thought I'd share it here. I'm just wondering if there is other information out there to support it. I've always found this author to be a great resource, but I'm just wondering, because there's a whole lot of crazy going on here.

    Alcohol Facts

    When people go on a diet, they often choose the “light” version of their favorite alcoholic beverages in order to save a few calories. However, that is only a small piece of the puzzle. Fat metabolism is reduced by as much as 73% after only two alcoholic beverages. This scary fact shows that the primary effect of alcohol on the body is not so much how many calories we consume, but how it stops the body’s ability to use your fat stores for energy.

    Alcohol in the body is converted into a substance called acetate. Unlike a car that uses one supply of fuel, the body is able to draw from carbohydrates, fats and proteins for energy. When your blood acetate levels increase, your body uses acetate instead of fat. To make matters worse, the more you drink the more you tend to eat; and unfortunately, drinking will make your liver work to convert the alcohol into acetate, which means that the foods you consume at this time will be converted into extra fat on your body.

    If that didn’t sound bad enough; alcohol stimulates appetite and decrease your testosterone levels for up to 24 hours and increases estrogen by 300%. The infamous “beer belly” is really just an “estrogen belly.” Biochemically, the higher your level of estrogen is, the more readily you absorb alcohol, but the slower you break it down.

    Muscle Tip: Drinking alcohol is the most efficient way to slash your testosterone levels; women…we don’t want this to happen either. Just a single event of serious drinking raises levels of the muscle-wasting stress hormone called cortisol and decreases the levels of testosterone for up to 24 hours. If you are working out to build strong fat-burning muscles yet consuming alcohol, this actually breaks down muscle further and you end up with a slower metabolism. This is because you break down muscle as you lift weights and you repair them as you rest if you have proper hormone levels…if not, you never repair your muscles properly!

    Also, we all know that alcohol dehydrates us. In order for fat to be metabolized, it must first be released from the fat cell and then be transported by the bloodstream where it is pushed to the liver to be used as fuel. If you are dehydrated, the liver has to come to the aid of the kidneys and can’t focus on its role of releasing fat.

    Alcohol also affects every organ of the body, it’s most dramatic impact is upon the liver. The liver cells normally prefer fatty acids as fuel, and package excess fatty acids as triglycerides, which they then route to other tissues of the body. However, when alcohol is present, the liver cells are forced to first metabolize the alcohol, letting the fatty acids accumulate in huge amounts. Alcohol metabolism permanently changes liver cell structure, which impairs the liver’s ability to metabolize fats, which causes fatty liver disease.


    I thought this was interesting...and probably explains why I gained 35 lbs. when I started drinking wine every day.
  • tlatant
    tlatant Posts: 10 Member
    I haven't read all posts, but I'M IN!!
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,325 Member
    Besides all the organ damage and problems you spoke of above. I've found videos on YouTube about how alcohol changes your appearance. On one video, it shows how your face looks before and after a month of no drinking. Dramatic changes. I , too, have gained weight over the years and I know it's because of alcohol. I've done nothing else differently except drinking more and more each year. Thanks for sharing this information @MaryBethHempel
  • SanDiegofitmom
    SanDiegofitmom Posts: 303 Member
    Good article!
  • Alpha12
    Alpha12 Posts: 251 Member
    I've been on-and-off alcohol for the past week. I'll do well for couple of days and then I get tempted and have the wine. I can easily drink a bottle of chardonnay by myself and usually do. Staying away for couple of days is not that hard for me, but I would really like to quit for at least a month and see how that goes. I have 35 lbs to lose which I've gained over the past 6-7 years because of my wine consumption and it's time to get serious about losing the weight. While I've been kind of limiting wine now but I plan to completely eliminate it in January. I would love to join a check-in if there is one. Reading your posts and knowing I'm not alone in this, has been inspiring for me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    JulieAL1969 wrote: »
    MaryBethHempel wrote: »
    No alcohol yesterday...which makes my first week without alcohol in about four years....a very big step for me!!
    I feel so so much better..I even look better...I am losing weight, working out, and learning guitar...I am very pleased at my new life.

    I am so happy for you. Seven days is a long time. I told my girlfriend who I like to go out with that I am thinking of quitting drinking. She replied, "oh please, not yet." She understands, but also she feels she will miss her fun drinking buddy. I can't wait to see what the new year brings for you and all of us on this thread. I have always wanted to learn guitar. Best wishes!!

    AWW! Thank you and best wishes for you for Christmas and the New Year!!
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    @MaryBethHempel _You are doing fantastic! You too @westschmeis!

    I had one glass of wine last night. Not bad, but I have not had an alcohol free day this week. I have still cut back consumption, so I am trying to not be too hard on myself. Family has officially started arriving for the holidays, so I am not even going to try and pretend that I am going to stay alcohol free this weekend, but I will keep it to 1-2 glasses per night. I am with you @JulieAL1969 , looking forward to the new year and a fresh start. I finally am starting to feel like I actually WANT to make this change thanks to this thread. I think that has been the biggest thing holding me back.
  • Alpha12
    Alpha12 Posts: 251 Member
    No wine yesterday and I'm feeling good this morning! Did some running around today and I will probably have some wine later since I'm meeting some friends in the evening. Next week will be busy with family get-togethers but I'm actually planning to completely eliminate alcohol starting on Sunday, Dec 31st. I want to wake up on New Year's day feeling fresh, energized and ready to get serious about logging my food and start my workout rotation. I usually do my "main" workouts early in the morning, but I have signed up for Brett Larkin's 21 Day Yoga Detox Challenge that's offered free on youtube, and will be doing it in the evenings. Hopefully, this will make things easier and will take my mind off wine. Good luck to all. Thank you for inspiring me. :)
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    Thanks you all for the inspiration and motivation. 1 week and 2 days alcohol free. I am feeling healthier and losing weight. I am on day 21 of the 30 day Shred and on level 3.
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,325 Member
    SanDiegofitmom wrote: »
    How many are planning to do a dry Jan? I am planning to give up wine for the month (I also started intermittent 16:8 fasting) - I’m turning 40 in March and have a goal to be my healthiest, and fittest possible. Maybe whoever is doing dry Jan we could make a challenge group?

    Count me in for dry January. Yes we could set up a challenge thread for Dry January. Good idea ! Yesterday I had nO alcohol . Slept like a baby! And today will
    Head to the mall with my 77 year old dad for our annual tradition.
    He and I have gone Christmas shopping on this day for 45 years in a row - it's a treasured tradition. So blessed !
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,325 Member
    MaryBethHempel wrote: »
    Thanks you all for the inspiration and motivation. 1 week and 2 days alcohol free. I am feeling healthier and losing weight. I am on day 21 of the 30 day Shred and on level 3.

    Bravo! You are really inspiring me ! I bet you look and feel so good! I'm
    Proud of you! Will you keep it up in January? Love to read about your progress.

  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,325 Member
    @Alpha12 I love your idea of no alcohol on December 31. What a difference it would be to wake up refreshed instead instead of hungover on January 1st!
  • Alpha12
    Alpha12 Posts: 251 Member
    I'm definitely doing dry January, and will join the challenge. I had some wine yesterday and I'm not happy with myself now. I am more than ready to quit drinking for at least January.

    MaryBeth, congratulations and good luck! You're an inspiration to me.

    Julie, we can do this!
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    Alpha12 wrote: »
    I'm definitely doing dry January, and will join the challenge. I had some wine yesterday and I'm not happy with myself now. I am more than ready to quit drinking for at least January.

    MaryBeth, congratulations and good luck! You're an inspiration to me.

    Julie, we can do this!

    Thank you much! Today I am having wine spritzers....I really felt pretty tense and thought that I have done well and I can allow myself to have some wine. I will probably have some wine for Christmas and New Year's Eve., but keep alcohol free the rest of the time. Hopefully I didn't wreck being an inspiration...I intend on being very strict about alcohol intake, but allow some wine days also. The best wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas, and of coarse, a blessed New Year.
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    donimfp wrote: »
    Woo hoo! So glad to have found this thread on Dec. 23. I just read all the posts. Everyone is so inspiring. MaryBeth, you are really an inspiration! When I've gone some days without drinking, I, too, notice that my husband's breath smells like alcohol. Surely when I drink, that doesn't happen to moi! I think I'm in the same place as CrazyKatLady. I've just about concluded that it takes too much damned energy to plan and portion and obsess about when and how much and where I will let myself drink. It's easier to me to abstain completely. That said, I can hardly remember the last day I had no alcohol. Today will be that day. I am so in for a dry January. I'l going on a girls' trip to Italy in March so really want to take off some pounds before then. Good thing there is no wine in Italy, right?

    Thank you much! Today I am having wine spritzers....I really felt pretty tense and thought that I have done well and I can allow myself to have some wine. I will probably have some wine for Christmas and New Year's Eve., but keep alcohol free the rest of the time. Hopefully I didn't wreck being an inspiration...I intend on being very strict about alcohol intake, but allow some wine days also. The best wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas, and of coarse, a blessed New Year! If this doesn't work for me, I may have to abstain completely....we will see! :)

  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,325 Member
    MaryBethHempel wrote: »
    donimfp wrote: »
    Woo hoo! So glad to have found this thread on Dec. 23. I just read all the posts. Everyone is so inspiring. MaryBeth, you are really an inspiration! When I've gone some days without drinking, I, too, notice that my husband's breath smells like alcohol. Surely when I drink, that doesn't happen to moi! I think I'm in the same place as CrazyKatLady. I've just about concluded that it takes too much damned energy to plan and portion and obsess about when and how much and where I will let myself drink. It's easier to me to abstain completely. That said, I can hardly remember the last day I had no alcohol. Today will be that day. I am so in for a dry January. I'l going on a girls' trip to Italy in March so really want to take off some pounds before then. Good thing there is no wine in Italy, right?

    Thank you much! Today I am having wine spritzers....I really felt pretty tense and thought that I have done well and I can allow myself to have some wine. I will probably have some wine for Christmas and New Year's Eve., but keep alcohol free the rest of the time. Hopefully I didn't wreck being an inspiration...I intend on being very strict about alcohol intake, but allow some wine days also. The best wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas, and of coarse, a blessed New Year! If this doesn't work for me, I may have to abstain completely....we will see! :)
    No worries! You made some significant changes for the last 8 days. And enjoy the wine for the holidays. No judgements here. I'm having wine right now while I'm baking pies. I know we've all grown because we have each other to motivate. Small changes will equal big ones in January. Xoxo
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,325 Member
    donimfp wrote: »
    Woo hoo! So glad to have found this thread on Dec. 23. I just read all the posts. Everyone is so inspiring. MaryBeth, you are really an inspiration! When I've gone some days without drinking, I, too, notice that my husband's breath smells like alcohol. Surely when I drink, that doesn't happen to moi! I think I'm in the same place as CrazyKatLady. I've just about concluded that it takes too much damned energy to plan and portion and obsess about when and how much and where I will let myself drink. It's easier to me to abstain completely. That said, I can hardly remember the last day I had no alcohol. Today will be that day. I am so in for a dry January. I'l going on a girls' trip to Italy in March so really want to take off some pounds before then. Good thing there is no wine in Italy, right?

    We are similar. If I portion or regulate my wine intake, I just crave more. I think I'm an all or nothing girl. So, January will be a great start for us. Losing weight, loosing puffiness, loosing the craving... I am ready to have a dry January. When in Rome,.... well, I'm sure you will enjoy yourself with or without wine. Do what you feel like doing when the time comes. I look foward to hearing where you go in Italy. Such a beautiful country!
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    JulieAL1969 wrote: »
    MaryBethHempel wrote: »
    donimfp wrote: »
    Woo hoo! So glad to have found this thread on Dec. 23. I just read all the posts. Everyone is so inspiring. MaryBeth, you are really an inspiration! When I've gone some days without drinking, I, too, notice that my husband's breath smells like alcohol. Surely when I drink, that doesn't happen to moi! I think I'm in the same place as CrazyKatLady. I've just about concluded that it takes too much damned energy to plan and portion and obsess about when and how much and where I will let myself drink. It's easier to me to abstain completely. That said, I can hardly remember the last day I had no alcohol. Today will be that day. I am so in for a dry January. I'l going on a girls' trip to Italy in March so really want to take off some pounds before then. Good thing there is no wine in Italy, right?

    Thank you much! Today I am having wine spritzers....I really felt pretty tense and thought that I have done well and I can allow myself to have some wine. I will probably have some wine for Christmas and New Year's Eve., but keep alcohol free the rest of the time. Hopefully I didn't wreck being an inspiration...I intend on being very strict about alcohol intake, but allow some wine days also. The best wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas, and of coarse, a blessed New Year! If this doesn't work for me, I may have to abstain completely....we will see! :)
    No worries! You made some significant changes for the last 8 days. And enjoy the wine for the holidays. No judgements here. I'm having wine right now while I'm baking pies. I know we've all grown because we have each other to motivate. Small changes will equal big ones in January. Xoxo

    Thank you Julie...You are encouraging. Yes, it is wonderful that we all have each other to motivate. I wish the best to you for the holidays. Looking forward to the New Year! XOXO

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