Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time
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I'm in, too! My first goal is to have a dry January and then see what my next steps will be. I can easily drink a bottle a day and all those empty calories are killing me. Drinking undoes what I have spent months trying to achieve with my weight. Plus my depression medication will work a lot better if I'm not drunk all the time!8
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Love seeing the updates throughout the day and to see how everyone is doing! I had 1/2 glass of microbrew with hubby last night while we watched the sunset from an upstairs balcony. The beer was nice, but I found I didn’t want more than the 1/2 that I drank. This morning, I’m ready for a great workout and a nice day with my family.
Are you noticing it’s easier to keep your diet in check since cutting back on the alcohol? I’m at goal weight, and I primarily work on my running and strength training (just body weight at the moment). I have a tendency to eat more after drinking, so I think cutting back is going to help me moderate my diet.
Have a great day everyone!6 -
I love this! I’m in too! Today is day 8 for me. I’ve noticed that my sleep tracker is showing fewer sleep interruptions and I just feel better about myself. Trying to cut back on sugar intake and I notice I snack way more after I’ve had a couple of drinks. Plus, wine can expensive! LOL! I have a plan in place to have flavored seltzer water on hand for instances where I really want something. I’m going to put it in a fancy cocktail glass and sip away. Hope it works!9
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One of the best threads, ever, on MFP.14
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kcn2bluesky wrote: »Love seeing the updates throughout the day and to see how everyone is doing! I had 1/2 glass of microbrew with hubby last night while we watched the sunset from an upstairs balcony. The beer was nice, but I found I didn’t want more than the 1/2 that I drank. This morning, I’m ready for a great workout and a nice day with my family.
Are you noticing it’s easier to keep your diet in check since cutting back on the alcohol? I’m at goal weight, and I primarily work on my running and strength training (just body weight at the moment). I have a tendency to eat more after drinking, so I think cutting back is going to help me moderate my diet.
Have a great day everyone!
Yes, I find it much, much easier to stay on track with my eating, especially because wine was more than a trigger for food I did not need, and I developed a habit of lots of salty snacks with wine in the evenings ... after meals. Now, I have a much better guage for my hunger and food cravings, and with that, added confidence to succeed with weight loss.
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I like waking up and reading everyone’s posts. Day 5 for me today. Feeling excited about healthier me.5
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jenifer7teen wrote: »Still, i have begun to experience SHAME when i drink too much or too often. I hate that emotion more than anything. So, my new years resolution is for each day i am totally sober i put 10 dollars (a bottle of wine) into an account.
This is a FANTASTIC idea!!!! I can think of a lot of things that $3650 can buy me next year!!
Oh, I am definitely doing this. I think by day 7 (tomorrow), I'll have saved at least $20 in wine.4 -
@kcn2bluesky definitely noticing it's easier to keep calories under control since I'm not spending them on wine. I can actually say that I'm not hungry over the past couple of days, probably because I'm eating enough. This is helping a lot. Plus I've lost a couple of pounds in the past week, which is pretty motivating.3
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jenifer7teen wrote: »Still, i have begun to experience SHAME when i drink too much or too often. I hate that emotion more than anything. So, my new years resolution is for each day i am totally sober i put 10 dollars (a bottle of wine) into an account.
This is a FANTASTIC idea!!!! I can think of a lot of things that $3650 can buy me next year!!
Haha right?! I dont plan to quit drinking entirely so i wont save quite that much. I'd like to save $2000.
ive found if my goal isnt realistic for me, it wont work to motivate me.
I love drinking, especially socially, but it needs to be more of a treat...like dessert is for some people. Life is meant to be enjoyed, afterall, and perfect health isnt an obsession that really serms healthy (or realistic) either. But any pleasure in excess brings displeasure (hurting self, others, interfereing with happiness, hangovers, expense). Personally my goal is just to balance drinking with all the other things i want to enjoy about life. The dollar amount is just a reminder of the "cost" of drinking. Its a trade off for other wsys to spend time/money/calories/etc....some days it's worth it to me. Somedays its not. I just need to really stop and evaluate before indulging...not do it habitually and unthinkingly! Thats where my feeling of SHAME (ewww) kicks in.
Anyway good luck to everyone in their goals!!! It was nice to vent here while i spent a boring, sober Friday at home last night. Haha5 -
@Skyweigh @kittybenn Sounds like you are both doing great!! I can think of lots of things to do with 300 calories than spend them on 2 glasses of wine in the evening! And I’m starting to calculate the $$ saved as well. I don’t typically drink every night of the week, but even 2 bottles of wine a week adds up in both calories and money. I like the idea of setting aside that money to purchase something else. A great motivator to keep this going!
Good luck to everyone with whatever your goals are for the day!5 -
@kittybenn, if by day 7 you've saved $20 on wine, you are either drinking the cheapest wine known to mankind or you drink WAYYYYYY less than I do (Did). I suspect it's the latter. I haven't thought of diverting that money, but I would have some serious change by the end of the month if I did.
Yesterday was my first serious temptation since Jan. 1. I met my boss who was in town (I telecommute) at a restaurant for a 4-hour intense lunch meeting. On the way home, my sub/un-conscious mind was saying, "A nice cold glass of Chardonnay would taste SOOOO good." I surprised myself by saying out loud, "I know, Sweetie. It sure would. But I've decided not to drink in January, and I'm in charge, so we won't be having wine."
I know that sounds ridiculous, but it worked. Rather than feeling shame, I'm feeling in charge and realizing that unconscious desire/emotion center is like a little child I just have to lovingly keep in line.
I'm going to a 12th Night Masque tonight, where there will be ample alcohol (and masks make us anonymous!), but social situations are easier for me than sitting in my house relaxing.
Have a great weekend everyone!8 -
I find that by pre- planning my food for the day I can see how many cals I get to without wine and then how many by having it. This helps me to make an informed decision. I wasnt y too good over Christmas but will find this a useful technique in the next six months. I am not cutting out completely but definitely cutting back. I sleep better without alcohol for sure...and if I don’t have any I do lose weight whilst still having qioute a bit of food. The choice should be straightforward but not easy with social pressures! Good luck everybody...4
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MaryBethHempel wrote: »kcn2bluesky wrote: »I’m in for a Damp January! LOL
I’ve been watching this thread since it’s inception. Truly have enjoyed reading everyone’s posts and updates, and now I’m ready to join all of you! I drink primarily wine, and definitely have been wanting to cut back. We left for vacation yesterday and I left the wine I purchased for the trip at home and I don’t intend to purchase any while we are here. That’s a huge step for me. We’re here for 9 days and my plan is to use this time away to reflect on and to refocus on my overall goals (health, fitness, family, work).
There is so much great information, insights, and encouragement in this thread. Love it! Hope you all have the day you wish for!
Wow! Great step for you!! Enjoy your reflections!!
@kcn2bluesky Good for you that is awesome!!!2 -
Went to dinner with hubby yesterday at Cheesecake Factory. I didn't have any wine or champagne!!! Normally I would drink 4 splits of champagne then go to the liquor store and buy a bottle of wine and a pack of cigarettes. Then be hungover on Saturday and sleep most of the day away.
I got up this morning ran for 30 mins on the TM and went to my Zumba class.
This feels so refreshing typing this out and truly admitting and being honest with myself the bad habit that i was partaking in!!!11 -
Hey everybody! I found this thread a little late, but that's okay
I am what you would consider a heavy drinker. It hasn't affected my life at all besides my wallet, sleep quality, and weight. I have put on almost 20 pounds this year through stressful life events and drinking more. Now I'm counting macros/calories and I'm back on track! I've been doing it for a week so far and find myself much less bloated and all around happier. When I'm counting calories I find that I would rather not go over by a few hundred calories just to have an extra drink or so. I always plan my day in advance on MFP and it's helping so much! I love this thread! Looking forward to reading everyone's stories. 8 -
Well, I’ve coped really well over the past week..first A.F night was NYE, worked all week...had the odd little twinge after I’d finished a late shift as that would be my favourite time for wine, as I felt I’d earned it. Today is day 7 of no alcohol.
I have slept better (lighter, but off to sleep surprisingly easily), but strangely enough have felt so tired. Maybe it’s because it’s the first week back after Christmas, or because my body is missing the sugar from wine? Anyway, not complaining as I’ve enjoyed the sleep!
Today I have been and bought a Fitbit and have joined a Facebook group for healthy eating. I have been feeling very saintly all day...
Then, I realise we have a bottle of red wine that my husband was given for Christmas. Well, it’s not cost anything, so not wasting money on wine, and I’ve done well all week without temptation..so I’ve given in.
I’ll probably be mad with myself in the morning, but one or two glasses in a week is better than double or more that a night.
I’m savouring it and giving myself a deadline to read ‘This Naked Mind’.
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Through the danger time on a Saturday evening. Day 5. This is an achievement for me to not drink Fri & Sat. Not particularly missing it and enjoying the gains of better exercise. Hoping to see a positive change on the scales next week too. Onto day 6!5
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Okay this day done and a good one. Happy with what I was able to get done with these better habits.4
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thisusernameisalsobloodytaken wrote: »Well, I’ve coped really well over the past week..first A.F night was NYE, worked all week...had the odd little twinge after I’d finished a late shift as that would be my favourite time for wine, as I felt I’d earned it. Today is day 7 of no alcohol.
I have slept better (lighter, but off to sleep surprisingly easily), but strangely enough have felt so tired. Maybe it’s because it’s the first week back after Christmas, or because my body is missing the sugar from wine? Anyway, not complaining as I’ve enjoyed the sleep!
Today I have been and bought a Fitbit and have joined a Facebook group for healthy eating. I have been feeling very saintly all day...
Then, I realise we have a bottle of red wine that my husband was given for Christmas. Well, it’s not cost anything, so not wasting money on wine, and I’ve done well all week without temptation..so I’ve given in.
I’ll probably be mad with myself in the morning, but one or two glasses in a week is better than double or more that a night.
I’m savouring it and giving myself a deadline to read ‘This Naked Mind’.
I had a similar thing happen last night! I realized I had a nice bottle of red I had been looking forward to and I didn't want it to go to waste so I had 2 glasses and my husband had the rest. Pretty proud of myself for stopping at that point though. Tonight will be a challenge because I'm going to a comedy club with a 2-item minimum, plus dinner before. My plan is to not drink at dinner but allow 2 drinks at the club (otherwise I'd be spending three times the amount of money on unhealthy food I don't even want).2 -
Hi everyone, I'm late getting started but I'd very much like to be a part of this challenge. I also struggle with my alcohol intake and have for years. It's a large part of my weight struggles, and I know my health is probably suffering as well. Please feel free to send me a friend request. I would love for us to encourage each other!3
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Finally, I made it through the day!!! Sitting here with my cup of Earl Grey and feeling good to get this started!6
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Toughest night so far. I cooked salmon and it’s cozy in the house and I wanted a glass of wine. But made myself a little mocktail with half of a 60 calorie strawberry rhubarb soda (30 cals) and some la croix lime sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. It did the trick 4
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I made it today! Day 1,2,3,4,5, and 6. I am amazed but something about not breaking my hard earned streak keeps me motivated. We buried my father-in-law today. The whole week was very stressful but he led a beautiful , LONG life. I wanted to turn to alcohol many times throughout the week. Today, there was plenty of wine and alcohol at the luncheon. But I didn't drink any. I fluctuate a little from being angry that I can't drink because I really cant handle stopping at one and being very proud and motivated. I took a long bath this evening to relax. But had tea and not the usual wine. I am having a little problem doing things I love without the alcohol. I know it will take time for me to reprogram my mind. But I miss the wine sometimes. I love that app Dry January. I wonder what the app is that keeps track of hours. I love seeing that count. I Love reading all your posts. Everyday, i wake up and grab my phone to read. I read it in the evening to keep away from the wine. I am so happy to be part of this journey with all of you.13
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Day 5 is in the books as a success - a difficult success. My oldest daughter is in the Navy and home on leave. We had the first of two dinner parties last night.
She and I came in from shopping to find a 12pk in the fridge. I passed them up easily. My son in law then said “we are running out to the liquor store, need anything?” I was so proud of my reply... “NO, I’M GOOD”. Yay!!! Go me!!!!
He came back and asked me to make him a mojito. I did and passed on having one. The second was more difficult, but I passed again.
Everyone left about 11 Pm and as I was putting stuff in the dishwasher - I looked at my husband and said “a mojito would be so good right about now”. He said to have one - one would not hurt me... I almost caved in.
The silly little thing that kept me from having one was the app in the photo above.... my counting clock. I would have to reset to zero.
I grabbed a sparking ice and went to the bedroom.
I am proud of myself this morning!!!
Way to go Becky! I'm proud of you too! I think that all of us who are trying to cut back are becoming more mindful of the present moment. I love the positive self talk. I've started that, too. I know that when I wake up in the mornings now, I am soooo happy not to have a headache or nausea.
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I'm doing well tonight too. Hubby and I are watching a game and I'm not even tempted to have my usual wine. This is day 3 for me, and I'm thinking that maybe I can do this! My danger zone is 5-8pm but once it's past 8, the temptation is pretty much gone. Since I'm aware of it now, I plan to distract myself during this timeframe - maybe create a new ritual and hope it works. We can do this!
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I gave myself permissin to drink today (i am not attempting complete sobriety)...and honestly to those totally abstaining, congrats!
To be honest i think i would have felt better if id just held off for another day. I didnt really get the warm fuzzies or anything. I spread the drinking out quite a bit so not even the slightest buzz....just a lot of calories!!! Oh well, not a big deal but just a reminder that sometimes i romanticize alcohol....and forget how blah it can be too....9 -
Well I didn't do well at all this week. I'm trying to cut back one beer a night, only succeeded 2 nights. But that's better than none. Tomorrow is going to be hard, football playoffs again. I don't drink during the games, but the Bills are in...FINALLY! Will be celebrating, just want to keep it within my limit. You are all an inspiration, thank you!5
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Well, this is Day 7, but it's 2:35 a.m. and I have not been able to get to sleep. In the past, good sleep has been a great perk of abstaining from alcohol. This time, for some weird reason, my brain will not turn off. I've finally given up, gotten out of bed, read posts here, and will now do the Sunday NYT crossword on my computer. Any hints or advice would be MOST welcome. I'm drinking herbal tea at bedtime, but you can't know how tempting it is to knock myself out with wine when I lie in bed from 11:30 to 2:30 without sleep. Well, I guess most of you can know. I am celebrating 7 days, but this sleep stuff has got to get fixed! I'm kind of afraid to take melatonin or anything else because I tend to have paradoxical reactions to stuff. For example, I once took Nyquil and was up literally all night. Didn't sleep one minute and had to go teach the next morning. Never again. I mentioned in an earlier post that I do have a prescription for Xanax that I only take when I fly. I think that would knock me out, but I'm resisting subbing one drug for another. I'm grateful for this group so I have somewhere to moan and groan if needed.6
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I havnt had anything to drink since New Years! I dumped out all my half full liquor bottles. I might have some wine when my mom and brother come in to town but I’m sure I will log it into my plans. I want some moscato soo bad. I am just bad with temptation. I can’t have that or a box of cookies, or order a pizza because if it’s in my house I’ll eat/drink the whole thing! Ive been doing really well this year with logging everything and moderation and I hope to continue it. It seems the weekend is so much harder. When I have to work and go to the gym and clean I don’t have time to sit around and get hungry and eat then eat and eat.3
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I enjoy a drink in the evening, after a long day. Problem is, that one drink turns into 3 and each day becomes a long day. I cut out sugar, because I don't stop at just one Hershey's Kiss. I enjoy eating as well, and I over eat. So for me, logging each day and everything causes me to take note, before I partake. I log as I go and look before I partake. When I consciously think about and count my calorie intake, I find great motivation in stopping at one drink, one portion, one... So, counting or logging, is a method that helps me in more than just maintaining a healthy calorie intake, it also helps me to practice moderation in areas where I would "have another." I am also limiting my alcohol intake to a few days per week, and limiting the intake to a maximum of 2 drinks.8
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