Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time
Replies
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@JulieAL1969 I can truly relate to you when you said no mood swings!! I noticed that I had really bad mood swings and I was constantly snapping at my husband like I had no patience. I thought it was because i was in perimenopause. After I stop drinking I noticed that I am much more patient and little to no mood swings.
My mood is so much more stable. Like you I would snap at my husband or kids, and then I'd feel bad. But I knew why I was snapping and moody. I bet they did too:(4 -
WOOO HOOO!!!! One more in the books!9
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »and best of all ... not being disappointed in myself when I awaken...
Stay strong, don't think of the big picture, my friends. Just say, "Just for today, I will...."
Love being on this thread and on this journey with all of you.
That is so true. You really feel proud of yourself when your head hits that pillow. Day 11 - onward!
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I had another win last night. I didn't eat much for dinner (I get sick of my own cooking). I fully expected to drink more because of it, and didn't. I'm surprising myself with unexpected success!10
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I’m being called upon to provide support, transportation, child care, food, anything else needed in the midst of a true life crisis (I posted about it Wednesday.). Plans are changing by the minute. I cannot even imagine how I’d be able to do this if I was drinking at night. Up having a hotel breakfast feeling clear and strong ready for a long day. I hate the sad circumstances but am grateful for this early lesson in how a drinking life interferes with what is truly important. When a future crisis comes I want to be alcohol free!15
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I've set the same goal as well. I'm a bit of a binge drinker. I don't drink every day or even every week but when I do I always drink too much. I always feel foggy and unhealthy the next day which usually leads to overeating. Feel free to add me if you like.5
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1/1-NADA
1/2-NADA
1/3-NADA
1/4-NADA
1/5-12 oz wine
1/6-5 oz wine
1/7-12 oz wine
1/8 NADA
1/9 3 oz wine
1/10 12 oz wine
Two glasses of wine last night. Logging this and seeing it here in black and white makes me realize that I am still drinking a lot, especially when I look at how well so many of you are doing at completely abstaining. If I wasn't posing it like this, I would feel like I am doing great. 12 oz of wine (two glasses of my long pours) is about what I can drink without feeling drunk or having any after effects the next day, so in that regard I guess I am doing okay in terms of my goal, but my mind keeps coming back to this thread and I think I need to step it up a notch. No wine for me tonight or tomorrow. We are travelling to my mom's house this weekend and will have our belated holiday dinner with my brother and his wife. My plan is to limit myself to two glasses and then nothing on Sunday. That will put me at just over a bottle of wine for the week (M-Sun). I can live with that. Much better than a bottle a night.8 -
Well these weekdays have been perfect, and easy. Tomorrow is Friday, then we shall see.
Family friend died yesterday, not planning on a dry wake, but thoughtful control would be a huge step forward.
Encouragement from this group i s a real plus! Thank you so much.9 -
Day 10 and feeling good. Another good night of sleep. Oddly my anxiety has been ramping up the last few days. But not using wine to cope is a big win. I’m enjoying reading about people’s victories, realizations and thoughts every day. My husband who is not doing Dry January has definitely taken his craft beer drinking down a notch since I’ve been “dry” and he said he notices a difference in how he feels.4
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Also, I’m using the Dry January app and it says that I’ve saved $54 dollars so far this month - yay!7
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Hi, everyone! I had my last drink on January 7th...so I am only four days in but I would love to join you guys. I am doing this for several reasons. I blame my drinking of lots of wine over the years for packing on 30 lbs. Well, I though it was only 30 lbs but when I got on the scale yesterday I realized it was actually 38
I started buying boxed wine about a year ago because it was more cost effective but it took a huge toll on my health because i started just drinking whenever I felt like without measuring... and you cant really look inside the box to see how much you've had either.
Already, I feel better and I feel like I am sleeping better. I also saw a 2 lb drop on the scale this morning so I am happy. I did notice that last night I had some CRAZY dreams..not really nightmares but some pretty intense stuff and I feel like I never have dreams so I am thinking it could be a light withdrawal symptom.
Anyways, I will keep following this thread to help look for inspiration when times get tough!10 -
We went out last weekend, and I really felt that I needed to have a serious plan in place ahead of time and that winging it wasn't going to end well. I had to imagine myself out with friends and how I was going to manage it, right down to the particular drinks I was going to have. It was an outdoor beach bar, so easy enough to bring my tea along with me in a grownup sippy cup, for starters. After that, I'd already planned to have either a Diet Coke or club soda and lime. I stuck to what I'd decided, but I think that was because I'd already envisioned the evening long before it arrived.Westschmeis wrote: »Well these weekdays have been perfect, and easy. Tomorrow is Friday, then we shall see.
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Safe travel vibes desperately needed my way. Supposed to fly out at 6am Saturday during big snowstorm. I either need less than 2 hour delay to make the trip worthwhile or complete cancel so I can rebook it without penalties. It is a 3 day trip to Tampa to celebrate my sons 16th birthday with my family down there. Sorry for the off topic. On a good note, I’m on day 5 thanks to sparkling cranberry juice and hot tea.10
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AmandaEdwards1 wrote: »Hi, everyone! I had my last drink on January 7th...so I am only four days in but I would love to join you guys. I am doing this for several reasons. I blame my drinking of lots of wine over the years for packing on 30 lbs. Well, I though it was only 30 lbs but when I got on the scale yesterday I realized it was actually 38
I started buying boxed wine about a year ago because it was more cost effective but it took a huge toll on my health because i started just drinking whenever I felt like without measuring... and you cant really look inside the box to see how much you've had either.
Already, I feel better and I feel like I am sleeping better. I also saw a 2 lb drop on the scale this morning so I am happy. I did notice that last night I had some CRAZY dreams..not really nightmares but some pretty intense stuff and I feel like I never have dreams so I am thinking it could be a light withdrawal symptom.
Anyways, I will keep following this thread to help look for inspiration when times get tough!
Welcome and good for you! Everyone here has made a conscious decision on how to make this challenge work for them. Some of us want to get on a more sustainable moderation track and others want to simply make an effort to quit (short term or long term).
Jump on in and good luck!4 -
AmandaEdwards1 wrote: »Hi, everyone! I had my last drink on January 7th...so I am only four days in but I would love to join you guys. I am doing this for several reasons. I blame my drinking of lots of wine over the years for packing on 30 lbs. Well, I though it was only 30 lbs but when I got on the scale yesterday I realized it was actually 38
I started buying boxed wine about a year ago because it was more cost effective but it took a huge toll on my health because i started just drinking whenever I felt like without measuring... and you cant really look inside the box to see how much you've had either.
Already, I feel better and I feel like I am sleeping better. I also saw a 2 lb drop on the scale this morning so I am happy. I did notice that last night I had some CRAZY dreams..not really nightmares but some pretty intense stuff and I feel like I never have dreams so I am thinking it could be a light withdrawal symptom.
Anyways, I will keep following this thread to help look for inspiration when times get tough!
I too buy boxed wine and I've started drinking it out of a measuring cup! LOL - I just get a 2cup measuring cup and dispense 10oz right into that - 2 proper glasses - that was my limit most weeknights before dry January. It did seem to help to just do one 10oz pour and know you're not having more after that, because I'm more likely to just sip on it. Boxed wine takes discipline! haha. No booze since January 1 for me though - I'm doing pretty good - I'm giving the last of my boxed wine to friends who come over.6 -
Totally blew it last night...like, really bad. But today is a new day and I'm going to try to go the rest of the month without any alcohol, except maybe on my husband's birthday. Hearing the stories of how great everyone feels without alcohol is very motivating though. I hope I'll be experiencing that soon!10
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Day 10 for me. I am definitely feeling the benefit and not getting a craving between 6pm -8pm. I intend to stay dry this weekend and into next week, before probably having the odd glass next weekend. My half marathon is mid-March so I will be dry again from early Feb until the race.4
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Day ten for me! I'm a little upset because my knee is bothering me right as I'm about to get more in to my work outs (it's an old injury). I had my first "not totally happy all day" day today so I guess tonight will be a good test. I am thinking about getting back in to yoga a bit though so if I find myself with down time tonight I might do that instead of walking like I've been doing. Friday night will be easy since my son has his Pinewood Derby and the cub scouts do not have alcohol at events, obviously, lol. Then the long weekend ahead. I'm hoping my knee doesn't get worse and get my down. I did so great last weekend so maybe it'll be fine.4
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Not going to measure and post how much I drink on the weekends but at least keep tabs of days I do/dont.
1/1-drank
1/2-no-hungover (at work)- over ate
1/3-no
1/4-no
1/5-drank
1/6-no
1/7-drank
1/8 no
1/9 no
1/10 no
1/11 no - plan to not drink tonight
seeing it typed out like this makes me really happy... didnt think i could do this..
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SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Also, I’m using the Dry January app and it says that I’ve saved $54 dollars so far this month - yay!
That is a cool app. Think I might use that.3 -
I just want to put a thanks out there for this being a Less Alcohol thread. I think it is more inclusive for those seeking moderation or trying to go completely dry. If it was a strictly Dry thread a lot of us may not have a place to come for this great support.
So thanks to @JulieAL1969 for starting this and all of you for sharing your motivating stories, no matter what your personal goals may be.
I hope this group continues in February!14 -
I did a fitnessblender 30 minute stretching video then had dinner. I was tempted earlier to drink tonight but now that it’s here I don’t feel the want anymore. One more day down.5
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MonkeyMel21 wrote: »I did a fitnessblender 30 minute stretching video then had dinner. I was tempted earlier to drink tonight but now that it’s here I don’t feel the want anymore. One more day down.
It’s so true. I haven’t really been tempted but I definitely have the urge as 4 pm comes around for something to help relax. Tonight it was a spritzer of strawberry rhubarb soda and sparkling water. Our minds are conditioned for a reward so finding healthy alternatives is something I’m learned and enjoying!
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11 days in. I have worked out 7 days. Done yoga twice. I have eaten very clean and even my one cheat meal was veggies and brown rice, I just ate more than i should have. I have been to bars twice for lunch and had water and salad both times. I have only had a few alcoholic drinks one night (Saturday as I planned). Well except for the two 1oz samples of beer at work but i’m not gonna kick myself over 2 ounces.
I am down 7.1 lbs.
My wife has been very motivating. She is kicking butt with diet and working out. And she hasn’t even had one alcoholic drink.
Reading and contributing to this thread has been motivating as well.
Thanks to all.
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Another night in the bag, I walked 60 minutes, baked chicken and broccoli and my fizzy water. I had my tea and a reward. My reward......2 ginger snaps with my tea, that is a real treat since I am on low carb plan. I am at 9 days no alcohol out of 11. I am very proud of that and getting easier to control. My tough time window has gone from 5-8, to 7-8. Keep up the great work everyone.8
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Day 11 - no urges at all. I was drinking multiple vodka martinis a day using pricey vodka....money saved too..
Since I was doing well with the no alcohol, I started an abs exercise program. Why not reap some benefits.
I do think about getting a nice high ABV cold beer once I complete January. But I am going to keep the alcohol to a minimum from now on, maybe one beer on weekend.
Proud of ya'll
It may be too early to call but I have had psoriasis of the scalp a few years but the skin has been clearing out the last few days. I wonder what harmful effects alcohol was having on me.11 -
Day 11- another dry one for me. Lost all urges. Found replacements: tea, hot bath with candles burning, La Croix sparkling water, for stress release after work day. The only thing I miss is going somewhere where you used to have drinks. Like tonight, I went to my favorite restaurant/pub, but I was sitting with the family at a booth. The bartender walked by and said "Hi Julie". You know youre a regular when the bartender knows your name and favorite drink. I did see the usual people sitting at the bar; but I was happy to be sober to be honest.
I was drinking club soda and lime. I did yearn for a brief minute for a martini, but of course, I have to keep my personal best going. On to the weekend!
A few days ago, someone asked me if I wanted wine at a relatives house. I said "No, I'm doing Dry January." My daughter overheard, and looked very suprised and raised her eyebrows. I was proud of myself. She's 17. We didn't talk about it afterwards, but I did see that she seemed pleasantly surprised.6 -
AmandaEdwards1 wrote: »Hi, everyone! I had my last drink on January 7th...so I am only four days in but I would love to join you guys. I am doing this for several reasons. I blame my drinking of lots of wine over the years for packing on 30 lbs. Well, I though it was only 30 lbs but when I got on the scale yesterday I realized it was actually 38
I started buying boxed wine about a year ago because it was more cost effective but it took a huge toll on my health because i started just drinking whenever I felt like without measuring... and you cant really look inside the box to see how much you've had either.
Already, I feel better and I feel like I am sleeping better. I also saw a 2 lb drop on the scale this morning so I am happy. I did notice that last night I had some CRAZY dreams..not really nightmares but some pretty intense stuff and I feel like I never have dreams so I am thinking it could be a light withdrawal symptom.
Anyways, I will keep following this thread to help look for inspiration when times get tough!
Amanda, four days is awesome. Those are tough days for sure. Yes, the box wine would be hard to measure. And I'm positive I would drink much more , because I couldnt see the bottle contents. Happy you are on this thread! Two pounds is great, too!2 -
lporter229 wrote: »1/1-NADA
1/2-NADA
1/3-NADA
1/4-NADA
1/5-12 oz wine
1/6-5 oz wine
1/7-12 oz wine
1/8 NADA
1/9 3 oz wine
1/10 12 oz wine
Two glasses of wine last night. Logging this and seeing it here in black and white makes me realize that I am still drinking a lot, especially when I look at how well so many of you are doing at completely abstaining. If I wasn't posing it like this, I would feel like I am doing great. 12 oz of wine (two glasses of my long pours) is about what I can drink without feeling drunk or having any after effects the next day, so in that regard I guess I am doing okay in terms of my goal, but my mind keeps coming back to this thread and I think I need to step it up a notch. No wine for me tonight or tomorrow. We are travelling to my mom's house this weekend and will have our belated holiday dinner with my brother and his wife. My plan is to limit myself to two glasses and then nothing on Sunday. That will put me at just over a bottle of wine for the week (M-Sun). I can live with that. Much better than a bottle a night.
Totally agree that you are on track! Much better than a bottle a night and think of how much money you saved. I like that you're tracking just to see if there's a pattern or not. Anyways, safe travels!2 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Day 11- another dry one for me. Lost all urges. Found replacements: tea, hot bath with candles burning, La Croix sparkling water, for stress release after work day. The only thing I miss is going somewhere where you used to have drinks. Like tonight, I went to my favorite restaurant/pub, but I was sitting with the family at a booth. The bartender walked by and said "Hi Julie". You know youre a regular when the bartender knows your name and favorite drink. I did see the usual people sitting at the bar; but I was happy to be sober to be honest.
I was drinking club soda and lime. I did yearn for a brief minute for a martini, but of course, I have to keep my personal best going. On to the weekend!
A few days ago, someone asked me if I wanted wine at a relatives house. I said "No, I'm doing Dry January." My daughter overheard, and looked very suprised and raised her eyebrows. I was proud of myself. She's 17. We didn't talk about it afterwards, but I did see that she seemed pleasantly surprised.
Thats some self control. Luckily I havent found myself at a bar. The closest I came was walking in the beer aisle at Whole Paycheck. Didnt even look at the IPA. Great job4
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