Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time
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islandbeez wrote: »Went out for Mexican last night, normally I would have had a few Margarita's and then came home and slammed 3 more vodka's on the rocks. Last night I didn't even think about it. Hubby even said look at the money we are saving and calories(As I wolfed down a bowl of chips and salsa). I do get tired of all the restrictions, I am okay now with no alcohol but I did think I would lose weight quicker, now I am needing to start restriction calories of food more, Since being dry I have a tendency to reward myself in the evening with a treat since I am not drinking. Ordering me an electric tea pot today so I can have more tea in the evening instead of food.
We did Mexican last night as well. I stuck to water but as that Margarita was served to the table next to me I did have a moment of envy
It was my first day so I was nervous how I would do. It helps that my hubby is a non-drinker of almost 2 years. I came home and had tea....I have an electric kettle but now I want the one that has LED lights!
Good for you!!!! It gets easier I think the more you overcome these situations. You can do it! And yes I must get the one with the blue lights, it looks so inviting and cool.4 -
Drinking always seems to lead to too much snacking for me. Log one night of real drinking, holy smokes. The calories!!! I am in. I know cutting back will help me lose some weight6
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I'm in. No more alcohol for January.7
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21 days.. it's been great. I love that I am not really thinking about it much... I have about 50 bottles of wine in my cooler, and they haven't talked to me once this month. (maybe whispered a couple of times) but over all.. they are being good.. and just aging. I bought two more teas yesterday and have been trying to have one a night, more like a ritual before I go to bed. This month I've dropped the wine, coffee, soda, and sugar. For the first time in my struggles with my weight, my husband is finally on board with me. While he has been having a damp January, he has cut back tremendously. He is participating in shopping and making dinner, he is exercising with me and overall.. being the perfect support person. I have never had this in my life. I can't wait to continue this into February.9
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I love how strong and supportive everyone is.
Everyone has their own struggle. For some, just the first week is the key and then its easy, for others its a lifetime battle. But I am learning that your body will expect what you teach it. If you teach it to expect a drink after work, guess what it will make you miserable if you dont give it that drink.
My friend was trying to do Dry January, he's religious so he said to me he asked himself, what would Jesus do.....turn water to wine of course....so he had to look for a different motivation.10 -
On 11th day. Though I don’t have a huge desire to drink, still feel pretty crappy. I’ve been drinking huge amounts of water, sparkling water, some diet caffeine free coke, calming teas- basically everything except alcohol. Needless to say, I’m quite bloated.
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After a few weeks of cutting my drinking down to one day a week I feel I have learned a few things.
About drinking, it is that I don’t really need or crave it. I do enjoy it but I think mostly it’s a thing to do. I have now been out to a concert and to about 5 bars. I have not got drunk at any of those events.
But food is my real struggle. I am kind of childish in that I don’t really enjoy plant based foods. I love meat, cheese and carbs. At the bar the other nighy I had no problem ordering water instead of beer. But watching everyone around me order fries and cheesesteaks an mozzarella sticks ... that was a tough internal struggle.
And the biggest problem going back to alcohol is that when I do drink I overindulge in those unhealthy foods.
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After a few weeks of cutting my drinking down to one day a week I feel I have learned a few things.
About drinking, it is that I don’t really need or crave it. I do enjoy it but I think mostly it’s a thing to do. I have now been out to a concert and to about 5 bars. I have not got drunk at any of those events.
But food is my real struggle. I am kind of childish in that I don’t really enjoy plant based foods. I love meat, cheese and carbs. At the bar the other nighy I had no problem ordering water instead of beer. But watching everyone around me order fries and cheesesteaks an mozzarella sticks ... that was a tough internal struggle.
And the biggest problem going back to alcohol is that when I do drink I overindulge in those unhealthy foods.
thats a tough one. luckily i enjoy veggies and lean meats2 -
I love how strong and supportive everyone is.
Everyone has their own struggle. For some, just the first week is the key and then its easy, for others its a lifetime battle. But I am learning that your body will expect what you teach it. If you teach it to expect a drink after work, guess what it will make you miserable if you dont give it that drink.
My friend was trying to do Dry January, he's religious so he said to me he asked himself, what would Jesus do.....turn water to wine of course....so he had to look for a different motivation.
It appears to me that they did drink in moderation then but for those that had a hard time controlling things, I think the following was given as a call for abstinence from things that are wrecking a person:
Matt 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Abstinence is doable and is much better than continually trying to fight the problem if it is difficult to control. There are also lots of other scriptures in the bible that warn against drinking or over drinking. Religious conviction can be a good motivator to abstain.6 -
"You can still date, and dance and have sex. You can go to parties and weddings. You can do anything a drunk person can do ... It is impossible to disagree with her argument that our society is a booze-pusher"
There are lots of people who never drank alcohol in their lives , and have all kinds of fun. My husband loves to watch international cricket, and pointed out that people, often families, attend these games, and these games can last hours, if not days. The people in the stands all appear to be enjoying themselves. Although I myself have never have been interested much in major sporting events, but I remember it was not until early 80s that alcohol was sold at the large stadium events here in Toronto. I think this is an example of prime corporate manipulation and alcohol-pushing.
Still no alcohol since New Year's day for me, and it has made me very happy to be rethinking things, thanks to all the participants in this thread, dry and damp!6 -
I love how strong and supportive everyone is.
Everyone has their own struggle. For some, just the first week is the key and then its easy, for others its a lifetime battle. But I am learning that your body will expect what you teach it. If you teach it to expect a drink after work, guess what it will make you miserable if you dont give it that drink.
My friend was trying to do Dry January, he's religious so he said to me he asked himself, what would Jesus do.....turn water to wine of course....so he had to look for a different motivation.
It appears to me that they did drink in moderation then but for those that had a hard time controlling things, I think the following was given as a call for abstinence from things that are wrecking a person:
Matt 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Abstinence is doable and is much better than continually trying to fight the problem if it is difficult to control. There are also lots of other scriptures in the bible that warn against drinking or over drinking. Religious conviction can be a good motivator to abstain.
Sorry if I offended, wasn't my intent, thank you.4 -
I had two beers Friday night and it was fine. I had two beers last night cause I thought I wanted them because I had given myself permission to have them. I slept terribly and sweat uncomfortably through the night. I have two beers left and I don’t even want them today. At least I don’t have a hang over! And I am looking forward to sleeping well tonight!
I have found when I drink every night it’s easy enough to ignore all the negative side effects but they seem to be magnified when drinking occasionally.
Also, I’m loving all the money I’m saving!!!7 -
I survived the party last night and I was the only person there not drinking. I drank water all not long. A few people tried to play the you can have just one card, but I never gave in. We can do this!!
Nice work. I did it too yesturday. Not sure when i last did it. I just had soda with lemon juice. I survived too. And feel very happy with myself.
Morning guys! Sounds like everyone had a pretty great and successful Saturday!
Here’s to a peaceful and mellow Sunday!
Monday for me and.. it my b day
I m Not giving in!!!! I'll find somthing else i enjoy. 2 -
Drinking always seems to lead to too much snacking for me. Log one night of real drinking, holy smokes. The calories!!! I am in. I know cutting back will help me lose some weightI'm in. No more alcohol for January.
Yes u r right here for me too. Its a bad influence.
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OK. I'm back in. After "caving" on the 14th, I spent this last week with a "What the hell" attitude. @JulieAL1969, your instincts are so right. It is NOT fun to go back to feeling crummy and not enjoying the clear, clean, FUN feeling. So, I'm committing to the next 11 days alcohol free and will join y'all in February, too.
One fear is that on Feb. 1 I am flying across country with my husband for his mother's 90th birthday celebration. All 8 of his siblings and their spouses will be there, and I just learned we're going via limo to this big bash so we can all party with no worries. Ugh. I know that by the 31st (11 straight alcohol-free days), I'll be feeling that liberated feeling again. Hopefully that will be enough to see me through the birthday weekend.
However, I realize my focus needs to be on today, not 12 days from now. Have a good Sunday, everyone.5 -
After a few weeks of cutting my drinking down to one day a week I feel I have learned a few things.
About drinking, it is that I don’t really need or crave it. I do enjoy it but I think mostly it’s a thing to do. I have now been out to a concert and to about 5 bars. I have not got drunk at any of those events.
But food is my real struggle. I am kind of childish in that I don’t really enjoy plant based foods. I love meat, cheese and carbs. At the bar the other nighy I had no problem ordering water instead of beer. But watching everyone around me order fries and cheesesteaks an mozzarella sticks ... that was a tough internal struggle.
And the biggest problem going back to alcohol is that when I do drink I overindulge in those unhealthy foods.
thats a tough one. luckily i enjoy veggies and lean meats
I do enjoy lean meats as well, actually i do prefer them. But veggies are not my thing. And in the climate i live fruits are really at their best during the summer. Tough to get them at their peak this time of year3 -
P.S. Last week at the hair salon I was offered a cup of Tazo Vanilla bean and macaron tea. It was like having a decadent dessert. I highly recommend it for a calorie-free, all natural way of satisfying a sweets craving. And yet another alternative in the beverage arsenal.5
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@donimfp Perhaps, when you are a few days from the big bash, make a list of pros and cons of having alcohol. Then, decide if you'll have some. Right now, just focus on the next few days.
I saw my friend at the mall today. She, a few others and I will be heading to Nashville on Thursday for a girl's weekend. She said "hey let's go to the airport early and drink a few." I then told her the news, "I'm not drinking; I'm doing dry January." Her face just dropped!
She said , "Oh.. really. Even for the weekend." She looked bummed. I'm her party friend! The difference is she can drink five vodkas in a short period of time and never seems to get a hangover... while I"m the one finding my shoes in the flower pot outside at home the next morning. That's how messed up I get with her.
So, bottom line is I am very happy to be dry. I want to enjoy the bars, dancing and the live music sober for a change. I hope my tune doesn't change when I'm with her. I plan on staying alcohol free on that trip!10 -
Thank you for starting this thread7
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OK. I'm back in. After "caving" on the 14th, I spent this last week with a "What the hell" attitude. @JulieAL1969, your instincts are so right. It is NOT fun to go back to feeling crummy and not enjoying the clear, clean, FUN feeling. So, I'm committing to the next 11 days alcohol free and will join y'all in February, too.
One fear is that on Feb. 1 I am flying across country with my husband for his mother's 90th birthday celebration. All 8 of his siblings and their spouses will be there, and I just learned we're going via limo to this big bash so we can all party with no worries. Ugh. I know that by the 31st (11 straight alcohol-free days), I'll be feeling that liberated feeling again. Hopefully that will be enough to see me through the birthday weekend.
However, I realize my focus needs to be on today, not 12 days from now. Have a good Sunday, everyone.
I've been missing you! Glad you are back!!0 -
Went out for Mexican last night, normally I would have had a few Margarita's and then came home and slammed 3 more vodka's on the rocks. Last night I didn't even think about it. Hubby even said look at the money we are saving and calories(As I wolfed down a bowl of chips and salsa). I do get tired of all the restrictions, I am okay now with no alcohol but I did think I would lose weight quicker, now I am needing to start restriction calories of food more, Since being dry I have a tendency to reward myself in the evening with a treat since I am not drinking. Ordering me an electric tea pot today so I can have more tea in the evening instead of food.
You did very well!!! My husband looovvvveeeesss Mexican food and we eat it once a week. I dont like sugary drinks so I am good with not drinking Margheritas.
But like you stated our food bill is so much lower now that I am not drinking!! That is a great thing LOL!!4 -
Wow. Thank you @dbanks80! And thanks for the pep talk @JulieAL1969. I wish you the best in Nashville. You’ve been so strong. I will be interested to hear how you navigate with someone who is obviously quite invested in drinking. Luckily although almost everyone I know drinks, I don’t think anyone cares if I do or don’t, including all my soon-to-be limo buddies.3
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »@donimfp Perhaps, when you are a few days from the big bash, make a list of pros and cons of having alcohol. Then, decide if you'll have some. Right now, just focus on the next few days.
I saw my friend at the mall today. She, a few others and I will be heading to Nashville on Thursday for a girl's weekend. She said "hey let's go to the airport early and drink a few." I then told her the news, "I'm not drinking; I'm doing dry January." Her face just dropped!
She said , "Oh.. really. Even for the weekend." She looked bummed. I'm her party friend! The difference is she can drink five vodkas in a short period of time and never seems to get a hangover... while I"m the one finding my shoes in the flower pot outside at home the next morning. That's how messed up I get with her.
So, bottom line is I am very happy to be dry. I want to enjoy the bars, dancing and the live music sober for a change. I hope my tune doesn't change when I'm with her. I plan on staying alcohol free on that trip!
LMAO!! This made me laugh!
Don't you hate the stress of that? It's like I don't want to go anywhere because I have to deal with the struggle and explaining why I'm not drinking. It's so stressful. And I hate it when you tell someone you aren't drinking like I can only be fun when I am drinking. It's like they are so disappointed if you don't drink like the times will not be fun unless we are drinking.
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@dbanks80 It really is funny! Hence, why I am on this thread and doing Dry January. 3
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No alcohol today! I had a great work out, the house is clean, dinner was good and I’m looking forward to relaxing before bed either watching a movie or reading, and then sleeping through the night with no chance of hangover tomorrow 9
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Not one to actually say, "MYOB" but I enjoyed reading this article before the holidays, and before my decision for drytime.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/why-people-dont-drink-its-none-of-your-business/article37367578/
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MonkeyMel21 wrote: »No alcohol today! I had a great work out, the house is clean, dinner was good and I’m looking forward to relaxing before bed either watching a movie or reading, and then sleeping through the night with no chance of hangover tomorrow
I got in a great workout too and I even ran a little on the treadmill. I am hoping to do a half marathon this summer. Without hangovers I may be able to accomplish this. I look forward to a good night sleep and the smell of coffee in the AM, it taste good when you are not hungover. Yep another dry night for me.11 -
Congrats to all who accomplished their goals this weekend. I had a football party at my house today and the beer and wine were flowing. I admit a glass of wine sounded fun, but I saved the calories for a oven baked cookie and Imice cream. My mom who is doing dry January with me (though she really doesn’t drink much) was like “we could just have a little, right??” I’m like no! I’m staying the course! Three weeks down and not stopping now.10
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@dbanks80: "It's like I don't want to go anywhere because I have to deal with the struggle and explaining why I'm not drinking. It's so stressful."
Geez, I hate that you and @JulieAL1969 (and others) have to deal with this! Didn't anyone teach their kids manners?
When I was an older teenager, my mom was getting ready to host people for dinner, and she said something that has always stuck with me: "it's bad manners to ask someone why they aren't drinking alcohol." And adding to that, "It's bad manners to pressure someone to drink. If they say no, move on, without comment."3
This discussion has been closed.
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