Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time
Replies
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lporter229 wrote: »lporter229 wrote: »
Is it an actual gain? It could be water weight.
I am not sure. For the past several years, my weight has not fluctuated by more than two pounds, even after weekends of indulging. Suddenly I am up 3 pounds though. IDK, it doesn't bother me that much, but I do not want it to become a trend.
Well stop the chocolate girl!! LOL!
I know, right??? Trying to give up two vices at once!6 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »lporter229 wrote: »
I’ve lost a little weight but have been exercising like crazy! Honestly given the calories saved I really thought I would drop more weight. But, the other benefits like better sleep and great skin have been worth it!
Yeah...i havent lost or gained but i an kindof suprised too! I have been doing "damp" january but still ive cut out numerous BOTTLES of wine each week. Ive replaced them by eating popcorn in the evening sometimes but still not nearly the caloric quantity of my wine! Huh. Oh well. I am doing this for more mental reasons than weight issues. Just suprised.5 -
springsweet wrote: »I know it's only been 5 days for me, but I'm 100% positive I haven't lost any weight. Which was the main motivation for me to take a break. When I quit for 7 months in 2011 I didn't lose any weight either. I think it was because I ate more (esp more sugar). But this time I'm trying to be more conscious.
Does anybody have any tips to losing weight while not drinking alcohol? I've increased my activity level, I'm drinking water all day long, I'm not eating poorly... I don't know, at this point I feel like I couldn't drop a pound even if somebody had a gun to my head.
I'm definitely feeling other great benefits of no alcohol, but like I said, I originally quit to lose weight.
Also, I had my first big test last night - met the hubby out for dinner at a neighborhood bar & grill that we frequent. I always have at least 1 drink there. But last night I had ginger ale with my dinner. It was awkward at first - I didn't even know what non-alcoholic drinks they had to choose from. And when I asked the server, she started listing off the beer & wine specials.
I should have prepared better, but I survived nonetheless. 
Congrats on passing your first big test. Every step in the right direction... is a step forward to be sure.
As mentioned as far as weight loss... It's all about being as honest and as accurate as you can with logging. Sounds like you already know that though. I shed about 50lbs and still drank in moderation. What I notice when I don't for any length of time is a quit reduction in 'bloat', more than anything.
You can do this!3 -
Goal — January under 7 drinks a week- for my health.....my mind.....my body....Freedom from alcohol ruling my life!
1/1 =alcohol free
1/2 = 4 wine spritzers
1/3 =alcohol free
1/4 =alcohol free
1/5 =alcohol free while my husband must of drank almost 2 bottles of wine....I wasn't tempted, which was great!
1/6 =alcohol free while my husband must of drank almost 2 bottles of wine
1/7 =alcohol free while my husband must of drank almost 2 bottles of wine-I copy and paste! Rerun! I feel that now I don't even want one drink as it is never enough...I always want more! I will see how long I can be FREE from alcohol. Losing weight and feeling great!
1/8 =DITTO...I slept better last night--had an Atkins bar around 8...maybe that was it...I also had to go to my guest room again for my husbands snoring started again!
1/9 =DITTO and lost another pound---Wow! 7 days alcohol FREE!! This is the longest I have gone for years!
1/10 =8 days freedom
1/11 =9 days freedom- looking forward to reading my new books...This Naked Mind and Blackout-Remembering The Things I Drank to Forget...
1/12 =10 days clean! My hubby only drank during the day, not last night. He didn't snore last night, so I didn't have to go to our guest room to sleep. Read the first 2 1/2 chapters of This Naked Mind and finding it interesting.
1/13 =11 Days freedom! It is actually getting easier at this point...I just ordered some liver detox....
1/14 =12 Days freedom! It really helps to have all you on MFP for support! Thank you all!!
1/15 =13 days---Wow! I am finally sleeping in my own bed now because my husband cuts off his drinking at night and he doesn't snore so loud to make me go into our guest room! LOL! He didn't like me going into the guest room, so he cut down...
1/16 =14 days freedom! 2 weeks!! YAY! I have to note how yesterday was a bit interesting when my hubby just bottle a bunch of wine and said to me, "Taste this, it is better than the usual Concord that we make". I told him immediately that I was just drinking green tea and it wouldn't taste good. I was so glad that I was drinking tea, as I would have been tempted to taste it. I feel that if it happens again that I am prepared now and will decline. I am going to tell him today not even to ask me to taste.
1/17 =15th day freedom! Had another great morning of working out...ready to play some music!
1/18 =16th day freedom! I am going for a month!! I joined the "Alcohol Experiment" Super informational...I have been just reading and listening..this weekend I am going to start writing in the journal. I recommend this to you all, if just to read and listen to all the interesting information.
1/19 =17th day- my husband drank through the day until bedtime and I had to go to the guest room to sleep because he snored again. A definite pattern of loud snoring when he drinks wine at night. I caught up in the "Alcohol Experiment" yesterday and started writing in it. It really is helping me in so many ways. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be able to go through it, and I highly recommend it. There is no pressure about your alcohol intake.
1/20 =18th day of freedom from alcohol addiction. My mind and body are really loving it. Yesterday was my first social event to go to. I had no problem in saying that I wasn't having any wine, when asked twice. I said I was on a cleanse and I have to stay away from the sugar. My doctor did say that I have to stay away from sugar last year, as I have a hereditary condition called GSID-Genetic Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency. I have been following the diet fine, except for the alcohol, until now. I have even another reason to stay away from it.
1/21 =19th freedom day
1/22 =20th day...a tempting day in that I just don't feel up to doing much. Previously, this is when I drank. I am hanging in there.
1/23 =21st day...did intermittent fasting and just love it! Started a Thread on Challenges!
1/24 =22nd day of freedom. I went way past my goal of under 7 drinks a week. I have no cravings and am loving my life without alcohol.
1/25 =
1/26 =
1/27 =
1/28 =
1/29 =
1/30 =
1/319 -
Thank you for this thread. It has been most inspiring to read every morning. Along with the book, "Drinking: A love Story" which I saw on here already, I highly recommend, "Drink: The intimate relationship between women and alcohol", by Ann Dowsett Johnston. The way alcohol has become marketed to women is truly eye opening to read about. Whole sections in the liquor store of wines called, "Mommy's Time Out, Mad Housewife, Skinny B*tch" and on and on. Ann intertwines her own struggles with alcohol along with research. It is a compelling read. This thread has helped me cut back on alcohol more than anything else I have tried. I am very grateful for it.
Thank you for the recommendation. I will add them to my list. I am reading This Naked Mind and almost done. It has definitely been what I needed to be free of alcohol. I also have the book, "Blackout, Remembering the things I drank to forget", which was recommended her on this thread. These are on my Nook on my tablet. I will check for the others on my Nook. Last year I bought a book and never read it, because I was drinking heavy and didn't want to face it. The name of that book is, "The Alcoholism & Addiction CURE-Addiction Ends Here".4 -
MaryBethHempel wrote: »Thank you for this thread. It has been most inspiring to read every morning. Along with the book, "Drinking: A love Story" which I saw on here already, I highly recommend, "Drink: The intimate relationship between women and alcohol", by Ann Dowsett Johnston. The way alcohol has become marketed to women is truly eye opening to read about. Whole sections in the liquor store of wines called, "Mommy's Time Out, Mad Housewife, Skinny B*tch" and on and on. Ann intertwines her own struggles with alcohol along with research. It is a compelling read. This thread has helped me cut back on alcohol more than anything else I have tried. I am very grateful for it.
Thank you for the recommendation. I will add them to my list. I am reading This Naked Mind and almost done. It has definitely been what I needed to be free of alcohol. I also have the book, "Blackout, Remembering the things I drank to forget", which was recommended her on this thread. These are on my Nook on my tablet. I will check for the others on my Nook. Last year I bought a book and never read it, because I was drinking heavy and didn't want to face it. The name of that book is, "The Alcoholism & Addiction CURE-Addiction Ends Here".
I finally bought This Naked Mind.
Excited to start it.
The only other book ive read on the topic of alcoholism was a few months ago- Drinking: A Love Story. Its a pretty compelling memoir and one that got me thinkibg seriously about my own relationship with alcohol. < I dont want to end that relationship, but i do want to repair it.
5 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »MaryBethHempel wrote: »Thank you for this thread. It has been most inspiring to read every morning. Along with the book, "Drinking: A love Story" which I saw on here already, I highly recommend, "Drink: The intimate relationship between women and alcohol", by Ann Dowsett Johnston. The way alcohol has become marketed to women is truly eye opening to read about. Whole sections in the liquor store of wines called, "Mommy's Time Out, Mad Housewife, Skinny B*tch" and on and on. Ann intertwines her own struggles with alcohol along with research. It is a compelling read. This thread has helped me cut back on alcohol more than anything else I have tried. I am very grateful for it.
Thank you for the recommendation. I will add them to my list. I am reading This Naked Mind and almost done. It has definitely been what I needed to be free of alcohol. I also have the book, "Blackout, Remembering the things I drank to forget", which was recommended her on this thread. These are on my Nook on my tablet. I will check for the others on my Nook. Last year I bought a book and never read it, because I was drinking heavy and didn't want to face it. The name of that book is, "The Alcoholism & Addiction CURE-Addiction Ends Here".
I finally bought This Naked Mind.
Excited to start it.
The only other book ive read on the topic of alcoholism was a few months ago- Drinking: A Love Story. Its a pretty compelling memoir and one that got me thinkibg seriously about my own relationship with alcohol. < I dont want to end that relationship, but i do want to repair it.
Its gonna take some time but you gonna be okay stay strong and i must say you got really nice body i just love it.0 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Day 24 for me. My "final exam" for Dry January will begin tomorrow (Thursday) and end Sunday. Big girl's trip to Nashville where the sole intent is drinking, dancing and eating. I will do my very best to do mostly dancing!! Maybe I"ll look up Tim McGraw (he's been sober for nine years) and see if I can hang out with him and Faith.
Happy for all of you who are on track with your personal goals. I only lost a few pounds myself this month, but the overal feeling of calmness is a noticeable improvement. Very little mood swings, much more patient, clearheaded, and happier than in previous months. Best part zero hangovers for 24 days in a row. I must say for me that is the best feeling and reward. I'll be checking this thread for motivation. Xoxo
I am rooting for you! and Tim McGraw is a good role model for this5 -
Awesome jobs everyone!!! 2 weeks alcohol free for me. I’m still not sleeping very well. Hope that improves! Good night All.4
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Day 25 - check....wow I am amazed at not having had a drink for this long. Good job self!11
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This is just getting easy now. I have been to a bar every single weekday this week and how many alcoholic drinks have I had? ZERO. Just waters16
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25 days in.
I have only had several drinks 3 days - 1 day each weekend. A few days I had a few one ounce beer samples at work
I have only gone over my calories 3 days. 1 of those was really bad food. The other two were healthier food but i overate.
I have been to the gym 14 days.
Still only done yoga twice. That’s what i am most upset with. My goal was twice a week, not twice a month.
I am now down 10 lbs since the holiday week and feeling so much better.
Bonus is this weekend I am going to not even drink my one day like I have planned.
Thanks to everyone for the support here!11 -
Oh wow...I thought I was the only person on earth trying to cut back.
But lookie here, at all of you great inspirations.
I write down at the end of every day either NA ( no alcohol ) or a number with the drink name listed. Also on the same calender I write my work out for that day. For me seeing it in black and white and being honest with myself is very gratifying and so far successful.
In 2018 by week I have gone from 7 to 5 to 4 DRINKS and this week since Sunday only 1 DRINK. YAY
And I have noticed a huge reduction in bloating of my abdomen. GREAT JOB EVERYONE.9 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »MaryBethHempel wrote: »Thank you for this thread. It has been most inspiring to read every morning. Along with the book, "Drinking: A love Story" which I saw on here already, I highly recommend, "Drink: The intimate relationship between women and alcohol", by Ann Dowsett Johnston. The way alcohol has become marketed to women is truly eye opening to read about. Whole sections in the liquor store of wines called, "Mommy's Time Out, Mad Housewife, Skinny B*tch" and on and on. Ann intertwines her own struggles with alcohol along with research. It is a compelling read. This thread has helped me cut back on alcohol more than anything else I have tried. I am very grateful for it.
Thank you for the recommendation. I will add them to my list. I am reading This Naked Mind and almost done. It has definitely been what I needed to be free of alcohol. I also have the book, "Blackout, Remembering the things I drank to forget", which was recommended her on this thread. These are on my Nook on my tablet. I will check for the others on my Nook. Last year I bought a book and never read it, because I was drinking heavy and didn't want to face it. The name of that book is, "The Alcoholism & Addiction CURE-Addiction Ends Here".
I finally bought This Naked Mind.
Excited to start it.
The only other book ive read on the topic of alcoholism was a few months ago- Drinking: A Love Story. Its a pretty compelling memoir and one that got me thinkibg seriously about my own relationship with alcohol. < I dont want to end that relationship, but i do want to repair it.
Its gonna take some time but you gonna be okay stay strong and i must say you got really nice body i just love it.
Hahaha thanks
I try to workout hard 6 days a week...which is why it seems stupid that i also was drinking 3-5 drinks EVERY DAY.
Right now ive been sober 14 days since january 1st. Thats a new PR. 7 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »jenifer7teen wrote: »MaryBethHempel wrote: »Thank you for this thread. It has been most inspiring to read every morning. Along with the book, "Drinking: A love Story" which I saw on here already, I highly recommend, "Drink: The intimate relationship between women and alcohol", by Ann Dowsett Johnston. The way alcohol has become marketed to women is truly eye opening to read about. Whole sections in the liquor store of wines called, "Mommy's Time Out, Mad Housewife, Skinny B*tch" and on and on. Ann intertwines her own struggles with alcohol along with research. It is a compelling read. This thread has helped me cut back on alcohol more than anything else I have tried. I am very grateful for it.
Thank you for the recommendation. I will add them to my list. I am reading This Naked Mind and almost done. It has definitely been what I needed to be free of alcohol. I also have the book, "Blackout, Remembering the things I drank to forget", which was recommended her on this thread. These are on my Nook on my tablet. I will check for the others on my Nook. Last year I bought a book and never read it, because I was drinking heavy and didn't want to face it. The name of that book is, "The Alcoholism & Addiction CURE-Addiction Ends Here".
I finally bought This Naked Mind.
Excited to start it.
The only other book ive read on the topic of alcoholism was a few months ago- Drinking: A Love Story. Its a pretty compelling memoir and one that got me thinkibg seriously about my own relationship with alcohol. < I dont want to end that relationship, but i do want to repair it.
Its gonna take some time but you gonna be okay stay strong and i must say you got really nice body i just love it.
Hahaha thanks
I try to workout hard 6 days a week...which is why it seems stupid that i also was drinking 3-5 drinks EVERY DAY.
Right now ive been sober 14 days since january 1st. Thats a new PR.
Damn 3-5 times a day that's alot. And how old are you?0 -
Nashville update: Not one drop of alcohol on day 1 of the trip. Been in and out of four bars and my friends have had four or more drinks each. I don't mind if they drink, I just choose not to. It is getting easy- I agree with @erikNJ !
Something in my brain has changed. I dont even want a sip. Now, I'm back at this gorgeous condo, and the girls are out finding food. They've got the munchies. I am really happy right now. Xoxo17 -
@NormInv Thanks to you and all the other wonderful people on this thread. I checked the thread tonight while at the bars- you are all so wonderful. Love hearing your stories. Xo5
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Go Julie go! Yay!!3
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »Nashville update: Not one drop of alcohol on day 1 of the trip. Been in and out of four bars and my friends have had four or more drinks each. I don't mind if they drink, I just choose not to. It is getting easy- I agree with @erikNJ !
Something in my brain has changed. I dont even want a sip. Now, I'm back at this gorgeous condo, and the girls are out finding food. They've got the munchies. I am really happy right now. Xoxo
You ROCK! I was feeling so tempted to cave but no way after reading your post! Thanks for the inspiration!!4 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »JulieAL1969 wrote: »Day 24 for me. My "final exam" for Dry January will begin tomorrow (Thursday) and end Sunday. Big girl's trip to Nashville where the sole intent is drinking, dancing and eating. I will do my very best to do mostly dancing!! Maybe I"ll look up Tim McGraw (he's been sober for nine years) and see if I can hang out with him and Faith.
Happy for all of you who are on track with your personal goals. I only lost a few pounds myself this month, but the overal feeling of calmness is a noticeable improvement. Very little mood swings, much more patient, clearheaded, and happier than in previous months. Best part zero hangovers for 24 days in a row. I must say for me that is the best feeling and reward. I'll be checking this thread for motivation. Xoxo
Good luck Julie! You’ll be great! Your resolve is strong and I bet you learn that you have fun sober and you’ll be the one feeling awesome every morning!! Do you like coffee? I know it’s not a substitute for wine, but getting an amazing flat white, or special coffee in the morning could be a great treat. Try and keep perspective on everything you’re gaining. The only thing you’re losing by not drinking is a headache, remorse and lots of extra calories xo
Thanks for the wise word! You're so right. I am learning that I can still have fun being sober. I do love coffee and will get a beautiful cup in the morning. And hooray- no headache for me. Xo2 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Nashville update: Not one drop of alcohol on day 1 of the trip. Been in and out of four bars and my friends have had four or more drinks each. I don't mind if they drink, I just choose not to. It is getting easy- I agree with @erikNJ !
Something in my brain has changed. I dont even want a sip. Now, I'm back at this gorgeous condo, and the girls are out finding food. They've got the munchies. I am really happy right now. Xoxo
You ROCK! I was feeling so tempted to cave but no way after reading your post! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Stay strong, my friend. It is really so exciting in a way to abstain because I still had a great time and loved the music. Thanks for your inspiration! You ROCK too!3 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »SanDiegofitmom wrote: »lporter229 wrote: »
I’ve lost a little weight but have been exercising like crazy! Honestly given the calories saved I really thought I would drop more weight. But, the other benefits like better sleep and great skin have been worth it!
Yeah...i havent lost or gained but i an kindof suprised too! I have been doing "damp" january but still ive cut out numerous BOTTLES of wine each week. Ive replaced them by eating popcorn in the evening sometimes but still not nearly the caloric quantity of my wine! Huh. Oh well. I am doing this for more mental reasons than weight issues. Just suprised.
You've gained so much in high energy, better sleep and great skin. I imagine your organs are also so happy and regenerating. Bravo! The weight will come, I'm sure.5 -
Oh wow...I thought I was the only person on earth trying to cut back.
But lookie here, at all of you great inspirations.
I write down at the end of every day either NA ( no alcohol ) or a number with the drink name listed. Also on the same calender I write my work out for that day. For me seeing it in black and white and being honest with myself is very gratifying and so far successful.
In 2018 by week I have gone from 7 to 5 to 4 DRINKS and this week since Sunday only 1 DRINK. YAY
And I have noticed a huge reduction in bloating of my abdomen. GREAT JOB EVERYONE.
Awesome job! It's nice to see a running tally of all the NA days. There's that app also called Dry January where you can log your NA days and see that calendar fill up with teacups (symbol for alcohol free day). Keep it up!1 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »MaryBethHempel wrote: »Thank you for this thread. It has been most inspiring to read every morning. Along with the book, "Drinking: A love Story" which I saw on here already, I highly recommend, "Drink: The intimate relationship between women and alcohol", by Ann Dowsett Johnston. The way alcohol has become marketed to women is truly eye opening to read about. Whole sections in the liquor store of wines called, "Mommy's Time Out, Mad Housewife, Skinny B*tch" and on and on. Ann intertwines her own struggles with alcohol along with research. It is a compelling read. This thread has helped me cut back on alcohol more than anything else I have tried. I am very grateful for it.
Thank you for the recommendation. I will add them to my list. I am reading This Naked Mind and almost done. It has definitely been what I needed to be free of alcohol. I also have the book, "Blackout, Remembering the things I drank to forget", which was recommended her on this thread. These are on my Nook on my tablet. I will check for the others on my Nook. Last year I bought a book and never read it, because I was drinking heavy and didn't want to face it. The name of that book is, "The Alcoholism & Addiction CURE-Addiction Ends Here".
I finally bought This Naked Mind.
Excited to start it.
The only other book ive read on the topic of alcoholism was a few months ago- Drinking: A Love Story. Its a pretty compelling memoir and one that got me thinkibg seriously about my own relationship with alcohol. < I dont want to end that relationship, but i do want to repair it.
I just finished reading The Love Story book. It was compelling, because I sadly saw a lot of her actions mirrored my own. I wonder how the author is doing now. I think the book is about 10 years old. I will try the Blackout book you recommend. Thanks for your insights. The more I read, the more validated I feel about alcohol's effects on my body.
2 -
To those wondering about the author of Drinking: A love story, Caroline Knapp, sadly, she died at age 42 from lung cancer. She was a wonderful writer. She also wrote a book called, Pack of Two, which details how after she got sober, she adopted a dog and it is a sweet story about the relationship and love between a dog and their human.
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »Nashville update: Not one drop of alcohol on day 1 of the trip. Been in and out of four bars and my friends have had four or more drinks each. I don't mind if they drink, I just choose not to. It is getting easy- I agree with @erikNJ !
Something in my brain has changed. I dont even want a sip. Now, I'm back at this gorgeous condo, and the girls are out finding food. They've got the munchies. I am really happy right now. Xoxo
That is so awesome @JulieAL1969 !! Glad to hear you’ve been able to stick with your goals!
1
yes your right! I like it. Self motivation. 
This discussion has been closed.
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