Less alcohol- February 2018- one day at a time
Replies
-
I am also in! Now that football season is over it will be a lot easier for me! Lol! Good luck to everyone!4
-
Last night was my first AF night of February, I told myself that I wasn't going to drink 3 other nights this month but repeatedly failed. It took 3 nights of sleeping poorly and feeling absolutely horrible the next day for me to decide not too. I thought about it a couple time but I was just so tired and not wanting to feel bad the next day that I didn't. I still slept badly last night but I woke up without that feeling sick and head spinning and I feel energized today.5
-
Friday! Yay! (Cue Rebecca Black...) I've been to the pool at lunch, so I have a nice swim buzz for the rest of the day.
My plan is to be dry tonight and then do some early exercise tomorrow. Trail running would be a blast!
Wishing strong resolve to everyone. Show the sauce who's boss!4 -
@redredy9, I can relate to your feeling grouchy and irritable. In the past, when I've tried to go AF, that was how I pretty much existed through it. This time, I'm not feeling that way. I think it's because this time I am consciously seeing this "experiment" as giving myself something rather than taking something away from myself. It's not so much as I "can't" have my wine but that I choose something even better--all the benefits of abstaining. In my case, I'm vain enough that the noticeable change in my appearance has become a major motivator. I can look in the mirror and see a younger, thinner-looking me, and I don't want to go back to what I look like in my drivers license picture. Anyway, maybe make a list of everything you're gaining and pull that out when you're irritable about what you're losing? Just an idea.
All you guys looking for a good non-Alc. substitute. Good luck. PLEASE let us know if you find one. I realize Annie Grace and others point out that alcohol itself doesn't taste good. Duh. Nobody drinks pure alcohol. However, I suspect that it does add a quality to beer and wine and spirits that just makes them taste uniquely good. I truly love the taste of a fine wine. That's why I've decided to let myself have a few glasses during my March Italy trip. Only good wine, though. And only one glass at a winery or restaurant or wherever. We'll see how that goes.
Speaking of which . . . @norminv, I hear you. I've learned through reading during Jan. and Feb. that alcohol simply sets us up to want more. It's chemistry or physics or whatever you call it. It lifts us up then lets us down further than where we started, so we want another drink to get back to square one. I know that means that many people simply cannot moderate, as you say. Am I one of those people? I'm not sure. Will my Italy experiment lead me back to my nightly over-indulgence? It's like one of those soap opera cliffhangers. One thing for sure . . . I'm addicted to this group!7 -
Alright everyone, the Erik that was around in the January thread is back. My week of celebrating is over. At least I knew going into the week that it was gonna be not the healthiest, but i am beyond ready to get back to my January habits.
All said it wasn’t the absolute worst. I drank three days in the past week - although thats all I drank the month of January ... Even worse was I did not go to the gym once this week, although we did walk about 3 1/2 miles at the parade yesterday.
Starting today and for the rest of February I am back on track. Only eating healthy, going to the gym 3-4 times a week and if I drink at all it will only be on a Saturday night.
And I plan on being involved here again. That was huge motivation for me, and honestly I only looked at the Feb thread twice this week cause I knew the damage being done.8 -
Alcohol is only yum when you are drinking it often and in abundance NOT in moderation. You like alcohol when you drink it daily after work, your body know and expects the pleasure....
Therefore, I must bear the bad news that its all or nothing for us borderline alcoholics. I am as sad about it as you
I don’t find this to be true at all. I went several weeks without drinking and that first beer was just as delicious. Then again, I was never a borderline alcoholic, so maybe I cannot relate.1 -
I was doing well until Wednesday. I had a super stressful day at work and I ended up going out to eat and drink after work. I stuck to just 3 drinks that night (under my limit). Yesterday I drank way too much. Had a few drinks at lunch then stopped by the liquor store for a couple small bottles and had a couple glasses of wine after that. Going back to being dry.3
-
@redredy9, I can relate to your feeling grouchy and irritable. In the past, when I've tried to go AF, that was how I pretty much existed through it. This time, I'm not feeling that way. I think it's because this time I am consciously seeing this "experiment" as giving myself something rather than taking something away from myself. It's not so much as I "can't" have my wine but that I choose something even better--all the benefits of abstaining. In my case, I'm vain enough that the noticeable change in my appearance has become a major motivator. I can look in the mirror and see a younger, thinner-looking me, and I don't want to go back to what I look like in my drivers license picture. Anyway, maybe make a list of everything you're gaining and pull that out when you're irritable about what you're losing? Just an idea.
All you guys looking for a good non-Alc. substitute. Good luck. PLEASE let us know if you find one. I realize Annie Grace and others point out that alcohol itself doesn't taste good. Duh. Nobody drinks pure alcohol. However, I suspect that it does add a quality to beer and wine and spirits that just makes them taste uniquely good. I truly love the taste of a fine wine. That's why I've decided to let myself have a few glasses during my March Italy trip. Only good wine, though. And only one glass at a winery or restaurant or wherever. We'll see how that goes.
Speaking of which . . . @norminv, I hear you. I've learned through reading during Jan. and Feb. that alcohol simply sets us up to want more. It's chemistry or physics or whatever you call it. It lifts us up then lets us down further than where we started, so we want another drink to get back to square one. I know that means that many people simply cannot moderate, as you say. Am I one of those people? I'm not sure. Will my Italy experiment lead me back to my nightly over-indulgence? It's like one of those soap opera cliffhangers. One thing for sure . . . I'm addicted to this group!
Good for you! I think this is a point we all need to reach before we can successfully decide to eliminate alcohol from our lives.
@springsweet -Hi twin! Yes, I definitely can relate to many of your posts!2 -
Alright everyone, the Erik that was around in the January thread is back. My week of celebrating is over. At least I knew going into the week that it was gonna be not the healthiest, but i am beyond ready to get back to my January habits.
All said it wasn’t the absolute worst. I drank three days in the past week - although thats all I drank the month of January ... Even worse was I did not go to the gym once this week, although we did walk about 3 1/2 miles at the parade yesterday.
Starting today and for the rest of February I am back on track. Only eating healthy, going to the gym 3-4 times a week and if I drink at all it will only be on a Saturday night.
And I plan on being involved here again. That was huge motivation for me, and honestly I only looked at the Feb thread twice this week cause I knew the damage being done.
Wasn't it your birthday week?0 -
islandbeez wrote: »springsweet wrote: »Many people confuse blacking out with passing out. Oh how I wished I passed out instead of blacked out. All those nights I said hurtful things to people I loved... so much damage and regret.
Anyway, hope this answered your question. I highly recommend that book though. I hated for it to end.
I am with you here. I always wondered why I didn't have the decency to just pass the eff out. Would have been so much better that way
Haha, that came out funny5 -
Thanku everyone, very helpful and supportive.
The other question is, what else other than alcohol will give that "buzz", or " let your hair down" , relaxed feel..?
This is a bit scary bcoz.. for some families this is what is their main or one of thier " hold together".
Its really sad bcoz there not that real love and respect bteen them.
Weed!!!
Haahaa,.. then we'll have to start a ' less weed' thread2 -
Ouch, that does NOT sound good.Alatariel75 wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Alatariel75 wrote: »Day 8 and loving it, I'm sleeping so well! Unfortunately, I had hoped it would help with the vertigo I've been experiencing, but apparently not - that's still there in full force.
When I had the vertigo badly I had the same hope. Sorry it's not helping your either.
@Sabine_Stroehm did you eventually find a cause/treatment? I've been being treated for a neck injury which may have caused a significant portion of it (landed on my head and compacted my skull into my C1, which was mushing my blood vessels and spinal fluid flow) but it only helps so much. I'm not useless anymore, but its far from gone.
In my case, if fairly well resolved as I transitioned through menopause and started estrogen/progesterone. I suspect it fluctuating estrogen in my case as it came and went.
I do have some compression in my C3, and I did have some treatments for BPV, but really do think it was hormones.
Hope you find relief!
1 -
Thanku everyone, very helpful and supportive.
The other question is, what else other than alcohol will give that "buzz", or " let your hair down" , relaxed feel..?
This is a bit scary bcoz.. for some families this is what is their main or one of thier " hold together".
Its really sad bcoz there not that real love and respect bteen them.
Weed!!!
Haahaa,.. then we'll have to start a ' less weed' thread
Or less munchies thread!3 -
-
Alright everyone, the Erik that was around in the January thread is back. My week of celebrating is over. At least I knew going into the week that it was gonna be not the healthiest, but i am beyond ready to get back to my January habits.
All said it wasn’t the absolute worst. I drank three days in the past week - although thats all I drank the month of January ... Even worse was I did not go to the gym once this week, although we did walk about 3 1/2 miles at the parade yesterday.
Starting today and for the rest of February I am back on track. Only eating healthy, going to the gym 3-4 times a week and if I drink at all it will only be on a Saturday night.
And I plan on being involved here again. That was huge motivation for me, and honestly I only looked at the Feb thread twice this week cause I knew the damage being done.
Wasn't it your birthday week?
No, im just a rabid Philly sports fan and our football team won its first Super Bowl. So lots of celebrating this week between the game and the parade5 -
erikNJ, did you see Jason Kelce's speech on the Art Museum steps? Priceless! Pretty sure he was lit up a little. Let me know if you need a link.
After I posted that, I realized it must have been all over Philly tv and radio yesterday, last night and this morning. I've been listening to WIP (I'm in TX) for the last month, I wish I had listened this morning to hear about their take on the parade.1 -
The balls were inflated in that game, true story4
-
I think I've found my people. Can I join? Alcohol has played a huge part in gaining back most of the weight I lost a few years ago.
I'm a 40 year old female who needs to drastically cut back on the beer and wine and lose 30lbs. I started cutting back on Monday. I'm feeling pretty good now but I know how easy it is for me to fall off the wagon.
Feel free to friend me--I have no friends! I used to be a member here for years but I was unable to login under that account so I thought I would just start a brand new one--fresh start.
7 -
Absolutely! Welcome.
I just started reading this thread tonight, and can definitely relate to the drinking making my weight loss journey so much harder, so it's not worth it to me. Lots of good support here.5 -
Cardinals_3 wrote: »I think I've found my people. Can I join? Alcohol has played a huge part in gaining back most of the weight I lost a few years ago.
I'm a 40 year old female who needs to drastically cut back on the beer and wine and lose 30lbs. I started cutting back on Monday. I'm feeling pretty good now but I know how easy it is for me to fall off the wagon.
Feel free to friend me--I have no friends! I used to be a member here for years but I was unable to login under that account so I thought I would just start a brand new one--fresh start.
Welcome!!! Friend request on the way!!!
dbanks801 -
Friday night? No problem! Another night in the books.
I was *tempted* but more out of "habit" than anything else (and because my husband is in a bad mood), but there was none in the house, and that made it pretty easy.5 -
Friday night for me and I am working on a project for my job great way to stay sober LOL!!4
-
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Friday night? No problem! Another night in the books.
I was *tempted* but more out of "habit" than anything else (and because my husband is in a bad mood), but there was none in the house, and that made it pretty easy.
1 -
Gah trying so hard to resist wine. I am cranky and tired from a ten mile run in the cold and annoyed by my husband and child and realky just want one glass to take my edge off!!! But i am planning to drink tommorow (a friend has big birthday plans, got babysitter, etc) .
Gah. I turned down happy hour invite today too. I just gotta stay strong a few more hours. Or maybe i just need to go to bed. Thought venting here might help. Trying to follow the "wait 6 minute" rule....7 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »Gah trying so hard to resist wine. I am cranky and tired from a ten mile run in the cold and annoyed by my husband and child and realky just want one glass to take my edge off!!! But i am planning to drink tommorow (a friend has big birthday plans, got babysitter, etc) .
Gah. I turned down happy hour invite today too. I just gotta stay strong a few more hours. Or maybe i just need to go to bed. Thought venting here might help. Trying to follow the "wait 6 minute" rule....
I hear u.. Some people here could tel u theyve heard a similar cry out from me.
I went for a drive one night i had trouble and had some time out alone. Finding some peace and quite.
I watch a movie i enjoyed of my phone until i was falling off to sleep.
Meditation is good too.
Sending u love and care vibes...
5 -
Vanilla tea, Special K Red Velvet pastry crisps and the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. It’s a pretty low key Friday night. Between the cold, and feeling like I’m coming down with something - I haven’t even thought about wine this week.
I too have experienced an uptick in my sweets intake - candy at work and cookies or something in the evenings with my tea. My husband gave up drinking a few years ago and has a huge sweet tooth - I don’t remember if he was always like this or if it picked up when he stopped drinking.
5 -
Brought a really good bottle of wine to my moms birthday party - drank two glasses over a few hours and had another glass poured but realized I didn’t want it and poured it back and my brother drank it
I don’t think the old me would have hesistated to drink that extra glass. Yay 9 -
runtodayamyrun wrote: »Day 5 of 5 here. I’m really finding Annie Grace’s daily emails and videos are pretty thought provoking. I am really enjoying them.
So I use to log my food most days but would stop after lunch. I rarely logged dinner because I knew with it and the liquor I’d always be over. Today I’ve logged my whole day and I am over by 237 calories. Now think back when I would have drank probably 500 calories and then eat crap right before I went to bed. No wonder I can’t loose any weight
yeah I was easy drinking 500 a day
I was drinking more calories than eating....it was bad! I just lost another pound today, which makes it 24 lbs. I have been 39 days free of alcohol calories and it works!! 10 -
39 days of freedom. I have had so much more life and doing so much more, that I have to catch up on "The Alcohol Experiment" and daily emails from Annie Grace. My life is so much fuller and enjoyable since I stopped my love relationship with wine. I am so happy and feel great! 10
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions