Less Alcohol - March 2018- One day at a Time
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WildEssenceXO wrote: »YES please!! Count me in!! Beer is my weakness after a long day's work. Empty calories. The sugar and carb content are killing my waist line. Help! Like I said...I'm jumping on this train.
We are here for you. Read up on the thread for some good tips. This train will be going through April, too!4 -
@ali3boys You've done so well! Amazing 40 days - didn't it get easier as the weeks passed?
I think you'll be armed with good knowledge when you go to your outings, so it should be easier to moderate. And you'll also see if you want to go back to alcohol. Who knows? Xoxo Happy for your success!1 -
@Leeg5656 you wrote: But slowly slowly articles that said that alcohol blocked nutrient absorption kept creeping up. At first I ignored them and then justified them, because everyone else could drink and it didn't seem to be an issue for them, but then one day it really did sink in that WTF! All or at least a portion of that good nutrient dense food was being blocked from full benefit!! Geez. In the words of Sansa from Game of Thrones, "I may be a slow learner, but I learn."
I did see a video about this. That the body goes right to processing the alcohol and the liver works on that, and the other nutrients get lost along the way. Great insight! Thanks for sharing your reasons. Xo4 -
I’m facing the struggle I knew I would after Italy. Back to pretty much daily wine although not especially large amounts. I’m finding The Sober School website and blog very useful. She (Kate) has a 6-week class she runs and I’m thinking of doing that beginning April 9. One of her main assertions is that being AF is much easier than moderating. I know that’s true for me. Right now I just don’t feel I have the energy to go there I had in January.
I’m glad this is a place to talk alll this out with my friends.
I completely understand that struggle. And am concerned because I have vacation in two and a half weeks. Coming back from vacation is always hard for me to get back on track with diet and excercise
Just enjoy your vacation. And stuff it with exercise, reading, or whatever you enjoy doing! And just view the alcohol as a side event, have a few if you feel like it, and maybe you won't. Your perspective coming into this vacation may be different than the others you've been on. Enjoy yourself!4 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »I’m facing the struggle I knew I would after Italy. Back to pretty much daily wine although not especially large amounts. I’m finding The Sober School website and blog very useful. She (Kate) has a 6-week class she runs and I’m thinking of doing that beginning April 9. One of her main assertions is that being AF is much easier than moderating. I know that’s true for me. Right now I just don’t feel I have the energy to go there I had in January.
I’m glad this is a place to talk alll this out with my friends.
I completely understand that struggle. And am concerned because I have vacation in two and a half weeks. Coming back from vacation is always hard for me to get back on track with diet and excercise
Just enjoy your vacation. And stuff it with exercise, reading, or whatever you enjoy doing! And just view the alcohol as a side event, have a few if you feel like it, and maybe you won't. Your perspective coming into this vacation may be different than the others you've been on. Enjoy yourself!
It’s kind of like you know what my vacation is before I told you!
We rent a cabin in the mountains with no tv, internet and bad cell service - and we love that! We do takes lots of walks and hikes through the trails and around the lake everyday. And enjoy sitting outside or by the fireplace while reading books.
And it is my wife’s birthday so we will definitely have some drinks in the hot tub, but there are no regrets about it. Just about getting back to the healthy routine afterwards!7 -
Hello strangers.. i haven't been for a day or so.. just really busy on the road alot so there's no chance of me drinking especally over Easter.. the police are everywhere.
I dont want to b a stranger now Ive got attached to this thread. I feel i can go as far as saying, it like an angle over me.
Whenever i think or there is social activity where I would have just fit in with everyone i think abt all what I've learnt from here and what I was.
I don't want to go back to it. I was weak then , so thank u Julie and her company..
company.. I'm still wth u. 7 -
I haven't had any wine (my favorite alcoholic drink) in about three weeks. Of course for two weeks I've either been sick or taking care of sick kids.
My problem with alcohol is I use it in place of people. A glass of wine can feel like a friend, one who will never leave you or hurt your feelings. Then you see people on television drinking and having a good time and you think to yourself "I'll have a glass of that." I just get lonely sometimes and connecting with other people is hard.
But I haven't had a glass in three weeks and I plan to stay away from it for the rest of this month. It definitely interferes with my weight loss efforts.8 -
When ever I feel like I am headed for a weak moment I log in here. thanks
Now that Spring has sprung our seasonal town is coming to life again. Meaning.....more bars, reastraurts are opening. My dh wants to catch up on all the Winter happenings so that requires socializing at these reopening hot spots.
I now know I can not have just one. It is just the domino effect with me. I certainly could never stop at one M&M or pringles chip. I know my weakness and that is more than half my battle.
Having the choice and power to order a non alcoholic drink while surrounded by people having 2,3,4 or more will be MY PROJECT here forward.
Looking around last evening while out and literally watching the intelligence of people decline quickly gave me more hope I can keep on this path.
Wishing everyone a successful day.10 -
Thanks, @dbanks80. Yes, I had a GLORIOUS time in Italy. Six days in Florence followed by 3 days in Rome, then back to Florence for one last night before leaving. I felt like I was coming "home" to Florence that last day. Rome was grand and awesome and spectacular (Colosseum, Vatican), but Florence was a place where I could wander the streets and hear street musicians and visit with the lovely, kind, beautiful people forever. It turns out mid-March is a good time to go. We saw Michelangelo's David, everything in the Uffizi, etc. with no crowds to speak of. We did have to keep umbrellas handy, but a slight rain actually added to the charm of the cobblestoned streets. My SIL's amazing and shocking gift of business-class seats made the trans-Atlantic flight a delight rather than something to dread.
Anyway . . . back to the business at hand. You are right that I need to "pretend it's January" in terms of recapturing that enthusiasm and positive feeling toward not drinking I had a few months ago. I remember being so happy with what I was seeing in the mirror and feeling in the morning. Just have to get back to that.8 -
@donimfp- So glad you had a wonderful time in Italy. I was not able to visit Florence when I was there and that is my only regret. I have heard so many wonderful things about Florence. It appears to be everyone's favorite city. The highlight of my trip was Lake Como, specifically the village of Verena. It was magical. But I definitely want to return to Italy to visit Florence, especially after reading your posts!2
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I took the plunge and bought a step tracker. All thats left to do is impress it!5
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@JulieAL1969 - Well done! Congrats! So impressed by your strength and resolve.2
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My son, his girlfriend, her mother and I went out to dinner last night. My son and GF have stopped drinking (she for a month, he for two weeks), I don't drink during Mon-Thurs and her mother doesn't drink much at all. So we all had water and some great food and the check was . . . actually less than half of what if usually would be. Once again I'm reminded of the insane amount of money I'm saving by not drinking.9
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@sdog626 I am with you on this post!!! I too am very good during the week -sunday - through Thursday -- come friday and saturday -- anything goes -- UGH -- so frustrating but I am committing to 30 days starting April 1 to drink one or two glasses of wine on Friday and Saturday night (or wine on friday and tequila -- only two glasses on saturday). Need to keep the weekly momentum going. I do workout six to seven days so my only "issue" is the alcohol and eating on weekend. I keep hearing but really need to listen to the fact that is 80% diet and 20% exercise. How did you do? Sorry if this isn't the correct to reply/post. Have a great day!3
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@snoo61 - oh you're going to love it. I'm always kidding around about how I'm trying to keep my Fitbit happy. I've been known to walk circles around the house just to get to a certain step count before bed. One thing I'd recommend is taking some time with the manual and really finding out about everything it can do. I've had a Fitbit Alta HR for a year and just realized a couple of things it could do last week! I'm kicking myself for not figuring this out earlier.2
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@kittybenn Oh yes, Your tab is double when you add just one or two drinks to it!3
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Thanks, @dbanks80. Yes, I had a GLORIOUS time in Italy. Six days in Florence followed by 3 days in Rome, then back to Florence for one last night before leaving. I felt like I was coming "home" to Florence that last day. Rome was grand and awesome and spectacular (Colosseum, Vatican), but Florence was a place where I could wander the streets and hear street musicians and visit with the lovely, kind, beautiful people forever. It turns out mid-March is a good time to go. We saw Michelangelo's David, everything in the Uffizi, etc. with no crowds to speak of. We did have to keep umbrellas handy, but a slight rain actually added to the charm of the cobblestoned streets. My SIL's amazing and shocking gift of business-class seats made the trans-Atlantic flight a delight rather than something to dread.
Anyway . . . back to the business at hand. You are right that I need to "pretend it's January" in terms of recapturing that enthusiasm and positive feeling toward not drinking I had a few months ago. I remember being so happy with what I was seeing in the mirror and feeling in the morning. Just have to get back to that.
So amazing. I spent a month in Italy after college and have been wanting to get back ever since. Florence was so beautiful. I know how you feel about wanting to get back on track after vacation. For me I am finding the most helpful think is to just not have everyday drinking wine in the house. I have a lot of nice bottles I won’t open on a whim but if there’s anything under $15 I have a hard time resisting a few glasses. I sort of have this “I deserve it” attitude, but really It doesn’t matter if I “deserve it” or not. It’s odd because I’m very disciplined with working out, and I eat healthy. I don’t crazy overindulge with wine either, but I have a hard time saying no to myself with wine -that I don’t have when it comes to things like chocolate or ice cream. I want to really work on my discipline muscle when it comes to wine.
My goal is really overall health. Like many of you pointed out, alcohol is really unhealthy when it comes down to it. (Well in the frequency I tend to want to drink it)5 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Thanks, @dbanks80. Yes, I had a GLORIOUS time in Italy. Six days in Florence followed by 3 days in Rome, then back to Florence for one last night before leaving. I felt like I was coming "home" to Florence that last day. Rome was grand and awesome and spectacular (Colosseum, Vatican), but Florence was a place where I could wander the streets and hear street musicians and visit with the lovely, kind, beautiful people forever. It turns out mid-March is a good time to go. We saw Michelangelo's David, everything in the Uffizi, etc. with no crowds to speak of. We did have to keep umbrellas handy, but a slight rain actually added to the charm of the cobblestoned streets. My SIL's amazing and shocking gift of business-class seats made the trans-Atlantic flight a delight rather than something to dread.
Anyway . . . back to the business at hand. You are right that I need to "pretend it's January" in terms of recapturing that enthusiasm and positive feeling toward not drinking I had a few months ago. I remember being so happy with what I was seeing in the mirror and feeling in the morning. Just have to get back to that.
So amazing. I spent a month in Italy after college and have been wanting to get back ever since. Florence was so beautiful. I know how you feel about wanting to get back on track after vacation. For me I am finding the most helpful think is to just not have everyday drinking wine in the house. I have a lot of nice bottles I won’t open on a whim but if there’s anything under $15 I have a hard time resisting a few glasses. I sort of have this “I deserve it” attitude, but really It doesn’t matter if I “deserve it” or not. It’s odd because I’m very disciplined with working out, and I eat healthy. I don’t crazy overindulge with wine either, but I have a hard time saying no to myself with wine -that I don’t have when it comes to things like chocolate or ice cream. I want to really work on my discipline muscle when it comes to wine.
My goal is really overall health. Like many of you pointed out, alcohol is really unhealthy when it comes down to it. (Well in the frequency I tend to want to drink it)
I use to hang on the notion that 4 oz of red wine was good for your heart, so 2-3 8oz glasses would be even better! Ha!4 -
You guys a re phenomenal. I have been reading this forum constantly. You strengthened my resolve and made me chose to stay AF for 2 months rather than my originally planned 5-6 out of 7 days.
I am really proud to report that I successfully said no when my husband brought out that bottle of wine last night. We have been dealing with a sick toddler all week and this was suppose to be a break. I kept thinking about everything I have read here. Its easy to say no than moderate. Its especially true for me. I find it easier to say no to the first glass than any after that.
Thank you for inspiring and helping us through.9 -
@snoo61 - oh you're going to love it. I'm always kidding around about how I'm trying to keep my Fitbit happy. I've been known to walk circles around the house just to get to a certain step count before bed. One thing I'd recommend is taking some time with the manual and really finding out about everything it can do. I've had a Fitbit Alta HR for a year and just realized a couple of things it could do last week! I'm kicking myself for not figuring this out earlier.
I'm doing the same thing, I am compelled to move, trying to impress it. Lol. I think I'll enjoy learning it, and hopefully stay motivated.2 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »I am officially back. I have fell off the wagon too many times to count celebrating my birthday. I have no regrets because I had a great time celebrating this milestone in my life!!! I need to catch up to see what everyone is doing!
I like that! No regrets! We have to just live our lives happy and as healthy as we can. But that doesn't mean we just eat carrot sticks and drink water. Sometimes, indulging is a necessity. Happy you enjoyed.
LMAO! That's what I will be eating/drinking for the next month or so to detox! LOL!2 -
Thanks, @dbanks80. Yes, I had a GLORIOUS time in Italy. Six days in Florence followed by 3 days in Rome, then back to Florence for one last night before leaving. I felt like I was coming "home" to Florence that last day. Rome was grand and awesome and spectacular (Colosseum, Vatican), but Florence was a place where I could wander the streets and hear street musicians and visit with the lovely, kind, beautiful people forever. It turns out mid-March is a good time to go. We saw Michelangelo's David, everything in the Uffizi, etc. with no crowds to speak of. We did have to keep umbrellas handy, but a slight rain actually added to the charm of the cobblestoned streets. My SIL's amazing and shocking gift of business-class seats made the trans-Atlantic flight a delight rather than something to dread.
Anyway . . . back to the business at hand. You are right that I need to "pretend it's January" in terms of recapturing that enthusiasm and positive feeling toward not drinking I had a few months ago. I remember being so happy with what I was seeing in the mirror and feeling in the morning. Just have to get back to that.
Sooooo glad you had a great time! Ok now the fun is over it's time to get back to reality and get back on track!!!
I'm excited for when I go in August.1 -
Lots of extra positive vibes in here this morning. To the new people welcome and gather strength through others experiences in this group. Feelings you thought only you were dealing with have been our struggles as well.
Pre-regretting vacations, holidays, birthdays, anniversary's, Christmas parties, picnics, tail gating, etc...etc... Why do we all fear what is days, weeks or months down the road? As I read above, I too am having a month in advance wishy washy feelings of what will happen when I go away for my Anniversary. UGH. So much time spent trying to do the right thing only to worry about what has not arrived yet. I feel strong enough to keep on the right path.
I wish all of you that are questioning or dreading upcoming events easy times once they arrive.
Ordered my first ever Arnold Palmer when we went out last night. Not bad, I will keep an ongoing "dry" list in my phone for future social excursions.
Im not having any regrets. I work hard and am going to enjoy my vacation!!!
I am just being aware of past habits and recognizing that the week after vacation I struggle to jump back into my good habits i had pre-vacation[/quote]
I agree with you 100% ENJOY YOUR VACATION with NO regrets. That's what vacations are for. Like said get back on track IMMEDIATELY when you come back. That is the key.3 -
A change in attitude last night for me. My spaghetti sauce didn't taste right and I realized it was because no red wine. I went to the store and normally would have bought a big box of black box. I stood there looking at it and thought "Do I really want to drink all that?" So I hustled myself down to where the 500ml (small) boxes of black box where and bought one of those. AND, I only added it to the sauce, I didn't drink any. Not buying the big box which is my normal was a victory for me.9
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lporter229 wrote: »@donimfp- So glad you had a wonderful time in Italy. I was not able to visit Florence when I was there and that is my only regret. I have heard so many wonderful things about Florence. It appears to be everyone's favorite city. The highlight of my trip was Lake Como, specifically the village of Verena. It was magical. But I definitely want to return to Italy to visit Florence, especially after reading your posts!
I am glad to read this. I am going in August
Rome
Florence
Como
Venice
I am looking forward to this after reading everyone's experiences
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Thanks, @dbanks80. Yes, I had a GLORIOUS time in Italy. Six days in Florence followed by 3 days in Rome, then back to Florence for one last night before leaving. I felt like I was coming "home" to Florence that last day. Rome was grand and awesome and spectacular (Colosseum, Vatican), but Florence was a place where I could wander the streets and hear street musicians and visit with the lovely, kind, beautiful people forever. It turns out mid-March is a good time to go. We saw Michelangelo's David, everything in the Uffizi, etc. with no crowds to speak of. We did have to keep umbrellas handy, but a slight rain actually added to the charm of the cobblestoned streets. My SIL's amazing and shocking gift of business-class seats made the trans-Atlantic flight a delight rather than something to dread.
Anyway . . . back to the business at hand. You are right that I need to "pretend it's January" in terms of recapturing that enthusiasm and positive feeling toward not drinking I had a few months ago. I remember being so happy with what I was seeing in the mirror and feeling in the morning. Just have to get back to that.
Did you climb to the top of the Duomo and make it across the Ponte Vecchio to the Pitti Palace? Those were some of my favorite things in Florence. Oh, and what was your favorite gelato flavor!?1 -
Hi everybody, I really want to follow this thread; it’s not a “group” I can join, is it? I just adjusted my notifications...I guess just wondering if there is some way to be notified when comments are made in my newsfeed or whatever. Message me! Thanks! Trying very hard to stay sober and would like to follow this discussion6
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Trinkwasser wrote: »Hi everybody, I really want to follow this thread; it’s not a “group” I can join, is it? I just adjusted my notifications...I guess just wondering if there is some way to be notified when comments are made in my newsfeed or whatever. Message me! Thanks! Trying very hard to stay sober and would like to follow this discussion
I think if you just tag it as a yellow 'star' favorite it will give you notifications. If you want them emailed to you, I think you have to adjust your notification settings. Peace be with you.3 -
Leeg5656 is right about the yellow star. Not sure how to set up notifications, but when you go to community, they will show.2
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No work tomorrow. Hubs is making shrimp tacos for dinner. Would really love to stop on the way home from work and grab a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. I have to stop for sour cream anyway. Ugh.2
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