Less Alcohol - March 2018- One day at a Time
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There was a feature on our local news yesterday about SXSW, which starts in Austin on the 12th. A guy is opening a "Sober Bar" with all kinds of AF options. It's encouraging that going AF suddenly seems "cool." I have to think that will mean more options and also less pressure for younger people who are probably more vulnerable to peer pressure. Good news.
I definitely think with social consciousness at a high point right now there will be more and more AF options. There’s a new NA craft brewery trying to get going here in STL, my husband went to their grand opening, he’s been AF for a few years but enjoys NA beers when we socialize.5 -
Just found this thread, but have been planning for an alcohol free March.
I’m usually a 1-2 drinks a few nights a week kind of drinker with the occasional overindulgence. I want to reduce alcohol not just because of the calories in the drink but also because of the food I want to eat when I’m drinking and the morning after.
Last night I went out to a party, drank a bunch of coffee and danced til the wee hours of the morning and actually had a great time. Feeling like I need more sleep this morning, but not like I have to eat my way through a hangover.8 -
Went out with friends on Thursday for dinner and a crafty event afterward (kind of like those places where you paint but instead we made a centerpiece box). ANYWAY, it was a wedding shower of sorts so it was all ladies and the wine was flowing. Normally I would be the ringleader...but I stuck to Perrier all night long. A few friends questioned me, but then after that they simply forgot about the fact that I was not drinking. It really made no difference. I had a great time! This is probably the third time I've gone out at night with a party of drinking women, and each time it was just not the big deal I made it out to be in advance in my head.12
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My friend (drinking buddy, pre-2018) was over last night with a bottle of one of my favourite wines ... and a bag of lightly salted Ruffles (bless her!) No matter. I enjoyed my cran/soda with frozen pineapple as I poured the Wolf for her. I did feel a little wistful for the Wolf, but didn't see any benefit to joining her with that. The chips I could not resist eating continually --- one small one at a time. The damage assessment, however, was not too discouraging. Yet, had I been imbibing the Wolf, I would have had to eat a hefty Carbie-Barbie meal beforehand in addition to a lot more chips, and maybe even pizza later. I think I still need to make several adjustments to my diet and exercise habits to get where I want, but going AF helps a lot towards those goals.5
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Met a friend going through a rough time last night for a drink to catch up. We instinctively ordered a bottle of wine to share, but ended up corking it and sending half of it home with her. I probably had a glass and a half and she had a glass. We talked for over an hour without refilling, which a couple times I looked at the bottle and thought, I should pour another glass, then I thought, I really don’t want another glass, so I left it.
It’s only day two of March and I feel like the goal of AF during the week and a glass or two on the weekends is totally doable. At least till the end of the month when we are doing spring break at an all inclusive in Cancun - with two kids and an AF free husband it falls to me to get our moneys worth in the alcohol department... (kidding!). While I wouldn’t want to be sloppy drunk anyway on a family vacation I do know it will be hard to turn down a mimosa at breakfast, daiquiris by the pool, and margaritas at dinner... but I’ve got the month to figure out a strategy for that.9 -
Just had a weepy discussion with my son. It concerned a high school friend of his, a gorgeous, talented artist with two teenage kids about my son's kids' age. He'd fallen out of touch with her, but about a month ago noticed a post by her on Facebook. She'd always been a beautiful woman but he was shocked at how awful she looked all of a sudden. She's in her mid 40s, but had developed a very bad drinking problem and looked like she was much older. And she didn't look healthy at all. A couple of weeks ago, she was driving while drunk, ran up on a sidewalk and killed someone. She will likely be in prison the rest of her life. My son and I talked about the truly awful ripple effects on her kids, the rest of her family, her friends and, most importantly, the person who's now dead and all of his family and friends. Both of us started crying while we were talking about it.
And it really drove home to me -- again -- how drinking to excess is completely incompatible with a healthy, safe, happy life. I'm moderating and handling it well right now, but hearing about something like that is enough to make you consider going completely AF.9 -
There was a feature on our local news yesterday about SXSW, which starts in Austin on the 12th. A guy is opening a "Sober Bar" with all kinds of AF options. It's encouraging that going AF suddenly seems "cool."
@donimfp - That is SO great to hear and thanks for sharing it. I think I may have heard about one of these in the UK, with all kinds of AF beers especially (?). I seriously think this is a fabulous business opportunity. I think you're right that this may be a movement that is right on the verge of being cool. Imagine the baby shower business, LOL!
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I am new to MFP and it sounds like this is a great group to join. After my college years and getting married I did not drink - 22 years later, a social drinker and now a stressed out social drinker. I used to run every morning and participated in some long races, and a few marathons for a good cause. I felt great - when training the weight came right off. Amazing. But now at age 50 plus, drinking is a great way to gain and gain I did. I gained about 45 pounds in two years. Uggggh! I am disappointed in myself and how I just let it creep up on me. I live in a climate where it is winter for about 3-4 months out of the year. Spring is now on the way....I have convinced myself to hit the road with a few miles, here and there and put in some Pilates and weight routines as well. Every morning when I wake I say - "Today I will not drink any alcohol...." However, by the end of the day - tada - there is my little friend....Ugh. So my goal is to get fit, change habitual thinking and drinking, and keep myself immersed is a different activity now that the weather is getting more pleasant. I am keeping a personal journal and realize it is a 'one day at a time' thing. . Changing habits and my way of thinking is going to be difficult - but I know I can do it. I looked up the calories in each drink / beer, etc. and WOWeee for what I am consuming it is additional calories and sugar I can do without. I need a different stress outlet - Running clears the mind and keeps the thinking fresh - that will be my focus this Spring. Consistency and determination. I may fall down to my own disappointment, but I refuse to stay down. I know this will get better. Life is a roller coaster for certain - it's great to know MFP has great people and support on line.15
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I'm addicted to green tea now.....great just great11
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angelacatheart wrote: »
It will have to be a tea in general thread so we can cover my need for kombucha and golden milk tea.
I like this much better than that other stuff I was drinking all the time. 4 -
Thanks @ulcaster, that was a great laugh for me to log into and see first thing. In both scenarios it is best to back away! LOL.ulcaster555 wrote: »Temptation was strong last night, She was slender, sexy and sleek
@Norminv you may have some competition in the humor department.
@JulieAL1969 your everyday life experiences with alcohol should be preserved. Maybe we will be reading the next self help book on alcohol written by you.
Damp evening last night with one blueberry twisted tea. TOO SWEET. BLAH!
Have a great day all.
I welcome the challenge 1 -
My goal this month is 2 moderate drinking days (1 baby shower and 1 birthday party) no late night glasses of wine at home. I haven't keep wine in the house since January and it's helped a lot but I could still be doing better.6
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My friend (drinking buddy, pre-2018) was over last night with a bottle of one of my favourite wines ... and a bag of lightly salted Ruffles (bless her!) No matter. I enjoyed my cran/soda with frozen pineapple as I poured the Wolf for her. I did feel a little wistful for the Wolf, but didn't see any benefit to joining her with that. The chips I could not resist eating continually --- one small one at a time. The damage assessment, however, was not too discouraging. Yet, had I been imbibing the Wolf, I would have had to eat a hefty Carbie-Barbie meal beforehand in addition to a lot more chips, and maybe even pizza later. I think I still need to make several adjustments to my diet and exercise habits to get where I want, but going AF helps a lot towards those goals.
If you are talking about Wolf Blass then you are a stronger woman than me and I take my hat off to you. Well done. I would definitely not have been able to resist it.5 -
My friend (drinking buddy, pre-2018) was over last night with a bottle of one of my favourite wines ... and a bag of lightly salted Ruffles (bless her!) No matter. I enjoyed my cran/soda with frozen pineapple as I poured the Wolf for her. I did feel a little wistful for the Wolf, but didn't see any benefit to joining her with that. The chips I could not resist eating continually --- one small one at a time. The damage assessment, however, was not too discouraging. Yet, had I been imbibing the Wolf, I would have had to eat a hefty Carbie-Barbie meal beforehand in addition to a lot more chips, and maybe even pizza later. I think I still need to make several adjustments to my diet and exercise habits to get where I want, but going AF helps a lot towards those goals.
If you are talking about Wolf Blass then you are a stronger woman than me and I take my hat off to you. Well done. I would definitely not have been able to resist it.
Yup, it was Wolf Blast Chardonnay.... truly it made me question the decision. But I remembered Holly's NQTD tattoo (Holly of the Hip Sobriety blog)
NQTD = "never question the decision"10 -
3 days AF! Brain fog lifting. The last three years have been drenched. March will be dry. I'm unable to be moderate which has led to weight gain. At 52, over-drinking just feels embarrassing and undisciplined...13
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Ok so I had 4 days in a row AF. Decided that I would try just one weekend day for wine and pizza. Well I felt awful this am and throughout the day. Maybe it's a coincidence and I just don't feel good but I'm just feeling done with it. No moderation for me.
Finished the Allen Carr book. Book review for those interested: I rate it as Meh. Maybe I just need to read it again. Basically, the gist of the book is we all are addicted with the first drink and that addiction is 1% physical and 99% mental. So you have to kill that mental part and there is basically no such thing as moderation.
Just ordered two more Kindle books. One is Alcohol Explained and one other one...can't remember the title. I'll let you all know how that one is since i know a bunch have already read Alcohol Explained.
I guess I'm different than most of you as I don't feel the need to explain why I'm not drinking when others are. If they ask, I will explain to those that I am friends with my reasons and the rest can just f@#$ off, lol!
Happy AF Saturday night folks!!6 -
I'm 35 AF 12
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Sober_Is_Sexy wrote: »Hey there, I keep seeing this thread pop up and just really debated on whether I should comment or not. I am actually a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for a year and a half. I wanted to say hello and also add that since I’ve gotten sober, the sky is the limit with my health and fitness goals. I’ve never felt and looked better. So I commend all of you! I for one know it’s not easy
Hello , I really like your username
it says alot in a few words. Very positive! (= and encouraging.
Now days u feel u have to b drunk to b sexy. But alot falls on your head if u arnt aware and sober and make sensible decisions.
I am very pleaded you came in to this thread you are an inspiration to us. thank u for your post.
Hi, and thank you for your inspiration. I am about 2 months sober and I am really loving life so much more. I didn't realize how alcohol was costing me so much loss in my life. I am also feeling better, losing weight, and noticed today that I did look sexier! LOL! I had forgotten what my body used to be like before drinking. I am conquering health and fitness goals, and finding personal growth in so many areas.
I don't really even want to drink at this point in my life.-I don't want to ruin what I am living.
Thank you again for your sharing and congrats to you!!! 7 -
@kittybenn That is such a tragic and sad story and I do thank you for sharing it. Just terrible. Drunk driving has very real consequences for all involved. Frankly, I think alcohol ignition locks should be standard on ALL cars but that would not go over well with the restaurant/alcohol industry and they would fight it tooth and nail. Anyway, I appreciate all the stories on here, good and bad, that remind us of why we want to set certain goals for ourselves.2
frog prince. My green juices probably has the same side effect
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