Less Alcohol- April 2018- One Day at a Time
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[quote="Think about the money you saved too! I estimated that I'm saving about $50-$60 a week by being AF Mon-Thurs. Great job! There's alot of gains by being AF and Moderation! What will you do with your extra cash?[/quote]
That saved me $55... of course thats going towards protein shakes...lol
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DeniseMayree wrote: »[quote="Think about the money you saved too! I estimated that I'm saving about $50-$60 a week by being AF Mon-Thurs. Great job! There's alot of gains by being AF and Moderation! What will you do with your extra cash?
That saved me $55... of course thats going towards protein shakes...lol
[/quote]
I think I over estimated. I meant per month, but still that's $50 extra this month! $600 a year! Less money on Ibuprofen too! lol!2 -
Wow Julie, I can't believe I just joined this for weightloss support and I see this post! I NEEDED this group for sure. I recently quit drinking all alcohol because I was becoming a binge drinker. Not drinking during week but on weekends it was getting rediculous! I so need support from others trying to reduce or cut out alcohol all together. Thank you!8
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Wow Julie, I can't believe I just joined this for weightloss support and I see this post! I NEEDED this group for sure. I recently quit drinking all alcohol because I was becoming a binge drinker. Not drinking during week but on weekends it was getting rediculous! I so need support from others trying to reduce or cut out alcohol all together. Thank you!
Thanks so much! That made my day! We need each other, that's true. I think you'll find this group to be supportive and loving. xo3 -
With all the mark zuckerberg and facebook stuff, have you guys noticed what the top ad on this page is? hmm makes you think. I'm on my computer not my phone. It may be different on my phone.
Add: It is different on my phone. No ad.
You're so observant! I didn't notice this. Interesting:)1 -
I'm having a really hard day and it makes me want to have a drink. I don't want to break my streak. I will be strong!8
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Wow Julie, I can't believe I just joined this for weightloss support and I see this post! I NEEDED this group for sure. I recently quit drinking all alcohol because I was becoming a binge drinker. Not drinking during week but on weekends it was getting rediculous! I so need support from others trying to reduce or cut out alcohol all together. Thank you!
I feel kind of weird welcoming you since I am like 3 days old in this thread but it has quickly become rather homey so welcome. I think you will find kindred spirits here regardless of your personal path whether it is no more or just less. What it really boils down to is being healthier and happier and in wanting that for each other it makes it a little easier to get it for ourselves.
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »http://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
For those of you who are newer here on the thread, Kevin O'Hara offers some straightforward information on quitting drinking.
On youtube, you'll find a lot of his videos from his channel called "Alcohol Mastery". When I first started to think about moderating a full year ago, I listened to many of his videos.
I never imagined that I would be 104 days AF this year. What helped me immensely is I treated my journey like a college class. I read books and blogs, educated myself by watching dozens of videos on the subject, and wrote down on paper my goals. AND best of all, found this thread in November which was started by another poster, and checked in often to get and stay inspired by you.
I also created a vision board. Something simple made by cutting out magazine pictures and words glued on a large paper. I haven't been perfect and have drank three times since Jan. 1st, but that is so much better than how I used to drink. Hope this fresh week brings you success in moderation, abstaining, getting healthier, and losing weight. Whatever you choose, we are here for you. Xo
If I fill the times I used to drink with other activities that require some accountability I find it easier not to drink. Now that my tolerance is lower my drinking allowances are almost more of a reminder about why not to drink more than they are an oasis to my desert. Maybe stopping altogether is in my future or something close to it. I dunno. I know I am a reward oriented person and right now this plan is working more than it is not. In addition to allowances I have a road trip planned touring some great old hotels if/when I can reach a certain weight goal. That is me though, focusing on some future allowance or reward helps me deal with the daily grind.
@NovusDies this is really a key thing. Drinking is so easy but filling that void is the opposite. You really nailed it. I am 80+ days into this new normal and it requires so much more effort. I am not a goal oriented person, life just kinda happened to me, and now I have to do all this work! But I am learning it's worth it. Totally foreign concept to me.5 -
I had a super brief moment last night, when I was putting my kids to bed, where I thought "gosh, I don't even have anything to look forward to now that I'm not having a nightly glass or two of wine after they go to bed". I quickly pushed that out of my head and reminded myself that what I had to look forward to was paying attention to what I was reading or watching on tv instead of zoning out and passing out on the couch, a night of restful sleep, a morning exercise routine that wasn't clouded by a fuzzy headache, etc.
It was fleeting but it was honestly one of the first times my drinking brain tried to play that little trick on me, and I know others of you have mentioned something similar, so I thought I'd fess up to it.8 -
No alcohol for two days. Guess that makes today hump day. I feel good about it. The real decision for me is when I get home. That first drink, is it water? Juice? Wine? Vodka? Whatever I start with is it for the night usually. If that first glass is water it will be all night. Just have to make one good choice and should be ok for the whole night. It has not been difficult the last two days so I’m trying not to dwell and just do it.
Jecky, I feel ya. Someone once put on here, "When you are on the tracks, it's not the caboose that kills you, it's the engine." The first drink (for me) just opens the door to many many more. Believe in your ability to make good choices!
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WinoGelato wrote: »I had a super brief moment last night, when I was putting my kids to bed, where I thought "gosh, I don't even have anything to look forward to now that I'm not having a nightly glass or two of wine after they go to bed". I quickly pushed that out of my head and reminded myself that what I had to look forward to was paying attention to what I was reading or watching on tv instead of zoning out and passing out on the couch, a night of restful sleep, a morning exercise routine that wasn't clouded by a fuzzy headache, etc.
It was fleeting but it was honestly one of the first times my drinking brain tried to play that little trick on me, and I know others of you have mentioned something similar, so I thought I'd fess up to it.
I hear you. For me, this is that habit/reward thing again. It's like I have been conditioned to think that I deserve some kind of reward at the end of a busy day for making it through. TV ads tell me that. Social media tells me that. There are little cues everywhere I go trying to tell me that, but I am trying to change that way of thinking. If I deserve some kind of reward just for making it through my day, what does that say about my life? I am concentrating on making each moment its own reward, enjoying the things that I am doing. My job can be stressful at times, but it can also be enjoyable. I need to focus on the things I enjoy about it. Sometimes it feels stressful to try and cram my run in after work then get home and cook dinner, but I like to run, so I am going to forget about what I need to do when I am finished running and enjoy my time out there. And when it comes to that time when I would normally pour myself a glass of wine to relax, I remind myself that I do not need that wine to help me relax end enjoy myself because I already am.6 -
I quit drinking in Sept 2017... I used to binge drink when I would go out socially.. Now I can have a glass or two of wine and stop.. Or not drink at all....6
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@islandbeez
Congrats on the 80+ days. Hopefully in time your new normal will just be normal and the effort required won't be so obvious.
@WinoGelato
I think if my drinking brain ever tried that number all I have to do is think back on the times that I had anxiety attacks because I did not really want to keep doing it that frequently. Going to the store for more was, at times, brutal. I am very thankful that a recent event completely shattered my normal daily routines forcing me to adapt or I might still be a slave to a stupid ritual.3 -
I'm really glad I left my wallet at home (I have my drivers license under my phone in my phone case) or else I very well may have went out to eat and drink. I did not however! I went home and made dinner and watched a show from last night. I also had remembered that I made an Unbreakable Vow to not drink and that really helped.4
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Made it through work this week so far. Within the last 5 minutes boss asks me to do an ice cream run the other day. I arranged to come in early to leave early. I also previously asked to not do non-urgent trips with my car (unpaid mileage btw). So mad. Anyways had to have sugar, but made it through AF. Also managed to get some of the Easter pounds off this week anyways! Also interviewed for a new company yesterday. We will see. I will detail examples of non-necessary trips Friday with her. Wish me the best!4
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How many calories are in a pina colada? | FitnessforWeightLoss.com
www.fitnessforweightloss.com/how-many-calories-are-in-a-pina-colada/
A 12 ounce pina colada has 660 calories! On average, a pina colada has 55 calories per ounce. Roughly half of these calories (28 calories per ounce) come from sugar!
WOW.
I am buying this pineapple coconut juice instead Friday after work--maybe Knudson makes it?? I saw it in the store the other day. I have had it before and it is excellent. Pricey, but my health is priceless.3 -
After work, I met a friend for coffee. She expressed all the worries and problems she is having lately. I suddenly felt my face get redder , my shoulders tense up to my ears and lower back ache. I absorbed all of her stress into my body. I came home and thought this is exactly the trigger for me to drink! I absorb others' pain and then I just wanted to numb myself fast! I saw my husband pour a scotch and I thought well he's lucky.
I was one second from grabbing his drink and downing it. But I didn't. I clearly found that in the past , that is how I would cope with people's pain. Absorb it and then numb myself.
I meditated , showered, read and literally talked myself down from making a drink. Checking this thread gave me strength. Xo11 -
Great job, Julie!2
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Yes, Julie, Great Job! Actually that is how I have coped with people's pain as well before.2
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@Julie Great job! I too come to this thread when I am feeling the urge to drink. Yesterday I wanted a chardonnay so bad but I utilized the tools I learned from others here (wait 6 minutes and the urge will pass, drink something else, you may be just thirsty etc) and the desire let up and passed. I also asked myself, "Do you really want a sleepless night and a racing heart at 2 am? Because that is what is going to happen if you open a bottle." Anyway I jumped out of bed feeling energized and happy and it's 5:30 am here. I know I would be full of self loathing and disappointment if I had caved.3
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salleewins wrote: »Made it through work this week so far. Within the last 5 minutes boss asks me to do an ice cream run the other day. I arranged to come in early to leave early. I also previously asked to not do non-urgent trips with my car (unpaid mileage btw). So mad. Anyways had to have sugar, but made it through AF. Also managed to get some of the Easter pounds off this week anyways! Also interviewed for a new company yesterday. We will see. I will detail examples of non-necessary trips Friday with her. Wish me the best!
You go girl! Sounds like a successful week with your diet and being AF. Best wishes on Friday. Xoxo1 -
@Julie Great job! I too come to this thread when I am feeling the urge to drink. Yesterday I wanted a chardonnay so bad but I utilized the tools I learned from others here (wait 6 minutes and the urge will pass, drink something else, you may be just thirsty etc) and the desire let up and passed. I also asked myself, "Do you really want a sleepless night and a racing heart at 2 am? Because that is what is going to happen if you open a bottle." Anyway I jumped out of bed feeling energized and happy and it's 5:30 am here. I know I would be full of self loathing and disappointment if I had caved.
Awesome Jen! I have that too- racing heartbeat - it's awful at night if I drink. Likely the Edgar Allen Poem story "The tell tale heart"!1 -
@JulieAL1969 - Amazing strength. Such an inspiration. WTG!2
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I have had two days this week, no alcohol. I wake up in the morning thinking "no alcohol today" then a long day at work, bad meeting or some sort of ridiculousness happens and I think "man, I can't wait for my glass of wine and to just be over this day." It happened yesterday, but because it was so nice out, I had brought my running clothes to work for the first time (we get three approved hours a week to work out on base) and even though my motivation was down at the time I was supposed to leave (this year I have been walking in the basement for the most part to get 30 min of movement in), I changed and went. It made my evening that much easier not to mention how easy it is to forget how much I enjoy running outside. Mind you, my running is a slow jog, but still! I was able to go home, focus on the kiddos and some chores and before I knew it, it was bedtime and I of course slept better. It is a daily effort to overcome these habits and I am grateful for this group because I not only know I am not alone, but that no one thinks worse of me for being honest.10
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@Julie Great job! I too come to this thread when I am feeling the urge to drink. Yesterday I wanted a chardonnay so bad but I utilized the tools I learned from others here (wait 6 minutes and the urge will pass, drink something else, you may be just thirsty etc) and the desire let up and passed. I also asked myself, "Do you really want a sleepless night and a racing heart at 2 am? Because that is what is going to happen if you open a bottle." Anyway I jumped out of bed feeling energized and happy and it's 5:30 am here. I know I would be full of self loathing and disappointment if I had caved.
This was me last night. We grilled a steak for steak salads. Here is the conversation I had with my husband:
Him: I think I want to have a beer while I grill. Do you care?
Me: Why would I care? Just because I am not drinking doesn't mean you can't.
Him: I know. I just don't want to drink that much either.
Me: I think I want a glass of wine (was I waiting for permission? encouragement?)
Him: No you don't.
Me; You're right. I will regret it if I do.
Him: Yes, you will.
I am so thankful to have a husband who gets me and really cares. I know he also worries about his relationship with alcohol, but is less likely to do anything about it. But he has been taking some cues from me this month and, with the exception of Saturday night, he is drinking far less than usual. I am not sure if he is trying to be supportive or if he is just finding encouragement from me. Either way, it's been helpful. 10 days in the books.
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Good job, @lporter229 and @JulieAL1969! You are both inspiring. My "dry" April quickly went wettish when I got the news about my job ending after May. But you know what? That has NOT helped. I realized last night that whatever relief I always thought I got from alcohol must've been an illusion because drinking does not help with anxiety and does not make me more comfortable or relaxed. Kate at Sober School's words keep resonating: Sobriety delivers what alcohol promises. I've decided alcohol is a liar.
What I want to reward myself with is a sense of peace and confidence that all will be well. Alcohol can't deliver that. In fact, just the opposite (I'm in the racing-heart club, too). So there's some ice cold cold-brew tea waiting for me in the fridge. My husband is very organized around finances, and he told me yesterday that after spending several hours with our "books," he is confident we are fine with no need to dip into nest egg as long as I get some kind of job by the end of September. That took a lot of pressure off. He also said he figured once a week with my personal trainer into that mix . . . so that's good. I need that accountability.
So, have a good day, everyone, and if you're choosing not to drink today, I think you are rewarding yourself with all kinds of good feelings. Jenny Lawson (hilarious author of "Let's Pretend This Never Happened") suffers from deep depressions, and she often says "Depression is a lying *kitten*." Sorry if this ends up saying "kitten." I'm really feeling that same thing about alcohol. It promises what it will never be able to deliver, at least for me.6 -
Ha ha! It says "kitten." Oh, well, Depression isn't a lying small feline. It's a lying you-know-what.4
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lporter229 wrote: »@Julie Great job! I too come to this thread when I am feeling the urge to drink. Yesterday I wanted a chardonnay so bad but I utilized the tools I learned from others here (wait 6 minutes and the urge will pass, drink something else, you may be just thirsty etc) and the desire let up and passed. I also asked myself, "Do you really want a sleepless night and a racing heart at 2 am? Because that is what is going to happen if you open a bottle." Anyway I jumped out of bed feeling energized and happy and it's 5:30 am here. I know I would be full of self loathing and disappointment if I had caved.
This was me last night. We grilled a steak for steak salads. Here is the conversation I had with my husband:
Him: I think I want to have a beer while I grill. Do you care?
Me: Why would I care? Just because I am not drinking doesn't mean you can't.
Him: I know. I just don't want to drink that much either.
Me: I think I want a glass of wine (was I waiting for permission? encouragement?)
Him: No you don't.
Me; You're right. I will regret it if I do.
Him: Yes, you will.
I am so thankful to have a husband who gets me and really cares. I know he also worries about his relationship with alcohol, but is less likely to do anything about it. But he has been taking some cues from me this month and, with the exception of Saturday night, he is drinking far less than usual. I am not sure if he is trying to be supportive or if he is just finding encouragement from me. Either way, it's been helpful. 10 days in the books.
Your hubby is a good man!3 -
I agree with everyone who has said that this is a great place to come for support without judgement.5
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Great job everyone!! Way to keep up the good work and learning new ways to cope!
I just completed day 10 AF! Not missing those 3am wake up calls at all, lol! Adding in some exercise finally and feeling better. I love the Annie Graces 30 Day Experiment. It has been very helpful and I highly recommend it. It doesn't take much time daily to complete and it kinda makes you deal with things you would rather not!
Have a great day Guys and Gals!1
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