Less Alcohol- May 2018- One Day at a Time
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So my April goal was to be AF and lose 8 lbs. I lost a whopping 2.2 lbs and was AF 20 of 30 days. Not exactly what I was aiming for but better than it could have been. Happy May Day everyone!10
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So my April goal was to be AF and lose 8 lbs. I lost a whopping 2.2 lbs and was AF 20 of 30 days. Not exactly what I was aiming for but better than it could have been. Happy May Day everyone!
That’s great! 2 lbs a week is the most aggressive rate of loss recommended and its usually only for people that have more than 75 lbs to lose. Losing 2 lbs in a month and having 2/3 of the month AF is awesome!4 -
WinoGelato wrote: »So my April goal was to be AF and lose 8 lbs. I lost a whopping 2.2 lbs and was AF 20 of 30 days. Not exactly what I was aiming for but better than it could have been. Happy May Day everyone!
That’s great! 2 lbs a week is the most aggressive rate of loss recommended and its usually only for people that have more than 75 lbs to lose. Losing 2 lbs in a month and having 2/3 of the month AF is awesome!
Agreed. Don't sell yourself short. If I can do that this month, I'll do a cart-wheel, and it won't be pretty! (especially the 2 of 3 days dry).3 -
I've been cutting back for a few weeks now and am committed to keeping it up through May. We have a new baby at home and it's a bit more stressful than I imagined it would be...the drink tallys were definitely trending higher.
Since I quit smoking about 5 months ago I found that my body regularly craves something starting around 6PM. Before I quit smoking, I would just have a cigarette and call it done. Now that I don't smoke, I found that this craving can be satisfied with either food or drinks. It's very weird.
Either way, my main mechanism to reduce alcohol has been to not let myself have a drink until after dinner. Whereas I really feel like I want a drink before I eat (or while I'm preparing dinner), that desire tends to go away after I've eaten. I'm not sure I understand it, but I'm sure it has something to do with 'depriving' myself on multiple fronts at the same time (smoking, food, and alcohol). My goal is to continue to limit drinks to 2 nights a week and even then to keep those nights at a reasonable 2 drinks or so.
Best of luck everyone.
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@DX2JX2, I don't understand it either, but the best way I have found to deal with an alcohol craving is to eat a little something--not overdo it but just a couple of crackers with peanut butter to get a little protein and sustenance. There must be a scientific reason, but I don't know what it is. I had powerful cravings last night but did just that and made it through Day 8 safely. Celebrating Day 9 today. Day 10 "reward" will be a cappuccino at the Italian-owned-and-run place I discovered last week. When I had the awesome gelato they promised their cappuccino would rock my world. Rewards motivate me!3
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First time posting/ checking out a forum.
I had a dry April, except for 1 night as it was my bestie's b-day (50th) and she had a wine tasting. One night, not so bad considering I was drinking 4-5x per week and often close to a bottle.
Committed to staying dry until May 16, I'll then be on back to back business trips until mid June. I find it challenging to stay dry, counting calories and being active on the road...my goal for the balance of May will be to be mindful and moderate!
Great forum, wonderful posts, it's refreshing to be in a group with honest people. Hang in there y'all - let's support each other in our commitments, be they dry, moderate or even just tracking! Thanks for listening.
Big hugs5 -
Had one drink last night, so it was a success. I got a huge puzzle (1,000 pieces) and I started it last night. I worked really well as a distraction, my hands and brain were busy so I didn't really notice that I was drinking my beer really slowly. It worked in a way that television and reading haven't worked for me. When I'm reading, it's too easy to drink my drink quickly and then start thinking about the next one.5
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Day 1 AF done. On to day 2.8
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First day here! Limiting alcohol intake to eat healthier and get in shape for my wedding in September. If you’re looking for motivation or encouragement, I got you!4
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As someone whose hobbies are growing hops, brewing, winemaking, cidermaking (cider and beer always on tap in the house), drinking in moderation is a lifestyle and a daily challenge for me. I don't like the feeling of being drunk, so I'm rarely there...but alcohol calories are still too many calories, and hard on all of your body's systems. I try my best to look at what moderation behaviors look like on a daily basis, and I thought I'd share some of the things that trip me up and/or help me:
- Alternative drinks like tea: I try to always have some kind of tasty decaf herbal tea in a pitcher in the fridge. This helps with wine cravings, or just wanting to have something in hand if people are over. It can also be mixed into a weaker cocktail or wine spritzer if the flavors are right.
- Sparkling water: Always have it on your shopping list. Or on tap. Maybe it sounds gross to you, but I mix sparkling water with cider or wine so I can feel like I'm still having something.
- Challenge -- Idle drinking while performing chores, hobbies, reading a book, or on a long distance phone call. This is something I've been trying to overcome. Do I seriously need a glass of wine while I garden, stack wood, or play the piano? Absolutely not. I should be completely present. Do I need a glass of wine while talking to my mom? Maybe...but I shouldn't. I can do laundry, take a walk, or have a glass of herbal tea during these phone calls.
- Challenge -- Friends over. This is a hard one. This house is known for its cocktails and beer, so there is always drinking when people are over. I'm not quite sure yet how to temper this other than putting something else in my hand, or focusing on being a good host and making sure food and music is on point.
- Challenge -- Remembering that alcohol doesn't really enhance social interactions or cool experiences. Sometimes it does smooth awkward interactions or grease the wheels, but only in moderation; it's a fine line between fun and even more awkward. I never regret being sober or feeling great during those times when good memories get made. But I always regret being the drunk person. Plus, alcohol always complicates getting home from the thing.
- Drinking should not = relax. I used to have a drink right when I got home from work. And then a couple more either while cooking, while eating dinner, while reading a book before bed. It wouldn't feel like the day was complete unless I finished the drink routine. I've cut this back to one or less than one, and realized how much I was self-medicating from my workday and escaping from the things I wasn't handling in life in general. Now I'm trying to incorporate a hobby, yoga, or music in place of the drink. Idle hands.........
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@carenrscott wow- those ideas were truly gems! Your thoughts and reflections were spot on. Thanks so much for sharing- I will reread these to let them sink in. You've got wisdom. Xo2
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I'm with @WinoGelato all the way. I didn't even have to bother writing out my goals. She did it for me. I drank one day last weekend and the two glasses of wine left me with a headache and feeling pretty subpar the next day. I am pretty content with my shift to "occasion" drinking, though, instead of drinking Fri-Sun because . . . I have no idea. But, wow, if I can't handle two glasses of wine my tolerance has sunk to a new low. I'm going on a five-day cruise May 14 with time before and after in Miami. So I know I will drink, but am pondering how to be reasonable. You experienced cruise people fire away, but I need to try to pre game this a bit. Those guys that walk through the water to serve you coco locos are a bit hard to resist, I gotta say.3
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As someone whose hobbies are growing hops, brewing, winemaking, cidermaking (cider and beer always on tap in the house), drinking in moderation is a lifestyle and a daily challenge for me. I don't like the feeling of being drunk, so I'm rarely there...but alcohol calories are still too many calories, and hard on all of your body's systems. I try my best to look at what moderation behaviors look like on a daily basis, and I thought I'd share some of the things that trip me up and/or help me:
- Alternative drinks like tea: I try to always have some kind of tasty decaf herbal tea in a pitcher in the fridge. This helps with wine cravings, or just wanting to have something in hand if people are over. It can also be mixed into a weaker cocktail or wine spritzer if the flavors are right.
- Sparkling water: Always have it on your shopping list. Or on tap. Maybe it sounds gross to you, but I mix sparkling water with cider or wine so I can feel like I'm still having something.
- Challenge -- Idle drinking while performing chores, hobbies, reading a book, or on a long distance phone call. This is something I've been trying to overcome. Do I seriously need a glass of wine while I garden, stack wood, or play the piano? Absolutely not. I should be completely present. Do I need a glass of wine while talking to my mom? Maybe...but I shouldn't. I can do laundry, take a walk, or have a glass of herbal tea during these phone calls.
- Challenge -- Friends over. This is a hard one. This house is known for its cocktails and beer, so there is always drinking when people are over. I'm not quite sure yet how to temper this other than putting something else in my hand, or focusing on being a good host and making sure food and music is on point.
- Challenge -- Remembering that alcohol doesn't really enhance social interactions or cool experiences. Sometimes it does smooth awkward interactions or grease the wheels, but only in moderation; it's a fine line between fun and even more awkward. I never regret being sober or feeling great during those times when good memories get made. But I always regret being the drunk person. Plus, alcohol always complicates getting home from the thing.
- Drinking should not = relax. I used to have a drink right when I got home from work. And then a couple more either while cooking, while eating dinner, while reading a book before bed. It wouldn't feel like the day was complete unless I finished the drink routine. I've cut this back to one or less than one, and realized how much I was self-medicating from my workday and escaping from the things I wasn't handling in life in general. Now I'm trying to incorporate a hobby, yoga, or music in place of the drink. Idle hands.........
I don't say this often in seriousness, usually in sarcasm, but in full seriousness this time: Strong First Post!
You really nailed so many of the challenges and potential solutions that those of us who are exploring moderation more than abstinence are working through.
This point: I never regret being sober or feeling great during those times when good memories get made. But I always regret being the drunk person. Plus, alcohol always complicates getting home from the thing. is a particularly great one. On one of our earlier threads someone dropped the gem "no one ever wakes up in the morning and wishes they had MORE to drink the night before".7 -
@kittybenn Have fun on your cruise, and all the luck resisting those drinks!! It's so hard on cruises and in other situations like that. I've resigned myself to having some drinks on vacay, because it's usually part of embracing those moments (unless you're someone who needs to or is trying to completely abstain). I had to cut most sugar out of my life years ago, so I had to retrain myself how to drink. Froofy drinks are completely out of the question--there are just too many additives (and they make me sick to my stomach now). Even in those tropical drink situations, you can find modifications. Now, granted, sugar is sugar is sugar. But to make myself feel better about it, I ask for a glass of dry wine, a gin and club soda (no tonic) with extra limes or lemons, a nice rum or whiskey on the rocks, or I have the bartender modify a marg or other basic cocktail to leave out the simple syrup, rose's lime juice, or other sneaky sugars. It's always ok to ask what's in a drink. & If they don't know, they need to know.2
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I'm with @WinoGelato all the way. I didn't even have to bother writing out my goals. She did it for me. I drank one day last weekend and the two glasses of wine left me with a headache and feeling pretty subpar the next day. I am pretty content with my shift to "occasion" drinking, though, instead of drinking Fri-Sun because . . . I have no idea. But, wow, if I can't handle two glasses of wine my tolerance has sunk to a new low. I'm going on a five-day cruise May 14 with time before and after in Miami. So I know I will drink, but am pondering how to be reasonable. You experienced cruise people fire away, but I need to try to pre game this a bit. Those guys that walk through the water to serve you coco locos are a bit hard to resist, I gotta say.
I went to an all inclusive back in March and was also apprehensive that I'd totally blow my mindful moderation plans. I definitely drank more - but I really paced myself, alternating a water or NA drink for every alcoholic drink. I never felt drunk or like I over did it - so I'm sure you can do the same on the cruise! But you're right, the frozen drinks are super hard to resist especially when the pool boys just keep coming around!2 -
WinoGelato wrote: »I'm with @WinoGelato all the way. I didn't even have to bother writing out my goals. She did it for me. I drank one day last weekend and the two glasses of wine left me with a headache and feeling pretty subpar the next day. I am pretty content with my shift to "occasion" drinking, though, instead of drinking Fri-Sun because . . . I have no idea. But, wow, if I can't handle two glasses of wine my tolerance has sunk to a new low. I'm going on a five-day cruise May 14 with time before and after in Miami. So I know I will drink, but am pondering how to be reasonable. You experienced cruise people fire away, but I need to try to pre game this a bit. Those guys that walk through the water to serve you coco locos are a bit hard to resist, I gotta say.
I went to an all inclusive back in March and was also apprehensive that I'd totally blow my mindful moderation plans. I definitely drank more - but I really paced myself, alternating a water or NA drink for every alcoholic drink. I never felt drunk or like I over did it - so I'm sure you can do the same on the cruise! But you're right, the frozen drinks are super hard to resist especially when the pool boys just keep coming around!
Oh and quoting myself for silliness sake - it helped me that my husband doesn't drink and we were with the kids - so they were putting those pool boys and bartenders through their virgin drink making paces. We had virgin pina coladas and daquiris coming around just as much as my fully loaded mudslides and margaritas. So that's also an option as well @kittybenn2 -
What a great challenge, so excited to join, I am going to commit to one glass of wine WITH dinner. I typically tend to have one while cooking dinner, one with dinner and one after dinner...there goes a bottle of wine! Self awareness is an important thing, thank you for starting this challenge! Good luck to everyone with your goals!6
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WinoGelato wrote: »My May goals:
1. Continue to practice Mindful Moderation
2. Stay away from the slippery slope of consecutive drinks and consecutive days drinking, even in moderate amounts, what I’m calling Mindless Moderation.
3. More total days alcohol free than drinking - that hasn’t happened since February. March and April both had weeks with vacation and work trips that I didn’t adhere to my plan of abstaining during the week and only drinking on weekends.
Good luck to all and welcome to new members!
I am right here with you, Jan and Feb were good, April was a slippery slope. May I hope to get back to moderation and not an everyday event. I can come up with any excuse to have a drink in the evening, its warm out, sun is out, crappy rain, stress at work, Its Thursday, it's Friday, I am happy, I am sad.....I think you can get the picture. Welcome May!4
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