Less Alcohol- July 2018- One Day at a Time
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I am absolutely having the same issue with sweets, kcn2bluesky! Continuing to eat a loooottt more dessert and ice cream and chocolate than I used to. But I am really enjoying it all and my weight has not gone up (actually, it's gone down a few pounds since Jan, which I do not want either). I do sometimes worry about the amount of sugar I'm eating, but it's usually not too much more than what MFP says I should be having, so that should be ok, right?
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I've heard several people comment on increased cravings for sweets. I'm thinking the sweet cravings could be the same part of the brain that houses the reward center & that sugar gives the same response that alcohol used to...alcohol converts to sugar so there's likely a connection. I'm sure one of the videos: Annie Grace or Craig Beck could explain it much better than I am.
As far as the sugar consumption, there is a difference between processed sugar & sugar that occurs naturally in fruit, so even though MFP may allow a certain amount of sugar, I'm thinking for optimum health desserts should be kept to a minimum.2 -
My sweet cravings have been there. They seem to increase with the more stress I am under. When I was drinking, I would drink more and more with the increased stress. I probably programmed my brain for this as I wasn't always a sweet craver to this extent.1
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I have not posted here since the last week in March. BUT I have checked in and read each and every post, every day. I have 159 days since January 2018 that I have been doing serious accountability of my alcohol consumption. Proud to say I have cut way back from where I was during the 2017 holiday season and even gone several weeks without alcohol at times this year. "Personal battles ~equals~ personal wins".10
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After lurking here several times I'm joining the party. I've been off and on between AF and moderation for the last 10 months or so and find the community angle really helps. Thanks for all the great links!9
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Hi I'm a newbie to this group. After a very tiring day in London drinking with friends I've made a promise to my liver that I will not drink a single drop of alcohol throughout July. As if by magic I then found this thread!
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@MissMay I do remember your posts - you're doing very well these days ! Happy you checked in and let us know. Xo
@bufger @jugar welcome ! Yes, this thread is good for that! Motivation and community are pretty effective tools for cutting back. Besides the liver, our brain and pancreas thank us too! Xo3 -
Regarding sweet cravings, count me in. I get sweet cravings which is thanks to dopamine.... is the same process when alcohol consumption increases dopamine. Alcohol is sugar. All produce dopamine effect.
I know this isn't correct thinking, but I do let myself have some sugar treats instead of caving to alcohol. But both things are harmful. For now, my health priority is to focus on cutting alcohol.6 -
A simple thank you to the friends on this thread. Last night, I was anxious, bored and tempted to drink. The only thing that stopped me was thinking of the people on the thread who have abstained -
It gave me inspiration to work through the cravings - I said "if they can do it, so can I". ❤14 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »A simple thank you to the friends on this thread. Last night, I was anxious, bored and tempted to drink. The only thing that stopped me was thinking of the people on the thread who have abstained -
It gave me inspiration to work through the cravings - I said "if they can do it, so can I". ❤
It really is amazing isn’t it!? Between this group and the weight loss challenge group, I really do ponder some decisions I make - and almost always for the better.10 -
@erikNJ so true !1
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I am in. I want to be AF all weekdays. I enjoy the sleep AND the consistent weight loss that comes with not drinking, but lately have given in way too much, even if it just one drink in an evening. I am currently reading Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol by Ann Dowsett Johnston and will let you all know what I think!5
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I've been lurking since June but I'm ready to jump in! I love how positive and encouraging everyone is here (and @JulieAL1969 and @NovusDies - you guys provide so much great info and insight that has really impacted the way I'm thinking about drinking AND eating, bc I'm finding this information applies to both). Over the years my "weekend wine" has become more frequent that just weekends, and I hate the effects on my waistline and how I feel, but it's such an easy trap to stay in (especially with work, kids, life stress - and in summer, it seems to be even worse). I would really like to cut way back. Still deciding if that means totally "Dry July" or if I want to have some other plan. Guess I better figure that out quickly.
I lost weight tracking calories on MFP years ago, and I dabble in tracking here and there, but I know that consistent dedication is what needs to happen. I also had success with WW in the past. For the past few years, though, it seems that the things that used to work just aren't any more, and I get frustrated when I don't see results so I throw in the towel - again and again. I would love to know what other threads on MFP you guys like for weight loss, and if you have any tips in addition to cutting back on alcohol!5 -
I'm looking forward to cutting back this month. Weekends and Holidays only is it he goal. It's become too easy for the nightly glass of wine or beer to turn into 2 or 3. It's sabotaging my weight loss, and I'm looking to live an overall healthier lifestyle.4
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Today was Day 8
I know I am not being very supportive but I do appreciate seeing all of you making progress8 -
@NormInv 8 days is really good! @MissMay Glad to see you back. I've been thinking about you! @lilann1961 I loved that book. I also liked "Drinking: A love Story". I am currently reading, "Rational Recovery" which is really speaking to me right now. To the new people, this is a fantastic resource and a great, supportive group of folks. Welcome!2
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Welcome @lilann1961 @jaime920 @spygirl2014 Nice to hear your comments and goals. Join us for a July of sobriety or moderation. Xo2
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I'm struggling with going completely AF again (did 4 months) but not stressing too much. For the moment I never have more than one beer and that doesn't give me any bad effects. I'm wondering why even that one beer though. Need to do some more reading and thinking.7
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »A simple thank you to the friends on this thread. Last night, I was anxious, bored and tempted to drink. The only thing that stopped me was thinking of the people on the thread who have abstained -
It gave me inspiration to work through the cravings - I said "if they can do it, so can I". ❤
Excellent Job!!2 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Regarding sweet cravings, count me in. I get sweet cravings which is thanks to dopamine.... is the same process when alcohol consumption increases dopamine. Alcohol is sugar. All produce dopamine effect.
I know this isn't correct thinking, but I do let myself have some sugar treats instead of caving to alcohol. But both things are harmful. For now, my health priority is to focus on cutting alcohol.
Me, too.1 -
This is a wonderful thread, thank you for keeping it going Julie!4
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Today was Day 8
I know I am not being very supportive but I do appreciate seeing all of you making progress
You'll be supportive when you can be. In the meantime you have my support. 8 days is amazing. I'm glad you're back, I missed your humor.
And just so you know, my progress doesn't exist. I'm backsliding, for about a week now. Life happens, death happened, I didn't deal as well as I would like. You are not alone.8 -
I'm in!!! Starting a new healthy lifestyle and I want to be alcchol free.5
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Today was Day 8
I know I am not being very supportive but I do appreciate seeing all of you making progress
You'll be supportive when you can be. In the meantime you have my support. 8 days is amazing. I'm glad you're back, I missed your humor.
And just so you know, my progress doesn't exist. I'm backsliding, for about a week now. Life happens, death happened, I didn't deal as well as I would like. You are not alone.
Thank you for the kind words. The thing is we're still here, we still come to this place, that itself shows we are self aware and fighting. We may not win all battles but we shall win the war. Sorry for your loss, here for you.8 -
Snoo61 Death is difficult to cope with. I'm sorry you are hurting. Please be gentle with yourself through your grief. Thinking of you
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Are gummy bears a healthy breakfast? I've been AF for a few days now and the sugar craving is going up but that is OK and for me, better than drinking. Stay cool and happy 4th of July everyone! 5
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I've been lurking since June but I'm ready to jump in! I love how positive and encouraging everyone is here (and @JulieAL1969 and @NovusDies - you guys provide so much great info and insight that has really impacted the way I'm thinking about drinking AND eating, bc I'm finding this information applies to both). Over the years my "weekend wine" has become more frequent that just weekends, and I hate the effects on my waistline and how I feel, but it's such an easy trap to stay in (especially with work, kids, life stress - and in summer, it seems to be even worse). I would really like to cut way back. Still deciding if that means totally "Dry July" or if I want to have some other plan. Guess I better figure that out quickly.
I lost weight tracking calories on MFP years ago, and I dabble in tracking here and there, but I know that consistent dedication is what needs to happen. I also had success with WW in the past. For the past few years, though, it seems that the things that used to work just aren't any more, and I get frustrated when I don't see results so I throw in the towel - again and again. I would love to know what other threads on MFP you guys like for weight loss, and if you have any tips in addition to cutting back on alcohol!
I think stopping the regular cycle of drinking doesn't come easy for most people regardless of their eventual goals. I believe you have to begin with self-management but you have to start with where you are now not who you think you are or where you hope to end up. I started with a 10 year old who required compromise, distraction, and supervision. I had to give in enough to keep him happy, distract him with other activities during times I would drink, and get my wife involved to help keep me accountable. It was embarrassing to have to deal with myself in such a manner but for me it was necessary to begin "growing up" that alcohol part of me. I had to create a way for the adult side of me starting making progress with the childish want-to-drink part of me to help boost my confidence.
Your food journey will also require self-management and it sounds like you struggle with patience. I would try sliding into the diet instead of making it a major event in your life. Just start logging for a couple of weeks and then cut back a little. When you do start the cut don't try to eat a specific way just a little less. Make it simple and easy. Perhaps make your first month about feeling better instead of weight loss.5 -
I'm in!!3
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I'm in! I am very new to MFP and have already seen a positive impact with tracking my diet and exercise. Not just relating to my health, but waking up and exercising makes me feel more positive and outgoing once I get to the office. However the problem with waking up early.. I like to have a drink or two after work.
I'd like to save my moderate drinking for Saturday only. Let's start!4
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