Less Alcohol - MAY 2020 - One Day at a Time
Replies
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As usual, I am going to try for 16-20 AF days for the month.
My goal used to be 8AF days per month, I am pretty happy to try to cruise between 16-20 so as not to put too much pressure on myself. If I get more that is just gravy.
I managed 22AF days somehow in April!!
Thanks @MissMay for keeping us going : - )
Spoiler
Sunday May 10 - AF - My post is looking a little long, I should condense it now that I know how to : - P
Monday May 11 - AF
Tuesday May 12 - AF - This used to be my designated drinks day when I was working 12-14 hours each Tuesday. Heck, I am forgetting which day it is now. Planned drinks for Thursday this week. I wanted some today, just didn't have any.
Wednesday May 13 - 3 drinks - didn't make it to Thursday. It was the first time that I was able to fall asleep at a reasonable time since the last time that I had drinks. I am becoming less tolerant to alcohol however, it really hit me.
Thursday May 14 - AF - Hair of the dog would have only prolonged the way that I woke up for yet another day. I have to get at least my 2AF days in a row now.
Friday May 15 - AF - Looks like it is to be cold and rainy here starting next Monday for a week! I am going to try to delay drinks days for one of those rainy days and get as much done in the yard before I can't get outside to "play" for a week.
Saturday May 16 - 3 drinks. Didn't make it to my 2 AF days in between, but no regrets whatsoever.
11AF days out of 16 days so far5 -
Oh those sneaky calories in those coffee creamers.
I while back I decided to incorporate a daily protein drink into my life. I could not believe how wonderful it tasted and had low carbs for a mocha latte flavor. So I began using that as my "creamer" for my coffee. I am getting the two in one benefits.
Once you do accountability with alcohol, it seems calorie/food accountability fall right into the same daily awareness.
One day my hubs told me he was starving, he said he had not eaten ALL day. I began to rattle off things I had seen him putting into his mouth during that day. He goes...."Well, that was not really food, it does not count". REALLY????? He was seeing them as non-counting snack items, but NOT seeing the empty and fast accumulating calories through out the day. It was making him sluggish and hungry without giving him the nutritional benefits he needed.
Have a lovey Sunday (or whatever day it is in your corner of the world)
May-16 days / 13AF
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Oh those sneaky calories! I always say they don't count if I'm standing up 😉 first day back at work yesterday, it was crazy busy but I made it doggone it, 6:33 am in Vegas another 24,have a fabulous day all 💗8
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13 AF days/16 days....excellent news @whitpauly, about your job.....!
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At our “concert” Saturday afternoon, Neighbors hardly took notice of what I was drinking. And since I had something in my hand, I wasn’t being offered stuff either.
This group is making me just pause before I open a beer or a bottle of wine. Making me think if what I really am craving is a drink or if it’s just habit.
AF yesterday, because I Chose It! Didn’t just blindly follow habits (hot, yard work = beer). Have a great day folks!
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Hi Everyone...looks like everyone is being mindful and keeping on--that's huge! Haven't been on for a little while, but still doing well AF. Well, I'm AF--not sure I'm always doing "well." Still have the Big Grumps often and trying to deal with feelings. What the hell did we do with our feelings before we started drinking them away??? Of course, I was never grumpy about not getting to have my wine when I was a kid.
I haven't had the weight loss I thought I'd have after 2.5 months AF, so started food tracking again today. I too like some coffee with my cream (and even more with Bailey's!!!).
Just a reminder that there is some decent AF beer out there. I'm going on a quest for Athletic again. Need an IPA fix. Haven't tried Bravus, craft NA beer, but they ship to all 50 states!
Here's to making it a great week.9 -
Hi all! Yesterday we bought an ornamental citrus tree called a Calamondin. The fruit is a hybrid between a lime and a kumquat. I’m sure it doesn’t exist in nature. Anyway, I had my first gin and tonic of the season,and used one of these calamondin fruits instead of a lime. It was really delicious! Just had one though. We need to bring it indoors for the winter. Now, instead of having a sunroom, I have an “orangerie”. So posh!
Then I cut the hell out of my pinkie making dinner. Ouch! Got bandaged up by my son and pampered by the rest of the family.
8/17 days AF. Can you believe Memorial Day Weekend is coming up in less than a week???7 -
At our “concert” Saturday afternoon, Neighbors hardly took notice of what I was drinking. And since I had something in my hand, I wasn’t being offered stuff either.
This group is making me just pause before I open a beer or a bottle of wine. Making me think if what I really am craving is a drink or if it’s just habit.
AF yesterday, because I Chose It! Didn’t just blindly follow habits (hot, yard work = beer). Have a great day folks!
I love this so much.7 -
We have a key lime that we’ve grown from just a wee twig. It’s so big we had to give it a trim to move it outside today for the summer. Lots of blossoms, so hoping for a good batch again this year.8
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Enjoyed reading all your insights and hard work!
I’m still AF for this month. Had a strong craving yesterday, and I was able to identify the thinking behind it. I associate alcohol with being fun and friendly. I was also getting ready to meet with a friend (by Zoom) and i thought having a drink would make me and the call more fun. I decided to delay getting a drink with the possibility of drinking later that night as I am not opposed to it at all.
Ended up bringing a fancy pellegrino to the call and the desire to have a drink went away. Been an interesting experiment for me to take a break this long.
Here’s to a great week, all!9 -
As usual, I am going to try for 16-20 AF days for the month.
My goal used to be 8AF days per month, I am pretty happy to try to cruise between 16-20 so as not to put too much pressure on myself. If I get more that is just gravy.
I managed 22AF days somehow in April!!
Thanks @MissMay for keeping us going : - )
Spoiler
Sunday May 10 - AF - My post is looking a little long, I should condense it now that I know how to : - P
Monday May 11 - AF
Tuesday May 12 - AF - This used to be my designated drinks day when I was working 12-14 hours each Tuesday. Heck, I am forgetting which day it is now. Planned drinks for Thursday this week. I wanted some today, just didn't have any.
Wednesday May 13 - 3 drinks - didn't make it to Thursday. It was the first time that I was able to fall asleep at a reasonable time since the last time that I had drinks. I am becoming less tolerant to alcohol however, it really hit me.
Thursday May 14 - AF - Hair of the dog would have only prolonged the way that I woke up for yet another day. I have to get at least my 2AF days in a row now.
Friday May 15 - AF - Looks like it is to be cold and rainy here starting next Monday for a week! I am going to try to delay drinks days for one of those rainy days and get as much done in the yard before I can't get outside to "play" for a week.
Saturday May 16 - 3 drinks. Didn't make it to my 2 AF days in between, but no regrets whatsoever.
Sunday May 17 - AF - Felt like having drinks, but resisted.
12AF days out of 17 days so far7 -
I'm re-reading posts this morning and so many of you are thinking before drinking--just think how many people don't ever do this and are on autopilot. Even if you decide to drink, you are gaining insight to your motivators. While I've mentioned being grumpy during my drinking break, I want to also mention feeling wonderful EVERY morning, never having to worry about drinking and driving (hah--like there's anywhere to go), or feeling too hungover to exercise (at my age, 2 glasses of wine=feel like crappola next morning/day).9
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13 AF days/17 days...Sunday I drank 3 of my husband's Coors beers (yuk) yesterday as a remedy for hot flashes. I was feeling quite crappy, breaking out in sweats and all. Beer set me straight. Not happy about this but at least I didn't jump in the car to buy a bottle of wine.
Anyway, ready to make this week better than last....need to un-do the 700 alcohol calories consumed this weekend and be on point if I want to reach another 1lb weight loss by Friday. Needs to be a no-excuses week.8 -
@globalhiker Not sure how you feel about hormone replacement therapy, but after 6 years of hot flashes, but I started HRT a month ago and mine are gone (except this wknd when I didn't have my meds with me). Mine were so bad, I'd go out and stand in the snow in nothing but a robe.7
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Good Monday morning Less Alcohol people! Has the MFP server been down for anyone else? Every time I tried to log on over the weekend I kept getting an error message
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Looks as if this is going to work for now. First things first, still drinking daily and still sitting on the proverbial plateau of 2 cans of brut bubbles Why won't I jump off? I think one of the issues is that I don't feel like crap the next morning. The calories (500ish) is another story. Not to mention the long term damage to my body. So why won't I resolve to take better care of myself by cutting back the EtOH? Things that make you go "Hmmm...."
@Womona I use the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA - a division of the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD) Rethinking Drinking drink size calculator.
https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/Tools/Calculators/drink-size-calculator.aspx[url="http://"][/url]
Unfortunately, I do not believe they have an app. If the above link doesn't work type in a search for "drink size calculator rethinking drinking - niaaa" and that should take you right to the page.
@MissMay I like the idea of using a protein drink to sub for cream in my coffee. Do you have a favorite? Some can taste a little chalky.
@mainelylisa Someone makes an N/A IPA? And it tastes good? Or at least OK? I agree about HRT (hormone replacement...). Made my transition almost effortless. Been off it for close to 10yrs now with no return of symptoms. But it is a very personal choice.
Hope everyone has a GREAT week!5 -
I was afraid of HRT. Once I couldn't stand the flashes anymore I went to a health food store and got a natural remedy, Estroven. The natural herbs take 5-7 days to kick in, but it was a lifesaver. I went off of them after 2 years, and my menopause was over. Triggering the flashes were coffee and alcohol for mine btw.6
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As usual, I am going to try for 16-20 AF days for the month.
My goal used to be 8AF days per month, I am pretty happy to try to cruise between 16-20 so as not to put too much pressure on myself. If I get more that is just gravy.
I managed 22AF days somehow in April!!
Thanks @MissMay for keeping us going : - )
Saturday May 16 - 3 drinks. Didn't make it to my 2 AF days in between, but no regrets whatsoever.
Sunday May 17 - AF - Felt like having drinks, but resisted.
Monday May 18 - AF - Fancied a drink, delayed enough times to resist.
13AF days out of 18 days so far5 -
Morning bright and sunny here.
@Doxmum I am using the Atkins mocha latte protien rich shake. I chose this because it has low sugar/carbs and 15g protein but oddly enough tastes sweet. Go fiqure huh?
I am sure you will ease off your brut bubbles in time. Here is a little suggestion. Try making yourself a mixed bubbles glass. Add half OJ or any fruit based juice to your alcohol. That will give you two drinks with only 1/2 the brut. Worth a try to "trick" ourselves into thinking we are still having 2 drinks.
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😃mainelylisa wrote: »Mine were so bad, I'd go out and stand in the snow in nothing but a robe.
One bare foot out from under the covers at night was my thermostat control in the past.
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14 AF days/18 days...I was good last night. Made some yummy smoked pork tostadas with guacamole. Logged 9.5 walking miles too..
Thanks everyone for all your good tips , will keep your sound advice in mind. I have not had flashes for at least 6 months and this one happened the day after I drank rose bubbles so I think @dawnbgethealthy may be right about the alcohol perhaps being my trigger.
I used to put a bag of ice on my head and behind my neck and that would work quickly, wonder why I forgot about using that?
Separately thought: I need to re-start buying the Pellegrino even though it's not been on sale, since that can be my no calorie "bubbles" go-to alternative.....and for any upcoming celebrations put the white wine on the "do not drink" list and try something different.6 -
Discovered this thread prior to COVID disrupting our world. Although I knew I drank too much every night, I remained functional. So I lied to myself. Told myself there was no harm in it if having a few as my reward for a job well done. It took a caring husband to spell out all of the negative ways my nightly ritual was disrupting our lives. Hard to hear. So I deliberately searched for this thread and found it again today. Read so many honest and encouraging posts that I am declaring May 19 as my May Day...4 days AF. Even though it's early in the journey and I've committed to no real goal, I've noticed some benefit in sleeping better, less acid reflex and not crashing early in my chair. @MissMay I really appreciate you setting up this thread and for all those who share in it.12
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@sklaw31 So glad you came back. This is a very supportive non-judgmental group.
Just got invited to a family member's deck "party" featuring Taylor Swift in Paris on Hulu (and my sister-in-law on her mic). My first thought was...ugh...I'm on a drinking break--how will this be fun for me. Then I thought about how I- know I won't embarrass myself (well, corny puns are a given--I've already decided Mic and the Lobsters are a great band name)
- won't make my guy angry
- get to remember conversations
- remember how good the lobster tastes (yes, I've had nights where I've eaten wonderful food with no recollection), and
- will get out and run Sat morning feeling great.
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As usual, I am going to try for 16-20 AF days for the month.
My goal used to be 8AF days per month, I am pretty happy to try to cruise between 16-20 so as not to put too much pressure on myself. If I get more that is just gravy.
I managed 22AF days somehow in April!!
Thanks @MissMay for keeping us going : - )
Saturday May 16 - 3 drinks. Didn't make it to my 2 AF days in between, but no regrets whatsoever.
Sunday May 17 - AF - Felt like having drinks, but resisted.
Monday May 18 - AF - Fancied a drink, delayed enough times to resist.
Tuesday May 19 - AF - Felt like having drinks, also felt like having Ribs or Pizza, but didn't have any of those, I can have them another day.
14AF days out of 19 days so far7 -
Discovered this thread prior to COVID disrupting our world. Although I knew I drank too much every night, I remained functional. So I lied to myself. Told myself there was no harm in it if having a few as my reward for a job well done. It took a caring husband to spell out all of the negative ways my nightly ritual was disrupting our lives. Hard to hear. So I deliberately searched for this thread and found it again today. Read so many honest and encouraging posts that I am declaring May 19 as my May Day...4 days AF. Even though it's early in the journey and I've committed to no real goal, I've noticed some benefit in sleeping better, less acid reflex and not crashing early in my chair. @MissMay I really appreciate you setting up this thread and for all those who share in it.
Welcome @sklaw31 we are glad you have decided to hang out with us and be accountable for your alcohol consumption. Some times it does take hearing it from a loved one to start the process rolling no matter how functional we are while drinking. 😊7 -
mainelylisa wrote: »@sklaw31 So glad you came back. This is a very supportive non-judgmental group.
Just got invited to a family member's deck "party" featuring Taylor Swift in Paris on Hulu (and my sister-in-law on her mic). My first thought was...ugh...I'm on a drinking break--how will this be fun for me. Then I thought about how I- know I won't embarrass myself (well, corny puns are a given--I've already decided Mic and the Lobsters are a great band name)
- won't make my guy angry
- get to remember conversations
- remember how good the lobster tastes (yes, I've had nights where I've eaten wonderful food with no recollection), and
- will get out and run Sat morning feeling great.
Enjoy your deck party @mainelylisa , (I used to hate stumbling out of bed trying to recall what I ate the night before, mostly for me it was horrible drunk eating, ALL the worst possible junk foods)
I completely spaced that this was Memorial Day Weekend, I seriously thought it was the 30, 31 & 1st. 🤐.7 -
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15 AF days/19 days...it's going to be a perfect morning here - only 65 degrees right now....
Memorial Day weekend planning begins....I'll focus on buying more backyard plants and see what else is on sale. The backyard makeover project begins.......8 -
mainelylisa wrote: »@sklaw31 So glad you came back. This is a very supportive non-judgmental group.
Just got invited to a family member's deck "party" featuring Taylor Swift in Paris on Hulu (and my sister-in-law on her mic). My first thought was...ugh...I'm on a drinking break--how will this be fun for me. Then I thought about how I- know I won't embarrass myself (well, corny puns are a given--I've already decided Mic and the Lobsters are a great band name)
- won't make my guy angry
- get to remember conversations
- remember how good the lobster tastes (yes, I've had nights where I've eaten wonderful food with no recollection), and
- will get out and run Sat morning feeling great.
Enjoy your deck party @mainelylisa , (I used to hate stumbling out of bed trying to recall what I ate the night before, mostly for me it was horrible drunk eating, ALL the worst possible junk foods)
I completely spaced that this was Memorial Day Weekend, I seriously thought it was the 30, 31 & 1st. 🤐.
I spaced it AND mother's day until the very weekend of it! What a blur these past couple of months have been and it's not a beer haze😆 6:47 am in Vegas another 24, hope everyone enjoys their day 💗7
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