Less Alcohol - JANUARY 2021 - One Day At A Time
Replies
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Good day to you all!
Just caught up on the thread and it was so eye opening today!
The self reflection from so many here has set me back on my heels to think about my own journey this month. When I found this thread at the first of January I really felt I had a home to 'lay it all out there' with a group of like struggling individuals and you have not disappointed!
This month so far I am 13 out of 22 days AF, this has not happened for me since I was pregnant with my last daughter 29 years ago!
Please continue to post and inspire @missmay please keep this thread going I so need the help and inspiration
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@HerNameIsMischief
I had posted some thing similar to this a week or so ago to give folks a guide as to what a standard
drink looks like. If your concerned about the health effects on your body from consuming alcohol then this may give you some motivation. The recommended consumption is one or two standard size drinks(depending where you are located in the world) for people. Regardless of size, age etc.
Your tall boys that you consumed last evening are 24 ounces each, that is twice the standard sized 5% beer recommendation.
I am sure you a.ready know this because you do present yourself as an intelligent man. Just thought this may give a bit of insight for you to roll around in your head.
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Good day to you all!
Just caught up on the thread and it was so eye opening today!
The self reflection from so many here has set me back on my heels to think about my own journey this month. When I found this thread at the first of January I really felt I had a home to 'lay it all out there' with a group of like struggling individuals and you have not disappointed!
This month so far I am 13 out of 22 days AF, this has not happened for me since I was pregnant with my last daughter 29 years ago!
Please continue to post and inspire @missmay please keep this thread going I so need the help and inspiration
It really pleases me you find our group so moving and helpful. There is always a new monthly thread created near the end of the present one. We will post the link next weekend. The Less Alcohol threads have been in existence since before January 2018.
😊5 -
@HerNameIsMischief
Just a point of clarification I was using "revolting" as a verb, not an adjective. Please do not think I was insulting you.4 -
@HerNameIsMischief
Just a point of clarification I was using "revolting" as a verb, not an adjective. Please do not think I was insulting you.
That was the joke.
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Hey I'm back. Day 3 AF in a row. Rolling total of 11 out of 23 days.
I found a friend to confide in and she is helping to hold me accountable.
I haven't cought up on the thread yet, but hope to get a chance later today.
Thank you for the ongoing support I have found here.6 -
Had only one glass both last night and tonight. Didn’t pour that 2nd glass!
So after losing my tennis match today 🙁, came home at dinner time. Had a glass of wine on an empty stomach as wonder husband cooked dinner. Holy cow! Half a glass and I was pretty tipsy! I couldn’t believe how fast I felt it. Glad I stopped at just one.
He made pizza which I will totally regret tomorrow, but it was yummy.4 -
Fishing today and brought home enough speckled trout for fish tacos with guacamole for lunch. Long afternoon walk then 2 rum w/ diet coke this evening (drinking water now). Lovely smoked roast for dinner and watched a dark comedy ... The Dressmaker. Mom, DH & I had a nice quiet evening. She is enjoying us being around and it has been nice. Though I am doing a ton of technology advice and fixing of her phone and iPad for her which consumes hours. But such is life.3
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I'm happy to send everybody a slice or here's the recipe: It's the Good Housekeeping Merryfield Apple Cake. https://www.cooks.com/recipe/3j16h777/merryfield-apple-cake.html I add flaxseed to increase the protein; I also reduce the white sugar & add 1/2 c brown sugar, I also add 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg & 1/2 tsp allspice. Yes, there is still too much sugar & oil for a "diet" but between the apples & flaxseed, overall it's not a terribly unhealthy cake . . .or at least I console myself with that idea.
@Trish1c - I love baking apple cakes like this too. Instead of the full 1 cup of oil I use 1/2 cup of oil and then substitute applesauce for the other 1/2 cup. Still moist and even healthier! I've also tried substituting applesauce for the whole cup off and on.
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I am Dawn, I live in SE BC
I will post with my usual diary style to keep track of my AF days.
Keeping to my usual goal of 16-20 AF days per month, which is manageable for me and doesn't put too much pressure on me.
Wednesday Jan 20 - AF - Managed to get out for a little hike and a little skate after work today. After getting in from the out of doors I really really wanted a Peppermint Schnapps in Cocoa, but I had drinks only yesterday, so talked myself out of it. Hit my 16 today : - )
Thursday Jan 21 - Drinks. Micro sips sort of. Had a fantastic hike, somewhere I hadn't been in years (can't go there spring, summer, or fall because there is a momma bear with cubs each year, and it is her home plus she might kill you). I had half ounces of a few mixtures including espresso baileys with other things mixed in. I measure always since joining this thread. I fell twice on the trail yesterday on ice, I'm okay, but pretty sore.
Friday Jan 22 - AF - I didn't hike much today, pretty sore from the 3 falls that I have had since last Sunday. Epsom's bath with essential oil added, a glass of champagne would have been nice. Some other time for bubbly in the tub, not today.
Saturday Jan 23 - Drinks - Fell yet again today, this time my friend was on the icy trail with me and witnessed it. It didn't really feel like a hard fall, but I fell mostly on the palm/heel of my hand and it is very sore. Probably not an excuse to drink, but on my second and may or may not have a 3rd while I have a tiny ice pack under a pressure bandage on the area. As much as I have hurt myself in the last 6 days (4 falls now) I truly believe that I am doing less damage to my body than I would have if I was sitting on the couch or at a desk every day all day. All good. Planning AF for the next 2 days.
Rolling total 17AF days out of 23 days5 -
HerNameIsMischief wrote: »The thing is, I've been drinking pretty much daily for a long time and this is a pretty new occurrence. I'm used to getting sick after maybe a week's worth of drinking and getting the jitters and maybe puking, but not this new gastrointestinal problem. It's not severe, but it's been happening virtually every night for at least a week.
Gurl.
Your body is trying to warn you/is breaking down. Take a breather. Re-evaluate. Life can be better. Be nice to yourself. As @globalhiker suggested, take one hour - probably make it early before booze or weed - carve out some intentions, make a plan. Check out page one of this thread for links to help. We want to help.
I was a daily drinker, many on here were. Yes, some of us have been years getting up to this point, it doesn't happen overnight for sure, but those of us that have cut back are having healthier happier lives and have dropped major fat off of our bodies by cutting down on the booze. We have also discovered/uncovered things that we truly love to do, that take precedence over booze. Finding your passion is a journey, I'm sure that you have one that you can eventually begin to concentrate your energy on instead of numbing.
The first step was arriving here and speaking your truth. Applaud yourself for that, your bravery.
The more that you use negative self-talk and booze, the further that you will be from experiencing pure joy.
What do you need from us? What would you like to hear or not hear? Most of us have some battle scars from boozing, you are new to the thread so might not have read about that.
We go at our own individual paces and celebrate each other's "wins" be they what they may be.
Yes, there are others here too.
Empathy and supporting others is part of understanding yourself and contributing to the conversation.10 -
Ended up having a bit less than usual last night even if less was maybe a tallboy less. Right now my stomach doesn't hurt, but I feel incredibly round and bloated. I'm surprised that as full as I feel, I could easily eat or drink though I'm not hungry.
Every day starts out as a quitting day. Just two or three tallboys, enough to give you a mild buzz to guide you gracefully into the world of sobriety and boredom. And then that last tallboy starts to feel light in your hand and you think, "I'm not really buzzed at all." And then you think, "You could quit now. A six-pack of beer isn't going to mess up your day. You could even work out today, later on." And then you think, "Yeah, but I've already invested the money and calories into getting buzzed...why not get one or two more to finish the job?" And so I do.
I love this time of the morning, when it's still dark out. One thing I realized about drinking I've learned to like is going to get it in the morning. There's a certain sneakiness to it, going out in the dark and then you're set up until the afternoon. I probably will go out.4 -
@dawnbgethealthy yeouch!!!!! Girl, you need some Yak Traks or something! Be careful out there on those icy trails!
@Lilylady3k sounds like the perfect evening! Congrats on catching all that fish!4 -
@dawnbgethealthy Bravo to your post above--almost drove me to tears. And yes, you need to Yak it up!
Yes, most of us do have battle scars and alcohol is still quite complicated even when we have worked hard and made great progress.
I had 3 sips of lovely boxed Chard opened the night before TGiving. However when DH saw that I had poured, he was not happy. Apparently I had misunderstood the last convo we'd had about drinking which was...we can do this once in a while and have fun. I hadn't realized it needed to be a whole conversation and planning thing. Well, I put it down, was miserable and angry and I don't even know all the emotions. We looked like one of those couples at dinner that you judge--their marriage was over 5 years ago. Surrounded by sledders who were drunk and obnoxious. And then our neighbors came in who basically have said one thing to us - "Too bad you're Biden supporters."
He reacted like that for good reason--as I'm not the only one who has scars from my drinking. It's been a few years since I've blacked out and said awful things (which I don't remember). But I have. And then the holidays with family where I couldn't even string a coherent sentence together. When he said he was "disappointed," I felt a rush of STRONG emotions of shame, anger, frustration...you name it.
We talked this morning and are good. We both have and continue to need to rein it in. And I have to admit that I'm feeling a lot better physically than if I'd had my 2 planned drinks. Even the 3 sips made me a little woozy (I DO take a good sip--never know when it might be the last for a while). That is the power of tolerance. Or rather anti-tolerance.8 -
dawnbgethealthy wrote: »Gurl.
Your body is trying to warn you/is breaking down. Take a breather. Re-evaluate. Life can be better. Be nice to yourself. As @globalhiker suggested, take one hour - probably make it early before booze or weed - carve out some intentions, make a plan. Check out page one of this thread for links to help. We want to help.
I was a daily drinker, many on here were. Yes, some of us have been years getting up to this point, it doesn't happen overnight for sure, but those of us that have cut back are having healthier happier lives and have dropped major fat off of our bodies by cutting down on the booze. We have also discovered/uncovered things that we truly love to do, that take precedence over booze. Finding your passion is a journey, I'm sure that you have one that you can eventually begin to concentrate your energy on instead of numbing.
The first step was arriving here and speaking your truth. Applaud yourself for that, your bravery.
The more that you use negative self-talk and booze, the further that you will be from experiencing pure joy.
What do you need from us? What would you like to hear or not hear? Most of us have some battle scars from boozing, you are new to the thread so might not have read about that.
We go at our own individual paces and celebrate each other's "wins" be they what they may be.
Yes, there are others here too.
Empathy and supporting others is part of understanding yourself and contributing to the conversation.
DAMN, your post resonated with me. I would have thought you were speaking directly to my face. I needed a kick in the behind to remind me why I need to not become my parent. To prepare to be a Father some day, a responsible person to myself first and then a responsible person to my future family. I need to reverse how I grew up and how I was treated.
Sorry, I am running off at the mouth.
Thanks for writing this.9 -
I have not had another repeat of the six pack getting split up into 4 beers cold in refrigerator/ 2 in cabinet . Here is how I am looking at that unusual event. I am doing better than I was last month and the month before that. I am making progress in my own way, at my own pace. I am moving FORWARD.
@HerNameIsMischief , Dude listen to these ladies in here, they know their *kitten* about drinking less alcohol.
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If there's one thing I'd like to not hear, it's any slogans. Nor strangers telling me how awesome and worthwhile I am. I appreciate the thought, but it's hard to take people seriously saying that when they have no idea who I am (and "you're a human being, that alone makes you awesome" doesn't count). I'm a fairly jaded person, but obviously if I had given up on myself, I wouldn't be here.
It helps to post here. I'm hoping today actually WILL be a six-pack only day (I'm about a third into #2). I have to do a bit of grocery shopping later and hopefully I won't pick up another tallboy or two to tide me over, but I can't really guarantee it. I've also pledged to at least get a long walk in today to help burn up some of the excess calories from the booze.5 -
I would never disrespect this group in the way you did @HerNameIsMischief with that first paragraph you wrote. I believe you owe this thread an apology and or remove the first half of your above post.
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Above, dawn asked "What would you like to hear or not hear?" and I responded. I wasn't targeting anyone's previous responses; I was saying that I don't like slogans nor unearned praise, so I'm not apologizing for anything.1
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Well I did end up having a Brandy late last night, was a bit of an over pour about 2 shots worth. Woke up in the middle of the night several times then tossed and turned. Was not a great night for sure. This is the first time that I can remember that I felt so ill in the middle of the night after drinking anything. I did not like the feeling.
@mainelylisa thank you for the reminder, yes a lot of us have alcohol scars that haunt us every day. But I keep pushing on
I love all the positive and honest talk on this thread. There has also been some great insights that has/is helping me. Again thank you all for being here
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@HerNameIsMischief
If you think you might respond better to some tough love and a reality check on what the future might hold take a look at this documentary. The timestamp (35-36 mins) should start at the part that really hit home with me - the part with Peter's story, this doesn't happen to all drinkers, but no one knows which ones it will happen to, and by the time they find out it is often too late for them. I thought of this when I saw what you said about your stomach, the bloating etc. I'm not saying this is what is happening to you, it could be, I don't know, but when we drink heavily we are gambling with this as our possible future.
This is only in your hands only, only you can decide you are going to try to do it, and keep doing it.
https://youtu.be/ixA-o6_4TR0?t=2103 9 -
7 AF days/23 days. No drinking plans today for me.
Joined Weight Watchers today, because I could use the virtual zoom support group sessions. Yep, enlisting the help of humans, strangers really, is what will help boost me. Going at it alone was not working.
BTW I always only post when I am in a sober state because I want to be sure I choose my words and tone carefully. I may sometimes read posts late in the evening but if I had drinks, I never write, just out of being cautious of writing something I could regret later on. My wine devil is capable of writing wicked things.10 -
Sounds like everyone continues to put one foot in front of the other. Yeah for all of us.
I'll try the apple sauce suggestion next cake. Thanks for that tip6 -
Hey gang
Late getting here to this party today. High winds took down a big tree on the main road which took down our internet. Luckily power did not go out, 'cause that would have sucked.
Last evening I had another measured 4 ounce pour of the jalapeno craft beer. Good news is the growler is empty. Other good news is I only had three 4 ounces glasses during the 9 days it was in our refrigerator. I really want to try and make a beer batter for haddock the next time they make a vat of that beer. Yum.
And yes on the apple sauce as a substitute for oil. No one can tell the difference. And the healthly benefits are worth it.
@mainelylisa sorry to hear your 1st time out to eat in months turned sour. I am super proud of your 3 sips, not gulps or glasses. BRAVO 🎉 I hope da man come around with his think'n about your sip'n.
Oh oh oh another huge win this week for me is I did 7 new workouts in 8 days. Only took Wednesday off. Could be why I am in this exceptionally great mood and don't want to ruin it.
3.5 standard drinks for this month
21AF/24 days
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@Amanda_Brit_Expat thank you for posting that moving, and for me emotional video. It is all that and more when experienced first hand.
😔5 -
I am proud of myself. A NSV for me. Only 1 glass of wine last week, Friday night. I'm naturally falling asleep and waking earlier (usually) and tend to sleep better. I was trying to cut back on alcohol and caffeine for a health related issue and it seems to be helping a little. Letting my liver heal and do its job without alcohol poisoning it and having energy all day without extra coffee (most days) or energy drinks is definitely a perk.8
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globalhiker wrote: »7 AF days/23 days. No drinking plans today for me.
Joined Weight Watchers today, because I could use the virtual zoom support group sessions. Yep, enlisting the help of humans, strangers really, is what will help boost me. Going at it alone was not working.
BTW I always only post when I am in a sober state because I want to be sure I choose my words and tone carefully. I may sometimes read posts late in the evening but if I had drinks, I never write, just out of being cautious of writing something I could regret later on. My wine devil is capable of writing wicked things.
Dont forget our bodies go into a bit of hibernation stage with the cooler weather, shorter days and less light. It slows down our metabolism that could be what was in your way. Good luck with weight watchers.
Your words of wisdom ......PRICELESS.6 -
DancingMoosie wrote: »I am proud of myself. A NSV for me. Only 1 glass of wine last week, Friday night. I'm naturally falling asleep and waking earlier (usually) and tend to sleep better. I was trying to cut back on alcohol and caffeine for a health related issue and it seems to be helping a little. Letting my liver heal and do its job without alcohol poisoning it and having energy all day without extra coffee (most days) or energy drinks is definitely a perk.
Way to go. Glad your doing better with your health related issue by reducing your intakes. WooHoo5
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