Starting on Unsteady Ground

HerNameIsMischief

I'm 6'3", about 275. I'd like to get down to 200 lbs.

I want to lose weight because I want to date, but not at my current size. Also, I don't like the rude remarks I get from people.

I drink 2000-2500 calories a day in addition to food. I'm hoping that quitting drinking will be a big help, but I'm worried about the boredom that's going to come from not having that buzz.

My eating is mostly from boredom as well...I don't have a huge appetite and, frankly, I can't remember the last time I ate because I was actually hungry for an extended period of time. I also eat because I love to cook (eating a meal up means you can try a new recipe) and I also often feel the need to use up everything in the fridge rather than "waste" a few dollars worth of veggies going bad.

steveko89

Have you considered picking up a new hobby to try to quell that boredom? Maybe some form of exercise or active pursuit and kill two birds?

Also, are you saying you have 2000-2500 cal/day in alcohol?

HerNameIsMischief

I drink at least a 12-pack of alcohol a day, and it's usually 8% malt liquor. I'm going to regret being this candid.

I'm not saying I won't exercise, but exercise is no solution for boredom.

MaltedTea

Hey there! If drinking is a challenge you want to overcome there are a few threads here in the forums with this focus.

As for the "eat it before it spoils" mindset, there's always the freezer. I let the food cool, then portion half for the freezer (often in single serving sizes).

I know it may sound tedious now and - heck - it may not be the solution for your particular needs after all but I just want to encourage you to keep being candid and open.

That's one way to learn which positive behaviors you can incorporate into your life.

So glad you're here! 👋🏿

steveko89

I wanted to make sure I was clear on details. Strictly by the math, cutting out drinking alone should likely cause some weight loss if you’re basically maintaining. Admittedly, I’m not very well versed in best practices to stop drinking, though for making dietary changes it’s best to take a gradual approach if the intent is for lasting change. Do you have a plan and/or support system in place to help you stop drinking?

HerNameIsMischief

I'm not going into rehab or AA or counseling or anything else. Just stopping.

rosebarnalice

I have to set alcohol "rules" for myself because I know that (a) it's a source of empty carbs calories, and (b) when I drink, I'm more likely to crave fatty starchy foods both day of and day after.

What's working for me right now is not to keep it in the house, to "budget" the calories for several good IPAs once a week and then only buying what I plan to consume on that day.

As to the ""eat it so it won't go bad" routine, with all affection I call b*llshit :-)

That's what it is when I say it to myself, and that's what it sounds like coming from someone else. Portion control begins at the supermarket, and ends in plastic storage containers and/or the freezer :-)

HerNameIsMischief

I'm going to have to quit. I only drink to get buzzed...I'm not a real connoisseur of wine or even beer.

And yes, "I have to eat it or it'll go bad" is b*llshit and I tell myself that. Usually in the form of "is it so important that you stuff yourself to ensure you don't throw away three dollars worth of vegetables? When the alternative is you won't date and hope people don't see you when you're out in public?"

sugaraddict4321

Welcome to MFP and congratulations on being honest with yourself about your drinking. That's the first step to making positive changes. :flowerforyou:

I've never struggled with drinking but I know people who have. Same with smoking. Each person has to figure out what's best for themselves. For some, quitting "cold turkey" is the only way. Others find that gradually reducing consumption makes it easier to be successful in the long term.

I encourage you to take a look at and maybe even join this thread:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10819232/less-alcohol-january-2021-one-day-at-a-time#latest

The thread runs every month and people set different goals on how they're going to drink less.

Wishing you the best!

steveko89

HerNameIsMischief wrote: »

I'm not saying I won't exercise, but exercise is no solution for boredom.

I don't disagree that exercise for the sake of exercise isn't a great replacement for boredom, but maybe you can find an active hobby that you really get into. I'm fortunate in that I was smitten with weightlifting once I started using a barbell and following a traditional program rather than bouncing around doing stuff like p90x and p90x3. There's nothing inherently wrong with those type of workouts but they just weren't for me. I know options can be a little limited between covid restrictions and winter weather, depending on where you're located, but is there anything you've ever considered pursuing but never got around to, active or not? Learning and instrument, language, or art form? As much as you emphasized boredom being the root of some of the problem I would expect that staying engaged in something else would be a welcome distraction.

quiksylver296

steveko89 wrote: »

HerNameIsMischief wrote: »

I'm not saying I won't exercise, but exercise is no solution for boredom.

I don't disagree that exercise for the sake of exercise isn't a great replacement for boredom, but maybe you can find an active hobby that you really get into. I'm fortunate in that I was smitten with weightlifting once I started using a barbell and following a traditional program rather than bouncing around doing stuff like p90x and p90x3. There's nothing inherently wrong with those type of workouts but they just weren't for me. I know options can be a little limited between covid restrictions and winter weather, depending on where you're located, but is there anything you've ever considered pursuing but never got around to, active or not? Learning and instrument, language, or art form? As much as you emphasized boredom being the root of some of the problem I would expect that staying engaged in something else would be a welcome distraction.

This is what I was going to say. Lifting heavy *kitten* is addicting!!!

lockedcj7

I'm not sure why but your post really resonated with me. I gave up all alcohol about a month ago and it has sometimes been a struggle. I was drinking 3-4 servings per day, usually mixed with soda or fruit juice so my calorie intake was probably equal to yours. I wasn't drinking for any particular reason, it was just a habit that I had fallen into and I liked the taste. I had a health scare that may have been related and that's what prompted me to quit.

I am more likely to snack when I don't have a drink in my hand so that's something that I've had to watch. Reading instead of watching TV works to keep my hands busy but it's hard to do when other people in my house are constantly interrupting or distracting me.

Don't be hard on yourself for eating up the leftovers. I don't care if people call it "*kitten*" but I think it's deeper than that-- it may be how you're wired. I was raised by survivors of the great depression (my grandparents) and their baby-boomer children. Cleaning your plate and not wasting food was dogma in our house. As others have said, portion control starts at the grocery store, Buy smaller amounts of higher quality foods. The grocery bill will be the same but you'll enjoy the food more and won't feel guilty. I also enjoy cooking and, how others react to my cooking, so I often take the leftovers to share with colleagues at lunch the next day.

I have had to force myself to be more active. I do exercise but I also do things that are exercise and just don't call them that. I like to hike, mountain bike, play with the dog, etc. Whenever I am feeling bored or snacky, I get up and do something instead, even if it's just housework.

Please don't stop being candid. It's much easier to get good advice when you start from a place of honesty.