Less Alcohol - MARCH 2021
Replies
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globalhiker wrote: »Today will be day 30 of my AF streak.....husband is still doing it with me....
I have really INCREDIBLE news! You can't see me but I am dancing with joy right now.....
I get to sign up for the covid vaccine today finally! Now all I need is for the vaccine passport idea to be implemented and the Canadian border to open so I can schedule a really, really good hiking experience!!! And party with @dawnbgethealthy ...!
Great job on your AF journey.
How fabulous that you will be getting the vaccine!
We are way behind in Canada due to delays in them arriving. We have 500,00 more due to arrive this week, they will now be going to 80+ people and the second dose will be delayed up to 4 months to get a first dose into more people. We are a ways away still. Hoping that the Johnson and Johnson gets approved by Health Canada soon, it is a one dose shot.
I am so excited that you will be coming here : - )4 -
March day 2 AF done! Good news is I was able to get a Covid appt slot for Monday. Yippie. So stressful having to book it! Only 50k appointments and the demographic for this is about 800k not counting visitors. But we're in!
@Womona how super exciting to get a sailboat! Keep us posted on where you'll be sailing! Share pix please
@mainelylisa Cheetos how tasty....was it the flaming hot kind? Now I am craving something crunchy and salty and spicy.....
@lmlmrn I can relate to your job hunting post...I've gotten some wild reject responses so far. It's just the times - so many out of work and so many applying, etc. just requires a ton of patience. But you managed to stay AF so well done! And the universe will deliver what you seek if you keep that positive intention going.
Me, I am holding off applying for some weeks here and maybe assessing a career change. I need that job hunting stress to stay far away at least for a little bit longer until I feel a bit more resilient. I know my "current" stress limits and need to stay under max limit for a bit longer.
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I am going to pat myself on the back. I did not have the drink(s) I would have died to have last night. I fixed several diet tonic and bitters then with a serving (yes I measured) of salty pretzels and lily's chocolate chips I survived the urge last night.
I am not in dire need of a job, since I have not worked since November. My goal was to find something new after the first of the year. DH tells me to wait until I find something that is fun, not just a job for jobs sake.
I love my DH.....9 -
Thank you @mainelylisa for keeping the thread going!!
So far, 2/2 days AF, including the last two days of February. I had to fight it yesterday, as a stressful day with nowhere to go in the evening usually leads to wine. I was SO proud of myself when I picked up dinner and bypassed everything (I don't have any wine in the house right now). We are spending less right now due to getting new flooring, so I would have beat myself up twice had I succumbed.
Annual Goals:
1) Make my bed everyday - didn't make it today because it is washing day, but aside from two other days, I am good to go!
2) Read 52 books this year - started 7/52 two days ago!
3) Move daily - this one has been a little harder with the bad weather and very dusty basement (where my elliptical lives). However, it is BEAUTIFUL today and I will absolutely get outside.
4) Stay relatively within my calorie goals - so far so good! I don't berate myself if I go over, unless wine was the main culprit.
5) Less alcohol monthly - aiming for no more than 5 days this month.6 -
Today is my 4th AF day in a row! Big streak for me. I was going to have a glass tonight because it’s DH’s birthday, but I came in late from work, and had leftovers on my lap in front of the TV. Not really special enough to have a glass of wine, especially knowing I’m going out and will drink the next 3 nights.5
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Happy March!
I am continuing with my goals that I have mostly been following for a year:
16-20 AF days per month
Don't drink 2 days in a row
Try to keep 2 AF days in between drinks days
I choose the diary style so that I check in every day, keep myself accountable, and can see at a glance where I am at.
Monday March 01 - AF - Had to start the new month off with an AF day : - )
Tuesday March 02 - AF - Needed to wait 6 minutes many many times, I really felt like having a couple of drinks tonight. I know that I (and my waistline) will be happy tomorrow that I resisted.
Wednesday March 03 - AF - Early start for work tomorrow, so AF tonight.
Rolling total: 3AF days out of 3 days.5 -
1.5 glasses of wine ... stress snacking during the afternoon and then gave in and shared the bottle of wine DH opened to go with dinner. Not the best day for me overall but I did get outside and walk twice and finally got on my recumbent bike again that I've been mentally & physically avoiding. Today I think I'll do more yard clean up in the afternoon to keep out of the kitchen.3
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Day 4 AF is here.
Yesterday I practiced craving prevention by having 2 mini-dinners - one at 3 then one at 6. Each protein + little fat+lettuce, tomato, cucumber or other healthy veg. It worked...
My latest obsession is spicy seafood cocktail sauce. This 5 calorie miracle gets mixed with a tiny bit of mayo and added to cold cooked fish then placed on a heaping bowl of salad (romaine, cucumber, tomato, bit of onion) with a tsp of balsamic vinaigrette. This way I get my crunchy-salty-spicy requirement satisfied!
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Second night (last night) with a slightly smaller drink. The good news is that I have no fuzzy memories of either night. The bad news is that I had trouble sleeping. I'll take it. Seems like a lot of folks on this thread are doing a great job achieving their goals. I think in the past I was hesitant to post because I was not. That did not help me.7
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@ducky133 I think all of us have been there. The bad sleep will get better and no fuzzy brain is a good thing! It's progress. Sometimes it really helps to just explain it "out loud" here, then you start to acknowledge where you can avoid temptation or adjust your routine. You may find you crave more sugar, or if you wait on your urge for 10 min or so, it passes. It's a journey.
This is a great no-judgement group. I set up a few goals, not just less alcohol, so I still see some positive changes even when I do drink (or drink more).6 -
Hello to all
AF last night so this is day 4 in a row and 3 for the month of March. I am going to try and beat my 10 day streak which is really going to be a huge challenge for me. I downloaded a few of the app's that were recommended at the beginning of this thread. So far I like 'dry days' the best, no only can you record a AF day on days you do drink you can set it up so it was a 'little' drink day or a ''big drink' day. I like the visual it will give me.
@ducky133 I have been there many times. The sleep does get much much better. I use to think I could not possibly sleep without the alcohol knocking me out. I was so wrong. For me day 3 seems to be the magic number when things and sleep seem to get easier. Keep us updated7 -
2 glasses of a red wine with steak w/ blue cheese, cheesy scalloped turnips and roasted broccoli.
Wonderful recipe even if you are not into turnips
https://mylifecookbook.com/easy-cheesy-keto-scalloped-turnips/#mv-creation-61-jtr4 -
Lilylady3k wrote: »2 glasses of a red wine with steak w/ blue cheese, cheesy scalloped turnips and roasted broccoli.
Wonderful recipe even if you are not into turnips
https://mylifecookbook.com/easy-cheesy-keto-scalloped-turnips/#mv-creation-61-jtr
Just saved this recipe, it sounds yummy! will try it out this weekend5 -
Happy March!
I am continuing with my goals that I have mostly been following for a year:
16-20 AF days per month
Don't drink 2 days in a row
Try to keep 2 AF days in between drinks days
I choose the diary style so that I check in every day, keep myself accountable, and can see at a glance where I am at.
Monday March 01 - AF - Had to start the new month off with an AF day : - )
Tuesday March 02 - AF - Needed to wait 6 minutes many many times, I really felt like having a couple of drinks tonight. I know that I (and my waistline) will be happy tomorrow that I resisted.
Wednesday March 03 - AF - Early start for work tomorrow, so AF tonight. 4th AF day in a row.
Thursday March 04 - Drinks. Busy busy day. I had lost my hearing aid on a hiking trail yesterday, so was having a pretty hard time of it today not being able to read lips whilst everyone was wearing masks. Replacement will take one week to get here. Finishing work for the day and for the week was so lovely. Relaxed with a few drinks.
Rolling total: 3AF days out of 4 days.6 -
Dawn, sorry to hear about the lost hearing aid, that is a bummer. You would think they'd make them with some sort of ear clip or something to prevent them from falling out. Hope the new one arrives sooner than expected..
Day 4 AF done for March. I am a grouchy grump between 1am wake-ups and sleep deprivation, insatiable hunger all day long, moodiness, and the chocolate candy attacks that replaced the wine cravings at dinner time.
Yet last night I had a very satisfying homemade shrimp taco dinner with guacamole and salad followed by relaxing Netflix time. During the day I ran/walked for about an hour. There was no unusual stress that happened. OK I confess I had 3 Easter chocolate candies after dinner, maybe those are the culprits??? I also skipped my calcium supplements since I forgot.
Of course my AF husband is just totally fine, no issues. Lucky him!
Ok I have an idea. Start up the hot tub...that's the ticket...I need a 5pm hot tub date with husband today before dinner
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Lilylady3k wrote: »2 glasses of a red wine with steak w/ blue cheese, cheesy scalloped turnips and roasted broccoli.
Wonderful recipe even if you are not into turnips
https://mylifecookbook.com/easy-cheesy-keto-scalloped-turnips/#mv-creation-61-jtr
I could gobble this all up right now along with the wine LOL...good news is that 1 medium turnip has 34 calories and 0 Weight Watchers points!
So I never purchased a turnip in my life, really....but I should start and prep them at home just mashed up with some seasoning. I can negotiate ditching the heavy cream but not the cheese, Cheese-a-holic that I am!4 -
@dawnbgethealthy - masks would make it harder to interact. I hope that your hearing aid arrives sooner than later!
@lmlmrn @globalhiker - On the turnip front ... for the recipe I use one turnip for the two of us. Since it is large when sliced I then cut into quarters to lay them in the muffin tin easier.
Turnips are great used mashed on their own or mixed for a potato turnip mash. Years ago I started using turnips in my beef veggie soup instead of potatoes and never got complaint from my young kids
But as my husband says ... anything tastes good with enough dairy LOL We both love cheese! I think it would be harder to give cheese up than salty snacks or alcohol.
Okay tonight I'm going for an AF evening. Stating it out loud. I've not needed the wine the first 4 days of March but instead just felt deprived because DH was opening a bottle and I "wanted" it. I need to rack up a few AF days even if it is TGIF.5 -
@dawnbgethealthy - I love your idea of 2 AF days in between drinks-That is just my speed to make me feel like I am conquering something.6
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I so wanted something last night. I passed the frig with the open bottle of wine from last weekend at least a dozen times. But I know I was just being weak and did not need it, it was late in the evening and I was restless.
But stayed AF and feel good about it so this is a rolling 5 days with 4 in March. Tonight maybe a challenge we will see.
I really am liking this app 'Dry Days', it let me set what I would consider a light drink day, heavy day and AF day then at the end of the month you get a 'certificate' celebrating the AF days you had for the previous month. I am now using it as my screen saver to remind me in February I was 21 days AF and I hope to beat that this month. I do like to challenge myself and get excited when I have a goal to work towards.
@Lilylady3k thank you for letting me know about the turnip servings. I have this silicone mold for rolls that I am going to use to make the scallop cups. I am not sure I will use that much cheese but you can bet it is on the menu for either tonight with hamburgers (in lieu of frozen fries) or tomorrow with ...not sure yet LOL
oh does anyone have a good lower calorie recipe for a ramen dish?
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Well that did not go as planned. I made shrimp creole with roasted broccoli for dinner and my sister stopped by to join DH and I. 3 glasses of wine with dinner and a movie. Now moved on to water.4
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I love Rutabaga, I eat it almost every day along with Yam, Brocolli, and Brussels Sprouts. Add a piece of some sort of meat and it is a very filling dinner.
For me Turnip is so much more mild, and I like the strong taste of the Rutabaga better.
Nice looking recipe. I don't do much dairy except for a tbsp of coffee cream in the morning. Whipping cream is such a decadent ingredient : - )
@ImImrn
I don't know if you would classify this as a Ramen substitute, probably not. But I make a dish that is super yummy and easy:
Bean Sprouts
Raw Garlic - lots
Fresh Parmesan
Fresh oregano and or fresh parsley (or dried for either)
Boil the Bean Sprouts very quickly, just enough to make them hot. Strain, dump back into the empty hot pot, add the Parmesan, Garlic, and herbs. Mix it, serve adding black pepper to taste.4 -
Happy March!
I am continuing with my goals that I have mostly been following for a year:
16-20 AF days per month
Don't drink 2 days in a row
Try to keep 2 AF days in between drinks days
I choose the diary style so that I check in every day, keep myself accountable, and can see at a glance where I am at.
Monday March 01 - AF - Had to start the new month off with an AF day : - )
Tuesday March 02 - AF - Needed to wait 6 minutes many many times, I really felt like having a couple of drinks tonight. I know that I (and my waistline) will be happy tomorrow that I resisted.
Wednesday March 03 - AF - Early start for work tomorrow, so AF tonight. 4th AF day in a row.
Thursday March 04 - Drinks. Busy busy day. I had lost my hearing aid on a hiking trail yesterday, so was having a pretty hard time of it today not being able to read lips whilst everyone was wearing masks. Replacement will take one week to get here. Finishing work for the day and for the week was so lovely. Relaxed with a few drinks.
Friday March 05 - AF - Tomorrow will be a challenge since I am going to be with my bubble friend who drinks wine every day. Going to try really hard to get my 2AF days in a row though.
Rolling total: 4AF days out of 5 days.5 -
@mainelylisa
Sorry to hear that you are/were out of electricity! A generator is great to have except for it doesn't help with internet.4 -
Thanks for the sympathy on the hearing aid. I only had it for 6 months. It made a huge difference for me.
I lost those frequencies back in my Rock days. It was time to finally take the plunge and hear again.
I lose my phone alot too, but can call it to find it with either my landline or Google find my phone.
I think that there is a way to bluetooth the hearing aid. I will get that for the replacement one.4 -
Last night I had book club at a restaurant, and only had one glass. Despite the heaters, it was cold!!!! Brrr!
Tonight, the smartest thing I did was cancel my order for the 2nd glass of wine at the restaurant. Came so close to drinking too much. So glad I did, I would never have been able to drive home. I didn’t even have sips of DH’a glass. I did have a 1oz glass of cognac when we got home. Yum! Nice small glass.
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dawnbgethealthy wrote: »I love Rutabaga, I eat it almost every day along with Yam, Brocolli, and Brussels Sprouts. Add a piece of some sort of meat and it is a very filling dinner.
For me Turnip is so much more mild, and I like the strong taste of the Rutabaga better.
Nice looking recipe. I don't do much dairy except for a tbsp of coffee cream in the morning. Whipping cream is such a decadent ingredient : - )
@ImImrn
I don't know if you would classify this as a Ramen substitute, probably not. But I make a dish that is super yummy and easy:
Bean Sprouts
Raw Garlic - lots
Fresh Parmesan
Fresh oregano and or fresh parsley (or dried for either)
Boil the Bean Sprouts very quickly, just enough to make them hot. Strain, dump back into the empty hot pot, add the Parmesan, Garlic, and herbs. Mix it, serve adding black pepper to taste.
This sounds really good, I am for anything that has lots and lots of garlic. btw, I too have hearing aids, unfortunately 50% is gone from my right ear, and left is normal aging. Mine is a direct loss from not wearing sufficient hearing protection when using and indoor gun range.
AF this evening so
March 5 out of 5 and a 6 day streak
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@dawnbgethealthy - I've not tried Rutabaga though I keep meaning to! What is your favorite way to use/cook it?
I like the idea of the bean sprouts instead of ramen noodles.4 -
Lilylady3k wrote: »@dawnbgethealthy - I've not tried Rutabaga though I keep meaning to! What is your favorite way to use/cook it?
I like the idea of the bean sprouts instead of ramen noodles.
When they are in season, I like using yellow squash or zucchini to make “zoodles” using an inexpensive spiralizer.4 -
I usually roast my vegetables in a pan with a little olive oil. Good parmesan turns any veg into wonderfulness too....
Oh and I love a dash of smoked paprika along with a dash of cayenne....I make homemade baked sweet potato fries that way and will never buy packaged again
5/5 AF days for March....
I saved myself yesterday. I will say this, emotions like feeling tired, sad, annoyed, impatient, etc really seem intense and magnified when not drinking. Yesterday I resisted a wine purchase and instead jumped into my outdoor hottub and all that tension from lack of sleep just melted away in minutes. It gave me the hormone re-set I needed.
Then it helped me get a really, really refreshing night's sleep. Now I know there is no need to pig out on chips when the going gets tough, better instead to plan chilling out....if not a walk, hike, etc then the hottub is my fall back option. I see it's mandatory for me to build in that stress-release time daily.
Now I am back on the positive track...Enjoy the weekend!6 -
AF last night so this is rolling 6 days in a row 5 days for March.
I am struggling though, I am on a new medication and I am having side effects, dry cough, flem in throat, dry runny nose, etc. it is one of the side effects and if it lasts more than 10 days I am to contact my Dr. well time to contact.
Do any of you know of someone who has tried taltz? I am currently on cosentyx and taltz would be the next one in line to try. Humara just caused my hair to fall out in clumps.5
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