Less Alcohol ~ JUNE 2021 ~ One Day At A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,748 Member
~THIS IS A MONTHLY CONTINUING THREAD THAT HAS BEEN ACTIVE SINCE AS FAR BACK AS 2017. ALL WELCOME ~
Do you want to drink LESS?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
Do you want to drink LESS?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
1
Replies
-
@MissMay - Thanks for keeping us going one month to the next! The accountability is so helpful to my personal 2021 goals!
The one habit I've worked on most 2019-2021 was no longer drinking alone and at social events to excess. When DH traveled I would down a bottle of wine + more in an evening. At book club or bunco or other events I could easily drink 5 glasses of wine. Of course he has been home since changing jobs mid 2019 and now I just have to not always drink when he drinks.
Also 2020-2021 we were in social no mans land and it was not the same drinking with friends over Zoom.
I think I've tackled the downing a full bottle of wine on my own over the past year plus but in the back of my mind I still wonder ... what's the harm. I'm retired, I'm free to do what I want. But too much is too much and the calories are killing my weight loss battle. So here I am again and again... checking in.
My Personal Goal
* Primary goal in 2021: Do not drink to excess when drinking. This is most important to me personally … don’t go over 2 drinks in a night.
* Secondary goal this year: Strive for 12-16 AF days per month.
* Monitoring: Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.
June is going to be a challenge as the world gets back to being social in person!
6/1 -
6/2 -
6/3 - @ New Orleans
6/4 - @ New Orleans
6/5 - @ Wedding in Natchez
6/6 -
6/7 -
6/8 -
6/9 -
6/10 -
6/11 - @ 1 year anniversary party for goddaughter
6/12 -
6/13 -
6/14 -
6/15 -
6/16 - @ Book Club
6/17 - @ ZTA Sisters Unwine'd @ Unwine’d Wine & Cheese Lounge
6/18 - @ Another celebration for DD. Fiesta planned in 2020 before her wedding that had to be postponed. The 9 couples (friends of my son in law’s mom) hosting are insisting on a party to celebrate their wedding as well as an excuse to party and get together after a year of the pandemic.
6/19 -
6/20 -
6/21 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/22 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/23 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/24 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/25 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/26 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/27 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/28 - @ Girls Road Trip w/ mom & sis
6/29 -
6/30 -
6 -
5 -
My June goals:
*NO more than 2 standard size drinks on any drink day.
* NO two days in a row of drink days.( take a breather)
* Limit of NO more than 4 drinks per week, if I do choose to have alcohol.
* Intermingle my Heineken00 and mocktails to throw my drinking friends off track. LOL
Have a "wicked" successful day. ("Wicked" in Maine terminology is a GOOD thing)
7 -
Here we go! It's AF for me until 4th of July!
Here are my new running shoes. Going out to run and play now.
8 -
Here's my update (been a couple of weeks). Week 5 completed for the 75 day challenge, nearly half way there. Havent had any alcohol, but this past week was tough. Have been tempted due to personal circumstances but knew it would only make things worse so held off. I think I am finding it easier to hold off. Had a virtual happy hour for work last Friday where drinks were provided (had to pick up earlier), I was glad and kinda proud that I chose the mocktail version. I did miss the alcohol, since some of the drinks we were learning to mix looked pretty awesome!
Anyway here is to another month of AF! Good Luck everyone...10 -
I AM JOINING !!!!! (JUNE 1 ST 2021)
7 -
My June goal is to drink Fri and Sat night only, and to limit to one drink.
6 -
Back on the thread, if only to lurk for a while. Fell off the wagon on a March vacation. Back on it today. Less doesn't work for me but starting a dry streak seems to help! So I will join (or steal) @globalhiker goal to be AF at least until July 4th. Going to use the mocktail approach, with large ice cubes in fancy glasses. Maybe buy a cool pair of runners too~9
-
Well, May went out with a whimper, so trying to start June off with a bang. This is the first time since I started in this group that I'm starting the month with an AF day!
Drinking goals: 8 or less on a normal week, more leeway on vacation, but don't be noticeably tipsy in front of my teetotaling family who will judge me hard.
Other goals: Gonna do the 100 miles in a month challenge this month. I really am. I've already gotten 4.25 of them done. 1300 calories/day 6 days a week, 1800 calories on my "cheat" day.
@globalhiker I'm definitely not going to be hitting my June 9th deadline for the magical 24.9 BMI number, my weight jumped back up again. 4 lbs away again, so I'll be lucky to get there by the end of June. Online calculator says I'm at 32.0% BF, so the other goal will be getting that number under 30% - I think you're pretty close to that?5 -
I just finished reading this (lengthy) article. It's fascinating. It's a great deep dive into why we drink: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/07/america-drinking-alone-problem/619017/4
-
Kicking off June AF this evening! DH had a beer then whiskey & coke but I decided to stick with Lemon LaCroix.
When I looked ahead there were so many already planned indulgences. I need to get a few AF up front this month.
@chocolate_owl - I read the same article earlier this evening too!!!! It was quite interesting and enlightening.3 -
@chocolate_owl darn, I'm still at 32% body fat....meh....but you know how it goes, usually 3-4 weeks go by then suddenly you're 5 lbs less. Just gotta keep going...lotsa patience..lotsa moving...lotsa AF days....
Welcome back Tesha231!
This month I am focusing on rewarding myself weekly, helps to get rid of that feeling of being deprived. And working on my stress management, slowing down the workload speed, setting limits, scheduling breaks. If I can nail this one, I won't be snacking on chocolates (my favorite wine substitute as MissMay knows) at the end of the day.4 -
Happy June everyone
Off to an AF month (well at minimum 24 AF days so I can tie April and May)
Speaking of weight loss, since I was sick all of March, April and a good chunk of May I did manage to drop 2.8lbs in May. That is huge for me. I have been tracking my weight daily for...no joke...since 2012. I have a notebook for each year that I record in. And I was talking to my family who were over on Saturday and I have gained and lost the same 15 pounds for too many years. Right now I am in the middle of that 15lbs.
I have been just having a protein shake mid morning (30 gram protein) Then eating just my main meal between 2-5pm. Maybe a light snack, sometimes more but I am finally seeing some results.
@MissMay thank you as always for getting us started on the Month
@Lilylady3k I love that you have planned out your goals. This always makes me happy when I see such focus
@globalhiker love the new shoes, have you had a chance to give them a run?
@AR10at50 glad to see you back, I tried on a pair of my shorts from last summer and was not sure I could even zip them....it was a struggle yikes
@dethstar77 wow I forgot you were doing such a huge challenge! congratulations on the 1/2 way point
@Lazz5k welcome to the check in, post as often as you like or can. Love getting to know new people here
@gconsul Great goals! we are here post as much or little as you like....again always love getting to know the new joiners
@Tesha231 I use the mocktail choice in the evenings and have a diet tonic water with a splash of bitters. It reminds me of my whiskey and water
@chocolate_owl wow! are you running 100 miles or just walking or hiking?
well I am off for now see you tomorrow
6 -
Hi : - )
My goal is 16-20 AF days per month.
Diary Style.
Tuesday June 01 - AF
Rolling Total - 1AF day out of 1 day.6 -
WOW
Great turnout for our first day posting in June. Hello and welcome @Lazz5k and @gconsul.
Lots of faces from last month and previous months checking in as well WELCOME TO JUNE EVERYONE.
Lov'n the fantastic goals, new foot wear, pre-planned entire month schedules and huge huge challenges going on by so mamy of you now. Weight loss too WOOT-WOOT.
My first day of June ended AF as I kept busy and luckily we did not go out last night to socialize.
JUNE
1 AF/1 day
6 -
8 -
Hi everyone!
So happy that I got through Memorial Day unscathed- less than one drink each day Sun and Mon, and two drinks with dinner on Saturday night. I feel so much better when I either don’t drink or stick to just one serving!
My goal for June is limit to one when I do drink, and not find any excuse during the week to have a drink “just because”. Not everything is a celebration!9 -
Hi everyone!
So happy that I got through Memorial Day unscathed- less than one drink each day Sun and Mon, and two drinks with dinner on Saturday night. I feel so much better when I either don’t drink or stick to just one serving!
My goal for June is limit to one when I do drink, and not find any excuse during the week to have a drink “just because”. Not everything is a celebration!
Yes..this is so me. I feel so much better when I only have one or two. I'm in for cutting down in June. I was in the May class but failed. I'm back at it. I'll keep a running update weekly to be held accountable to myself.6 -
6/1 - AF, 9 miles. Starting off right!
@lmlmrn There is no running for me yet, haha. My 6 month post-op follow-up is the first week of July, so they'll let me know then if my fusion looks healed enough to safely run, and even then it might be too painful. This month I'm counting everything - all walking, all elliptical, if I decide to do a group fitness class I'll give myself 2 miles. 100 miles averages out to 3.33 miles per day, which shouldn't be too hard, but I've still been having days where I basically don't get out of bed because I hurt. I got a lot of miles in yesterday, but it will be a stretch for me to get 3 miles in today because of my work schedule. Basically I'm trying to motivate myself to move more on days I can move more.
@Lilylady3k Are you feeling more inspired to only drink socially after reading that article? I think about all the times I drink alone (even if my husband is present, I'm not really socializing with him) - cooking, watching certain TV shows, reading a book on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Like clearly I shouldn't be drinking when I'm stressed or sad, but now I'm wondering about these good-mood activities. I'm also wondering if splitting a bottle of wine when husband and I are watching a movie instead of actively interacting is not serving alcohol's "purpose."
@globalhiker So much patience required
I'm aiming to move a lot more this month since that makes a huge difference. People love to say that you lose weight in the kitchen and you exercise for health, but my deficit is so tiny if I'm not moving a lot!
@Womona yeah, I also want to avoid the "just because" weekday drinks. I've gotten a lot better at it, but I want to be rigorous about it this month. On vacation or meeting friends for dinner? Yeah, maybe a drink. Random Tuesday at home? No, absolutely not.
@sarah7591 Idk if it helps to think about this process as pass/fail. I think that just gives you a reason to beat up on yourself, which is pretty demotivating. I always set lofty goals and I usually fall short, but I definitely drink less than I would if I wasn't here thinking about it and making an effort!5 -
@lmlmrn Thank you.. its been hard but sticking with it... But I believe its totally worth it.Happy June everyone
Off to an AF month (well at minimum 24 AF days so I can tie April and May)
Speaking of weight loss, since I was sick all of March, April and a good chunk of May I did manage to drop 2.8lbs in May. That is huge for me. I have been tracking my weight daily for...no joke...since 2012. I have a notebook for each year that I record in. And I was talking to my family who were over on Saturday and I have gained and lost the same 15 pounds for too many years. Right now I am in the middle of that 15lbs.
@dethstar77 wow I forgot you were doing such a huge challenge! congratulations on the 1/2 way point
5 -
chocolate_owl wrote: »
@Lilylady3k Are you feeling more inspired to only drink socially after reading that article? I think about all the times I drink alone (even if my husband is present, I'm not really socializing with him) - cooking, watching certain TV shows, reading a book on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Like clearly I shouldn't be drinking when I'm stressed or sad, but now I'm wondering about these good-mood activities. I'm also wondering if splitting a bottle of wine when husband and I are watching a movie instead of actively interacting is not serving alcohol's "purpose."
@chocolate_owl - It did help me understand some of my "alone" drinking habits in the past ... like you while reading, cooking or alone when DH traveled ... as I mindlessly watching the TV. You are right many times drinking with DH or joining him when not engaged is something to also consider. I like the wine when I'm sitting across from him at the table for dinner but sitting in front of the TV with him and dinner in my lap does not really deserve the same level of commitment to a glass of wine.
But I also need to watch my social drinking with my sister ... she drinks much faster than me and I should not let it be a competition to get to the next glass! She's a teacher and will be off this summer so around even more than usual plus we will be spending a week together at my aunt's home with mom ... my aunt & her husband start the day with a Bloody Mary or other drink and continue all day ... which will be really challenging. I've not stayed with them before but my sister has warned me plus I know that this has been the challenge when they visit mom or their kid in Houston ... or even at a funeral where we all stayed in the same hotel. He was passing around Bloody Mary to folks at breakfast in the lobby before we all drove over to the gravesite.
Other social drinking with friends when in a good mood ... I'm doing so much better than prior to 2019 since coming here and checking in!!! I seem to have broken that old habit of drinking so many glasses that I could not count when out with friends or at a social event. So checking at least one good habit on my list.
Good luck with your own introspection after reading the article.6 -
Same as last month. Goals in order of importance.
1. Do NOT drink alone.
2. No more than 2 alcoholic drinks in a day (with company), no more than 3 days a week.
3. Fit the calories/macros in.8 -
Hump Day!
So this is my first week back to the gym after being sick since March. This weeks focus is just walking the treadmill at a brisk pace for 60 min. Next week I will cut back on treadmill and add in weight training again.
Today I also spent about 3 hours on my yard, and 2 hours yesterday before the heat just drove me indoors. When it starts to near 90, sawing off branches (with a hand saw) cutting that all up, trimming the wild bushes that have been neglected (some for a decade) is a lot of hard work. I will keep chipping away at it so once it is all cleaned up I can have some bark brought in.
AF last night so today will be rolling 2 for 2 in June and a streak of 3 LOL
I am so looking forward to my mocktails tonight. But right now I am off to pour a kombucha hibiscus flavor.
I can't wait to see how this month plays out for everyone here, including me!
4th of July .....can't even think that far in advance6 -
2 glasses of wine this evening ... steak night with bacon stuffed mushrooms instead of potatoes. Struggling to not poor myself a bourbon & coke afterwards with DH.
Hope ya'll are all having a wonderful evening.6 -
Day 2 AF done....logging in now after dinner so I can log my exercise and food for the day.
Insane work demands made me feel like quitting and drinking but I poured myself a cranberry and put myself in "time out" for 15 minutes to recalibrate then went back to work.
I want to retire but my husband won't let me yet
! 7 -
June 1st and 2nd AF! I definitely see better skin and have a clearer mind when I don’t drink. Trying to appreciate the baby steps and know new habits take time.6
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globalhiker wrote: »Day 2 AF done....logging in now after dinner so I can log my exercise and food for the day.
Insane work demands made me feel like quitting and drinking but I poured myself a cranberry and put myself in "time out" for 15 minutes to recalibrate then went back to work.
I want to retire but my husband won't let me yet!
Such discipline! Go you. Work stress definitely makes it harder. You didn’t give in and for that you should be proud. 🙂
7 -
Hi : - )
My goal is 16-20 AF days per month.
Diary Style.
Tuesday June 01 - AF
Wednesday June 02 - AF - I might have drinks tomorrow eve.
Rolling Total - 2AF day out of 2 days.6 -
Here's what I like about taking a break from drinking and then when you do decide to have one-
*it is not as tastey as you recall it being before.
*your body let's you know one or two is MORE than enough.
*there is no fan fare, fireworks or glitter bombs when you take a sip.
Last night drinks, two in fact. All of the above fell into place.
June - 2 days
1A
1AF
9
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