Less Alcohol ~ SEPTEMBER 2021 ~ One Day At A Time

tmbg1

Sept 1-2 = AF
Sept 3-5= 3 glasses of wine each
Sept 6-7 = 3 glasses of wine each
Sept 8-9 = AF planned
Sept 10-12= 3 glasses of wine each
Sept 13-14= AF

lisaj5227

I drank a fifth every night, packed on 80 pounds because of it, was malnourished, food didn’t appeal to me, but would eat whatever just because I felt I should eat something,I,m 62 and I was dying slowly, I stopped March 15 2021 cold turkey and haven’t had a drop since and I don’t miss it either, the thought of alcohol makes me shudder. Honestly, I can’t explain it, but I think I’m over the hurdle I have lost 26lbs and feel so much better I can take walks now and exercise, I can see the beauty in everything now started meditating 3 mo ago and it has done me so much good, I shake off all the negativity during those sessions. I know it’s hard to take that first step, so many times I tried, but it’s possible.

RealFoodDee

Hello All! This is my first time posting! I came across this forum by chance a few days ago. I haven't had an AF day since perhaps pre-covid days. Since I found this forum and I've read some success stories, I'm on two AF days in a row!

Lilylady3k

1 glass of wine while visiting my sister in the evening so I wasn't sitting alone in a dark house. DH was out at a meeting.
Electricity out 3am till 8:30pm at my house. No other damage just wind and rain from Nicholas.

September accountability: 7/14 days AF
Alcohol: 7 days (12 drinks)
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month. Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.

Womona

lisaj5227 wrote: »

I drank a fifth every night, packed on 80 pounds because of it, was malnourished, food didn’t appeal to me, but would eat whatever just because I felt I should eat something,I,m 62 and I was dying slowly, I stopped March 15 2021 cold turkey and haven’t had a drop since and I don’t miss it either, the thought of alcohol makes me shudder. Honestly, I can’t explain it, but I think I’m over the hurdle I have lost 26lbs and feel so much better I can take walks now and exercise, I can see the beauty in everything now started meditating 3 mo ago and it has done me so much good, I shake off all the negativity during those sessions. I know it’s hard to take that first step, so many times I tried, but it’s possible.

I’m so happy for you! What an amazing transformation, body and soul!

Womona

Finally had an AF night. Didn’t even want to drink! Nice change of pace from my usual. I wasn’t going to drink last night either, but I worked late, was starving, and went to the restaurant where my son works. It was nice to sit in his section. Had a nice glass of wine with a delicious dinner. Don’t regret it, but I want to be AF for the rest of the week until Friday.

dawnbgethealthy

I am continuing with my usual goals, 16-20 AF days per month.
I had 18 last month, I have had as much as 23 a few times.
Being here with y'all gives me the accountability that I need and want.
I was a daily drinker at one time, and gradually moved it to my current goal which I have been able to uphold for quite some time.
I have no intention of becoming an abstainer. I enjoy my drinks, just less often, kind of like I have done with certain fattening foods.
I do plan my drinks days for the most part, but usually it is my schedule that dictates that. Trying not to have drinks when I work the following day.
Diary style is how I like to keep track here.


Monday September 13 - AF - I am getting 5 days off to go away on a little holiday : - ) I don't plan on limiting my alcohol consumption during my birthday trip.
Tuesday September 14 - AF - Big change of plans for my trip, the arena in the West Kootenays has delayed their public skating until next week. Cancelled hotels and booked in Canmore AB where there is public skating every day. Scarce choice of hotels at the last minute, but it will be okay. 2 more work days, leaving straight after work on Thursday.

Rolling Total - 10AF days out of 14 days.

Lilylady3k

@dawnbgethealthy - SKATING!!! What a wonderful present to yourself for your birthday vacation!

MissMay

WELCOME @RealFoodDee and @lisaj5227 we are so happy you both have come across our thread.

The support here is phenomenal, being able to read others stories with needing less alcohol in their lives let's us know we do not carry this struggle alone.

😊

MissMay

Last evening was my first alcohol in 29 days.
(YES I count and it is NOT a burden to do so)

Made a chocolate coconut martini at home, sat on my deck contemplating what more new normal in life will be with the void I now have to fill.
ONE DRINK ONLY. No desires for that sneaky second, third or fourth.

Golden rule I need to stick to. ***No consecutive days of alcoholic drinks. So while I am away starting tomorrow I will take the LYRE'S NON ALCOHOLIC spirits with me.

Big drinkers going to be with us on Friday. I will need to be on my game as they go into every nook and cranny bar they see to have one and then rinse -repeat all day long. By the time the concert starts "she" (not me) will be a total one eye closed mess.

September's accountability:
13AF
1A

lilawolf

Goals: No more than 2 A days a week, and no more than 3 (real, not silly "standard") drinks in a day unless a special occasion. Do not drink alone at home. Fit cals/carbs into my weekly goals.

9/1 AF skipped my usual drinking day
9/2 A (4 drinks/5.3SD) free beers are the hardest to turn down
9/3 AF through an HH with coworkers! No appetizers either. Went home and made a healthy dinner and then got a run in 😇
9/4 AF. Went for a hike and then cleaned my house.
9/5 AF. Lazy day
9/6 AF. Worked the holiday to bank it as vacation
9/7 AF. Got turned down for the job. Doubled down on healthy. Run
9/8 AF
9/9 AF. Worked almost 12 hours.
9/10 A. (2 drinks/3.2SD). Actually managed to stick to two!!! Run in the morning.
9/11 AF Long, hard hike and camping
9/12 AF Nice lazy dawn kayak. Thought about a beer and dinner out but decided on groceries/home instead
9/13 AF Short run in the morning, kayak at sunset
9/14 AF Rest day. Should have been laundry/dishes day, but :shrug:
9/15 A? Want to go out this evening but may stay AF anyway. Alcohol doesn't really sound that appealing but the company does. We'll see. My goal allows for 2 days with beverages which I haven't used in 6 weeks? Set an early alarm to run this morning, but was sleeping so hard I reset it for an hour later. 10 hours of glorious sleep. NOT SORRY

LolaBearyPie

Goals: AF Monday-Thursday; no more than 15 oz wine when do decide to indulge. Beginning today!

stealthchess

I'm going to set a goal of no drinking at home and limit to 2 beverages when eating out. I'm having trouble cutting back so I appreciate the support the forum provides.

lmlmrn

So happy to see so many new faces! @lisaj5227 , @RealFoodDee , @LolaBearyPie @stealthchess The support here is wonderful. For me they all have been there for my good, bad and ugly days. Can't wait to hear more about you and your journeys.

I have not have a great 1/2 month so far but not bad either. Yes I have had my alcohol, however.....I have kept it to one shot after working the 12 hour shifts so I could sleep well and be refreshed. Today is my last day off before the next run of long hours. I have planned to continue to moderate. Something that was unheard of for me 6 months ago.

I will start to concentrate on AF once the fair is done. Baby Steps, just baby steps. I want this new lifestyle to 'stick' I don't want to feel I am 'missing out' and so far it is working. March - July were terrific and I am working my way back to 'terrific' again. The journey and struggle is always real but the support here is even better!!!

Healthymumlife

lilawolf wrote: »

Gnight all. I hope your day was as lovely as you are 😘😍

-massabesic reservoir NH

What a beautiful photo

Healthymumlife

September accountability:
1st Sept - 15th Sept – AF
I found some AF margarita’s and some AF malt and cola cans which I bought. I think the brand is Naked Life? But only 5 cals a can. I haven’t tried them yet but looking forward to doing so.
I’m going really well with being AF for this month and just feel so much better for it. I had a lovely beach walk yesterday and even saw a beautiful dolphin playing in sea close to shore and followed him all the way on my walk. I didn’t take a picture because I was too caught up in watching him but I did take a photo of the beach afterwards. It was a beautiful day.

Womona

Welcome newcomers!!!!

One glass of wine at home last night. I was all set to be AF and then folded like a cheap suit.

I’m disciplined….. to a point. Not just with drinking, but with all areas of my life. I’m conscientious, a hard worker, responsible, have my finances in order, etc. Yet as successful as I am in life, there is a “*kitten* it” gene that makes me justify that drink, that new outfit, that calorie bomb dessert. The only place where I don’t falter is with work- I can thank my mom for that Germanic work ethic!!!!!

Sorry to turn this into a therapy session, it’s just that I’m just so curious about this. At the end of a day, I can see being tired and willpower flagging so it’s easier to reach for the drink that I didn’t want at 10:00AM. But the rest? The mind boggles.

lilawolf

Healthymumlife wrote: »

September accountability:
1st Sept - 15th Sept – AF
I found some AF margarita’s and some AF malt and cola cans which I bought. I think the brand is Naked Life? But only 5 cals a can. I haven’t tried them yet but looking forward to doing so.
I’m going really well with being AF for this month and just feel so much better for it. I had a lovely beach walk yesterday and even saw a beautiful dolphin playing in sea close to shore and followed him all the way on my walk. I didn’t take a picture because I was too caught up in watching him but I did take a photo of the beach afterwards. It was a beautiful day.

I love that you didn't lose the moment trying to take a picture of the dolphin. What a lovely beach pic. Let us know if the 5 cal margs are any good. I am....suspicious.

lilawolf

Went out for several hours and had a single beer. I felt really good about that choice. Maybe even more proud of sticking to one than I would have been staying completely AF, particularly if I'd just stayed home and avoided. Got up early and got a run in. This evening is buckle down and get resumes out time!

dethstar77

Going on a boys trip so this weekend will not be alcohol free but will definitely keep it controlled....