Less Alcohol ~ DECEMBER 2022 ~ One Day At A Time
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So I've been thinking...for several months, I was just slamming through goals, dropping the weight, doing well with not drinking much, working out, eating better and snacking less. It feels like the last couple of weeks have been harder. I'm not as motivated to hit the gym more days than not, I'm letting myself slip on the food and alcohol front, I'm letting myself get caught up in my head and that makes me want to drink. I'm still hovering right around 180-ish. It's like a big nasty backlash from holding it all back for too long, and now I feel like the little boy with my finger in the hole in the dike, trying to keep it all from crashing down around me. I think part of it is the holiday chaos, HBIC has had us running like crazy and that makes it harder to stay on top of things, and leads to eating out more as well as adding stress. I would be more content to keep things simple. She also tends to be the one to buy snacks, which I find irritating because if they aren't in the house, I don't want them but if they're here, I struggle.
It's time to step back, evaluate, recenter and get myself back on track.
Okay....positive things. I did make time for a workout last night. My treadmill run is getting better and better, my bursts of running are getting easier, even as they're getting longer. I've been doing 50 sit-ups in 5 sets of ten, but I was able to blast them out with no rest, which tells me those muscles are getting used to working again. After years of not being able to carry a pistol AIWB because of my physique, I have started carrying my P365XL appendix. I'm not losing weight, but any gain is still small enough for me to call it a wobble and not Significant Weight Gain. Those new boots are starting to break in, and a q-tip with acetone took the dye blem right out.
AF 12 of 19 days as of last night, I expect tonight to be AF. I have four beers in the cabinet, but I'm not going to put them in the fridge. I've got a few NAs still floating around that I actually enjoy.
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@Womona - A virtual hug for your husband for having that club soda and cranberry waiting for you!
I will be checking out Fever Tree club soda. Thanks for the tip! 4 -
@joans1976 Drats! ... on the waiting game for finding out the next level of treatment but I'm very glad to know it's still in the early stages. I hope you can enjoy the holidays and keep your mind busy with happy and fun things.5
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@mfowler883 I've been looking but I can't find Karbach around here nor on Amazon
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Good day to everyone!
AF last night....boy I have been tempted. However I really want to complete this weeks lifting without the dregs of alcohol in my system. @joans1976 I have always enjoyed lifting but never really took it a bit heavier until this 12 weeks. At the gym I just kept my wights for upper body around 5-8lbs and lower around 20lb per hand. I know this is not huge but now I am doing more of a formal workout with set rest times (40 sec) between sets (3-4 with 10-12 reps each). My lower body is doing the heaviest weight I have which is 2@33lbs and upper body 9-23lb same rules. I invested in power blocks ages ago and they are great for at home. Take up little space and I can change the weights in seconds. It is a great cardio too!
@Womona I am there with your with the AF days vs A days. This has been a hard 4 weeks for me but I am determined to get back under control
@mfowler883 I think we all ebb and flow with motivation. I know I have over these past 2 years since finding this thread. And the weight thing? well the first year I saw a small loss, however I was sick for most of that time then the 2nd year (now) I had like 3 months and the weight starting fall off like crazy even with my weekend indulgence, then I stabled out again to where I am now. The weight will ease off if that is your goal. LOL I hate patience, I lack this skill.....and I know a skill requires practice and patience grr.
Ok day 2 of week 12 under my belt AND was AF last night! so yeah. Even those stupid planks were not as bad today.
Today will be packed full of deep cleaning since the weather outside is wet and cold.
@MissMay it's this time of year I wish I was a snow bird.
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December has been a surprise
13 days AF
6 lbs weight loss since Nov (note: means nothing since I have not been exercising so half at least is muscle loss, still I like the feeling of lighter)
December is challenging. We can also use a Vit D boost and some good sunshine. Throw a relaxing vacation too. Sometimes the solution is to stop trying too hard, take a few days off and simply relax.
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@joans1976 it may be worth exploring what natural things you can take now while you wait, for prevention and further progression. I took rosemary, turmeric, Vit D, iodine, cruciferous veg in pill form. And I was counseled by the NP at MD Anderson what not to take (no soy, no cheese, no red meat, no alcohol, low to no sugar, followed high fiber diet, 1-2 TBSP first-press EVOO daily) and eliminated vitamins and supplements that have questionable herbal additives or potential estrogenic impacts (no Maca, no 7-Keto DHA, even flaxseed is questionable). If they haven't tested your Vit D and iodine levels, ask. Deficiencies here (common) is what initiates many breast cancers.
Sorry if I sound I am getting in your business, but I when I went through this, I read a ton of scientific studies that were recent and gained a lot of knowledge from the hospital dietician I went to regularly at the same hospital. You can overcome this.
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AF today. Ate reasonably, didn't work out but stayed fairly active and got some work in on a few projects.
-m7 -
Dec 1- 2- 3 A
Dec 4 - AF
Dec 5-6 -A
Dec 7- AF
Dec 8-9 -10 A
Dec 11- 12 - 13- AF
Dec 14- 15 - 16- 17 -A
Dec 18 - 19 - AF
Dec 20 - A but only 2 glasses at a holiday party5 -
So apparently NA beer is actually good for us! https://rightsidebrewing.com/improve-your-gut-health-with-non-alcoholic-beer/
Day 21. 3 weeks AF now.
Last night we went to a Mexican restaurant and I requested an NA pina colada. My goodness it was delicious. My husband had one with rum in it. When the bill came, I saw they were the same price so no note in my money jar last night. We have started to share entrees...I know....like old people....but really, everywhere we go, the portions are huge. Way, way more than one would have when eating at home. We were both very full and my husband is a big boy. This strategy is saving us hundreds of calories as well as a little bit of money when we go out.
UGH. Just got a text from my 85 year old mother that she has covid. She won't be with us for Christmas now. 7 -
Hello all! I’m still Amanda, I’m from Michigan. I am still a crazy cat lady and work for a veterinarian. This will be my sixth month with this group and it has helped me cut back on my drinking so much! I am not ready to say I am 100% sober but last month I had 30 days alcohol free 😃
12/1-12/7: 7 out of 7 AF
12/8-12/14: 7 out of 7 AF
Rolling total: 14 out of 14 AF
12/15: AF
My dad always buys a giant bottle of Baileys over the holidays and we put it in coffee and top it with whipped cream (if you want) or pour it over ice. I just perused the interwebz a bit and I don’t see AF Baileys. You can make it but it looks like such a pain in my behind I think I’ll just skip it this year or just have one.
So proud of everyone for their AF streaks, especially during this season that can be tricky.
12/16: AF
Back to my pre-surgical weight today! I gained 5 pounds with that surgery. I’m still not anywhere near where I want to be but any loss in December for me is a win!
12/17: AF
I did way too much yesterday and am paying for it with soreness today. 12 days out from surgery and ready to be back to normal!
I made like 4 million cookies with my mom yesterday, a tradition. She did not start drinking before noon which helped the process go smoother. My dad got pretty toasted before dinner which is odd and I didn’t necessarily like it. I’m kind of at a cross roads with saying something about their drinking. For one, they are going to keep drinking if they want to. And they are still getting used to me not drinking with them. However, they are already unsteady on their feet and adding alcohol makes their fall risk go up. I know a lot of you deal with partners drinking but have/did/are any of you dealing with an elderly parent drinking?
12/18: AF
I am at day 51 AF. It surprises me when I actually count it up. I still get cravings (?) but they pass. I always think of the whole movie I guess. I was actually waking up in the middle of the night, suddenly, and vomiting, even on nights I had not drank anything. Scared me. One of many reasons to stop and/or cut back.
12/19: AF
I received news from the tumor board yesterday that they are having pathology review the slides from surgery again to decide on my treatment plan (chemo, radiation, more surgery, hormones.) I am frustrated to say the least. This likely means waiting until after the holidays. I wanted to have a plan in place so I could research my options. I am still grateful this is at an early stage, things could be much worse.
12/21: AF
The tumor board has referred me on to medical oncology, which means no more surgery! One thing off the list. I am very, very tired today. I have 2 more days of work then I am off for 3 days. Is it horrible I am looking forward to sleeping?
54 Days AF6 -
@RockinRobyn672 Oooooo a kitten! Take pictures! Oh and of course enjoy your family too!
@globalhiker Thank you for the suggestions! I am already doing the majority of them, I am up in the air about turmeric. I have lost 50 pounds since April but am still 50 pounds overweight. I would really like to work on that and my mental health right now. I think I said this before, I had this long list of things to do to improve my health and I was working so diligently at it. Getting a routine mammogram was on the list. I had skipped it last year due to caring for a terminally ill friend. When they called me back for another mammogram I was a little irritated thinking “this was supposed to be simple, just check it off my list.” Then everything changed. This was all after I had lowered my BP and cholesterol, lost 50 pounds and drastically changed my diet. I had cut out 99% of alcohol. Cancer is sneaky and ruthless and mean.
I will take to heart your suggestions! Thank you!
@ahoy_m8 I am sorry to hear about the grieving. I feel like there has been a lot of loss around me lately with close friends and my hands feel tied as to what to do or say to help them. I lost my best friend in March and have (still) not processed it. That’s what the trip to Bali was for. I have a book “It’s ok that you’re not okay:Grieving in a culture that doesn’t understand,” that I haven’t started yet because I’m afraid to. I lost my cat on November 4th and her ashes came with this little booklet on grieving. It was written so well and could easily be applied to human loss. Reading it was hard but it helped. Sending you all the hugs!
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This group really helps me hold myself accountable, plus everyone is absolutely great. My monthly goal is 16-19 AF days (3A days max weekly) for weight loss and overall health. I post in the mornings about the previous day.
12/18: AF
12/19: AF
12/20: AF - Two days until traveling. I have to do my annual self-evaluation at work (ugh!), plus feedback for other folks, plus I still have too many things to do to get ready for our trip. I haven't wrapped one gift. I'm feeling anxiety so taking deep breaths and thinking about the positives. 1) I'm looking forward to hanging out with my kids including my son's husky and the new rescue kitten. 2) I'm looking forward to stuffing stockings and keeping a family tradition going. The tradition? My mother-in-law always made us the best Christmas stockings using one leg for each person from panty-hose (because they hold a lot more)! It was hilarious! Your stocking might have had a run in it where she stuffed in a magazine. I bought holiday ones for the kids this year. 3) I am looking forward to being away from work all week next week. We'll be home from our travels next Tuesday so I'll get some needed time for myself.
Apologies for the long story today... It was a bit of a challenge last night to stay AF. Hubby brought home a gift bottle of white wine from a holiday party at work. We both abstained. He left it in the car for one thing and it was cold outside
My plan was to stay AF until Thursday but we may crack it open for dinner tonight. It means I'll lose an A day over the holiday weekend. I need to ponder on this.
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@joans1976 Yay to no more surgery, and looking forward to sleeping or whatever you want to do is not a bad thing at all!6
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@SunnyDays Thanks so much for the NA-beer-being-good-for-you article! I have it bookmarked to share with others. We have also started splitting meals and both of us (usually) are satisfied after. I hope your mom recovers quickly!
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I am Dawn, I live in SE BC Canada
My primary motivation for drinking less is weight loss.
I throw up if I have more than 3 drinks, so moderation on drink days is rarely an issue for me lol.
My recurring goal is 16-20 AF days per month. I squeaked to 16 last month.
I like to do this diary style to keep track.
Sunday December 18 - AF - I have a very light workweek this week, but the weather is too cold to do much outdoor activity. Sunny and blue, but minus 20 here. Minus 5 to minus 10 is perfect for winter activities. Keeping the option open for a drinks evening some time this week, we'll see because my weight is up almost 5 pounds after being sick and not eating. I need to get that back down and don't want alcohol to interfere with that goal.
Monday December 19 - 2 drinks. I got my grey roots died out after work, came home and mixed a cocktail. Planning AF until Friday.
Tuesday December 20 - AF - Minus 25 here this morning. I woke up Tuesday morning with a cold and had to take Dayquil to get through my workday. Just got over the flu, so I guess that my immunity was ripe to catch the next thing. I was more interested in a hot bath and a Neo Citran than anything last night, so AF won out.
Rolling total - 13AF day out of 20 days5 -
Hi! I had jury duty recently that really threw me for a loop. We ended up with a hung jury (5-1) with me being the hold out. I spoke to the prosecutor afterwards and she said the defendant took a plea bargain rather that go to trial again. It was not a great experience so I had drinks a couple nights to unwind. Things are back to normal - for a day or two at least! Now off to the holiday celebrations!
Goal: 15 AF days, no more than 2 drinks, only drink at events (and there are lots of events)
AF: 12/2-8, 10, 15-22 (14)
A: 12/1, 9-14 (8)6 -
Wow it is so close to the holiday
DD and family hopefully arrive tomorrow afternoon and will be with us for a week. I am afraid of travel delays on their end though....
Finished week 12 day 3 of formal strength training yeah! Tomorrow will be my last day then a week of rest before I start the next round.
AF yesterday, today 1/2 beer debating on counting it or not went to lunch and ordered. my beverage I prefer was pretty much gone so I sipped the 1/2 glass they gave me (no charge) then I still went home and enjoyed a nap in the middle of the day LOL...Rare occurrence for sure, but right now I will take sleep where I can get it.
have an awesome night everyone6 -
Anyone tried Ritual NA tequila and tried to make frozen margaritas with that?
14 days AF of which 3 were consecutive. AND I have loads of liquor under the tree (gifts from others). I haven't peeked. Felt "edgy" today but putting myself to bed before I get into trouble.
All of you motivate me and challenge me by what you write, thank you!5 -
Yeah, I was going to say there are some interesting compounds in beer that are still present in most NA brews. When we eat out, we split food a lot. One almost has to if one is to stay under any realistic calorie goal.SunnyDays930 wrote: »So apparently NA beer is actually good for us! https://rightsidebrewing.com/improve-your-gut-health-with-non-alcoholic-beer/
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We have started to share entrees...I know....like old people....but really, everywhere we go, the portions are huge. Way, way more than one would have when eating at home. We were both very full and my husband is a big boy. This strategy is saving us hundreds of calories as well as a little bit of money when we go out.
That's awesome news! Nothing wrong with looking forward to sleep. I struggle to get more than 5 or 6 hours a lot of nights, so I totally get that.The tumor board has referred me on to medical oncology, which means no more surgery! One thing off the list. I am very, very tired today. I have 2 more days of work then I am off for 3 days. Is it horrible I am looking forward to sleeping?
I spent a big chunk of my morning sneaking around to gather stocking stuffers. It's amazing how fast a lot of little stuff adds up, I blew through $200 like it was nothing. I think I did pretty good, though. I'm looking forward to seeing some lit up faces when they dump their stockings, nobody knows what I got for them.RockinRobyn672 wrote: »I'm looking forward to stuffing stockings and keeping a family tradition going.
I've been seeing more and more NA spirits around, tequilas and whiskeys mostly. Never tried any of them. My automatic assumption as a whiskey snob is that the NA whiskeys probably taste like hot garbage, and a quick search for opinions online seems to back that up. My margs are usually decent tequila if not outright good tequila, triple sec or Cointreau, fresh squeezed lime juice and homemade simple syrup. I suppose I could make the syrup from Swerve or similar, not sure if there's a good substitute for the triple sec.globalhiker wrote: »Anyone tried Ritual NA tequila and tried to make frozen margaritas with that?
AF today. BTW, my name is Mike.
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