LESS Alcohol ~ MARCH 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

xbowhunter

Planning to be AF for the next 4 days. Today is the toughest being day one...

Actual:
0 - AF
3 - A

Womona

@xbowhunter it really is.
@globalhiker congrats on feeling great, and the weight loss. That’s awesome!
@Michieb125 congrats on your weight loss too, not to mention boundary setting !! I love spring in California, so beautiful!
@forestdweller1 I was expecting you to say up every 2 hours pooping. Peeing is the better option. Haha!

Did ok with goals this weekend. Microsipping that glass of wine worked, but then hubby ordered Sambuca. I said I’d split it with him, thinking it would wind up being half a serving. Well, it was a huge pour, so I’m counting that as another drink. Last night I stuck to one glass of wine. As for tonight, I need to find a better transition to home/ relax after busy day of work other than wine. I may do a hot tea. Meanwhile, off to the gym!

MissMay

@globalhiker what freak'n fantastic news of dropping 14 pounds!! I remember many of your past posts over the years had "something" missing in them by the way you wrote them

I can hear what it is now. Your loving yourself again. You deserve all the rewards, go for them.

MissMay

@forestdweller1 that is hysterical. I was thinking the same thought as @womona with your need to get out of bed. Lol.

Poor kitty.............🐈

lmlmrn

Hello everyone.
Yesterday, a sipped a small glass of wine waiting on dinner. Then stopped. AND I did not snack last night for me is a major accomplishment now. It is like things have shifted being more mindful of what I eat vs what I drink. Weird

Congrats @globalhiker on your loss...that just sounds so cool it makes me chuckle and oh my @forestdweller1 love the cat story. We have a painting in our home that was done by a local artist and signed. Title of said picture? Pe-Catso.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

Hi all!

I drank on the first two days of the month (on a lovely warm vacation). I plan only to drink (modestly) on St. Pats and on Easter. So, 4 A days total!

Score card:

A: 2
AF: 1

MissMay

I have to cut the ties with a girl I work with. We became buddies, talk outside of the work place and only one time over the past 7 months had lunch together.

Many of her texts to me seemed confusing at times. I would call when she texted me to call, but many times she would not answer the phone.

Huge percentage of our actual phone calls were her repeating, repeating, repeating. Interrupting my answers and then regret and apologies.

Of course I could immediately tell she has a drinking issue. Yes she is in the deepest denial.

Saturday night she called late in a mess crying. But she would not let me come over to help. I did not sleep Saturday night wondering about her situation. Last thing she agreed to do was call me to let me know she was OK Sunday morning.
at 8:00AM

Sunday no call. I went to work. At my noon lunch I called her twice. No answer. Then just before I was done with lunch she calls, wants to know what I want.

She began to repeat her conversation to me from last night. And I interrupted her. I let her know that I had and have attempted to help her with her drining situation that she claims does not exist.

I let her know that there are those who are willing to help themselves and there are those that will beat their head on a door still claiming they have no problem.

I then said I can only help you if you are open.to the idea and either cut back or quit. I can not accept calls after work any longer from you because you have invaded my happy place without taking responsibility for your drunken phone calls.

There are those I can try to give some help to and then there are some I can't, and I have to make a decision for my and my husbands private sanity to turn my back and walk away.

Not easy. Yet needs to be done.

2timesacharmmfp

So impressed, motivated, and inspired by the starts here!

My March has been wet (planned, but over target 2/3 days) so will turn those numbers around this week. Planning AF today and tomorrow, debating for Wednesday due to planned dinner and AF again Thursday. Scale has been down when keeping an eye on drinks and I do not want to relinquish my progress!

ahoy_m8

Hi, all!

The first 2 months of 2024 saw tons tons more travel than normal (some fun, some sad), and I'm now in NM for the month. Haven't been checking in but still working on moderation. Alas, I am right where I've been for a long time now -- pretty consistent with weekday abstinence and pretty inconsistent with weekend moderation. Sigh. I resisted temptation last night because I'm alone and didn't want to open a bottle on a Sunday night. The bottle I planned to enjoy Fri-Su I finished on Sat night. So, yeah, no wine left. And I was tempted nonetheless! Seriously tempted! Sheesh. Not a crazy bender, and lord knows I'm capable of way worse, but moderation continues to be a mind game. What helped this time was thinking about a friend (a drinking buddy of sorts 25 years ago) who lives here now and whom I saw over the weekend. She said she doesn't keep alcohol in her house at all, and that helps limit her consumption to social drinking.

Thanks, Miss May, for the thread and the funny spring break story. I'm sure I've been there in younger years, too. Nice to see all the success. It's encouraging!

Michieb125

Yesterday was also rainy but I still went out to look at my garden supply center. There were no spring sales on anything yet, so I will watch the ads. Had my planned wine last night but went over my limit, willfully ‘knowing’ I have planned AF days until Thursday night so why not have another glass? Not a great decision - Was up for what seemed like two hrs in the middle of the night with my mind racing about family stuff. I do regret not stopping at two and must give myself grace in the moment. This is how I continue to grow on my LA journey! I am planning to get to bed early on several nights this week as I have early morning commitments starting tomorrow.

May you find your best resolve on this Monday.

March goal:
Wine nights = Sunday and Thursday
18-20 AF days
10-12 A days
Limits: 2 glasses (wine)

Actual:
1 - AF
2 - A

Michieb125

@MissMay - I also love black mulch and flowers for a beautiful refreshed look for spring. Your garden space is very peaceful! I think you are doing the right thing with your co-worker. We cannot make ourselves worry sick over people who won’t help themselves. And it sounds like you’ve been there for her over and over to no avail.

A few of you already have 3 AF days - starting off March with a bang, this is outstanding! Congrats!

My other goal is to make the most of each day without ‘thinking’ about alcohol so much, hoping to get to a take it or leave it mindset this year.

tmbg1

4 AF

zensome

It took me a while to read all of the post for this month, it's so good to see everyone off to a good start! I did not put forth my best effort in February so I am trying to get motivated to do better this month.

Stats so far, including today:

3 AF
1 A

Thank you @MissMay for keeping this community together! And thank you to all of the participants who show up here and share your struggles and triumphs, it is heartening to know there are others out there experiencing the same ups and downs.

lmlmrn

Good morning to everyone!
Yesterday a few sips of wine, nothing serious. Today is a planned 2 beer day, DH and I like to plan a meal out a week and today is that day I allow/maybe have 2 beers - or not. Since we live in a restaurant desert with the closed (10 miles) nasty diner, Local brewery (15miles), bad bar food/pizza, Mexican (17miles), never met a spice or coffee pot, or Pub/restaurant (22 miles) has beer and decent menu of sandwiches, burgers etc. We chose Pub/restaurant.

We started going to the YMCA and it is so helping DH mental and physical well being, mine too. I can't do a lot but working on it.

@MissMay sorry about that co-worker that is such a hard decision to walk away. I fear I will be repeating your actions soon. But sometimes mental health, peace and respect for yourself it is necessary.

Yesterday I also started my seeds for our veggie and herb garden. my fingers are crossed this works out!

Michieb125

@lmlmrn please let us know what kinds of seeds you are planting! My order from Burpee is on my planting table with new seed pods and soil ready for me. Enjoy your night out with DH.

AF last night and again tonight. Post includes tonight since decision is already made! Heading out early this morning to my volunteer work and then again tomorrow.

March goal:
Wine nights = Sunday and Thursday
18-20 AF days
Limits: 2 glasses (wine)

Actual:
AF - 3
A - 2

globalhiker

Michieb125 wrote: »

@globalhiker - I can truly ‘hear’ your joy ring through in your comments. I agree this LA lifestyle might mean less alcohol, but look how much MORE we get from it! #respect #motivation #painfree #sleep #positvemood - all the things you mention. Way to go.

@Michieb125, thanks and your weight loss is commendable!

I_am_motivated

My 7 Pillars to lose weight and keep it off!!! (This also includes no alcohol)

1. Eat low carb/carb cycle/portion control
2. Get at least 10,000 steps per day/3X a week weightlifting
3. Take supplements/LMNT/magnesium/omegas
4. At least 80 oz of water per day
5. IF 16/8
6. 8 hours of sleep
7. Mindset work

Whenever I have the urge to drink, I will drink N/A beer. That has helped a lot.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

@I_am_motivated : Wow! That’s ambitious!

I join you in several of those, including 16:8. But, I don’t lose weight unless I track. (Turns out, I can eat plenty in 8 hours if I’m not careful.)

Your post reminds me to go back to take creatine, which really seemed to help with recovery. Also, I drink tea all day and electrolytes in the evening to get my liquids.

tmbg1

5 - AF

2timesacharmmfp

@ahoy_m8 @MissMay I could have written both your posts! Those darn weekends always get me...which is odd because you'd think the workdays would have a bigger impact!

Stuck to my goals this week so far - planned A day today (originally planned NA but decided to allow a light A day). I did have a moment yesterday where I both wanted and didn't want a glass of wine...it's a strange feeling, mentally I knew I didn't want it but the thought still popped up. Stuck with a LaCroix and an NA beer (NA Blue Moon is absolutely delicious!).

Stepawayfromthetable

Hey all!
I just stumbled upon this discussion since I have rejoined Myfitnesspal on Sunday.
I’m 36 and at my highest weight. I’m not an everyday drinker but when I drink, I drink. I also don’t stop eating when I’m drinking and the whole next day. I also can go the whole week without a cigarette but if I have one drink, I need one and then I’m buying a pack, smoking like a chimney, and feeling even worse. So, I had my last shot Friday night to “finish the bottle” and realized I don’t want to keep doing this. My kids are old enough to see what’s happening and what a hypocrite I am to tell them no drugs, drinking or smoking when I drink and smoke. Another wakeup call was walking up the stairs at my house and sweating like a pig, I have been sweating so much. NO MORE.

I used to be fit and ate right I let stresses that came my way at 34 take over.
I’m also embarrassing when I drink, I call everyone in my phone to talk even when I don’t really want to. I blabber, I ruined a Christmas party, I turn angry on my husband – just not cool.

We have the Tonal, treadmill, elliptical, weighted ropes, kick boxing bags literally everything we have just chosen to be lazy and drink the weekends and eat like crap. Well Sunday my husband and I woke up early and went straight down to the gym (see what not drinking on a Saturday can do for you) and we meal prepped for the week. So far, no drinks since Friday night (one shot), no smoking, and working out every day.

I know I am the type of person that needs a “cheat meal/day” otherwise ill go crazy so I’m thinking March 23rd my husband and I will go out to dinner and pig out a bit. But who knows we do have a vacation coming up in May so maybe we can wait until then. Its nice to keep the 23rd in my mind as a just in case.

lmlmrn

Michieb125 wrote: »

@lmlmrn please let us know what kinds of seeds you are planting! My order from Burpee is on my planting table with new seed pods and soil ready for me. Enjoy your night out with DH

Hehe, So far I planted all my herbs, cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary etc. Then in another one I have peppers (4 types) and dill. Friday after my 2nd grow light (can't take these outside yet) will be my tomatoes, onions, carrots, beets and maybe a few more just not sure....

So yesterday we did go out and I had my 2 beers but I am rethinking about continuing visiting our last remaining beer place within 25 miles. They have specials each week. So I ordered this 'french' burger. That had caramelized onion, swiss cheese and 1/2lb patty on brioche bun and some sort of red wine demi .....now the last time I checked when you pour a liquid on top of the bun...things get wet, soggy and completely disintegrate. So I am mopping this liquid off the top of the bun, putting napkins under the bun to sop that up. In the mean time the cheese has stuck to one of the napkins and won't let go like me and my bottle of wine. So the bartender/waitstaff looks at me odd, and I just commented who though putting liquids on bread was a good idea??? Anyway this is the second meal in a row that really was well below expectations. Last week was raw batter on fish and chips.

So looks like we may be making our weekly date with a six pack, movie on Amazon and a carry out pizza if we can find a new pizza place (even pizza is not what I am use too) How can you mess up a pizza you ask???? Come visit me.

Lots of love and laughs to everyone. Life is too short to keep mentally beating yourself up xx

2timesacharmmfp

@dmally1 Welcome!

Awareness and taking that first step will work wonders This group has people of all ages with varying goals. The common focus- reducing alcohol intake and the impact it has on our lives. One thing I cannot say enough is that there is no judgement in this group- I lurked for a long time before commenting and I think posting and staying honest has been helpful in my progress (even those days where it feels like I'm only taking baby steps!)

itladyee

Goals for March
Mostly Dry (no more than 4 days)
Possible Exceptions

First week is a killer
3/4 - Dinner Out
3/5 - Dinner Out (may not go)
3/8 - Fashion Show
TBD
Goal AF = 27+

Current Streak - AF = 1
Longest Streak 2024 - AF = 16

First week as expected, sorta but more than planned.

A = 2
W = 2
AF = 2
A=Non Wine Alcohol
Month Recap by Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3/1 ✅️
3/2 🥃planned, blackberry crown. It was good
3/3 🥃
3/4 🍷planned
3/5 🍷
3/6 ✅️
3/7
3/8
3/9
3/10
3/11
3/12
3/13
3/14
3/15
3/16
3/17
3/18
3/19
3/20
3/21
3/22
3/23
3/24
3/25
3/26
3/27
3/28
3/29
3/30
3/31

2024 Stats
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January
AF = 87%
A = 13%
February
AF = 58%
A = 42%

2023 Stats Detailed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January
AF = 53%
A = 47%
February
AF = 29%
A = 71%
March
AF = 0%
A = 100%
April
AF = 14%
A = 86%
May
AF = 23%
A = 77%
June
AF = 27%
A = 73%
July
AF = 0%
A = 100%
August
AF = 0%
A = 100%
September
AF= 0%
A= 100%
October
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
November - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
December - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%

I_am_motivated

AF-6
7 Pillars-2

tmbg1

6 - AF

globalhiker

AF for March so far.

@dmally1 congratulations on your sharp turnaround! Nice!

@MissMay you are right regarding something missing from my life based on my old posts. I was sulky; unhappy about my job, didn't prioritize myself as a result, and in retrospect should've taken action long time ago. Lesson learned: one's self and wellness comes before money and work.

Weight loss: I did IF for several months and lost weight and gained better blood sugar control. I wear a garmin with stats programmed into it all day now so I see how many calories I really burn. Technology is not 100% perfect, but this is better than some estimate online or "generalized" advice online or from trainers. Turns out my daily expenditure is only in the 1300-1400 calorie range on days I don't do dedicated exercise. I clean-eat 4 mini-meals daily each with protein, veg, 1/2 TBSP olive oil /guac. Some days I add a 5th meal of a greek yogurt or one that has a protein and a higher fiber carb (sweet potato, beans, or brown rice). I have a lower glycemic fruit source daily, usually citrus or half-glass pure cranberry. I supplement with calcium-mag. And I don't eat breakfast until my tummy growls and starts to ask for it (listing to signals). I allow myself "cheat meals" but I record the estimated calories of what that cost me. If I find myself starving ravenous, I don't snack, instead I try to eat my next meal earlier.

Now it's crystal clear why it would be impossible for someone like me to be able to manage both weight loss and regular drinking. The calorie wiggle room for wine does not exist. The 25 lb. fat gain from the past few years was all self-damage from the wine calories. I lived on wine fuel while my body stored a lot of the food I ate. What an eye opener for me.

lmlmrn

Good day to all!
AF yesterday and no planned A until maybe saturday? maybe not.

Just checking in and reading posts....not much to add yest today....Happy trails

xbowhunter

Off to a terrible start but I am determined to turn it around! The old Wine with dinner habit has crept in again.

My inflammation in my joints is telling me to back off on the happy juice!

AF - 0
A - 6

MissMay

Hello and happy Thursday.

Yesterday was beautiful on my day off. We went to enjoy some sunshine after DH got out of work. amazing how only an hour of vitamin D can change your mood. I had a H00 at the tiki place. Then we went home and DH wanted to eat out. We went to a cool place we have gone a million times and OMG they had no iced tea. I always get iced tea there.

I saw a pineapple on top of a bar tap starring at me and I ordered it. ACE Pineapple Cider. 16 ounce pour.

It was refreshing for the first 5 or 6 sips, then the sweetness kicked in. I did not even drink half. Slid it over to DH.

So accountability is as of yesterday:
5AF
1A (1 standard drink amount)

Welcome @dmally1 nice to read your post.