LESS Alcohol ~ JANUARY 2025 ~ One Day at A Time
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Happy Mindful Friday vibes everyone -
Now that we are over half way through the month are you taking the time to pause and reflect on the big or subtle changes you are seeing?
Mine is I am waking much earlier and starting my day. My skin is actually plumper - deeper wrinkles smoother and not as dehydrated looking!
Also I don’t have the anxiety I can get associated with too many wine days in a row.
Staying within my weekly targets and have 10 out of 17 AF days, including today.
Wine replacements are mostly sparkling waters, and a splash of cherry or cran juice and herbal teas. Or a Stella N.A. 0.0 once a week. I’m finding I actually prefer these beverages over the zero N.A. wines overall. And trying to ramp up my good ‘ol water intake back to 64 oz. minimum.
New finds:
A low abv 8% / 90 Pinot Noir by Meiomi called Bright at Total Wine. I will try it tomorrow night during the Chiefs football game.
Mingle brand - a new NA lightly sparkled flavored beverage: Pinapple/Paloma. Light effervescence and great on flavor.
Rose’ N.A. sparking beverage in a can for $1.99 at Trader Joe’s. Will try tonight, this one probably in a wine glass.
Current:
AF - 10
A - 6
LA - 1 (2 Prosecco)
Thank you for inspiring me to stay the course!
8 -
Setting up for success!!!
Goals for January - 85% Dry (AF = 26 A=5)
Monthly Stats - On Target If When I finish strong, the best I can do is 81% Still a win!
AF = 11 ~ 65 %
A = 6 ~ 35 %
Current Streak - AF = 0
Longest Streak - AF = 7
Status updated through 1/17
Gave in yesterday....in many ways. Spent the entire day cleaning, deep cleaning. By the time I sat down, DH said Pizza, I said sure... Cocktails? I said sure.... Then there's tonight...there will be wine. Then back to dry January on Saturday.
@surfergirl1982 ~ Excellent job...you are on your way!
@chicbuc ~ enjoy your trip and you will succeed!! A coffee shop on the beach sounds nice, even if it is a bit chilly.
@Womona ~ nice catch up! Sorry the LA wine was not LA... but you are still doing well, so keep it going. I will aim for no more than 3 glasses of wine tonight. If I stretch, I might be able to just do 2....we shall see. Good luck to you. Hope your back feels better.
@MissMay ~ I LOVE that meme!! So true...one day at a time and make the next day better! Sorry to hear of your friend. Maybe a few more days of clear brain will help.
@michieb125 - Nice post, nice question!
The non alcohol days have lead to:- No brain fog
- Better quality of sleep (My sleep score from my app is 60ish when drinking and 80+ when not)
- Ability to stay awake while watching tv/movie
- More energy
Month Recap by Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Tracker ✅️🍷🍸
1/1 - 1/7 ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
1/8 - 1/14 ❌✅✅❌❌✅✅
1/15 - 1/21 ❌❌❌
1/22 - 1/28
1/29 - 2/4
Exceptions for January
1/8 🍷🍷🍸 ~ Husband's birthday
1/11 🍷🍷🍷 ~ Lunch out prior to MIL birthday celebration
1/12 🥂🥂~ Mimosa's at brunch
1/15 🍷🍷🍷 Book club
1/16 🍸🍷 Unplanned Pizza and coctails
1/17 ??? Dinner out with friends
2023 - 2024 Stats
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2024~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January AF =87% A=13%
February AF =58% A=42%
March AF = 0% A = 100%
April AF = 0% A = 100%
May
June AF =58% A=42%
July
August
September
October
November
December AF = 13% =87%
Best AF Month = January
2023 St AF =12% A=88%
Best AF Month = January6 -
Today will be 17 days AF (dry January goal) and after reading posts about changes noticed since going AF, I agree with them all...
* Better focus
* Improved sleep
* No cravings for a beer or glass of wine (or bourbon) at the moment. (One thing that has helped me there is to also consider habits where I had a beer or drink and slightly change them so as to not be tempted.)
* Morning workouts seem to be easier in terms of having more energy
* Slight improvement in checking account since not spending money on alcohol - looks like it has shifted towards food items for meal prep and my other goal of dropping a few pounds - all good things at the moment.
One thing I picked up on from several people is to have a plan on number of drinks if going LA. I think that mindfulness certainly helps moderate alcohol consumption.
Looking out the into next few weeks and deciding whether to consider break a good AF streak and have a drink (trip to visit in-laws, etc.). My overall inclination is to continue AF until reaching my weight loss goal...it is not much, just 10lbs at the moment and already down 4lbs. Might have to consider another weight loss goal but first things first...make the first one!
Looks like everyone is making progress towards their goals and that is awesome! Keep at it and if you stumble...just get back up and try again!! And thanks for everyone sharing...have a great Friday!7 -
@nonniedoiron ~ aren't you winding down in prep for your new job or is it too early. I think you had an April start??? You're very close to 50/50... then AF can take the lead!!
It’s too early to wind down. They assigned to me a total of 68 events to plan by the end of March! 32 of those are in February! 😱🤯 the system they use relaying requirements is slow and out dated. It’s a *kitten* show for real!
Hubby and son are away this weekend just me, my daughter, and MIL. Tomorrow is my daughter’s robotics competition. Should be fun. I’ve never been to one before.
AF - 7
A - 10
I drank last night, and I’m calling tonight an A day too.
7 -
Jan:
AF=6
A=10
Yesterday was AF for me, and I have to tell you I think my attitude has totally changed. I really don't think I'll be drinking any more.
Here's the story:
My SO's brother has come to live with us. He has the beginnings of dementia and can't live alone anymore (not sure if I've mentioned this before, but needed to repeat it for this story). He also has a few other medical issues I won't go into.
Anyway, he was "off" all day yesterday, my SO noticed him shaking, and around 7:30pm he got up to go to bed and could barely walk. He got really dizzy and we called 911.
My SO stayed in his room with him while I called 911 and then met the EMS duo outside to give them a bit of his medical info.
Had I decided to get a bottle of wine (the white I would have got is a 1.5L bottle), I would have probably been halfway through that bottle by 7:00 - that's a whole regular size bottle.
I can't tell you how relieved I was this morning that I had it together for last night's 'event'. I can't imagine how upset, angry, disappointed or any one of many other things my SO would have suffered if I hadn't been 100%. I'm almost in tears writing this, because I would have been slurring my words on the phone with 911 and talking to the EMS guys. If we did have to go the hospital, I wouldn't have been able to drive behind the ambulance, my SO would have had to drive instead of riding in the ambulance with his brother. I would have let down 2 people I love so so much, and it pains me to even think that that could have happened.
Sorry this is so long, but the whole reason I wrote this out is to say that I don't even have the words to tell you all how much all of you, and this ongoing discussion means to me. Your encouragement yesterday is what led me to forgo the wine last night, and it made a world of difference in my life. So thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
12 -
@SurferGirl1982 5 days done - WOW!! I'm so happy for you.
@chicbuc thanks for the hugs yesterday. I think I missed it, but what beach are you heading to (if you want to share)
@NonnieDoiron sorry to hear your work is stressing you, but nice job limiting the A days to 2 glasses (b-days are always an exception aren't they
)
@sunnydays930 glad to hear you were able get past the craving, that self disappointment can definitely be crushing.
@itladyee love your goal setting with the percentages!
Be back in the morning to catch up some more.4 -
ACK! my husband and I went for a quick mini beach vacation even though it was like 25 degrees. It was still very fun but I ruined my 18 day streak. Had waaaay too much alcohol on Friday and 2 drinks on Saturday. Back in the saddle today so....
January
AF 16
A 2
@MissMay the story about your hospitalized friend is terrifying. But I am glad you posted about her condition because it reminds me of why I wanted to quit drinking in the first place. Your health is everything.6 -
Michieb125 wrote: »Happy Mindful Friday vibes everyone -
Now that we are over half way through the month are you taking the time to pause and reflect on the big or subtle changes you are seeing?
Mine is I am waking much earlier and starting my day. My skin is actually plumper - deeper wrinkles smoother and not as dehydrated looking!
Also I don’t have the anxiety I can get associated with too many wine days in a row.
Staying within my weekly targets and have 10 out of 17 AF days, including today.
Wine replacements are mostly sparkling waters, and a splash of cherry or cran juice and herbal teas. Or a Stella N.A. 0.0 once a week. I’m finding I actually prefer these beverages over the zero N.A. wines overall. And trying to ramp up my good ‘ol water intake back to 64 oz. minimum.
New finds:
A low abv 8% / 90 Pinot Noir by Meiomi called Bright at Total Wine. I will try it tomorrow night during the Chiefs football game.
Mingle brand - a new NA lightly sparkled flavored beverage: Pinapple/Paloma. Light effervescence and great on flavor.
Rose’ N.A. sparking beverage in a can for $1.99 at Trader Joe’s. Will try tonight, this one probably in a wine glass.
Current:
AF - 10
A - 6
LA - 1 (2 Prosecco)
Thank you for inspiring me to stay the course!
I await with bated breath your review of the NA and LA wine options you mentioned!!!!6 -
@SparkSpringtime69 wow, that story really puts things into perspective. This is what it’s all about. I hope your SO’s brother stabilizes. Way to go for being able to support your family when they needed you. It is indeed a blessing, and there are no coincidences.
@MissMay, sorry to hear about your friend, even if she is in better shape than she was earlier this week. I hear ya, there are some people where there is no talking to them. I think we all know someone who needs to make a major life change, and the wall goes up and they will NOT listen. It’s hard to not want to swoop in to be the one to make them see the error of their ways. Not gonna happen, and it’s hard, but necessary, to let them live with their choices. Really hard to watch.
@tobinross i like the idea of AF until your goal weight is achieved!
I met my upper threshold last night, only two glasses of wine spread out over a number of hours, I was totally ok to drive, and glad I didn’t have more. Micro-sips to the rescue!!7 -
@surfergirl1982 ~ yes! Remembering!! You are doing a great job!
@nonniedoiron ~ 68 events by end of March and 32 in February!!! That sounds insane!! I know you will do your best, but geezzzzeeee! Have fun at the robotics competition!
@sparkspringtime69 ~ Your story is so powerful and eye-opening!! It's a fear that I have as well. I am so glad you were 100% present!!
@SunnyDays930 ~ glad you enjoyed the mini beach vacation, although 25 does seem cold!! Hopefully there was a fireplace somewhere. Hop back on!
@tobinross ~ I considered this approach (AF until goal weight achieved) but I have a lot to lose to get to goal. But, I did think about mini goals, so AF until X pounds. We have at least one celebration (Anniversary) in February but I may make this the focus for March.
Last night was a lot of fun out with friends. Today, back AF... if only for a good night's sleep!! There are two NFL games today. If I want something, I will go for my bubbly NA rose but I think I will be good.
Have a great day today!!!
6 -
@chicbuc I hear you're planning your first AF trip in 20 years. I did mine last Fall. I really thought it could never be possible. I really loved to drink while away and try all kinds of wines I don't have locally. Like that was the center of my trips (the hikes were just to work off the calories). But I was challenged by someone on this team to do it and I did. I prepared and I told my husband upfront and I pre-bought all my AF drinks and goodies. And guess what, I had a really great time! Missed out on zip zero nada.
4 months AF + 17 AF days done. Work is beyond insane with way too many projects going off course but being AF does give me added resiliency and I don't get nearly stressed out as much as I used to. Overall easier to manage stress. Better confidence too. Huge plus!
Lows in the 30s over here - BRRR - it's GYM WEATHER, off to my gym classes I go.8 -
11 AF
4 LA (LA means 1-2 drinks)
2 A (A means 3+ drinks)
6 -
"Missed out on zip zero nada"globalhiker wrote: »
Globalhiker may I please have permission to have Tshirts made up with your quote above?
Love this!9 -
SparkSpringtime69 wrote: »Jan:
AF=6
A=10
Yesterday was AF for me, and I have to tell you I think my attitude has totally changed. I really don't think I'll be drinking any more.
Here's the story:
[/b]<3
Your story is very moving, your courage to make the right decision to be AF is such a strong realization. It hit home for me.
In 2001 someone in my home went missing. They had issues with medicine they were taking for a surgery they had recently. I could not go look for them because I could not walk around my neighborhood or drive since I had been drinking heavy.
Your a hero for being AF during all that.
8 -
Accountability January 18 2025
0 ZERO alcohol
AF - 17
I am at day 100+ sipping my non alcohol drinks in fancy glasses. Some with mini umbrellas even.
I don't do hair extentions, false eye lashes, spanx, botox or acrylic nails. I do however elude my drinking friends questions by putting my non alcohol beverages in gorgeous glassware accented with pretty garnishes. 🤣🤪7 -
@MissMay oh man, thank you for sharing that story. You must have felt awful. But, I hope you have yourself grace because you didn’t know what you know now.
Also goes to show that these things happen more than we realize!
It’s ALL about the fancy glass! Makes a huge difference when having a NA drink!3 -
Setting up for success!!!
Goals for January - 85% Dry (AF = 26 A=5)
Monthly Stats - On Target If When I finish strong, the best I can do is 81% Still a win!
AF = 12 ~ 67 %
A = 6 ~ 33 %
Current Streak - AF = 1
Longest Streak - AF = 7
I did “want” a glass of wine but just pushed through it. I already had 3 days. #bebetter.
@surfergirl1982 - today is just one day. Try to be AF tomorrow. Don’t wait for Monday. You can do it!
Month Recap by Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Tracker ✅️🍷🍸
1/1 - 1/7 ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
1/8 - 1/14 ❌✅✅❌❌✅✅
1/15 - 1/21 ❌❌❌✅
1/22 - 1/28
1/29 - 2/4
Exceptions for January
1/8 🍷🍷🍸 ~ Husband's birthday
1/11 🍷🍷🍷 ~ Lunch out prior to MIL birthday celebration
1/12 🥂🥂~ Mimosa's at brunch
1/15 🍷🍷🍷 Book club
1/16 🍸🍷 Unplanned Pizza and cocktails
1/17 🍷🍷🍷 Dinner out with friends
2023 - 2024 Stats
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2024~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January AF =87% A=13%
February AF =58% A=42%
March AF = 0% A = 100%
April AF = 0% A = 100%
May
June AF =58% A=42%
July
August
September
October
November
December AF = 13% =87%
Best AF Month = January
2023 St AF =12% A=88%
Best AF Month = January6 -
@SurferGirl1982 sorry to hear you had a bad day and a setback. Hey at least you recognize that it’s because you were bored and realized you were unhappy with your town. It’s moments like this that make moving to where you prefer to live easier. Back on that horse, girlie. We are all pulling for you!6
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I was going to do AF tonight, but I saw that we were almost finished with one of my favorite bottles of wine, and I wanted to get some before my husband finished it. I had it with dinner and stopped at one. I’ll take that win, but I could have lived without it. I think my tastes are starting to change, I’m not loving it the way I used too!
We are going to get pounded with snow tomorrow. Will avoid day drinking. I see a nap in my future though!5 -
@SurferGirl1982 - as @Womona mentioned, you know the reason why you picked up the pint and that is a small win....and you only bought a pint...another small win...use those small victories to carry you to more wins. You have a great deal of support here and we have all been there so absolutely no judgment coming your way out of this forum!
@MissMay - like that style with dressing up NA drinks in fancy glassware - and no suspects anything!6 -
11 AF
4 LA (LA means 1-2 drinks)
3 A (A means 3+ drinks)6 -
AF - 7
A - 11
1 glass last night. It’s a wine my son’s gf’s mother gave me for my birthday, but this particular brand makes me mean when I drink more than 1 glass. So, this one will last a min of 4 days. Maybe I need to start buying that one, so I know I can’t have more than 1 glass when I drink.🤔
@SurferGirl1982 I want to give you my phone number, so when you’re feeling that way you can call or text me. How do we do that on this app without me giving the whole world my number?? lol We could talk through it. Do you have anyone you can do that with? I know it’s not someone in-person, but it might help change that feeling in the moment. If you figure out a way to make that happen, let me know. I’ll happily be your lifeline!😁5 -
@SurferGirl1982 and this is why we have ONE DAY AT A TIME in our title.
So many ways you won that A episode.
•you bought a smaller amount
•you recognized why you did and how it made you feel.
•you got in here and owned your drink day and hiccup in your AF streak.
•you declared more AF in your future.
You and @NonnieDoiron can friend each other within MFP, accept each other request and than privately correspond with each other and swap numbers or emails.
You got this! And thank you @NonnieDoiron for that gracious offer for surfergirl to take you up on.6 -
Today markers week 15 of my no alcohol run.
We here in Florida are supposed to get temps in either low teens or single digits and possible 1-3 inches of snow. WTH???
In the past, I would be panicking. My husband is quietly doing this in his head. He has stocked up on all his alcohol.
I am going for the life essentials in case we need them. Gasoline in car, water, camp propane bottles for camp stove, healthy foods, etc.
He will and has begun to tell me STOP WORRYING. When in fact me preparing is not worrying it is, well, preparing as a sensible person does. Right?
I will be AF through it all no matter how significant or non significant this arctric blast to Florida becomes.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
10 -
Repost with reviews!
A definite and surprising YES. Pinot Noir by Meiomi called Bright at Total Wine. So close to the original taste and exact color of their popular Pinot Noir - very full bodied for a low abv%. Had 2 glasses and put away for Tuesday or Wednesday. Worth the price of $22.99 to save on alcohol and calories.
YES - Mingle brand - a new NA lightly sparkled flavored beverage: Pinapple/Paloma. Light fruity effervescence balanced with a hint of grapefruit.
Didn’t try yet but I’m sure it’s yummy. Rose’ N.A. sparking beverage for 50 calories in a can for $1.99 at Trader Joe’s.
I went on a wonderful long winter hike in the hills with my son and wife yesterday morning. So special!
Did weight training the day before and now my body is so sore!
Ate ribs, salads, and me wine after the football game. Today I feel like I’m coming down with a tiny cold so will try to fight off with zero A, soup made with bone broth and a restful day! Time for a reset.
5 -
@surfergirl1982 First I have to say congratulations on the 6 AF days so far this month!
Next, even bigger congrats on pouring the rest of the pint down the sink yesterday!
Third, a big nod of agreement to everything everybody else has said yesterday and today.
4 -
@MissMay we're supposed to get snow/ice here in SC too, although I think it's going to be west of us.
Love the fancy glasses and umbrellas idea.
Thank you all for support and well wishes. Quick update: My SO took his brother to a doctor yesterday after he spent the whole day before falling to sleep on the couch. They did a chest xray and found some pneumonia so they gave him an antibiotic and some other stuff and sent him back home (all of his vitals were in normal range). He spent the rest of the day yesterday and most of this morning also falling asleep while sitting on the couch, but this afternoon seems to have perked up a little. I think the cough is getting a little better too.
The PA at the doctor's office said that when people his age get sick they can get very sleepy and sometimes lightheaded. Hopefully he'll keep getting better day by day.
I'm on my fourth day today and am already sipping on herbal tea so I'm going to call it AF today. I haven't had four days straight in a very long time.
Jan:
AF=9
A=108 -
11 AF
5 LA (LA means 1-2 drinks)
3 A (A means 3+ drinks)6 -
Way to get back up, @SurferGirl1982 I’m so proud of you!!!4
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hi everyone,
i have been a lurker on this thread for some time now but i have never posted, i have always been too shy. i was trying to do a dryish January (which started a little late) and broke my streak on saturday, so i am feeling a little down on myself. i decided to post because everyone on here is so supportive and kind. additionally, i think i need the extra support to get through weekend cravings. red wine is my downfall and i'm usually dry through the week but on saturdays i tend to overdo it (and pay the price on sundays). i really want to stop this cycle. also, i want to lose weight and improve my health. when i have too much wine, i tend to eat poorly and that has caused me to gain weight over time. so, today is day 2 alcohol free in a row and i'm aiming to rebuild my streak. thanks to all the contributors on this thread, reading your posts inspires me and helps me with my own goals.
Jan:
AF=17
A=312
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