LESS Alcohol ~ JANUARY 2025 ~ One Day at A Time
Replies
-
@Born2Run1958 You're doing really well also...the whole month so far. Awesome!
@chicbuc I can't believe you got all the way inside the store and changed your mind.
I actually changed my mind not to be AF today. I just went and bought a half pint of Jim Beam. Oh, well! I will be AF the last two days of the month. My first goals are AF February and 30 days AF. So if I'm AF the next two days, when February 28th comes around, I will also have 30 days.
I feel like I disappoint you all. But, you'll be surprised at how well I do starting tomorrow.6 -
20 AF
6 LA (LA means 1-2 drinks)
3 A (A means 3+ drinks)7 -
@chicbuc - great testimony!
@Born2Run1958 - great job! And those NA beers have helped me thru January as well...
@SurferGirl1982 - sounds like a plan...make it an even 30 days AF...4 -
AF - 13
A - 16
@chicbuc the phone/computer method is a great idea. I didn’t even think of that! And, great testimony BTW.
@SurferGirl1982 you’re not disappointing me. I’m just looking forward to when we can celebrate the next streak!5 -
@tobinross so happy for you! I agree, staying on top of logging food truly makes a difference. I also love how committed you are to those early morning CrossFit workouts. They are no joke! Great idea to lay out your clothes, and to modify your schedule so you don’t have to find motivation at the end of a long day.
@SurferGirl1982 you got this! We all stumble but it’s getting back up that is the most important.
@chicbuc amazing that you didn’t even buy alcohol for later in the week! Wow!
I saw there was a little left of the good wine that was opened yesterday. I poured myself a glass but it was maybe 4oz tops, not quite a full serving. Did I need it? No, and I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t reach my goal of being AF tonight. But, not horrible.5 -
I had to smile and chuckle a bit when I read this. I do think it is a good plan though 🙂@SurferGirl1982 - sounds like a plan...make it an even 30 days AF...
@NonnieDoiron I will be in another streak...the plan is to start my new streak tomorrow. It sounds like you have a hectic job. I was an electric meter reader for many years (two states, six counties), and I had delivery driver jobs, drove forklift, and in Oregon worked in plywood mills. So with most of my jobs, I worked on my own. There were people that I worked with at the mills. But, for the most part, I was on my own there too. Besides, it was so noisy and with wearing ear plugs, it was kind of like being on your own anyways. My jobs were somewhat physically demanding. But, to me, it's nice just working on my own. I hope your hip gets better and that you can get your x-ray.
@chicbuc I forgot to mention...but the idea of reading the posts on your phone and then posting on your computer is brilliant. Sometimes there are so many posts, it's hard to keep up.
@Womona Thanks for your support. Don't be too disappointed about not being AF tonight. Heck, it was only 4oz. But I do know how you feel. I get disappointed when I don't reach my goals also.
January:
AF - 8
A - 21
Hey...I can still make it to the double digits 😀
4 -
@Womona 4 oz. of wine is nothing. I wouldn't even count that
@SurferGirl1982 You don't disappoint us! You keep trying when you have a setback and THAT'S what's important :hugs:
I just have to get through tonight and then I should be good for the weekend. I'm picking up my granddaughter Friday night to spend the weekend with me and I won't drink while she's here. We have a couple of plays to attend since she wants to be a "Theater Kid" next year in high school and really enjoys plays. We're going to a local theater to see a production based on Harry Potter on Saturday and then we're seeing the Broadway production of Mamma Mia on Sunday!
AF = 11
A = 184 -
January is the never-ending month! 2 days to go to 5 months AF. I had a nightmare last night I was traveling and in a small store looking for mini bottles of bourbon but they had none and I was very sad and stressed. Then I wake up to this feeling. So very weird.
@Michieb125 did you say Stella makes a 0.0 beer? I may like that one. I'm tired of the fake wines now and my taste buds are preferring bitter instead of sweet. Who knows why.
I'm excited for February. Staying AF because alcohol hijacks my brain and especially my logical reasoning. Makes me think I want things when I don't. I kinda really like having my brain and self control back to myself. Having a few drinks for me would be like me handing over myself to the wine devil again. That no-good destructive devil was like being in a very bad relationship. Our divorce is final.7 -
@globalhiker - congrats on closing in on 5 months AF - that is outstanding!4
-
@globalhiker - yes, Stella Artois N.A. 0.0 has been my go to beer for over two years now! An old LA friend Robyn used to post about it here. I’m not even a ‘beer drinker’ but I do like this one. It kind of checks all the boxes-refreshing and one is plenty for me.
I also saw Athletic Brewing company N.A. beer on sale here. I’ve read it’s supposed to be another good one but have not tried.4 -
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% I will take 50/50 ~ Still a win!
AF = 15 ~ 52 %
A = 14 ~ 48 % (two days only 1 glass)
Current Streak - AF = 0
Longest Streak - AF = 7
@chicbuc ~ OMG...you sound exactly like me: I had already rearranged my food log for today and deleted my dinner and planned to buy a bottle of wine on the way home and drink it without going over my calories. And your prayers were answered!!! I am so proud of you. Thank you for sharing your testimony.
I wasn't so successful... I'm feeling that all or none mentality creeping in...as in "it's the end of January, might as well wait until February to start again".....so I had wine again. BUT..my recent bout of illness actually cleared out my system since I was only drinking water and eating soup for the most part....so this morning, my foot started to flare (I have gout). Undoubtedly due to the alcohol the last two nights. I reflected on the last couple of days when my body was actually feeling good. AF for sure today ~ I've already decided if that "urge" hits, I'll have one of the NA bubbly drinks that I bought a bit ago. The weather is going to be nice (50+) so I'm going outside for a walk, possibly even 3 miles, a bit later today!
I also have my grandson this weekend and I've got a lot of activities to keep us busy. By the end of the day with him, I'm beat!!
@womona ~ 4 oz is amazing....and I know what you mean about "good" wine, so that was a success!!
@globalhiker ~ just a nightmare! You got this!! I wished I liked beer. Actually, I just had a thought...I should try a NA beer just to see. Maybe it's the alcohol in the beer that I don't like.... AH @Michieb125 ~ I swear I typed the previous line before reading your post.... might be on to something!!!!
Month Recap by Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Tracker ✅️🍷🍸
1/1 - 1/7 ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
1/8 - 1/14 ❌✅✅❌❌✅✅
1/15 - 1/21 ❌❌❌✅❌❌❌
1/22 - 1/28 ✅❌🔴✅✅🔴❌
1/29 - 1/31❌
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
1/19 🍵🍵🍷🍷Lazy, cold Sunday...
1/20 🍷🍷Bla
1/21 🍸🍷 more bla....
1/23 🍷🍷
1/24 🍷 only one as it was the start of being sick
1/27 🍷
1/28 🍷🍷🍷
1/29 🍷🍷🍷
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 = January
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3 -
Just a share about being intentional with my choices in Dry ish January.
My planned wine day did evolve yesterday after a long day of running around, but I turned it into more of an experience. I definitely have lost my taste and desire for cheap/inexpensive wine which is good.
I went to the store to select something for the week to have for my two planned wine days. I tried a very nice bottle of Chardonnay from the Sonoma Valley region after I stood in the wine aisle reading descriptions on the back of probably 15 labels and that alone was fun to read and learn a little about the winery and what went into this varietal.
I sipped slowly and really savored each taste over 3 hrs. It was a $30 bottle but $20 on sale.
To me it was worth it and I actually feel great about my decision to be ever so mindful.
AF for the next two days to meet my weekly and monthly targets.
Take good care of yourself today!
5 -
@globalhiker That nightmare sounded scary. Good thing it was just a dream. Two more days until you get to five months AF...Amazing! Since I only joined the group last July, I don't know much about your prior drinking habits. I've heard you mention Bourbon, but I also remember you mentioning wine. Were you ever a daily drinker?
Today is Day 1 for me. My intentions are to be AF for the whole month of February. With two AF days in January, that will make it 30 days AF!9 -
Thanks @womona for the kind words...I have been attending CrossFit for over 2 years now. Found a good gym with great coaches and an emphasis on functional fitness. I am one of the more 'senior' members at 60 so I am very careful about form, weight and taking a rest day as needed.
I am very excited to be meeting goals for January not only on the AF side but all of it. I know there will be hiccups along the journey but feels like I got off to a great start. I also feel like I am snacking constantly to meet nutritional goals but it's all good. I pack my lunch to include apples, bananas, yogurts, pistachios and my own version of a protein pack (1oz turkey slices, 0.5 oz cheese, 0.5 oz roasted almonds). Keeps me out of the vending machines!!
I am also looking forward to enjoying a nice bourbon on ice and cigar when I do finally have a celebratory drink but in the short-term just going to continue AF.9 -
I'm not sure if I'll make it AF today or not.
In the past, at times, I would have alcohol in the house at all times and start drinking when I first woke up (I'm retired). Lately, I've told myself to wait until 3pm to go to the store. It's now after 3pm. Plus, my husband hasn't been feeling that well today and he's been in bed all day. So I'm bored.
I know it's all in my head. But it's hard to get past. I think that I'll just wait to post when I actually have Day 1.6 -
@SurferGirl1982 you were very excited to write you’d be starting your 30 day streak today! If you’re bored, maybe you can make some soup for dinner, just an idea. When I get bored I try to find some type of activity in the house - I’ve even cleaned out drawers!6
-
Thank you @Michieb125 I know I was excited and I felt motivated. Unfortunately, it's too late...I already went to the store. I may just wait until the 1st...and that's for sure!5
-
AF - 14
A - 16
Hubby and son off to an out of state powerlifting competition today for the weekend. Just us girls for the weekend. Definitely need to make bread today, and i should clean bathrooms this weekend. I really don’t want to clean bathrooms this weekend. We’ll see how I feel about that tomorrow, I guess.
Hubby goes shopping today… will the magic bottle appear today even though I’ve told him to not buy any?4 -
AF last night for a 3 day streak. We’re picking up my granddaughter tonight but also going to dinner with my daughter’s family first. There may be a glass of wine with dinner, but I’m thinking not. I’m not a good moderator and it would just make me want more at home after dinner. I’m glad I just talked that through with you all…”Club soda with a slice of orange in a wine glass, please.”
@NonnieDoiron I hope your hubby listened especially since he won’t be there. Good luck to your son this weekend!
@SurferGirl1982 Sorry you were feeling bored. I hope you find something to keep you busy the next time it strikes :hugs:
@itladyee That all or nothing mentality is what kicks my butt but I guess that’s the difference between me and “normal” people
AF=12
A=18
6 -
20 AF
7 LA (LA means 1-2 drinks)
3 A (A means 3+ drinks)6 -
Last day of Jan and it shall be AF. @SurferGirl1982 yes there were times in my life where I was a daily drinker especially when I took jobs that involved a ton of stressful hours and travel away from home. I was blessed with the ability to really drink a lot and was good at pacing. I could manage bourbon, tequila and wine pretty well. I would not appear drunk or do anything stupid or get in trouble or anything like that. Alcohol never interfered with my day, my family, work, or my social life. I drank like "everybody else" but they too were addicted and drank daily. It was the thing to do. But it did interfere with my health and insidiously damaged my insides. And I got old, so I can't be drinking like that anymore.
@SurferGirl1982 so many times on here I would re-read my posts and try to figure myself out. It became clear to me that my thinking was disrupted and damaged by the alcohol and that was why I was delaying and making excuses and convincing myself that I wanted something else and I'd be going against what I really wanted to do. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow comes and I'd say tomorrow again, and then you know, seven years goes by and they are gone and I look back and really, really regret not having jumped out of that fire sooner.9 -
@globalhiker - congratulations early on 5 months AF!!5
-
globalhiker wrote: »Last day of Jan and it shall be AF. @SurferGirl1982 yes there were times in my life where I was a daily drinker especially when I took jobs that involved a ton of stressful hours and travel away from home. I was blessed with the ability to really drink a lot and was good at pacing. I could manage bourbon, tequila and wine pretty well. I would not appear drunk or do anything stupid or get in trouble or anything like that. Alcohol never interfered with my day, my family, work, or my social life. I drank like "everybody else" but they too were addicted and drank daily. It was the thing to do. But it did interfere with my health and insidiously damaged my insides. And I got old, so I can't be drinking like that anymore.
@SurferGirl1982 so many times on here I would re-read my posts and try to figure myself out. It became clear to me that my thinking was disrupted and damaged by the alcohol and that was why I was delaying and making excuses and convincing myself that I wanted something else and I'd be going against what I really wanted to do. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow comes and I'd say tomorrow again, and then you know, seven years goes by and they are gone and I look back and really, really regret not having jumped out of that fire sooner.
@globalhiker this is so powerful and advice we can all absorb. Congrats on FIVE MONTHS LESS alcohol in your life which was ZERO alcohol.6 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »Thank you @Michieb125 I know I was excited and I felt motivated. Unfortunately, it's too late...I already went to the store. I may just wait until the 1st...and that's for sure!
Lucky for you we have a new month starting tomorrow @SurferGirl1982 If you're ready to begin with a fresh slate?
We all believe in you. You now need to believe in yourself.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10932065/less-alcohol-february-2025-one-day-at-a-time#latest
4 -
Just a little success story for one night: I had already rearranged my food log for today and deleted my dinner and planned to buy a bottle of wine on the way home and drink it without going over my calories. I got inside the store, and the desire just left me. So, I got in my car and drove home and here I am at eating my healthy dinner and drinking my sparkling water and praising God because I HAVE been praying multiple times a day that He would remove my desire. Just a small testimony for today. Have a great night all!
This post was so inspirational. Our minds can take control if we way the consequences that will come later. Thanks for the share.5 -
Born2Run1958 wrote: »Everyone seems to be hanging tough. Had to NA beers today at lunch. It really does seem to satisfy when alcohol is out of the picture. @TobinRoss, you are doing great. Between working out and not drinking I do indeed feel better, and I am grateful Hope everyone had a great day.
AF 29
A 0
Great AF streak. hope you will be joining us again in February. 4 -
AF - 29
A - 0
Exercise:
CrossFit classes attended - 15 of 16 goal
Meters rowed - 93,787 of 100,000
Taking a rest day today so have to trim back on snacks and such to stay within daily calorie budget.
Tomorrow I will achieve both exercise goals. Couple of more days to meet January goal of AF for the entire month...that along with 6 lbs or so weight loss (both very pleasant surprises to me!). It will be a little more challenging on all goals next month in February and an out-of-town trip planned but will make best of it.
Funny note - about mid-January I stopped off at liquor store that i have frequented for several years (on the route between work and home) and picked up a six-pack of NA beer. The people behind the counter made it seem like I alone kept them in business buying alcohol! Made me realize that I had been perhaps become to frequent a customer there!
My thought at beginning of January was that I would have more issues with cravings and opportunities (or any excuse whatsoever) to have a drink and it seemed like it was going to be a very long slog to get through the month...now at almost the end of January, the things that helped keep me on track was being diligent with tracking food intake and weighing out snacks and food. The NA beers certainly helped as well!! Plus making sure I was prepared every morning to make it to the 5AM workout class (I know - pretty early but it was too easy to find excuses not to go after work.) It was also too easy to miss class if I did not lay out my gear the night before - that warm bed on a cold morning just would not let me go!
And this discussion group has been critical as well...a little support goes a long way and being able to send support and encouragement to others has helped me too. So thanks to all and on to February!!
Exercise is a perfect detour from wanting to drink LESS. I always thought why put in all the effort and then ruin it by all that alcohol. That was a funny note about how you are supporting the liquor store solely with revenue. LOL4 -
NonnieDoiron wrote: »AF - 14
A - 16
Hubby and son off to an out of state powerlifting competition today for the weekend. Just us girls for the weekend. Definitely need to make bread today, and i should clean bathrooms this weekend. I really don’t want to clean bathrooms this weekend. We’ll see how I feel about that tomorrow, I guess.
Hubby goes shopping today… will the magic bottle appear today even though I’ve told him to not buy any?
Hoping maybe a magic bottle of an AF brand appears for you, Drop hubby a little note with some brands you want to try.3
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.1K Introduce Yourself
- 43.9K Getting Started
- 260.4K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 435 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.9K MyFitnessPal Information
- 15 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.7K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions