What is the best way to just start having AF days?

maureensmith1220
maureensmith1220 Posts: 3 Member
in Motivation and Support

I am doing well on managing my diet, other than wine. I commit to skipping it every day, but at 5:00, I cave in. My husband does not drink, which act makes it worse. And I also do worse at home than when I’m out.

I would like to have at least 3 AF days/week. Would love suggestions! Thank you

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Best Answers

  • 2timesacharmmfp
    2timesacharmmfp Posts: 80 Member
    Answer ✓

    Little bit little! There is a monthly post for "Less Alcohol" that is updated every month. It's full of tips and tricks that worked for other MFP users - tried and true if you will!

    For me personally I still struggle on weekends with volume but my first challenge was exactly what you outlined - having completely dry days. What worked for me is to take it one week at a time - I started taking Mondays off, then expanded to 2 days / week, etc. If you've been a habitual drinker for a while, even if it's just one glass per night, you have to retrain your brain to skip it - take it slow and let it add up and most of all give yourself GRACE.

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10939868/less-alcohol-june-2025-one-day-at-a-time
  • COGypsy
    COGypsy Posts: 1,440 Member
    Answer ✓

    When I do dry month challenges, I buy canned mocktails. I found that I need more of a “marker” for the end of the day as opposed needing a buzz to drink away the day I had. So I stock up on mocktails and have one of those in the evening. Well-chilled and served either in the appropriate cocktail glass or a wine glass. It’s tasty, something I only drink at that time, and still makes for a nice transition between office work and house stuff.

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 36,642 Member
    Answer ✓

    Without disagreeing with other suggestions above, which are good, I'd add another thought: Usually, it's easiest to replace a habit we don't like with a new, better habit, rather than trying to quit cold turkey.

    Think about what role that wine is playing for you: Relaxation? Stress reduction? Something else?

    Once you have some theories about that, brainstorm a small list of other ways you could address that root cause directly. For example, if it's relaxation, some alternatives to consider might be a pleasant walk, stretching or yoga, hot calming herb tea, an aromatherapy bubble bath, calming music, adult coloring book, other calming absorbing hobby activity, meditation or prayer, etc.

    Also, in general, when there's a failure of willpower in the evening, I personally also consider whether my sleep quality/quantity could be improved somewhat. We're more fatigued late in the day, and fatigue can reduce willpower. That may not be a factor, but IMO it's worth consideration.

    Best wishes!

Answers

  • itladyee
    itladyee Posts: 6,975 Member

    Thanks @2timesacharmmfp for the shout out to our group!

  • csplatt
    csplatt Posts: 1,310 Member

    You’re caving because you’re aiming for 0. Why not start with a few ounces each night. Or have a glass every other night.

  • maureensmith1220
    maureensmith1220 Posts: 3 Member

    Thank you for all these ideas. I think my best option is to slowly reduce the amount of alcohol by day at this point. I can’t envision myself doing other things yet when all I want to do is relax with a glass of wine at the end of the day. I HAVE been successful at eliminating cocktails at the end of the day, which I feel is a success. And fewer calories. Open to all of your encouraging suggestions! Thank you.

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