LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

Womona

@NonnieDoiron oh sister, I feel ya! I think we’ve all had “that” job. The question of “why am I doing this to myself?” Always ends with “because I have bills to pay!” Well, it’s good motivation to clean up the budget and increase savings so you can reduce your time there! Hugs.

chicbuc

I was just looking at the spreadsheet. @NonnieDoiron and HYS? and @nbruns83, you're all killing it! Congrats on the hard work!

Still going strong here. I wanted a dry July and I may just get it 🙏 We're taking 2 of our grandsons on a little weekend cruise this Friday. I did not get the drink package. My SO did. I am determined to stick to my eating plan as closely as possible and remain AF! Please pray for me on that front…lol.

I'm not really having many cravings, and when I do, I stop and remember that I don't like the feeling of being tipsy and breathe and let it pass. I'm down ~12 pounds in just over 3 weeks. That's not just because of not drinking. I did make a major change in the way I eat at the same time as dropping the wine, and I've been so busy that I've been undereating too much. I need to work on that.

I feel pretty good. Still struggling with good sleep. I'm getting about 7 hours at night and most nights I sleep straight through, but my Apple watch says I'm only getting about 45 minutes of "deep sleep" per night…sometimes less…which is the restorative sleep. I'm not sure why my body won't go into deep sleep. I take magnesium at night and drink a cup of sleepytime tea most nights. I suppose it will get there eventually.

Y'all take good care today!

Jthanmyfitnesspal

Congratulations to everyone who is engaged in this life-changing effort. And thanks to @itladyee for taking over the management efforts.

I want to report both the good and the bad for me.

Good: I’ve done very little drinking on work nights. I even dumped out a beer last night after lazily pouring it from the main fridge. I went and got a NA beer from the drinks fridge instead, which really hit the spot. It was a good choice as I was still tired from a fun weekend away and badly needed a good sleep, which I got.

Fun, but less good: I drank 2-3 drinks on every evening of my vacation in July (10 days). I paid for it in being more tired, but I also had more time for rest. So 🤷‍♂️. I had no trouble kicking the habit when I got back home. My weight also dropped by >2lbs almost immediately after returning.

My “Everest” is a fun vacation without so much CH3CH2OH. Oh well, maybe one day!

BurnMode05

Back from my first vacation this month — Arizona was amazing, but wow, it was HOT! 🔥 Had a great time, but definitely feeling like I need a day to reset and get back to normal.

Welcome to all the newcomers!

Staying AF the rest of the week to recharge before vacation #2 starts Sunday. Only planning on three more A days this month to stay on track with my July goals.

AF = 13

A = 8

Michieb125

For the Rose’ lovers - this 12 oz can really satisfies!

SparkSpringtime69

July:

AF=8
A=13

I've had a few A days in a row now and really need to get more AF days to reach my greater than 50% goal for the month!

Welcome to all the newcomers, and welcome back @looneycatblue

SparkSpringtime69

@Michieb125 I've never been a huge rose' fan, but that looks tasty anyway. I can't wait until the Trader Joe's opens near us (supposedly sometime this year).

LittleSurferGirl7

@chicbuc Congrats on your success! If I remember correctly, you had 3 AF days in June also. I'll pray for you to get through this weekend. You have to do it! You've got this. Your weight loss is amazing. I experienced the same thing when I quit in the past. If I could just get a streak going, the weight loss would motivate me to continue.

I could use a prayer or two myself. I plan on being AF tomorrow. I have to do it! I've done it before and "Yes" the first day may not be totally pleasant. But, I can do it. I'm not at the stage where I'm having withdrawal symptoms or anything…I need to just tough it out!

I'm also a little curious about who HYS is. Come on out and introduce yourself. Trust me…we don't bite. But, if you don't care to, that's OK too. You're doing well.

@SparkSpringtime69 The nearest Trader Joe's is 60 miles from here. We had one where I grew up. I sure miss it. I wish they would put one in here!

Welcome to all the newcomers. Nice to see you back @looneycatblue!

looneycatblue

Well… I had a few AF days in July, but just really started keeping track this past Sunday.

Sun, 7/20 AF

Mon, 7/21 Nope… very stressful day, business where I work got broken into and robbed Sunday night/Monday early morning. Spent all day on the phone with Alarm company, Fire Dept, Police Dept… and trying to fix it so if they returned they wouldn't be able to get in again (hopefully). On top of being tired (calls into the late night from Fire Dept, Police, Alarm Co and Boss)… and I was hungry (not much time to take a break and eat)…. etc…

Tue, 7/21, still a bit tired but got my AM walk in, and feeling like I am coping better. Planned AF tonight.

NonnieDoiron

Declaring tonight AF because the mother-in-law went by ambulance to the ER this afternoon because she was having trouble breathing. My husband is acting like he can’t keep his eyes open which means when it’s time to go get her, that’ll be my job. 🫤 (whispers to self… all things for love of Him… all things for love of Him… all things for love of Him…)

@Womona saving, saving, and more saving is the plan. I told our “money guy” I need to be a multi millionaire by next year. 😉 But, seriously, as soon as he tells us I can retire without losing any income, I’m DONE! I will retire so fast, and never look back! Until then, I guess I’ll keep on keeping on.

globalhiker

Today I am richer than I was same time last year and thinner too. Today I hit 14 lbs. thinner. Bank accounts are growing. Abstinence will do it.

Strength to take control of one's life is something that is developed over time and it comes with abstinence. Please don't hate me now. Only my perspective and take it or discard it. I still have feelings like I want a drink when my stress is high or I am tired and hungry, maybe my cortisol or blood sugar is a bit off. Strategy- I go eat an apple or two and in a minute, feeling is gone and I am onto doing something else.

LittleSurferGirl7

@globalhiker I know you are so right. But I don't know how to start. Right now, it's 6 pm where I live and the liquor store closes in an hour. I was thinking about going to get more. I know at some point that I have to just have to tough it out. But, it's hard. I wish I knew what to do.

You're doing great! The weight loss is impressive. And, saving money is a definite bonus. One thing I would like to add…you've gone so far…never give in and take a drink. It could spoil all you have achieved!

Have a good night! I'll let you all know when I have something to report.

nbruns83

@LittleSurferGirl7, I'm sending prayers your way; I hope you can make it AF tomorrow. You can build that "Resistance Muscle," one day at a time. I know you want to get back on the path to a healthier life.

@chicbuc, thanks for your encouragement, posting to this group is making me want to report those AF days.

I had my favorite Mexican beer on tap, Jalisco Estrella, with lunch today. I was planning AF, but going out to eat is definitely a trigger. It's no excuse, but at least, I didn't get a margarita.

July stats:

AF 16
LA 4
A 2

LittleSurferGirl7

Thanks @nbruns83 The liquor store closes in 40 minutes. And, I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm not to going there tonight. Keep in mind though there's still 32 minutes left. But, I'm not going to go. Thank you for the prayers.

I'm probably not going to be a happy camper in the morning. But, I'll get over it. You have to start somewhere…right?

Michieb125

While on my walk today I listened to a Sunnyside podcast found on YouTube. It was about being in the drivers seat on this journey whether it’s to be abstinent or toward mindful drinking (or thinking drinking) - I’m not a passenger anymore!
The message ended with “make a plan and stick to it.” So I did.

Here’s my replacement found at Bev Mo today - This one ticks all the boxes for citrus and lime and I poured 2-6 oz. glasses. Delicious!

Michieb125

I believe you can begin where you are as hard as it “seems” @LittleSurferGirl7

You may find extra support beyond this group (as many of us have) by listening to some podcasts or YouTube videos. They can be super helpful when individuals want to cut back or cut out alcohol.
Some are listed at the beginning of this thread…..others you can google.
Or there are paid apps with coaches that many people find immensely helpful. One day at a time, one moment at a time they say. Looking forward to your update.

Walela617

Hi everyone,

No alcohol since 7/18/25 (Stopped drinking around 9:30pm that night.)

Counting days reset on 7/20/25 [DAY 001]

At midnight, 7/23, the Sober Time app will award me my 3-day milestone "badge"!

I will post a screenshot tomorrow.

Have a great day and night,

💞Carole

chicbuc

@LittleSurferGirl7 I hope you were successful in staying away from the liquor store yesterday and continue on in sobriety today…just for one day at a time…but if not, we're still here for you. I appreciate your struggle more than you know. I hear your frustration with yourself because you just can't seem to do it. I think we've all been there. Sending you prayers for success and comfort no matter what. I think @Michieb125 is spot on with outside resources. Order some books. Listen to podcasts…even if you're still drinking!

Have a great day, everyone!!

Womona

@ globalhiker so you are human after all! You get the occasional craving, just like the rest of us! Hahahaha! I am so inspired by the way you can move past it. I know you feel so much better, and I’m loving the weight loss too! Goals!

@LittleSurferGirl7 hang in there girlie! I know you were counting down the clock like Mission Control counts down a rocket launch.

@Walela617 congratulations on the three day badge!

@Michieb125 I love that. “Make a plan and stick to it.” So simple, really. I also love be in the driver’s seat of your life. Thanks for the podcast recommendation!

Did I mention that last night was my 2nd AF night in a row? Going for three tonight!

Womona

@Jthanmyfitnesspal oh those vacation drinkies, I am right there with ya. It really is hard to resist. Being on the boat every weekend is my vacation, so I really struggle to cut back. Yay for us for getting back at it!

@nbruns83 dinner out is my trigger too! I have taken to only ordering one wine and micro/sipping it to last the meal. Plus I know how many calories I’m dealing with. If I order a cocktail before dinner, I know that I will order a wine afterwards, so it’s best if I just go to the wine.

@Michieb125 dang, I was right by the Trader Joe’s yesterday! Need to try those rosé drinks you recommended.

Have a great day everyone!

Womona

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48697639#Comment_48697639

OMG so sorry to hear this! How much was stolen? What a PIA to have to clean it all up with the police reports, insurance, etc. sounds so stressful and annoying! Hope they catch whoever did it!

Womona

@NonnieDoiron sorry to hear about your MIL. Did they keep her overnight? Breathing problems are very scary.

tmbg1

11 AF

3 LA

8 A