@thekatspjs - Good job on cutting out the alcohol. I have cut it out completely to lose weight in the past and it definately works. Do you think you will cut it out forever? My problem always seems to be that I lose motivation. I end up doing really well for a while and then I lose all motivation and go back to all my old habits, which are sitting around and having beers, not working out, and eating junk. I would consider myself "almost alcoholic" too, but I have no problem cutting it out if I set my mind to it. I had no problem giving it up completely for years at a time through 3 pregnancies and nursing for many months after with each one. I have never driven drunk, or done anything that could harm my children so I guess at this point my biggest problem is that it's keeping me fat. I have the same problem with junk food as I do with beer. It tastes so good, and I don't want to have to deny myself the things I love for the rest of my life, so I need to figure out moderation. I want to have a cheeseburger or pizza some day again too, but I know I can't have them every day, even though I really want to. I did pretty well with counting calories and giving myself a cheat day in the past, but then I got pregnant again and that was my excuse to eat whatever I wanted. Of course there are many different aspects to it, but mostly moderation will be my key to long term success I think.