A break from drinking after the holidays!

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/34994098#Comment_34994098

Dry January challenge thread here.

fiddletime wrote: »

I first stopping drinking wine on week nights. That helped me with weight loss, but I was doing a countdown to Friday night every week, and my glass or three of white wine. So I stopped buying it completely so it wasn't in the house. That helped a ton and after a few weeks I was forgetting about it.

I decided to only drink it on special occasions. But then the holidays came and parties and lots of special occasions, so I'm only drinking now on "very special occasions". I still find it very hard to just drink one glass, and I occasionally have a little scotch, but I don't look forward to that. Overall I probably have wine twice a month now and I don't plan for it and it doesn't drag on my thoughts anymore.

That is great to hear - I really want to get to this place, too!

I made a decision to quit drinking some time a go. I find it easier just not to drink than to wonder how much should I cut back, should I drink today, etc. etc. While this approach is not for everyone, it has worked for me. Drinking can be such a crutch, and for me once I started I couldn't stop. Also, I never felt like exercising when I drank the night before. I say great for those who can drink in moderation, but that wasn't me. There are helpful programs out there for those who want to stop drinking. And the great side effect of not drinking is that I get to use those calories for yummy foods, and still eat within my calorie macros for weight loss.

Ugh..I typed a long post explaining why I need to give up wine while on this weight loss journey, but only a small portion posted

I've been drying myself out a little too. Feels good. We went out for a draft beer on the 2nd and that has been it so far.
Be strong crew!

I'm so pleased I found this thread! I have been struggling with binge drinking since last February when I found out my employment would be coming to an end at some point due to a pending buy out. The worry and stress on top of an already stressful job which involves a lot of travel, socialising and time away from my little girl saw me slowly increase my alcohol consumption until I was generally drinking around 2-3 glasses of wine every night. As many of you say this leads to lapses in self control and I've started smoking again and my waistline has expanded with a total gain of 4 stone I still have the same stresses but I do now have an actual end date for my employment so I feel like I can start to make some plans. On Sunday I had my last drink and intend to stay dry completely until the 30th January (as I hope to be taken out for my 1st wedding anniversary!) I have a lot of health goals I want to achieve and I'm starting with a couple and intend to add a new one every couple of weeks - I have to find the motivation and strength to set my daughter a good example. I have battled with my weight my whole life and I do not want to see her go down the same route.

Love drinking. I have decreased my alcohol intake after the holidays just for a while. It will never be long term. Life is too short.