Giving up alcohol
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If you can pinpoint what part of the habit is rewarding to you and why, you can make tweaks to get that reward in other ways. For me, it's mostly the ritual and the sense that I'm treating myself. I'll sometimes pour mineral water into a nice glass with a wedge of lemon/lime/etc. It gives the sense of drinking something "special" without the calories.0
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I used to share a beer with my husband most nights. I dropped it when I realized that it was just 100 empty calories that neither my husband or I needed to have almost every night. Sucked at first, but we got over it and don't really think too much of it.
We basically only drink now on Friday evenings or on vacations or some other special event.0 -
Michael190lbs wrote: »I'm sorry, but if you need tips to cut down on alcohol, you have a drinking problem. I suggest you seek help and address the reason you have to drink every night. Seriously, do it before it becomes a bigger issue. I have a couple relatives that have struggled with alcohol and I have seen the devastation is can bring.
addiction does NOT correlate with amount of consumption. you have NO right to label someone for having a drinking problem. I drink 5 nights sometimes more sometimes less a week. I probably SHOLDNT drink everyday but tell my 3.8 gpa in my masters program, healthy relationship with my friends, family, and husband, my grade A blood work, all my paid bills that I have a drinking problem. NOPE.
The question is: could you NOT drink for an extended period of time? My husband is a fully functioning alcoholic. Alcohol doesn't impair his life whatsoever, but he can't go without it, not for a single day.
If you fell down and hurt yourself really bad could he drive you to the ER without putting other people at risk? Alcohol will always win it may take time but it will always win..
That's a good question. His consumption is typically 2-6 beers/day, enough to be impaired for driving for sure. I guess I was overstating the impairment factor. You are right, alcohol will always win.0 -
Habit does not mean physical or psychological addiction. I had a habit of drinking wine every night with my husband. Neither of us was ever impaired, hungover, drunk, etc. Honestly, I find it to be a good hunger suppressant in that hour before dinner. And I like the taste as well as the relaxation it provides.
We decided together to stop aside from weekends. I do look forward to my glass of wine on a Friday night. On weeknights, I will pour a glass of sparkling water with lemon or lime, or a diet tonic (without gin) to get the taste and the bond of drinking without the calories and alcohol. Once every few weeks, one of us will decide that a given weeknight "counts as a weekend" for one silly reason or another. I weigh it and log it and it's all good
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I haven't had a drink since Thanksgiving. I am planning on having drinks on May 20th, big fun event I'm attending, and then going back to abstinence. I have made much more progress toward my goals now that alcohol isn't a daily or weekly thing.0
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Michael190lbs wrote: »I'm sorry, but if you need tips to cut down on alcohol, you have a drinking problem. I suggest you seek help and address the reason you have to drink every night. Seriously, do it before it becomes a bigger issue. I have a couple relatives that have struggled with alcohol and I have seen the devastation is can bring.
addiction does NOT correlate with amount of consumption. you have NO right to label someone for having a drinking problem. I drink 5 nights sometimes more sometimes less a week. I probably SHOLDNT drink everyday but tell my 3.8 gpa in my masters program, healthy relationship with my friends, family, and husband, my grade A blood work, all my paid bills that I have a drinking problem. NOPE.
The question is: could you NOT drink for an extended period of time? My husband is a fully functioning alcoholic. Alcohol doesn't impair his life whatsoever, but he can't go without it, not for a single day.
If you fell down and hurt yourself really bad could he drive you to the ER without putting other people at risk? Alcohol will always win it may take time but it will always win..
That's a good question. His consumption is typically 2-6 beers/day, enough to be impaired for driving for sure. I guess I was overstating the impairment factor. You are right, alcohol will always win.
Both of my grandfathers were functioning alcoholics, one killed himself accidentally while doing car repairs while under the influence (the other died from health complications from the alcoholism/diabetes). My family is full of functioning and non-functioning alcoholics and it's heartbreaking, so sorry you have to deal with it as well!0 -
When I was trying to lose weight I had to accept I couldn't have my usual pudding or sweet treat after dinner every night (nothing huge, probably 200 calories of ice cream or a couple of biscuits with a decaf coffee) because it was calorific for how filling it was. I think maybe you could try cutting out alcohol 2 nights a week, and finding a low cal soft or hot drink you really like to have after work, or save alcohol for days you've burned more calories through activity.
I don't think it particularly matters that it's alcohol rather than like a donut or something, but if it's a calorific item that offers little in terms of satiety or nutrients you aren't getting somewhere else, you should probably look at reducing your consumption of it.0 -
I guess I have to agree, what exactly are you looking for? If you know drinking is affecting your goals, then just stop.
I personally do not drink any of my calories. It's just not worth it to me. Others may disagree.
Just do what works for you.0 -
If you can pinpoint what part of the habit is rewarding to you and why, you can make tweaks to get that reward in other ways. For me, it's mostly the ritual and the sense that I'm treating myself. I'll sometimes pour mineral water into a nice glass with a wedge of lemon/lime/etc. It gives the sense of drinking something "special" without the calories.
This. Totally agree.
I could have a drink every night when I get home from work but I know it is just that I am looking for something to signal the transition from the end of the work day to being home. A glass of wine or beer is often portrayed to signal that transition. It's not called Happy Hour for no reason! LOL
I don't want to have a drink every night for many reasons so I look for something else to signal that transition. Change my clothes, cup of tea and read the paper before starting dinner works as well. Truthfully, once that transition time (first 1/2 hour of being home) has passed I don't feel the need for any treat.
Maybe that is what is going on with you?0 -
melissajmeek35 wrote: »Ive seen results before when I've stopped drinking. I've been really struggling with this lately, I need to cut down my alcohol intake to once a week again. Does anyone have any tips to help me with this..
If you think you will lose better without the drinks and want to cut down, what makes it a struggle? Understanding that would help us give you tips and might help you think it through so you don't need them. I think being concrete about the reasons you want to do something and what the benefits are is helpful. It really shouldn't be that tough to do something you enjoy once a week vs. every evening.
One thing that helped me when I quit drinking (I quit because I needed to) was replacing the wine with something else special to drink. I'd drink sparkling water or homemade unsweetened but flavored iced tea in wine glasses. Sounds silly, but it did help.
Edit: I see others had the same idea. I feel less weird!0 -
I binge drink weekly and lose weight if that's my goal. Watch what you eat if you like to drink.
I like to ride my bike to pick up my alcohol as a way of "paying" for it as it's an 8 mile round trip. In retrospect I probably just look like a guy who lost his license from a DUI, so... yeah.0 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »melissajmeek35 wrote: »Ive seen results before when I've stopped drinking. I've been really struggling with this lately, I need to cut down my alcohol intake to once a week again. Does anyone have any tips to help me with this..
If you think you will lose better without the drinks and want to cut down, what makes it a struggle? Understanding that would help us give you tips and might help you think it through so you don't need them. I think being concrete about the reasons you want to do something and what the benefits are is helpful. It really shouldn't be that tough to do something you enjoy once a week vs. every evening.
One thing that helped me when I quit drinking (I quit because I needed to) was replacing the wine with something else special to drink. I'd drink sparkling water or homemade unsweetened but flavored iced tea in wine glasses. Sounds silly, but it did help.
Edit: I see others had the same idea. I feel less weird!
Thanks for the advice! I also think maybe the drinks I'm drinking could be playing a factor in my weight loss. I love rum and coke, but it's really fatty. Maybe if I pick a lighter drink that would also help. I also only used to drink socially, it wasn't until I lived on my own that I started the habit so I was able to keep the weight off before because I wasn't doing it on a regular basis.
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I guess I have to agree, what exactly are you looking for? If you know drinking is affecting your goals, then just stop.
I personally do not drink any of my calories. It's just not worth it to me. Others may disagree.
Just do what works for you.
I was just reaching out hoping maybe someone who had gone through the same thing could tell me what did, if they just up and quit or did it in moderation. Even if you know what you need to do it's always good to have others opinions
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I have the same issue...and no, your not an alcoholic and I'm not either. But...it is much harder to lean out when you have a few drinks each day. I try to not drink more than a few beers a week...and I'll have wine or a few whiskeys or vodkas instead to cut calories. I enjoy social drinking..but I also eat pretty good and workout harder than most. It's tough doing everything "right". My plan is just cut back...if I go out with friends have just 1-2 instead 3-5. It's kind of bad timing for me because I'm going with friends to myrtle beach next week for a golf trip.0
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I binge drink weekly and lose weight if that's my goal. Watch what you eat if you like to drink.
I like to ride my bike to pick up my alcohol as a way of "paying" for it as it's an 8 mile round trip. In retrospect I probably just look like a guy who lost his license from a DUI, so... yeah.
Okay, I'm sorry but that made me laugh LOL
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melissajmeek35 wrote: »I guess I have to agree, what exactly are you looking for? If you know drinking is affecting your goals, then just stop.
I personally do not drink any of my calories. It's just not worth it to me. Others may disagree.
Just do what works for you.
I was just reaching out hoping maybe someone who had gone through the same thing could tell me what did, if they just up and quit or did it in moderation. Even if you know what you need to do it's always good to have others opinions
Don't buy bottles. Buy smaller things the days you want to drink. If it's not available you can't drink it.0 -
Hey this might help to keep in mind, when your body is burning off the alcohol it's not burning the fat. 1oz of alcohol can take your body an hour to process.0
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You can ruin a good week of healthy eating with one day of sweets and booze....at least, I can
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dbmeyers23 wrote: »I have the same issue...and no, your not an alcoholic and I'm not either. But...it is much harder to lean out when you have a few drinks each day. I try to not drink more than a few beers a week...and I'll have wine or a few whiskeys or vodkas instead to cut calories. I enjoy social drinking..but I also eat pretty good and workout harder than most. It's tough doing everything "right". My plan is just cut back...if I go out with friends have just 1-2 instead 3-5. It's kind of bad timing for me because I'm going with friends to myrtle beach next week for a golf trip.
I feel you, I'm supposed to go camping this weekend with some friends and I know everyone will be drinking so I'm just going to try not to drink as much as I normally would, but still have a good time.
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I have to restrict my alcohol while losing weight. I tend to make bad decisions concerning what and how much I'm eating after a few drinks, but that's just me.0
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melissajmeek35 wrote: »Okay, so I wouldn't say I have a drinking problem or anything like that. I have about 1 or 2 drinks when I get home, I have more on the weekends. I know that this is the main thing that's holding me back. I have a reasonable diet other than that. Ive seen results before when I've stopped drinking. I've been really struggling with this lately, I need to cut down my alcohol intake to once a week again. Does anyone have any tips to help me with this..
OoOoOOOOhhh, this is such a intresting subject because i use to drink all the time LITERALLY! i mean wake up drink, at work drink, drink go to sleep. i finally hit rock bottom, lower then low but i finally seen my faults and sobered up 3 yrs since i had a drink now0 -
Um, not to be totally naïve here but if it is that hard to give up the drinking is it not a problem? I know I have a problem with chocolate personally. Alcohol I can take or leave!
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There are many strong opinions on alcohol. You will note some feel the need to either label you and/or make judgement calls based on the limited data you've provided.
A few drinks after work is quite popular. Insanely so really.
If the extra calories in the alcohol is hindering your weight loss, then you should make some sort of change. Spend more calories, drink half as much, research low-cal alcohol drinks, eat a bit less (make sure to get nutrition).
A lot of it will depend on WHAT you are drinking. We can be talking 80 calories to 600 calories per drink depending on what.0 -
melissajmeek35 wrote: »
I feel you, I'm supposed to go camping this weekend with some friends and I know everyone will be drinking so I'm just going to try not to drink as much as I normally would, but still have a good time.
Last comment and I sincerely wish you well.
http://www.cbsnews.com/media/are-you-an-almost-alcoholic-10-signs-you-might-have-a-problem/0 -
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melissajmeek35 wrote: »
I feel you, I'm supposed to go camping this weekend with some friends and I know everyone will be drinking so I'm just going to try not to drink as much as I normally would, but still have a good time.
Last comment and I sincerely wish you well.
http://www.cbsnews.com/media/are-you-an-almost-alcoholic-10-signs-you-might-have-a-problem/
Lol thank you for caring so much about my "drinking problem"
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Um, not to be totally naïve here but if it is that hard to give up the drinking is it not a problem? I know I have a problem with chocolate personally. Alcohol I can take or leave!
There's a continuum here in terms of no problem, mild issues, heavy drinkers, drunks, functioning alcoholics, etc., and unfortunately like we see in the forums all the time, if you're accustomed to seeing nails then you're going to always grab a hammer. The problem is that it is awfully off putting to label anyone looking to cut back as an alcoholic whether you use that label or not.
Many people feel social pressure to drink and don't want to be "that guy" because "that guy" will find himself uninvited to events. The trick is to drink in moderation, drink water between drinks, order a "cocktail" of soda water and lime, and pour shots into plants occasionally. If anyone thinks the solution is to "find new friends" then my guess is that you're not very good at business development.0 -
melissajmeek35 wrote: »
I feel you, I'm supposed to go camping this weekend with some friends and I know everyone will be drinking so I'm just going to try not to drink as much as I normally would, but still have a good time.
Last comment and I sincerely wish you well.
http://www.cbsnews.com/media/are-you-an-almost-alcoholic-10-signs-you-might-have-a-problem/
I also wasn't saying anywhere that I NEED to drink to have a good time.
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I'm sorry, but if you need tips to cut down on alcohol, you have a drinking problem. I suggest you seek help and address the reason you have to drink every night. Seriously, do it before it becomes a bigger issue. I have a couple relatives that have struggled with alcohol and I have seen the devastation is can bring.
addiction does NOT correlate with amount of consumption. you have NO right to label someone for having a drinking problem. I drink 5 nights sometimes more sometimes less a week. I probably SHOLDNT drink everyday but tell my 3.8 gpa in my masters program, healthy relationship with my friends, family, and husband, my grade A blood work, all my paid bills that I have a drinking problem. NOPE.
The question is: could you NOT drink for an extended period of time? My husband is a fully functioning alcoholic. Alcolhol doesn't impair his life whatsoever, but he can't go without it, not for a single day.
Mine too. He has a few each night and a few more each weekend. It's not that he drinks a lot, it's that he simply can't go a night without any. He's been this way for 20+ years.0 -
I'm psyched to see this thread, because in my experience, alcohol is always the white elephant in the room. It really isn't good for anyone to consume, but it's insidious in so many cultures regardless what side of the puddle you're on that it kind of goes without saying that we nearly all do it.
For awhile I'd added a category for alcohol to my tracker and started measuring, in ounces, each drink so I could track the calories. (Those of you who think vodka has fewer than wine must drink less vodka than wine...just saying, try tracking). Needless to say, seeing it on paper (rather just thinking, hmmm, there are some calories in this martini, probably...) curtailed my particular habit.
Anyway. I'm just glad to see the dialogue, and that there are folks courageous enough to contribute to it. Thanks for that.0
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