Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time

RubyRed427 · December 2017

I plan on reducing alcohol intake significantly in January, but your goals may be different. We don't judge each other. We encourage each other in our pursuit of reaching our goals. Join us in our pursuit of becoming healthier.

KareninLux · December 2017

I am in.

SanDiegofitmom · December 2017

Thanks! I’m in too! My goal is Jan 2-Feb first dry. (Jan 1 is hubbys birthday and we’re going to a brewery

looking forward to the challenge and a healthier new year

Nanners_K · December 2017

I'm in! This is my first time joining in this online community. Lookong forward to it!

Alpha12 · December 2017

I'm in! Thanks for starting this thread.

RubyRed427 · December 2017

I sometimes listen to youtube videos by alcoholmastery.com. The man has been sober for three years. He is real and honest. And I really get motivated by his videos.
I did well last night. Two small cocktails and a glass of wine during a dinner out. BUT even with that minor amount (for me), I didnt sleep well at all. I know there is direct link for poor sleep quality and alcohol. Drink a few and then I am tossing and turning all night long.

RubyRed427 · December 2017

Does anyone have a motivating book title, website, or YouTube videos that inspire them?

Will_Run_for_Food · December 2017

Thanks for starting the January thread, @JulieAL1969 . I didn't do very well in December but it's always tough during the holidays. Looking forward to starting fresh.

My plan is to not drink Sunday-Thursdays and then just not overdoing it on Friday/Saturday. Also starting a new diet regime (not an actual diet, just changing things up) so hopefully the two go hand in hand. I thought about going totally dry in January but that thought seemed a little overwhelming. We'll see how January goes and then revisit the idea for February.

I just starting reading This Naked Mind by Annie Grace after hearing about it more than once in MFP. I'll share any interesting insights I come across. So far an interesting line I read went something like, "Alcohol is the only drug that we need to justify not using." How true that is!

Nanners_K · December 2017

I like the idea of limiting to Friday & Saturday, I think I'll try that. Will be easier to accomplish. My goal will be max two glasses of wine those days. Need to make sure I get plenty of exercise in too.

vanessajn7 · December 2017

I need to figure this out. There is something about 5pm and wanting a drink. Typically I'm within my calorie count for the day, then 5pm comes and out the door we go! If we have stuff going on outside the house I'm good, but if I'm just at home, to the booze I go. With it being SO cold out of course it's more nights inside not out.

lporter229 · December 2017

I am in again. Somebody mentioned in the December thread that alcohol consumption is relative to what you are used to and what others around you consume. I think this is a very valid point. December was a very successful month for me in terms of limiting my alcohol. However, the amount of alcohol I did drink would probably still be a lot to other people. I love that everyone on this thread is supportive and non-judgmental. Thanks everyone for the continued support!

spingirl605 · December 2017

I really like the thought. And I 100% agree with OP that even a small amount of alcohol can ruin a good night sleep. I can fall asleep easily but then end up being awake for hours in the middle of the night. I know it's directly related. I've tried to do Friday/Saturday only, but for some reason always find a reason to open a bottle of wine. Once it's opened, it has to be finished...Ugh! However, I will give it an honest effort in this challenge. If I can even remove it from my life twice a week, will be better than where I am right now...So I'm in!!!!

Stoshew71 · December 2017

JulieAL1969 wrote: »

Does anyone have a motivating book title, website, or YouTube videos that inspire them?

I'm not sure if this is appropriate, but here is a link to the AA Big Book in pdf format.

https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous

Cleosweetie · December 2017

>>> However, the amount of alcohol I did drink would probably still be a lot to other people.

@lporter229: I remember being shocked to read that one drink per day (as in, 5 ounces of wine, etc.) for women is all that is allowed to be considered a "moderate drinker." Once a woman goes over 7 drinks per week, she is considered a "heavy drinker." Ouch! I keep that guideline in my head every time I have a drink and really try to abide by it. I fully admit a lot of it is ego and due to the fact that I don't want to fall into the "heavy drinker" category! (Although sometimes I know I do.)

cmriverside · December 2017

I can't possibly drink any less.

I haven't had any alcohol in several years.

All this bargaining and counting...ugh. I remember those days. I don't miss alcohol one bit.

Cleosweetie · December 2017

Good for you, @cmriverside!

Cleosweetie · December 2017

And my 2 cents: I think counting is important and helpful . . . I count and log everything I eat and drink, including alcohol. . .I actually think it's when people don't count that they can get into trouble.

donimfp · December 2017

@cmriverside, I hear you on the being sick of "bargaining and counting." I am really becoming tired of having alcohol consume so much of my thinking. What a waste of energy. However, I sure do enjoy my wine. Question: you say you don't miss alcohol one bit. How long did it take before you could honestly say that? I occasionally do a 30-day abstinence, but I have to confess, the "missing it" never goes away completely during that period, even though I sleep and feel so much better. And then as soon as the 30 days end and I get to have that one glass of wine . . . one glass morphs into many more before long.

lporter229 · December 2017

Cleosweetie wrote: »

And my 2 cents: I think counting is important and helpful . . . I count and log everything I eat and drink, including alcohol. . .I actually think it's when people don't count that they can get into trouble.

I log everything I eat and drink as well (with the exception of the past two weeks when I decided to take a break from logging for the remainder of the year). I find that it really helps. Except that I have those occasional days when I completely lose track of how much I ate/drank. Those are the days I am trying to completely eliminate.

RubyRed427 · December 2017

I've Been logging every bite and drink for the last two months. When I have time , I'm going to add up how many calories I've consumed by alcohol alone. I also believe for me I simply cannot regulate myself once I start. One of my goals besides health is vanity. I've looked back at pictures over the years and I notice when I drank more at certain times , I look older and worn. And when I've abstained , I look fresher. I'm Nearing 50 soon, and I can't wait to start the new decade healthier in mind and body. Xoxo

cmriverside · December 2017

donimfp wrote: »

@cmriverside, I hear you on the being sick of "bargaining and counting." I am really becoming tired of having alcohol consume so much of my thinking. What a waste of energy. However, I sure do enjoy my wine. Question: you say you don't miss alcohol one bit. How long did it take before you could honestly say that? I occasionally do a 30-day abstinence, but I have to confess, the "missing it" never goes away completely during that period, even though I sleep and feel so much better. And then as soon as the 30 days end and I get to have that one glass of wine . . . one glass morphs into many more before long.

Well for one thing, I didn't quit with an end date. So I didn't say, "In 30 days I'll drink again." That closed the door on that thinking.

I liked drinking - most people do. I was just liking it a leetle bit too much. I didn't have any health, relationship, job, legal problems because of it. Yet. But it was consuming my time, my money and my sanity,

Once I made a commitment to stop, I stopped thinking of drinking as a good thing, and started looking at all the ways my life was going to improve without alcohol. And it did improve, drastically.

The "euphoric recall," and "romanticizing a drink," is dangerous and I just don't go there.

Anyway, I could go on but this isn't an abstinence thread. I hope everyone gets what they want out of this exercise in moderation.

Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time

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