Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time

maddog1769 · January 2018

Great thread!
I made made a decision to LIMIT alcohol on Dec 12, no particular reason, i was just overweight and knew that was a big culprit in many ways, i have a;always off and on logged and always with great results, went almost a year logging and on my happy weight and thought i could do it with out, then they started making all these great IPA's and other beers and all went to hell.
On Dec. 12 I Started really religiously with counting, low caloric intake and extremely low Carb keto diet, well alcohol puts a crimp in that for sure, especially my IPA's and shots of Jager I have had neither in 42 days,
Now I know Keto is not for everyone, so no judging either way, just saying what and why works for me.
I feel so good when the craving for sugar and starches stop.
Along with never feeling hungry and so energetic that i find i am not looking for my beer or wine, my happy hour comes and goes and i didn't even notice and have no cravings for alcohol!
I still do a tiny bit but mainly out of habit and to take the edge off a hectic day i take 3 ounces of Wine, and yes I measure in fact i take three shots out of a shot glass to make sure, and MAYBE one shot of JD in a Coke Zero and i am done... I even Prelog thinking what i am going to drink and I end up having to delete later, The last 2 nights I have left a half drunken can of Bud 55 (which is a GREAT lowcarbcalorie beer, just not much flavor) which is one thing i would never do.
And on top of that i sleep like a BABY!! Now i contribute this to the Keto diet.
Okay i will stop rambling now...
With all that is said and done I can definitely see me ending alchol, i have no real craving or need for it. I could be wrong but look forward to a crazy journey with you guys

Moxie42 · January 2018

A little late joining but it's a challenge I definitely need! As of 1/2 I have promised myself I would only drink ONCE per month, to allow for a true special occasion (holiday, birthday, new job or promotion kind of thing, etc.) But only one per month because otherwise I will find a way that every day is a special occasion. For YEARS I have been drinking every day. Sometimes just two but usually more like 4...it's not easy for me to not drink, but it's harder for me to stop once I've started. Because of that, alcohol is also the reason I always end up giving in to cigarettes and it's the #1 obstacle to my weight loss too.

Today is my third day without smoking or drinking (tonight will be a huge challenge though because it's my pool league night and we play in a bar where everyone smokes and drinks!) I've been having trouble sleeping but it's been manageable. Melatonin helps if I remember to take it early enough (otherwise I'm exhausted in the morning).

wigi41 · January 2018

Hi everyone, I have been lurking on this thread since mid-December. I have found all of the posts so inspiring, validating, and motivating. I have been drinking progressively more and more over the past few years; my weakness is red wine, although I enjoy craft beers and apple rye, as well. I have known that I need to cut back significantly, if not stop, and to that end, I am trying to do a dry January. It helps to read everyone's struggles and successes and know that I am not alone. So far, no alcohol this month. I did struggle a lot with cravings last night, but went on the treadmill instead.

I have a question- has anyone tried drinking non-alcoholic beer and/ or wine, and if so, has it helped? Any recommendations at all?

mamashakesit · January 2018

JulieAL1969 wrote: »

Wonderful, insightful post. I am who you describe - I just shouldn't drink. Embarrassed the next day? Yes plenty of times. Not a good feeling at all. Bad decisions and horrible hangovers- YES! Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you. You can do it. And you can even do it at weddings and parties and dates with guys you like that drink (if you are single). It's hard at first, gets better, and gets hard again at times. But you'll feel good about yourself and you'll look back and wonder how you were ever lucky enough to escape some terrible consequence of drinking. And you'll always know that "some people just shouldn't drink," but still do. And that you're not one of those anymore.

Moxie42 · January 2018

wigi41 wrote: »

Hi everyone, I have been lurking on this thread since mid-December. I have found all of the posts so inspiring, validating, and motivating. I have been drinking progressively more and more over the past few years; my weakness is red wine, although I enjoy craft beers and apple rye, as well. I have known that I need to cut back significantly, if not stop, and to that end, I am trying to do a dry January. It helps to read everyone's struggles and successes and know that I am not alone. So far, no alcohol this month. I did struggle a lot with cravings last night, but went on the treadmill instead.

I have a question- has anyone tried drinking non-alcoholic beer and/ or wine, and if so, has it helped? Any recommendations at all?

I think it depends on the person. I know some people who can have a non-alcoholic beer and feel satisfied because they got the taste. For others, like myself, the taste triggers the desire for more. However, it has helped me to drink a LOT of sparkling water, and at the bar tonight I plan on having club soda with lime. Looks like a drink, but doesn't taste like one or have the effects. Sprite with a splash of grenadine is a good alternative too, if you're not too concerned about cals or if you make room for those cals. I haven't tried non-alcoholic wine but I think the O'Douls Amber tastes good. If I could feel satisfied from non-alcoholic beer, I wouldn't be opposed to that one.

wigi41 · January 2018

Thanks, Moxie42!

RubyRed427 · January 2018

Here I sit in Starbucks with a cappuccino in my hand. This is a deliberate attempt to curve my craving. I went to the doctor for an annual physical, and thankfully she said my liver is normal (doesn't feel enlarged). I had started to worry about that important organ of mine. Usually, after my physical , I head for Bonefish Grill, and order Bang Bang Shrimp and two martinis!!! I told myself today, that I simply will not do that. I surprised myself, because I followed through. And so here I sit in Starbucks with a coffee instead. Day 1, 2, 3, and 4 No alcohol.

If you're struggling too. Or if you had a few drinks recently, oh well, start fresh tomorrow. Reading this thread for inspiration. Thanks for giving me this strength I didn't think I had. Xoxo

AmyOutOfControl · January 2018

Goal — Dry ( or damp?) January

1/1 = no alcohol
1/2 = no alcohol
1/3 = no alcohol
1/4 = 2 glasses of wine
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Dry January fail tonight. A craptastic day led to 2 glasses of wine. I guess I will have to settle for a “slightly damp” January instead of dry— LOL. Oh well, restarting again tomorrow.

donimfp · January 2018

This is going to be the stupidest post, but, oh well . . . I happened to catch a rerun of The Devil Wears Prada yesterday, and when Meryl Streep's beleaguered assistant is rushing to get her bottle of San Pellegrino on her desk in time, that suddenly looked like such a delicious and decadent treat. Bought myself a few little bottles, and they look like a celebration sitting in my fridge. Add lime and it's a party! Starbucks is good, too. I'm having significant stress with my husband tonight, and the thought of grabbing wine or vodka makes me think of self-punishment rather than self-soothing. I'm happy for that. Don't y'all think we deserve a little reward tomorrow for Day 5? Lipstick or something?

mmccool719 · January 2018

amymoreorless wrote: »

Goal — Dry ( or damp?) January

1/1 = no alcohol
1/2 = no alcohol
1/3 = no alcohol
1/4 = 2 glasses of wine
1/5 =
1/6 =
1/7 =
1/8 =
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1/31 =

Dry January fail tonight. A craptastic day led to 2 glasses of wine. I guess I will have to settle for a “slightly damp” January instead of dry— LOL. Oh well, restarting again tomorrow.

Damp January!! You’ve coined a new term when one falls off the wagon. It’s ok. Tomorrow is a new day. I’ll never make it the full month either but I’m ok with this. I’m being healthier in other areas of my life.

machchic · January 2018

Here is to Day 4, I feel great and so proud. I made it past the 8:00 pm mark, worked out and that routine seems to do the trick. Friday will be the minute by minute but I am going to really try.

RubyRed427 · January 2018

donimfp wrote: »

This is going to be the stupidest post, but, oh well . . . I happened to catch a rerun of The Devil Wears Prada yesterday, and when Meryl Streep's beleaguered assistant is rushing to get her bottle of San Pellegrino on her desk in time, that suddenly looked like such a delicious and decadent treat. Bought myself a few little bottles, and they look like a celebration sitting in my fridge. Add lime and it's a party! Starbucks is good, too. I'm having significant stress with my husband tonight, and the thought of grabbing wine or vodka makes me think of self-punishment rather than self-soothing. I'm happy for that. Don't y'all think we deserve a little reward tomorrow for Day 5? Lipstick or something?

I love that movie! And I enjoy the sparkling water, too. I like in the movie when the model says she's one flu away from her goal weight. ha!
My sister gave up drinking a decade ago. I notice when we all go out to eat, She asks for a wine glass for her Perrier. I think I will try that next time. I like the lipstick idea! I think I'll schedule a massage for next week. I am a stress ball.

MichelleWithMoxie · January 2018

Hi guys! I typically only drink on Saturdays, but have definitely been known to overdo it on those days. So I’m in for a damp January (love that term! Lol!) and more responsible drinking! I haven’t had any alcohol all year yet

and I’ll keep checking in here and report on my Saturday this weekend.

trchristy · January 2018

Today a little bit of a rough day and normally I would have come home and drank some wine. I was at the hospital all day taking my mom to 4 appointments and numerous tests. Had to drive in the middle of this blizzard snow storm we are getting. Came home ate and now I am resting. Each day easier and easier and I feel better.

MichelleWithMoxie · January 2018

trchristy wrote: »

Today a little bit of a rough day and normally I would have come home and drank some wine. I was at the hospital all day taking my mom to 4 appointments and numerous tests. Had to drive in the middle of this blizzard snow storm we are getting. Came home ate and now I am resting. Each day easier and easier and I feel better.

Bomb cyclone 2018!

Yay for a successful day!

KareninLux · January 2018

Managed to enjoy only two hoegaarden rose beer last night but then caved and drank a himbeer schnapps. On the upside - at least it was not an entire bottle of wine with my husband.
Day by day.

AlistairBernardNormal · January 2018

Welp. After abstaining completely on Wednesday, I have succumb. I had the chance to go to a very good bottle shop (Are these unique to New York? We have some strange laws, so I never know.) I found an incredible dry-hopped belgian aged on apricot. It sounded so good. I had the 22oz bottle and another can of a decent pale ale. Though that's less than I normally would, I am a little disappointed. And very aware of the thin headache lurking at the base of my skull...

I feel like a 60s Batman serial. "Will he skip out tonight? Can he fight the cravings to crack one open? Find out tomorrow; same MFP time, same MFP channel!"

kcn2bluesky · January 2018

I’m in for a Damp January! LOL

I’ve been watching this thread since it’s inception. Truly have enjoyed reading everyone’s posts and updates, and now I’m ready to join all of you! I drink primarily wine, and definitely have been wanting to cut back. We left for vacation yesterday and I left the wine I purchased for the trip at home and I don’t intend to purchase any while we are here. That’s a huge step for me. We’re here for 9 days and my plan is to use this time away to reflect on and to refocus on my overall goals (health, fitness, family, work).

There is so much great information, insights, and encouragement in this thread. Love it! Hope you all have the day you wish for!

MaryBethHempel · January 2018

Goal — January under 7 drinks a week- for my health.....my mind.....my body....

1/1 =alcohol free
1/2 = 4 wine spritzers
1/3 =alcohol free
1/4 =alcohol free
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mkdm291 · January 2018

4 days in. Above all I am LOVING the sleep!!! It has been hard, though. I am on a second "snow day" with the kids and in literal below zero wind chills, a glass of red sounds amazing at the end of a day. Replacing it with herbal tea has not been bad at all, but I am still at the point of missing it a bit.
Love reading the updates!

helens2304 · January 2018

First post here, but similar story! I started Dry January AND Blood Sugar Diet on 2nd January. I to, like @mkdm291 am finding my previously alcohol hazed sleep so much better alcohol free. Yes I wake up in the night, but go back to sleep and wake up refreshed and ready to go rather than fuzzy headed and tired -same time to bed, just no alcohol. I have had a problem with alcohol, at least it has been my 'best friend' for almost 27 years. I know exactly when it started, because it coincided with my sons death. I have used it all that time to mask the pain. But now I am ready! I've tried before and although I find it relatively easy to give up, I find it even easier to start again, so it's been a rollercoaster! Apologies for the off load, but I feel so much better!

salleewins · January 2018

Rough day yesterday and caved. I didn't have to work, shoveled snow 3 times for about an hour total. The cat spent about 9 hours catching a mouse off and on. Somehow the critter got in when I left the Inside french door open one night. Well tired and have made even harder to resist alcohol today.

lporter229 · January 2018

I made it through day 4, but yesterday was a bit of a challenge. I had a great run and that usually means I come home and relax with a glass of wine while cooking. I really wanted one while I was cooking. Once I made it through that though, I knew I was in the clear.

If I make it past this evening, I will consider that my first real hurdle. On Fridays I usually cook a nice dinner and my husband and I sit around and drink wine and/or bourbon and listen to music and talk and unwind. It's one of my favorite evenings. Tonight I am making seafood paella, which really makes me long for a nice rose to go with it. But I can do this. I just need to remind myself how good it will feel to go meet my running group in the morning without a hangover. That long run is going to feel great!

@amymoreorless - I love the "Damp January". Not that I want to admit defeat, but that is likely how it will turn out for me. I still haven't mentally committed myself to the idea of going totally dry. That is something I definitely need to do in order to make that happen. I know myself. Once I decide to do something, it's going to happen. It's just making the decision that is the hard part for me. As of now, I am just in the mindset of seeing how long I can last without alcohol.

lilann1961 · January 2018

This is a great thread. I had my "typical" wine on New Years Day, but have not had any since. It is a struggle when I get home from work and am used to having a glass (or more). I am limiting it to Saturdays (working to stay dry for a few weeks before integrating), but the logical side of me fights with the habit side of me daily. I ALWAYS feel better when not drinking (more energy, sleep better), but that habit I have formed for "relaxing" eats away at me around 5pm on weekdays. By 8pm, I am fine and proud of myself. Hoping to continue this momentum, as I have been logging my food and have already lost a pound. Proud of everyone here not only for joining the goal, but for being kind about it.

Will_Run_for_Food · January 2018

Read something last night in the-book-which-must-not-be-named that really resonated with me. It essentially said that over time, the artificial stimulation your brain receives from drinking makes you neurologically unable to experience the pleasure you once did from everyday activities like visiting a friend, reading a book, etc.

This hit home because I have realised that I look forward to things so much more when it involves drinking. If I know we are going somewhere that is dry, a part of me thinks, "Ugh, this is going to be boring."

But then I think back to when I was a kid and how much I enjoyed doing things like playing board games or going bowling or watching movies - and I certainly didn't need alcohol to help me then. But because I have imbibed so much these last 10 years or so, my brain is physically incapable of allowing me to enjoy things sober as much as I once did.

The good news: apparently it is reversible with abstinence/significant reduction.

justlog · January 2018

Went to a new brewery last night with a friend. Consumed my two drinks for this week, which means none again until next Friday.

SanDiegofitmom · January 2018

I’ve tried to abstain for brief periods before and sometimes do it, but it seems so hard. Doing committed dry January is the first time since being pregnant that it’s been easy to not drink. I think maybe taking it totally off the table for a long period is making it easier to not even think about it. The wrestle of should I? Is gone. But - Talk to me next weekend when I’m at a wedding at a brewery

donimfp · January 2018

Ha! I am responsible for references to the "book which must not be named" thing because I felt like I was being obnoxious by talking about it so much. But really, Annie Grace does deserve credit for her wonderful This Naked Mind, which I'm now re-reading at a slow and steady pace after blitzing through it. I so highly recommend this book. My main takeaway is that my conscious mind can "talk to" my unconscious mind. For instance, last night with husband stress, I told my unconscious mind, "You just think a glass of wine would make things better, but actually, it would just make you feel worse in the end and probably prompt you to say things you would rather not say." That "talking to" works for me so much better than the old white-knuckle approach.

Have a great Day 5 everyone!

SanDiegofitmom · January 2018

Good point! @donimfp

RubyRed427 · January 2018

Will_Run_for_Food wrote: »

Read something last night in the-book-which-must-not-be-named that really resonated with me. It essentially said that over time, the artificial stimulation your brain receives from drinking makes you neurologically unable to experience the pleasure you once did from everyday activities like visiting a friend, reading a book, etc.

This hit home because I have realised that I look forward to things so much more when it involves drinking. If I know we are going somewhere that is dry, a part of me thinks, "Ugh, this is going to be boring."

But then I think back to when I was a kid and how much I enjoyed doing things like playing board games or going bowling or watching movies - and I certainly didn't need alcohol to help me then. But because I have imbibed so much these last 10 years or so, my brain is physically incapable of allowing me to enjoy things sober as much as I once did.

The good news: apparently it is reversible with abstinence/significant reduction.

Thanks for the great insight. I am reading that book, too. I sometimes have to re-read paragraphs, so it sinks into my subconscious. Here's a screenshot of something I want to remember.

Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time

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