Struggling with alcohol!
faithfulheart888
Posts: 22 Member
Hi guys,
So I logged back on today as I'm creeping up again to what was once my highest weight after losing almost 2 stone last year I'm ashamed to say I've put nearly all of it back on. My main problem is that my husband and I really enjoy a drink (or 3!) in the evening to unwind. I have only managed 3 entirely booze free days this month and I'm struggling. I don't get 'drunk' but I enjoy a gin and tonic and sharing a bottle of wine. I really need some tips to get out of this habit. I have done it several times before but always slip back and it massively impedes my weight loss. Feel free to add me!
x
So I logged back on today as I'm creeping up again to what was once my highest weight after losing almost 2 stone last year I'm ashamed to say I've put nearly all of it back on. My main problem is that my husband and I really enjoy a drink (or 3!) in the evening to unwind. I have only managed 3 entirely booze free days this month and I'm struggling. I don't get 'drunk' but I enjoy a gin and tonic and sharing a bottle of wine. I really need some tips to get out of this habit. I have done it several times before but always slip back and it massively impedes my weight loss. Feel free to add me!
x
5
Replies
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Spouse and I did Dry January for the second year in a row. It was a lot easier this year than last! In your situation, I would start small. Pick specific nights when you don't drink...maybe Tuesday through Thursday. And then see if you can add Monday over time. One thing I've found is that by giving up alcohol completely for a month, a lot of positive changes occur. I sleep extremely sound, my skin looks clearer, I'm more even-tempered with the kids. I was just thinking how different my college and 20s may have been if I hadn't spent them in an alcohol-induced haze. Although it seemed really fun at the time!17
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On another board I just wrote a post about how I lost about 60lbs making no other changes than not drinking alcohol. I had an advantage in that my wife doesn’t drink. Never has. Doesn’t like it. So it wasn’t in the house if I didn’t buy it.
The other thing I did was replace cocktail time, beer for me, with moderate exercise. The stationary bike in the basement. It was odd for a couple of weeks. But I lost about 60lbs in a year with no other changes. It really paid off.12 -
Wow guys thanks for the responses. It really helps to know that you guys have lost weight by cutting down on the alcohol and those tips are really helpful. The benefits sound great too!1
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In same boat, a lil different scenario as to the amount of alcohol and the "why" but it has become problematic. I started on kudzu (available at all vitamin stores) I don't know how or why it works but it curbs the craving! I also pour my sparkling water in a wine glass, something about sipping out of the "good crystal " helps me chill. I am working on first week of sobriety. Wishing you luck!14
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It's hars to only have a couple when you are having fun knowing that it's not good. But you gotta do what you gotta do.1
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You might want to check out this thread in the Challenges sub-forum. There are lots of people in the same boat as you, trying to cut back on the alcohol or quit entirely. Everyone has their own goal and there is no judgement, but lots of support and motivation.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10625604/less-alcohol-january-2018-one-day-at-a-time#latest
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lporter229 wrote: »You might want to check out this thread in the Challenges sub-forum. There are lots of people in the same boat as you, trying to cut back on the alcohol or quit entirely. Everyone has their own goal and there is no judgement, but lots of support and motivation.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10625604/less-alcohol-january-2018-one-day-at-a-time#latest
This ^^^^^0 -
I've had to cut out alcohol entirely, unless I'm going out or it's a special occasion. It's not just the calories in the wine for me, it's the craving for snacks and junk food it brings. Drinking affects my appetite massively, not just at the time but the next day as well, plus it makes me lethargic. It's just not worth it. And I agree with an earlier poster on the sounder sleep, clearer skin and more energy thing. Yes! My body totally appreciates me binning the nightly wine habit. And when I do go out with friends, I enjoy it alot more now, it's a bit more special and feels like a real treat.11
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faithfulheart888 wrote: »Hi guys,
So I logged back on today as I'm creeping up again to what was once my highest weight after losing almost 2 stone last year I'm ashamed to say I've put nearly all of it back on. My main problem is that my husband and I really enjoy a drink (or 3!) in the evening to unwind. I have only managed 3 entirely booze free days this month and I'm struggling. I don't get 'drunk' but I enjoy a gin and tonic and sharing a bottle of wine. I really need some tips to get out of this habit. I have done it several times before but always slip back and it massively impedes my weight loss. Feel free to add me!
x
Why do you feel that need to change this habit rather than cut back somewhere else if it's something you enjoy? Do feel like you are addicted to the alcohol?2 -
I've been trying to save my alcohol for Friday and Saturday nights. It gives me something to work for during the week, as I enjoy going to craft breweries on the weekends. Hope this helps!3
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I can totally relate! It is amazing how quickly the pounds (or stones) creep back on when consuming alcohol! Not to mention it is much easier to stay within the calorie range on mfp when not drinking. It is not a matter of will power as I can (sometimes) take it or leave it. It is enjoyable and relaxing. That being said, I have successfully used L-Glutamine (amino acid) to curb the alcohol yearnings. I find that if I use this for a few days I break the desire to drink. That and seriously committing to stay within the calories for the day makes it easier to skip the cocktail. Good luck and try not to beat yourself up...remember you are doing the best you can!1
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Need2Exerc1se wrote: »faithfulheart888 wrote: »Hi guys,
So I logged back on today as I'm creeping up again to what was once my highest weight after losing almost 2 stone last year I'm ashamed to say I've put nearly all of it back on. My main problem is that my husband and I really enjoy a drink (or 3!) in the evening to unwind. I have only managed 3 entirely booze free days this month and I'm struggling. I don't get 'drunk' but I enjoy a gin and tonic and sharing a bottle of wine. I really need some tips to get out of this habit. I have done it several times before but always slip back and it massively impedes my weight loss. Feel free to add me!
x
Why do you feel that need to change this habit rather than cut back somewhere else if it's something you enjoy? Do feel like you are addicted to the alcohol?
I guess in a way, yes, because I enjoy the way it helps me to unwind, so it's not just because I enjoy the taste per se. Also, I guess I am addicted, because once I start, like this triggered off over Christmas just because I unwound 'too' much and just drank every day, and then it becomes a slippery slope. I dislike it as well because I only get given a total of 1200 calories per day, which it isn't a healthy or nutriotionally good choice to spend on alcohol, wine has a crazy amount of calories in! I think my plan going forward will be to allow myself some wriggle room on a Fri and Sat night and maybe 1 night in the week. Cutting down slowly rather than completely cutting out sounds good. Thanks to everyone for all the advice x1 -
It is possible for many to moderate their intake. I'm against demonizing any food/drink period. Unless it's an addictive issue. That can be with alcohol or it can also be with food... Moderation is key.
If you are unable to moderate in a healthy manner then there could be more to it.3 -
faithfulheart888 wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »faithfulheart888 wrote: »Hi guys,
So I logged back on today as I'm creeping up again to what was once my highest weight after losing almost 2 stone last year I'm ashamed to say I've put nearly all of it back on. My main problem is that my husband and I really enjoy a drink (or 3!) in the evening to unwind. I have only managed 3 entirely booze free days this month and I'm struggling. I don't get 'drunk' but I enjoy a gin and tonic and sharing a bottle of wine. I really need some tips to get out of this habit. I have done it several times before but always slip back and it massively impedes my weight loss. Feel free to add me!
x
Why do you feel that need to change this habit rather than cut back somewhere else if it's something you enjoy? Do feel like you are addicted to the alcohol?
I guess in a way, yes, because I enjoy the way it helps me to unwind, so it's not just because I enjoy the taste per se. Also, I guess I am addicted, because once I start, like this triggered off over Christmas just because I unwound 'too' much and just drank every day, and then it becomes a slippery slope. I dislike it as well because I only get given a total of 1200 calories per day, which it isn't a healthy or nutriotionally good choice to spend on alcohol, wine has a crazy amount of calories in! I think my plan going forward will be to allow myself some wriggle room on a Fri and Sat night and maybe 1 night in the week. Cutting down slowly rather than completely cutting out sounds good. Thanks to everyone for all the advice x
Sounds like a solid plan. I do the same with most things I want to cut back on but not give up entirely. I find that having the weekend to look forward to helps keep me on track throughout the week.
Good luck!1 -
Is it possible to have one drink a day rather than several? The all or nothing approach can be difficult to sustain for many. Do you log the calories in every drink? That might give you a bit of reality check and help you make informed choices.1
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Soul_Radiation wrote: »I cut down half my drinking at a time. Wherever you are at...drink half that much.
In a couple months.
Cut another half.
3 more months.
Cut it in half again.
Then...by the end of the year. You're done. You're free.
I'm definitely not a puritan and think booze is fine...it's just not necessarily for everybody, and maybe it's great but not right now.
If you want to get in shape.
It's the perfect target to eliminate from your diet. You have to find what works for you, and what works for a long time.
Just persist. If you screw up...start again next day. And the next day. And the day after that.
It'll work.
Thanks! And for the previous post, really made me giggle with the motivational song, but also felt like I got my butt (or *kitten* as we say here in UK) kicked, which is defo what I need right now. I like the sounds of that plan too, seems like weaning myself off it, rather than a full on ditch it all at once attempt may be more doable and give me realistic goals.0 -
Great. it blocked my worse a%r*s"e!!!! HA!1
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I made a commitment not to drink in Jan and have lost 19 lbs in 23 days so far. The biggest difference though it what I "Added" to my routine. 1 huge green drink everyone morning and I sweat doing something for 20 to 30 min every single day. I also stay within my range of calories on this app everyday and hit my daily 4 metrics. I have also added plenty of water everyday. Once I lose 40 lbs I am back to alcohol in moderation and will keep up my green drink and sweating every day.
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I made a commitment not to drink in Jan and have lost 19 lbs in 23 days so far. The biggest difference though it what I "Added" to my routine. 1 huge green drink everyone morning and I sweat doing something for 20 to 30 min every single day. I also stay within my range of calories on this app everyday and hit my daily 4 metrics. I have also added plenty of water everyday. Once I lose 40 lbs I am back to alcohol in moderation and will keep up my green drink and sweating every day.
Wow congrats on that amazing loss!!!0 -
Drinking is always a big thing for me when I'm trying to lose weight because I enjoy a glass of wine or two while I'm making dinner, and my manfriend and I like to go out on the weekends. We just started a fitness challenge where we decided to assign points for various things rather than just tracking weight loss (exercise, meeting calorie goals, drinking water, etc.), so we're going to limit ourselves to 2 (maybe 3) drinking "sessions" per week. So, we can have drinks on perhaps Saturday night and then over brunch Sunday or whatever works that week. If we stick to that, we get points, and whoever has the most points at the end of 60 days wins the decided on prize.1
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karamauerhan81 wrote: »Drinking is always a big thing for me when I'm trying to lose weight because I enjoy a glass of wine or two while I'm making dinner, and my manfriend and I like to go out on the weekends. We just started a fitness challenge where we decided to assign points for various things rather than just tracking weight loss (exercise, meeting calorie goals, drinking water, etc.), so we're going to limit ourselves to 2 (maybe 3) drinking "sessions" per week. So, we can have drinks on perhaps Saturday night and then over brunch Sunday or whatever works that week. If we stick to that, we get points, and whoever has the most points at the end of 60 days wins the decided on prize.
Ooooh I LOVE this!0 -
If you drink wine or hard liquor try mixing it more than half with plain seltzer water. I find this helps really limit my intake and calories consumed but I can still have several drinks and get a good buzz.1
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Maybe I’m the weirdo here, but I have a glass of wine every day. Five ounces of merlot is 125 calories. That’s a pretty measly pour, so I exercise to “earn” a bit more than that.
By the way, 1200 calories is the absolute minimum amount per day. I’d suggest ratcheting down your rate of loss to half or one pound per week. You can still fit in a glass of wine.1 -
I'm the same, and it makes such a difference to my success....at the moment I'm trying to keep it down to 2 nights a week. My husband and I have such an ingrained weekend habit of getting in to the wine on the popcorn on the weekends after the kids are in bed though, it's hard to break. And he doesn't particularly want to stop so I feel like he feels abandoned in our little weekend ritual......sigh....1
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Hello!
I am kind of in the same situation as you, I enjoy a social drink but it really pushes my calorie intake up and I usually end up going over - also I find it a lot harder to stay motivated when I've had a few or if I'm hungover!
You said that you enjoy a gin and tonic, gin is one of the lower calories drinks especially if it's mixed with diet tonic.
Maybe just limit yourself to drinking a two drink limit or on the weekends?0 -
I like the positive response everyone gives to encourage you to not drink alcohol. I would just like to say that I grew up in a Alcoholic home, my father, his family were all Alcoholics. My youngest son just passed away and the cause was alcohol. My heart is broken and this is something that I will never get over, I will learn to live with it but it has been the hardest thing I have had to face in my life. I never drank that often and I haven't in many years. Please understand that Alcoholics have a disease and they are the only ones that can decide to stop and even if you only have say a drink a day it becomes a habit that is so very hard to quit. Most addictions are, it took a heart attack for me to finally realize that I needed to quit smoking. I did 11 years ago and it was not easy but the difference in the way I feel is great.
I apologize if I sound preachy but my son passed away 2 months ago and I am trying working at staying healthier and keep my sugar(diabetic) under control.
I mean no offense to anyone, I just hope something that I wrote will help someone else.4 -
grandmacj699 wrote: »I like the positive response everyone gives to encourage you to not drink alcohol. I would just like to say that I grew up in a Alcoholic home, my father, his family were all Alcoholics. My youngest son just passed away and the cause was alcohol. My heart is broken and this is something that I will never get over, I will learn to live with it but it has been the hardest thing I have had to face in my life. I never drank that often and I haven't in many years. Please understand that Alcoholics have a disease and they are the only ones that can decide to stop and even if you only have say a drink a day it becomes a habit that is so very hard to quit. Most addictions are, it took a heart attack for me to finally realize that I needed to quit smoking. I did 11 years ago and it was not easy but the difference in the way I feel is great.
I apologize if I sound preachy but my son passed away 2 months ago and I am trying working at staying healthier and keep my sugar(diabetic) under control.
I mean no offense to anyone, I just hope something that I wrote will help someone else.
I'm so sorry for you, a parent should never have to bury their child x0
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