Less alcohol- February 2018- one day at a time
Replies
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I'm new to MFP and was already trying to drink less alcohol. This challenge is exactly what i need to help motivate me! My goal is only 2-3 drinks a week. I'm in!5
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Well good news I think I might be rubbing off on my husband. He mentioned that he needs to cut back and get his healthy eating back on track. We went to dinner last night. I just drank water. He had one beer. Normally he would have like 3 Long Islands.5
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A new month! My goal is to have only a few drinks once per week or less. I feel much better drinking way less but my husband has no plans to cut down on his drinking. Which is his decision, I'm not going to pressure him to change just because I want to (He's gotten in trouble with drinking in the past so you'd think he'd want to change but whatever).
My problem is that I feel like drinking was the last thing I had in common with him. He still pressures me to drink as much as he does but I say no. It's frustrating. Anyone else have a significant other who does not plan on drinking less and how are you handling it?
Funny I just posted on this. Keep doing what you are doing eventually he will come around. My husband was never a drinker until he met me. He still is only a social drinker. But since I've been working on myself he is starting to feel like he should cut back.
So you stay strong. He will see your progress and it will rub off on him.
Oh don't sweat the pressure. My husband use to say "You need to get that stick out of your A" I was like "Whatever!!! You are a alcohol bully!! I am not going to cave!!" LOL!!!!4 -
Will_Run_for_Food wrote: »Sometimes, when I am debating whether or not to have a few drinks, I see it as essentially a debate over whether I would rather feel good now (by having a few drinks) or feel good tomorrow (by not drinking). It's like a trade-off. Drinking steals your happiness from tomorrow.
You are right about drinking stealing your happiness from tomorrow. I am proud that I had a completely dry January. My husband had a damp one. The past two weeks, he hasn't drank anything, but last night he had a gig and came home late. I didn't see him til this morning, after I had gotten on my bike and ridden 8 miles. I was feeling great, happy to have completed January.. and he comes dragging into the bathroom. One look at him and I could tell his Damp January ended very wet. I asked him, did you drink last night..and he said yes.. I asked him how many, and he had 3 beers. He was feeling the effects this morning. I kinda said... why would you want to do that to yourself? He could plainly see what the effects of drinking had on him.. I am hoping it was a little wake up call for him.
Here is to Freedom February. I plan on staying dry until February 22nd.. then we go to NOLA.. and then I will take it one day at a time.
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Will_Run_for_Food wrote: »Sometimes, when I am debating whether or not to have a few drinks, I see it as essentially a debate over whether I would rather feel good now (by having a few drinks) or feel good tomorrow (by not drinking). It's like a trade-off. Drinking steals your happiness from tomorrow.
Of course I know that's not exactly how it works, but sometimes it just feels like that
This was recently posted on my feed by an MFP pal. I thought it was very relevant to this group and asked him if it was okay to share:
“The Tomorrow Man theory. It’s pretty basic. Today, right here, you are who you are. Tomorrow, you will be who you will be. Each and every night, we lie down to die, and each morning we arise, reborn. Now, those who are in good spirits, with strong mental health, they look out for their Tomorrow Man. They eat right today, they drink right today, they go to sleep early today–all so that Tomorrow Man, when he awakes in his bed reborn as Today Man, thanks Yesterday Man. He looks upon him fondly as a child might a good parent. He knows that someone–himself–was looking out for him. He feels cared for, and respected. Loved, in a word. And now he has a legacy to pass on to his subsequent selves…. But those who are in a bad way, with poor mental health, they constantly leave these messes for Tomorrow Man to clean up. They eat whatever the hell they want, drink like the night will never end, and then fall asleep to forget. They don’t respect Tomorrow Man because they don’t think through the fact that Tomorrow Man will be them. So then they wake up, new Today Man, groaning at the disrespect Yesterday Man showed them. Wondering why does that guy–myself–keep punishing me? But they never learn and instead come to settle for that behavior, eventually learning to ask and expect nothing of themselves. They pass along these same bad habits tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, and it becomes psychologically genetic, like a curse. Looking at you now, Maven, I can see exactly where you fall on this spectrum. You are a man constantly trying to fix today what Yesterday Man did to you. You make up your bed, you clean those dirty dishes from the night before, and pledge not to start drinking until six, thinking that’s the way to keep an even keel. But in reality you’re always playing catch-up. I know this because I’ve been there. The thing is–you can’t fix the mistakes of Yesterday. Yesterday Man is dead, he’s gone forever, and blame and atonement aren’t worth a damn. What you can do is help yourself today. Eat a vegetable. Read a book. Cut that hair of yours. Leave Tomorrow Man something more than a headache and a jam-packed colon. Do for Tomorrow Man what you would have wanted Yesterday Man to do for you.”
Chuck Hogan8 -
lporter229 wrote: »Will_Run_for_Food wrote: »Sometimes, when I am debating whether or not to have a few drinks, I see it as essentially a debate over whether I would rather feel good now (by having a few drinks) or feel good tomorrow (by not drinking). It's like a trade-off. Drinking steals your happiness from tomorrow.
Of course I know that's not exactly how it works, but sometimes it just feels like that
This was recently posted on my feed by an MFP pal. I thought it was very relevant to this group and asked him if it was okay to share:
“The Tomorrow Man theory. It’s pretty basic. Today, right here, you are who you are. Tomorrow, you will be who you will be. Each and every night, we lie down to die, and each morning we arise, reborn. Now, those who are in good spirits, with strong mental health, they look out for their Tomorrow Man. They eat right today, they drink right today, they go to sleep early today–all so that Tomorrow Man, when he awakes in his bed reborn as Today Man, thanks Yesterday Man. He looks upon him fondly as a child might a good parent. He knows that someone–himself–was looking out for him. He feels cared for, and respected. Loved, in a word. And now he has a legacy to pass on to his subsequent selves…. But those who are in a bad way, with poor mental health, they constantly leave these messes for Tomorrow Man to clean up. They eat whatever the hell they want, drink like the night will never end, and then fall asleep to forget. They don’t respect Tomorrow Man because they don’t think through the fact that Tomorrow Man will be them. So then they wake up, new Today Man, groaning at the disrespect Yesterday Man showed them. Wondering why does that guy–myself–keep punishing me? But they never learn and instead come to settle for that behavior, eventually learning to ask and expect nothing of themselves. They pass along these same bad habits tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, and it becomes psychologically genetic, like a curse. Looking at you now, Maven, I can see exactly where you fall on this spectrum. You are a man constantly trying to fix today what Yesterday Man did to you. You make up your bed, you clean those dirty dishes from the night before, and pledge not to start drinking until six, thinking that’s the way to keep an even keel. But in reality you’re always playing catch-up. I know this because I’ve been there. The thing is–you can’t fix the mistakes of Yesterday. Yesterday Man is dead, he’s gone forever, and blame and atonement aren’t worth a damn. What you can do is help yourself today. Eat a vegetable. Read a book. Cut that hair of yours. Leave Tomorrow Man something more than a headache and a jam-packed colon. Do for Tomorrow Man what you would have wanted Yesterday Man to do for you.”
Chuck Hogan
This is great!! Thanks for sharing!!!3 -
Alcohol and sugar cravings have lessened.... I feel like I have found a groove again 5
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@salleewins - I'm with you on this: "I can't keep bags of chocolate in the house or alcohol...." I think I'm replacing alcohol with chocolate, so that's something I'm going to need to work on, LOL. Love the french vanilla tea and other drink recommendations, so thank you. Some of the teas I've been trying are a bit too sour for me, like the Tazo Wild Sweet Orange. Keep looking for cinnamon-y and citrus-y, without a lot of bitterness.
Good Earth Sweet & Spicy is my favorite cinnamon/orange flavor!2 -
Starbucks bought Teavana and is closing all of the stores. This weekend everything was 75% off. I got a pound each of Caramel Ameretti herbal tea, Maharaja Chai Oolong and another kind of oolong for $10 each (that's a ton of tea)! I also got two steeper pots for $6 each. If you have a Teavana in a mall near you, it's definitely worth the trip.2
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I printed off a February calendar on line and bought myself those kiddie stickers you put on a potty chart. They say stuff like, "good job!" or "yay!" and "you rock!" I hung it on my fridge and drew on the last 2 days of January so I could put 2 stickers up to get me started. I know my husband will roll his eyes when he sees this lol but I don't care! I like the visual of seeing my progress. I will add a sticker every night that I am good (I hope all 28 days) before I go to bed.10
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I'm in. Last month I was AF all but 1 special evening with only 2 drinks. This month, I don't plan to be AF, but I want to limit to only weekends.6
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I had a cake last night to celebrate my dry January.
Now I'm into Dry February!
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10638278/dry-february-lose-weight-feel-great5 -
Since it's Feb 1st I thought I better put my goals in writing (which I never did in Jan). My goal is to drink this weekend only and then be AF starting on Monday. I have a horse show this weekend and I just don't think my resolve is strong enough to abstain yet at a show. Thanks everyone for being so kind and helpful!
ETA: I love the calendar idea and I may steal it
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I printed off a February calendar on line and bought myself those kiddie stickers you put on a potty chart. They say stuff like, "good job!" or "yay!" and "you rock!" I hung it on my fridge and drew on the last 2 days of January so I could put 2 stickers up to get me started. I know my husband will roll his eyes when he sees this lol but I don't care! I like the visual of seeing my progress. I will add a sticker every night that I am good (I hope all 28 days) before I go to bed.
I am doing this in my planner! I have 12 big pink stars in a row. When this month is over that should be 40 in a row 4 -
I'm in!
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Anyone else have a significant other who does not plan on drinking less and how are you handling it?
"WAVING" Yes me!
I originally started to cut back out of respect for my husband because he was told in July he has alcohol iinduced cirrhosis of the liver. He told the Dr. he was not going to quit (even though he was told to completely give all alcohol up as of that day)
Any how I thought he would appreciate my effort for his health, but that is not the case.
I began to get back my old energy, big bright eyes and motivation so I have kept with it and feel and look so much better.
And I agree with whom ever said their hubby made a comment about cutting back. WHATEVER was a great answer.
Yay to us as one of you said, because we have alcohol bullies in our lives.6 -
Anyone else have a significant other who does not plan on drinking less and how are you handling it?
"WAVING" Yes me!
I originally started to cut back out of respect for my husband because he was told in July he has alcohol iinduced cirrhosis of the liver. He told the Dr. he was not going to quit (even though he was told to completely give all alcohol up as of that day)
Any how I thought he would appreciate my effort for his health, but that is not the case.
I began to get back my old energy, big bright eyes and motivation so I have kept with it and feel and look so much better.
And I agree with whom ever said their hubby made a comment about cutting back. WHATEVER was a great answer.
Yay to us as one of you said, because we have alcohol bullies in our lives.
That was me LOL!
All the best to your husband.2 -
Soul_Radiation wrote: »I joined one of these...just wanted to say that I kicked it.
All of it.
Nothing since sometime in December. I had been weening off for a while...all 2017 tbh, as I was losing weight and getting more serious about getting in shape.
I feel great.
It's a great target for losing weight...cut it out. Just do it. I lost 72 lbs between Jan 2017 and now...I reduced over time, nothing specific just always thinking about it...trying to drink *half as much* as to what I was accustomed.
And by the end of the year...I'm done with it. I'm no puritan, but, if you are trying to cut down for a reason like losing weight or if it's causing some problems for you for social reasons or any other personal reason...
You'll be happy you did.
Do it.
I don't track days and I didn't quit forever.
I decided I'll quit for 25 years.
I'll have a glass of champagne when I'm 66.
Go get your goals friends!
AWESOME!!3 -
I am back for February. I did 29 days in a row in January and I told my hubby today that I really don't want anymore. I feel so much better now, than I did a couple of months ago, drinking at least a bottle of wine a day. I also told him not to make any more white wine for me. He just drinks the red, I drank both, but mostly white, because of the ulcer problems it gave me.
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A new month! My goal is to have only a few drinks once per week or less. I feel much better drinking way less but my husband has no plans to cut down on his drinking. Which is his decision, I'm not going to pressure him to change just because I want to (He's gotten in trouble with drinking in the past so you'd think he'd want to change but whatever).
My problem is that I feel like drinking was the last thing I had in common with him. He still pressures me to drink as much as he does but I say no. It's frustrating. Anyone else have a significant other who does not plan on drinking less and how are you handling it?
My partner does drink every evening. He never pressures me, because alcohol is truth serum and he doesnt want to hear what i have to say. LOL
But it does bug me that he pours himself about three scotches on ice every evening to relax. And then maybe he has a beer or wine with dinner in front of me. It annoys me, but I dont say anything; it's his body. And everyone has to decide for themselves how much is too much.
I am committed to staying healthy, so I will continue to educate myself and read those books we all talk about. Those are very helpful and eye-opening. Day 32 dry for me. I don't foresee me drinking this weekend, although I have three party/events. It just feels so damn good to wake up on Saturday and Sunday with no hangover or headache. I'm addicted to feeling good now ! Because I used to have wicked nausea and headaches the day after drinking even just 2-3 drinks.7 -
lporter229 wrote: »Starbucks bought Teavana and is closing all of the stores. This weekend everything was 75% off. I got a pound each of Caramel Ameretti herbal tea, Maharaja Chai Oolong and another kind of oolong for $10 each (that's a ton of tea)! I also got two steeper pots for $6 each. If you have a Teavana in a mall near you, it's definitely worth the trip.
OH wow! I wonder if there's anything left at Teavana today. The mall is kind of far, but maybe I'll check out their website to see if things are on sale. Thanks for the tip. I love their pots and never bought one because they were expensive. Thanks for the tip!0 -
Any time I have 2-3 drinks or more it sets my weight loss back by 2 days at least. I've heard it reduces testosterone dramatically. So for women who don't have much of that hormone anyway that could really affect weight loss as testosterone promotes lean muscle gain.3
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Random thoughts... after being dry for a month:
1) A scar on my chin has disappeared this month. I think it's my skin rejuvenating. Skin is so clearer and smooth, too. Face looks narrower.
2) In the Fall and part of winter, I had bleeding gums when I brushed. Gross, I know. But now, no more bleeding gums since quitting.
3) Flatter belly and stomach, although I didn't change my workout or anything.
4) Even tempered mood- no anxiety. Able to deal with stressful situations calmly. Had a major death in the family early January, and I didn't use alcohol to numb me, like I would have.
5) Wake up with a pep in my step. Although for the last week, I have not slept deeply; I feel still energetic.
6) Negative effect: Craving chocolate more than I have. *seems common at the start of quitting.
7) Save a lot on grocery bill. Would buy at least 3 bottles a week. Sometimes $15 each. Also, bar bills when going out with friends is much less.
8) Kept a journal each day. Not all of it focused on my alcohol free journey, but I felt I had more time to write. Read four books this past month.
9) Reading this thread every single days was so motivating. I felt ashamed that I drank too much and couldn't stop at just one. I see that we all have something that needs attention or tweaking. For me, it was that I needed to truly test myself to see if I could still have fun without alcohol. I could.
10) I think my teenage daughter is very proud of me. Today, I told her I finished day 32, and she just smiled so brightly. And she asked, "Are you going to continue?" I asked her if she thinks I should. And she said "YES!" I told her that I realized that I didn't have to depend on drinking wine for fun or relaxation. And she replied, "Of COURSE."
Thanks for humoring me by reading these thoughts. Love you all! Xo24 -
I’m in! Found a lot of inspiration in last month’s thread. 5
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Congrats to all the successful January people!
I am ready to get this started. Luckily my fiancé is joining me. My current favorite tea is Trader Joes Moroccan Mint Green Tea. No sugar or cream needed.
I also like La Croix and making "soda" of seltzer water and a splash of juice. Grapefruit is my favorite. I also enjoy fake Champaign made of sparkling water and sparking apple cider.
I went AF for 11 months a few years ago and it was amazing. I am looking to go moist this month. Our rules are drinking only on weekends and only if we've exercised. I am also going to try to alternate water and alcoholic drinks.
Good luck everyone! Happy Freedom February5 -
I bought a bag of tootsie pops at the grocery store today. I love tootsie rolls but can eat 20 of them in 1 sitting. Howver, if there is just one in the center of the lollipop, it takes a while to get to it, so that is going to be my nightly treat for a while. 60 calories. I can put another "good job!" sticker on my calendar tonight for being booze free. I'm so happy. Going to get in bed and read, something I couldn't do if I had been indulging in the vino. Goodnight friends!8
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I had the worst temptation today. Doesnt help that I only committed to Dry January. i almost stopped at the store to get beer but decided to postpone to Sunday after all..11
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Day 1 in the books! I had some real internal struggles with myself this evening but I made it! I joined the Alcoholic Experiment and bought the Naked Mind book that I’ve been reading sparingly the last 2 days. Even as my husband drank tonight the liquor actually smelled bad. I don’t know if this will happen every night but I hope to keep convincing myself otherwise!
Thanks again for all of your stories I read every single post for inspiration! Good night and continued success to all of us!6 -
Rough and miserable day at work, but did not drink afterwards! Wanted to, though. Decided to only cook an easy simple dinner as a reward (I did more calories than I needed, though, errrr), still got some chores and errands done, though and make some headway on trying to change jobs. Relaxed. Ate some candy to kill the sweet cravings and had some special non-alcoholic drinks that I made myself. Texted a friend and told her how I was doing and that I wanted to have a drink...... If I had drank, nothing would have been done after work and I would be miserable tomorrow. I did it!!6
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