Less alcohol- February 2018- one day at a time
Replies
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Last night was the post Dry January celebration. Had a great meal out at an Italian/Southern soul place (weird, I know, but good). Split two bottles of excellent red wine between three people, so I had 2+ glasses, maybe 3. Despite how good the wine was, I kinda felt like the experience was meh and that I could take it or leave it. Those two bottles were also really expensive, so our dinner tab was pretty up there. Great company and lots of fun, but I didn't need alcohol to experience any of that. Also came home and ate a ton of chocolate, because . . . I don't know. Was kind of drunk and just sounded good. I, of course, woke up in the middle of the night with a headache and was super dehydrated. I'm fine this morning, but not to the point where I can get out there and do the usual morning walk/run. Still moving slowly, and don't like that feeling. I had fantasized about the first wine I would have after not drinking for 32 days, and how great it was going to be, but all in all, it wasn't nearly as thrilling as I thought it would be. I had planned to go back to drinking, but just on weekends. Now I'm not even sure I want to. BTW, the Fre chardonnay (no alcohol) was absolutely hideous, as I thought it would be. Would much rather have tea, diet gingerale/coke or a Polar.
I was thinking about you and your dinner. It's nice to read your thoughts about the wine. And that it wasn't nearly as thrilling or satisfying. I imagine your tolerance was lower than before day 32, so maybe the alcohol hit you harder. Who knows. It's a good time to reflect anyway, and set some goals for February. Yes, the tab is tripled in a way when we add the bottles. Sending you a hug!4 -
runtodayamyrun wrote: »Made it through Day 2 and it’s even a Friday evening. Hubs drank and I just watched. Felt good to not want to be asleep by 9 pm. Looking forward to a great morning again, I have to get up at 5 am so this makes it soooo much easier. Until tomorrow AF friends!
I bet with each passing day, you will have more and more energy. Have a happy day!1 -
@islandbeez thanks so much! I was surprised at my reaction. Mostly what I wanted to share with everybody who's staying dry is that you're probably not missing much, except overeating, being dehydrated and having a hangover. You can go out to eat without booze, you can socialize without booze, you can have fun without booze. Another biggie for me is that I've actually gotten so used to eating my calories instead of drinking them that I'm not sure I'm willing to give those calories up to wine again. And if I do end up drinking on weekends, it's pretty clear I need to limit myself to one glass.7
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I'm in. ... but .... Can someone help me though. I used to enjoy one glass of wine each evening to wind down, or maybe a cold beer on a warmer night, now that I have stopped that (like in the last few weeks or so), I seem to crave chocolate at the end of the day - this is a new thing. Is it because my body was used to sugar at the end of the day? The chocolate craving is what I am struggling with atm. So tonight I had a mandarin after dinner - like it was super sweet and juicy, then I brushed my teeth so I won't want choc.
It has seemed to work for today. Anyone else experience anything like this?5 -
@JulieAL1969 - thanks, I need a hug this a.m. You are prob right about tolerance. I continue to admire how you've hung in there. WAY TO GO!2
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I've been lurking here and on the January site and I'm inspired and fascinated by all of your stories. I've kicked my daily beer habit to the curb so that I can lose weight and generally be more healthy. I've had a few occasions to have a beer or glass of wine and I've done so but the daily habit is gone and I am thrilled. Like many of you, I feel better, exercise more, eat healthier (and less!), and I am losing weight! I am in this for the long haul so will continue to "hang out" with all of you for inspiration and encouragement! Here's to a very damp February and beyond.
Nice to hear from you! You're doing well! I am in this for long haul, too. Looking forward to hearing what worked for you when you kicked your daily beer habit. Xo2 -
I'm in. ... but .... Can someone help me though. I used to enjoy one glass of wine each evening to wind down, or maybe a cold beer on a warmer night, now that I have stopped that (like in the last few weeks or so), I seem to crave chocolate at the end of the day - this is a new thing. Is it because my body was used to sugar at the end of the day? The chocolate craving is what I am struggling with atm. So tonight I had a mandarin after dinner - like it was super sweet and juicy, then I brushed my teeth so I won't want choc.
It has seemed to work for today. Anyone else experience anything like this?
OH yes! Many of us are seeming to crave chocolate or sweets. I've been dipping a spoon into peanut butter and decorating it with chocolate chips!! Several people on this thread mentioned that since alcohol is a sugar and we are cutting it out, our body is craving it. Having an assortment of tea around helps curb craving. Or let yourself have a little chocolate anyway. I love mandarins. That was a great idea!6 -
@kittybenn Thank you SO much for your story about your experience with wine after being dry for 32 days. I think many of us envision that after being AF for a long time it will be a pleasure to indulge once again but the reality may be less than what was anticipated. I appreciate you sharing your perspective.4
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@eminater I am right there with you. But do permit yourself some dark chocolate. It is OK, really!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate4 -
I’m in.5
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DCRunnerGirl78 wrote: »I managed 21 AF days in January, but the 10 drinking days were doozies. I'm starting with a clean slate for February, and plan to stay dry all month. I'd really like to keep it up all the way through my yearly check-up in April, but I'm just taking it one day at a time.
2/1-dry
I drank 12 days out of january...but like you some of those were really heavy....like 4-7glasses of wine?!
My goal for feb is single digits- 9 days (or less) total of drinking.... but ZERO drinking days to exceed one bottle of wine!
Also i am saving $10.00 in a jar each sober day. So last month i saved $180.00
I liked the little ritual of tossing the money in as i fought my last urge for a night cap...and instead making my cup of tea and heading to bed feeling proud instead of ashamed.
I might be one of the heaviest alcoholics in this thread (averaged close to a bottle of wine six days a week). But i work out 1-2 hours a day and have such a high tolerance that weaning down like this (vs. Abstaining) seems to be the only way i can succeed.
Good luck everyone. Reading these posts (from january) helped me stay focused and i am sure i will need them this month too.
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@jenifer7teen, I would have had to reduce my alcohol intake by an appreciable amount to drink "only" a bottle of wine per day. So, there is hope for sure. These posts help me stay focused, too, and I'm halfway through my crazy Cleveland weekend still dry. Yay! I NEVER could have done it without this thread.
I tried the Fre nonalcohol wine a few years ago when my doctor brother said I could have some of the white on my prep day for colonoscopy (I was sick of drinking sweet stuff like Sprite and was grossed out at the thought of drinking chicken broth). The Fre was nasty and horrible, but at that time, I was used to my daily dose of alcohol so I drank it as a substitute. Next time I'll be happy with my bubbly water and herbal tea!8 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »
I might be one of the heaviest alcoholics in this thread (averaged close to a bottle of wine six days a week). But i work out 1-2 hours a day and have such a high tolerance that weaning down like this (vs. Abstaining) seems to be the only way i can succeed.
Good luck everyone. Reading these posts (from january) helped me stay focused and i am sure i will need them this month too.
Oh, heavens, not the heaviest by a long shot! My job was part time, so that means I had several days a week worry free so I just drank all day. Day 15 here, and there is no way for me to moderate, so I will have to be an abstainer. I agree about making that glass of tea and heading to bed feeling victorious, I love that so much more than stumbling down the hall to collapse in my bed. Every post has been helpful to me, I appreciate these threads so much. I did not have the courage or desire to make a change up til now.
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@jenifer7teen Oh mercy, no you are not, and there are probably hundreds of silent people following this thread that drink that much or more. We are all here for each other without judgement. XO8
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I'm in5
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And I thought I was the only one who though "social drinking" was affecting my life/weight/sleep/health/cholestoral, etc. It seems like everywhere I went, I was offered a glass of wine, or people bring it to my house. Weekends out turn into week long drinking, then, automatically drinking weeknights at home. Not a good thing all the way around long term, especially at my age. So since Christmas, I've had one glass of wine, measured, and feel really good about it. Not just weight loss, but also, knowing I am in control every time someone brings a bottle of wine out. It is totally ok to say "no thank you" without any justification or reason given. What obligates us to take everything offered anyway? Who is convincing whom? Them, me, to drink a lot? or me, them, to be moderate and healthy? I am feeling very good about it and will join the group.6
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Hey guys, i have a story to tell ya,
Last night I went out to tea and took some of my own drink ( with the alcohol removed) and when i was asked what i was drinking i told them it was non alcoholic etc.. and they sneered at me.
Seriously, like , who does that!!, sadly enough, guys,
there is a big percentage of people that like to force their beliefs on others and forget that we have a thought to our own.
I felt for the rest of the evening ( until i went to the gym) like an alien. Im nearly convinced actually
actually
Anyway peoples, i dont want anyone to feel that way ever!!.. plz know u have a right to your own.
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Hey guys, i have a story to tell ya,
Last night I went out to tea and took some of my own drink ( with the alcohol removed) and when i was asked what i was drinking i told them it was non alcoholic etc.. and they sneered at me.
Seriously, like , who does that!!, sadly enough, guys,
there is a big percentage of people that like to force their beliefs on others and forget that we have a thought to our own.
I felt for the rest of the evening ( until i went to the gym) like an alien. Im nearly convinced actually actually
Anyway peoples, i dont want anyone to feel that way ever!!.. plz know u have a right to your own.
That’s horrible - are they your friends? I definitely got a lot of “why would you do that?” For Dry January but in general I think people were appreciative of the resolve and gumption to take on an alcohol free month. Haters are gonna hate as T swift says. Finding a support system is probably a really good idea for all of us trying abstain or moderate. One way I talk about not drinking is how it’s helping my fitness and keeping weight loss off. I don’t think anyone can say anything to that
sorry you experienced that and great job staying strong 4 -
Good Morning Friends - I had a lapse yesterday and drank beer. I made it a cheat meal and had Chic Fil A fries and nuggets. The beer tasted strange and I didnt enjoy it much. So back on the dry wagon today. I was going to drink on Super Bowl Sunday but am not feeling like it anymore.11
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Woo hoo Saturday already. Last night while getting dinner ready my hubby helped set the table and get it ready. I brought our bowls of chowder over to the table and saw he had already opened and poured me a Mich Ultra. Some thing I was not planning on having since I had an iced tea open and was drinking that. Anyhow we said our cheers and clicked our glasses as we always do, (no matter what the beverage is) ate our chowder and moved away from the table to clean up kitchen. Still sitting on the table was the untouched Ultra in the glass. I put it in the frig for hubby to consume later if he wished.
Tomorrow being the superbowl and us living in New England and being huge fans of one of the teams playing, I had planned to go out but the weather is going to be bad. So home we will stay without fan peer pressure to drink.
Have an excellent day everyone.6 -
i am in for feb completed jan but i have a lot of weight to loose so its goto go good luck everyone.
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SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Hey guys, i have a story to tell ya,
Last night I went out to tea and took some of my own drink ( with the alcohol removed) and when i was asked what i was drinking i told them it was non alcoholic etc.. and they sneered at me.
Seriously, like , who does that!!, sadly enough, guys,
there is a big percentage of people that like to force their beliefs on others and forget that we have a thought to our own.
I felt for the rest of the evening ( until i went to the gym) like an alien. Im nearly convinced actually actually
Anyway peoples, i dont want anyone to feel that way ever!!.. plz know u have a right to your own.
That’s horrible - are they your friends? I definitely got a lot of “why would you do that?” For Dry January but in general I think people were appreciative of the resolve and gumption to take on an alcohol free month. Haters are gonna hate as T swift says. Finding a support system is probably a really good idea for all of us trying abstain or moderate. One way I talk about not drinking is how it’s helping my fitness and keeping weight loss off. I don’t think anyone can say anything to that sorry you experienced that and great job staying strong
@Alzzi76 I agree that is horrible. Now, I'm not advocating lying because we are proud of our goals, BUT my sister who has been dry for a dozen years said at the beginning she used to tell people she had a bleeding ulcer. They backed off right away and didn't pressure her. Just sayin' 3 -
islandbeez wrote: »jenifer7teen wrote: »
I might be one of the heaviest alcoholics in this thread (averaged close to a bottle of wine six days a week). But i work out 1-2 hours a day and have such a high tolerance that weaning down like this (vs. Abstaining) seems to be the only way i can succeed.
Good luck everyone. Reading these posts (from january) helped me stay focused and i am sure i will need them this month too.
Oh, heavens, not the heaviest by a long shot! My job was part time, so that means I had several days a week worry free so I just drank all day. Day 15 here, and there is no way for me to moderate, so I will have to be an abstainer. I agree about making that glass of tea and heading to bed feeling victorious, I love that so much more than stumbling down the hall to collapse in my bed. Every post has been helpful to me, I appreciate these threads so much. I did not have the courage or desire to make a change up til now.
I agree with you @islandbeez totally.
@jenifer7teen We are here for you. I drank seven days a week usually. You are not the only one. What's so amazing is you are doing what's right for YOU. By weaning down, you will be at zero drinks in no time. Just do what works for you. And I agree, reading these posts for the last two-three months has been basically the only reason I have been dry.. well that, and the worst hangover on record on Dec. 1:)
You're doing great!6 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »@katie5467 8 pounds weight loss is fantastic! Great work- staying dry. It gets easier, doesn't it?
@lporter229 What a peaceful, calm evening! Have a great run!
It does get easier doesn't it! I went to the pub with some friends earlier and I was questioning myself whether I was missing having a beer when I heard how expensive it was and thought no I don't! Haha
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Good Morning Friends - I had a lapse yesterday and drank beer. I made it a cheat meal and had Chic Fil A fries and nuggets. The beer tasted strange and I didnt enjoy it much. So back on the dry wagon today. I was going to drink on Super Bowl Sunday but am not feeling like it anymore.
Thanks for even more confirmation that I am not missing anything...except Chic Fil A. Never had it, they just opened one in our area though...
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Giving myself a high five because I enjoyed “girls” happy hour and dinner where wine was flowing and drank only San Pellegrino with lime. Today was day12 in a row. Getting easier. I think I’ll be fine at tomorrow night’s 90th b’day bash. Not cocky though.
Woohoo!!! I was hoping you did well!!! Good for you!!!3 -
islandbeez wrote: »Good Morning Friends - I had a lapse yesterday and drank beer. I made it a cheat meal and had Chic Fil A fries and nuggets. The beer tasted strange and I didnt enjoy it much. So back on the dry wagon today. I was going to drink on Super Bowl Sunday but am not feeling like it anymore.
Thanks for even more confirmation that I am not missing anything...except Chic Fil A. Never had it, they just opened one in our areaSanDiegofitmom wrote: »Hey guys, i have a story to tell ya,
Last night I went out to tea and took some of my own drink ( with the alcohol removed) and when i was asked what i was drinking i told them it was non alcoholic etc.. and they sneered at me.
Seriously, like , who does that!!, sadly enough, guys,
there is a big percentage of people that like to force their beliefs on others and forget that we have a thought to our own.
I felt for the rest of the evening ( until i went to the gym) like an alien. Im nearly convinced actually actually
Anyway peoples, i dont want anyone to feel that way ever!!.. plz know u have a right to your own.
That’s horrible - are they your friends? I definitely got a lot of “why would you do that?” For Dry January but in general I think people were appreciative of the resolve and gumption to take on an alcohol free month. Haters are gonna hate as T swift says. Finding a support system is probably a really good idea for all of us trying abstain or moderate. One way I talk about not drinking is how it’s helping my fitness and keeping weight loss off. I don’t think anyone can say anything to that sorry you experienced that and great job staying strong
Thanks, I nearly gave in, I used to. Now im in with a supportive group it really helps.3 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Hey guys, i have a story to tell ya,
Last night I went out to tea and took some of my own drink ( with the alcohol removed) and when i was asked what i was drinking i told them it was non alcoholic etc.. and they sneered at me.
Seriously, like , who does that!!, sadly enough, guys,
there is a big percentage of people that like to force their beliefs on others and forget that we have a thought to our own.
I felt for the rest of the evening ( until i went to the gym) like an alien. Im nearly convinced actually actually
Anyway peoples, i dont want anyone to feel that way ever!!.. plz know u have a right to your own.
That’s horrible - are they your friends? I definitely got a lot of “why would you do that?” For Dry January but in general I think people were appreciative of the resolve and gumption to take on an alcohol free month. Haters are gonna hate as T swift says. Finding a support system is probably a really good idea for all of us trying abstain or moderate. One way I talk about not drinking is how it’s helping my fitness and keeping weight loss off. I don’t think anyone can say anything to that sorry you experienced that and great job staying strong
@Alzzi76 I agree that is horrible. Now, I'm not advocating lying because we are proud of our goals, BUT my sister who has been dry for a dozen years said at the beginning she used to tell people she had a bleeding ulcer. They backed off right away and didn't pressure her. Just sayin'
Thanks, JulieAL1969 , it a pity we have to have an explaination b4 these people except us.1 -
I'm on day 12 of sobriety. Going well, no cravings.5
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