Less alcohol- February 2018- one day at a time
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Saturday night I went to an event --- an art show/memorial/party for an artist friend. It was nice that they did provide an AF punch --- along with plenty of wine! I did have a sip (and I do mean a thimbleful) to taste .... something called Sir Perry Pear Cider. So I still count it as an AF day. Although there were many people there who were drinking, and I'd shared plenty of wine with them before ... no one really questioned or challenged my choice. I did eat too many treats, though
I didn't really notice people drinking on TV -- But I sure did previous times when I tried to go AF for a bit, and I did identify the feeling of wanting a glass of wine stemming from that. This time it really hasn't bothered me though, and I'm pretty happy without.
proud of you3 -
Have some happy statistics to share. In the 7 weeks since 2018 started I have been averaging 3 standard drinks per WEEK. Limiting myself to no more than 2 drinks per day and no more than 3 drinking days a week, has been working out so well.
I am hoping that maybe a few of my social friends I like to hang out with will also take this path. They keep saying " you are so strong, what disapline you have." But they really have no idea the thought process it takes every day and pretty much every minute to keep up this path.6 -
It's been almost a week AF for me--last Monday I had two beers but nothing since then. I was tested today when I went out with my (drinking) partner in crime, my sister. I told her I gave up alcohol and she called me an idiot LOL (all in good fun). She had her beers and I had water and it wasn't a big deal. It helped that a 16oz beer was $11 at the venue so it wasn't really that hard to resist.
I do think I am going to try to stick with being AF for a while though. Initially, I said I was just going to moderate but I have "moderated" before and I know how that ends up. I need a break for a while. I'm still not saying I will never have another drink again ever, because I probably will. But not for a while.
I don't post very often but I do read here a lot and this thread really is very helpful for me. It really helps to read about other people in the same situations.10 -
Hi! I just found this thread, and I really feel like I need it, even though February is over halfway over.
I have been a heavy drinker since I was a teenager. Somewhere along the way, I picked up a love for Four Loko malt beverages. $2.50 for a 23.5oz can that is equivalent to 4 or 5 beers. I would drink anywhere from 2-4 of these a night, 5-6 nights a week. Well...they have 660 calories a piece!
I'm not a big eater, but I don't eat very healthily usually, so I think it goes without saying that I've put on a lot of weight over the past 10 years or so.
I'm finally trying to do something and lose some weight, and I have actually lost about 5 pounds in a week and a half!
I have said NO to the Four Lokos...no more. They really do taste disgusting, and they give me crippling acid reflux these days. Plus, the calories are out of this world.
I found on GetDrunkNotFat.com that Everclear is a better choice. Over the past few weeks, I have decided that I'll drink Everclear mixed with sparkling flavored lemon-lime water. It's still not healthy, but it's a much, much healthier choice than the calorie-filled, carb-filled, sugar-filled Four Lokos. My acid reflux hasn't been bothering me, either. *knock on wood*
Also, I've decided that for now, I'm just drinking two nights a week out of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'm not restricting my quantity as much as I should, but I am noticing a difference. I want to cut down on quantity later, but right now, drinking 2 nights out of the week instead of 6 is still a major improvement.
I noticed that y'all have mentioned craving sweets when you don't drink. That hasn't really been a problem for me. The problem is that I crave CARBS. When I don't drink for a few days, I feel lightheaded and like I'm STARVING if I don't eat potatoes or rice or pasta or something, even if I'm eating plenty of protein. So, no low carb diet for me right now. I feel like eating a baked potato with a little butter, salt and pepper HAS to be better than filling myself with Four Lokos.12 -
Have some happy statistics to share. In the 7 weeks since 2018 started I have been averaging 3 standard drinks per WEEK. Limiting myself to no more than 2 drinks per day and no more than 3 drinking days a week, has been working out so well.
I am hoping that maybe a few of my social friends I like to hang out with will also take this path. They keep saying " you are so strong, what disapline you have." But they really have no idea the thought process it takes every day and pretty much every minute to keep up this path.
Good for you! Impressive1 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »It’s funny my parents and their friends growing up never drank alcohol - but they had so much fun. Game nights and family bbqs and sports, camping and picnics. They would stay out late totally booze free. It’s too bad that drinking is so synonymous with “fun” but it doesn’t have to be. I want to make my life more “fun” like it was growing up. However because there was no wine beer or liquor in the house it was like this forbidden fruit. I want my kids to see it as something to be enjoyed lightly and infrequently.
I got a flashback of my childhood when I read your message. I remember very rarely my parents drinking. Maybe my mom would order a grasshopper on a special occasion. On the other hand, all my relatives and family parties were vodka filled affairs. But my parents never drank there either.
When I grew up, they told me they both made a conscious decision not to drink in front of us (the girls). They also told me that didn't attend too many family events with the drinking relatives so we didn't see all that vodka consumed. Funny thing is I did see all that and grew to drink vodka as my vice.
I think as parents we do have to think about what our kids see. Just like @SanDiegofitmom says, game nights and sports nights do not have to be booze filled. You're so right.
I know I've said this before, but I cringe now thinking back when my kids were little, our neighborhood parties and euchre nights were booze filled evenings; that's what all our kids in this neighborhood grew up seeing. I think I set a bad example while my parents set a good one. But we all have parenting regrets, and my kids grew up to be wonderful people. Just reflecting. Xo10 -
One more thing before I grade papers... today, I saw my sister for the first time in a month. She asked how my alcohol free journey was going, and I told her it's going well. But I am worried about St. Pat's Day festivities. She quit drinking about ten years ago.
She said don't look at it in terms of "I will never drink again"; she said just tell yourself that for 99% of the time , I wont drink. She said don't keep track or count days; just make it a lifestyle. And if once in a big while, you want a drink, have one. Her comments did take the pressure off of me.
I really prefer not to drink; I've gotten used to it now. Nearing 50 days now, but I also struggle with the idea that "I am never going to drink again." She made me breathe a sigh of relief. And then she and I toasted with our Perrier in wine glasses:)14 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »One more thing before I grade papers... today, I saw my sister for the first time in a month. She asked how my alcohol free journey was going, and I told her it's going well. But I am worried about St. Pat's Day festivities. She quit drinking about ten years ago.
She said don't look at it in terms of "I will never drink again"; she said just tell yourself that for 99% of the time , I wont drink. She said don't keep track or count days; just make it a lifestyle. And if once in a big while, you want a drink, have one. Her comments did take the pressure off of me.
I really prefer not to drink; I've gotten used to it now. Nearing 50 days now, but I also struggle with the idea that "I am never going to drink again." She made me breathe a sigh of relief. And then she and I toasted with our Perrier in wine glasses:)
That's a cool way to think about it. I can totally see how the "never again" would create a bad mental block, whereas, "That's not something I'm doing right now" would be a lot easier. Congrats on 50 days in...that's amazing. It's also awesome that you have your sister's support, too.
My husband quit drinking 3.5 years ago. We got into a really bad car accident while he was driving drunk. After that, he quit. In that time, he drank less than half of a beer with his brother once for a "celebration" (then gave me the rest), then another time, he had one small sip of a really fancy, over-the-top mixed drink that I ordered at a restaurant because he wanted to see what it tasted like. Both times, he seemed kind of disgusted by the taste and the fact that he'd caved...like, "Ugh, I actually gave up on the no drinking thing for THIS? So not worth it." But I know my husband...little things like that are what keep him strong, I think, because it's not "I am never allowed to have a drink again, ever!" but more "I can have a little here and there, but I just really don't even want to."7 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »One more thing before I grade papers... today, I saw my sister for the first time in a month. She asked how my alcohol free journey was going, and I told her it's going well. But I am worried about St. Pat's Day festivities. She quit drinking about ten years ago.
She said don't look at it in terms of "I will never drink again"; she said just tell yourself that for 99% of the time , I wont drink. She said don't keep track or count days; just make it a lifestyle. And if once in a big while, you want a drink, have one. Her comments did take the pressure off of me.
I really prefer not to drink; I've gotten used to it now. Nearing 50 days now, but I also struggle with the idea that "I am never going to drink again." She made me breathe a sigh of relief. And then she and I toasted with our Perrier in wine glasses:)
That's a cool way to think about it. I can totally see how the "never again" would create a bad mental block, whereas, "That's not something I'm doing right now" would be a lot easier. Congrats on 50 days in...that's amazing. It's also awesome that you have your sister's support, too.
My husband quit drinking 3.5 years ago. We got into a really bad car accident while he was driving drunk. After that, he quit. In that time, he drank less than half of a beer with his brother once for a "celebration" (then gave me the rest), then another time, he had one small sip of a really fancy, over-the-top mixed drink that I ordered at a restaurant because he wanted to see what it tasted like. Both times, he seemed kind of disgusted by the taste and the fact that he'd caved...like, "Ugh, I actually gave up on the no drinking thing for THIS? So not worth it." But I know my husband...little things like that are what keep him strong, I think, because it's not "I am never allowed to have a drink again, ever!" but more "I can have a little here and there, but I just really don't even want to."
Thanks for your thoughts. I learn from all of you who comment;)
I imagine your husband lost the taste for alcohol since it's acquired. One of the videos I watched said, alcohol reallly does taste awful, but we get used to the taste by drinking it a lot.
I also commend him for quitting after that extremely traumatic experience of the car accident.
Xoxo
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Havent checked in for a bit but as usual found it encouraging/interesting to catch up on everyone's alcohol evolution.
My goals changed from number of sober days, to total number of weekly drinks....because i found myself binge drinking occasionally on planned drinking days. And so far so good! I had 10 total last week (which included valentines day!) This week my goal is 9.... counting down to 7.
Honestly an average of 1 simple glass of wine per day was something that i didnt believe i could do, or enjoy. I am finally getting to the point where the DESIRE to drink is much weaker, making moderation seem less like a chore and more like a lifestyle.7 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »
Thanks for your thoughts. I learn from all of you who comment;)
I imagine your husband lost the taste for alcohol since it's acquired. One of the videos I watched said, alcohol reallly does taste awful, but we get used to the taste by drinking it a lot.
I also commend him for quitting after that extremely traumatic experience of the car accident.
Xoxo
You're probably right. He never really liked the "taste of alcohol" that much anyway...he preferred stuff like Jagermeister or Fireball when he did drink vs. like vodka or gin. He wasn't really a "lifelong" drinker like me, anyway, but when he did drink, he drank a lot.
We could have -- and probably should have -- died in our car accident -- we crossed the median of a major interstate, went through the cables, crossed the entire other side of the interstate, flipped, and landed in the woods, all at 100+ mph. I didn't have my seatbelt on, and my head hit the windshield so hard that it left a head-sized shatter, then I ended up in the backseat somehow with my bra completely split in the middle. My husband said when he got out, he was screaming and crying because I was completely non-responsive, and he thought I was dead. We actually had a DD that night, but my husband was so obnoxious and mean that our DD pulled over and got out, and my husband got behind the wheel. After that, he realized that drinking wasn't for him. I'm so proud of him. It's like he didn't think twice. After he realized this horrible thing, he stopped.3 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »
Thanks for your thoughts. I learn from all of you who comment;)
I imagine your husband lost the taste for alcohol since it's acquired. One of the videos I watched said, alcohol reallly does taste awful, but we get used to the taste by drinking it a lot.
I also commend him for quitting after that extremely traumatic experience of the car accident.
Xoxo
You're probably right. He never really liked the "taste of alcohol" that much anyway...he preferred stuff like Jagermeister or Fireball when he did drink vs. like vodka or gin. He wasn't really a "lifelong" drinker like me, anyway, but when he did drink, he drank a lot.
We could have -- and probably should have -- died in our car accident -- we crossed the median of a major interstate, went through the cables, crossed the entire other side of the interstate, flipped, and landed in the woods, all at 100+ mph. I didn't have my seatbelt on, and my head hit the windshield so hard that it left a head-sized shatter, then I ended up in the backseat somehow with my bra completely split in the middle. My husband said when he got out, he was screaming and crying because I was completely non-responsive, and he thought I was dead. We actually had a DD that night, but my husband was so obnoxious and mean that our DD pulled over and got out, and my husband got behind the wheel. After that, he realized that drinking wasn't for him. I'm so proud of him. It's like he didn't think twice. After he realized this horrible thing, he stopped.
I think I said that wrong... the video I saw says , we probably didn't like the taste of alcohol when we first tasted it. The speaker said think back to when you were young and you first sipped vodka or scotch, and you thought it tasted awful. Then, eventually, you grew to like the taste.
OH my, this is a riveting story. Thank heavens, you all survived. I'm sure he felt even more awful at your injuries because of his impaired driving. What a wake up call for all including me. Xo3 -
OK, so, today was day was day 28 (since Jan. 22, after blowing it starting Jan. 1). Seriously? Can't make it to 30? I drove from my awesome AF weekend with granddaughter to home to a funeral for a precious 40-year-old friend who died in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Still don't know how/why but suspect substances. His husband and daughter are friends and everyone in our small town devastated. Beautiful service. Final speaker quoted a line from Elizabeth Taylor: "Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together." She said that's what he would want us to do. So, (so freaking obedient!) I came home and had a martini. Then 2 glasses of wine. Then a vodka and grapefruit juice. In his honor, of course. I'm not very coherent right now. But I appreciate this group and hope for another chance tomorrow. xoxo.13
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28 days was great!! If you had more than you intended tonight, then I wish you better luck tomorrow.
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I know we are halfway through february but I want to cut out alcohol for a while! It’s definitely holding up my progress. I would like to cut it out for a month and see if it makes a difference!7
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ashleycordsen wrote: »I know we are halfway through february but I want to cut out alcohol for a while! It’s definitely holding up my progress. I would like to cut it out for a month and see if it makes a difference!
Hello, welcome to a better mind set.
with lots of support. 2 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »JulieAL1969 wrote: »
Thanks for your thoughts. I learn from all of you who comment;)
I imagine your husband lost the taste for alcohol since it's acquired. One of the videos I watched said, alcohol reallly does taste awful, but we get used to the taste by drinking it a lot.
I also commend him for quitting after that extremely traumatic experience of the car accident.
Xoxo
You're probably right. He never really liked the "taste of alcohol" that much anyway...he preferred stuff like Jagermeister or Fireball when he did drink vs. like vodka or gin. He wasn't really a "lifelong" drinker like me, anyway, but when he did drink, he drank a lot.
We could have -- and probably should have -- died in our car accident -- we crossed the median of a major interstate, went through the cables, crossed the entire other side of the interstate, flipped, and landed in the woods, all at 100+ mph. I didn't have my seatbelt on, and my head hit the windshield so hard that it left a head-sized shatter, then I ended up in the backseat somehow with my bra completely split in the middle. My husband said when he got out, he was screaming and crying because I was completely non-responsive, and he thought I was dead. We actually had a DD that night, but my husband was so obnoxious and mean that our DD pulled over and got out, and my husband got behind the wheel. After that, he realized that drinking wasn't for him. I'm so proud of him. It's like he didn't think twice. After he realized this horrible thing, he stopped.
I think I said that wrong... the video I saw says , we probably didn't like the taste of alcohol when we first tasted it. The speaker said think back to when you were young and you first sipped vodka or scotch, and you thought it tasted awful. Then, eventually, you grew to like the taste.
OH my, this is a riveting story. Thank heavens, you all survived. I'm sure he felt even more awful at your injuries because of his impaired driving. What a wake up call for all including me. Xo
No...you said it right. My point was that he liked drinks like Jagermeister and Fireball because even though they -- of course -- taste like alcohol, they're two of the liquors that I know of that are "easier to drink" if you aren't a "drinker." My husband, even in his drinking days, couldn't, say, take a shot of tequila. He always preferred alcohol that was easier to drink, that might've tasted "nasty" but didn't taste like straight alcohol. He was never someone who liked wine or beer or most liquor or mixed drinks...he liked Fireball because he could throw it back but pretend it tasted like Big Red gum, for example.
Thanks....our accident was very scary! It drove my husband to his senses, that's for sure.2 -
OK, so, today was day was day 28 (since Jan. 22, after blowing it starting Jan. 1). Seriously? Can't make it to 30? I drove from my awesome AF weekend with granddaughter to home to a funeral for a precious 40-year-old friend who died in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Still don't know how/why but suspect substances. His husband and daughter are friends and everyone in our small town devastated. Beautiful service. Final speaker quoted a line from Elizabeth Taylor: "Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together." She said that's what he would want us to do. So, (so freaking obedient!) I came home and had a martini. Then 2 glasses of wine. Then a vodka and grapefruit juice. In his honor, of course. I'm not very coherent right now. But I appreciate this group and hope for another chance tomorrow. xoxo.
Yep, while we wake each morning theres still hope and another chance to change things3 -
All of the experiences that are shared on here, good and bad, are so inspiring to me. I come here first thing in the morning now. Please continue to share. It really helps me and obviously, others as well.4
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8 days AF! On 2nd week of fitness challenge. Felling very motivated. I love coming here as you are ALL very inspirational. We're all human and we all know its a struggle. Here's to a wonderful week!5
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After 2 weekends of drinking I am going back to not drinking until further notice. I started eating keto last week and felt that I had to have something I could enjoy. It wasn't worth it this weekend. I felt good when I wasn't drinking so I'm gonna go ahead and go back to that.8
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Getting back into my normal routine after last weeks work trip. No drinks Thurs-Sat. Didn’t even think about it. Just enjoyed my tea and getting some sleep! Yesterday we went to an event and they were selling beer - my husband asked if I wanted one, I waffled and then decided to get one, it didn’t taste great so I only drank about half. Back to tea last night. I actually think I am prouder of the days where I get a drink and only have one, or less than one, than the days I go AF. It is always just so easy to keep going once I start - so consciously deciding I’ve had enough feels really good.
Also told my husband last night that I had cut down quite a bit, he asked what prompted that and I told him a lot of factors - some family health scares, a bit of self awareness of how many nights I had a couple too many, my family history of alcoholism, etc. He said he didn’t think I had a problem but he thinks it’s great that I’m cutting down if I’m doing it for health.
This week I have a work happy hour/team building and then my book club monthly gathering - both will involve some drinks but shouldn’t be anything crazy.
In the February home stretch!6 -
@JulieAL1969 Thinking in terms of 'I can have one when I want but I don't want right now' is more about freedom than limitation=never being able to have one. It's going for something rather than against it. Thanks for sharing what your sister said.4
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"Start where you are are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can."
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It's 4 days af for me. My goal is to be more conscious of drinking - not having it a taken for granted or daily part of my life - rather than abstaining completely. I'm going out for happy hour (isn't it a strange name for what it is?) and decided I'll be happy with a tonic and lime. This thread is so supportive,8
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Sounds like a good husband!WinoGelato wrote: »Getting back into my normal routine after last weeks work trip. No drinks Thurs-Sat. Didn’t even think about it. Just enjoyed my tea and getting some sleep! Yesterday we went to an event and they were selling beer - my husband asked if I wanted one, I waffled and then decided to get one, it didn’t taste great so I only drank about half. Back to tea last night. I actually think I am prouder of the days where I get a drink and only have one, or less than one, than the days I go AF. It is always just so easy to keep going once I start - so consciously deciding I’ve had enough feels really good.
Also told my husband last night that I had cut down quite a bit, he asked what prompted that and I told him a lot of factors - some family health scares, a bit of self awareness of how many nights I had a couple too many, my family history of alcoholism, etc. He said he didn’t think I had a problem but he thinks it’s great that I’m cutting down if I’m doing it for health.
This week I have a work happy hour/team building and then my book club monthly gathering - both will involve some drinks but shouldn’t be anything crazy.
In the February home stretch!
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Nice stories being posted here - well done all!
Having only just started logging my food and drink here, i’m amazed at how just a few beers in the evening whack up the day’s calories intake! Being more mindful about what and when I drink is the game for me...7 -
nigelgreen8961 wrote: »Nice stories being posted here - well done all!
Having only just started logging my food and drink here, i’m amazed at how just a few beers in the evening whack up the day’s calories intake! Being more mindful about what and when I drink is the game for me...
Stunning, ain't it?3 -
Well done Everyone! 40 days AF for me.12
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Im in9
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