Less alcohol- February 2018- one day at a time
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Since Dec I've made lots of positive changes in my life. I had a dry jan and only had 3 drinks in feb so far.
I'm so pleased with that. I feel much better. Like you Julie, I feel less anxious and in general better spirits (not always of course but lots of the time!) I've done more exercise and even started a running club! I never thought I could do that.
I've lost 12lbs and hoping to add to that in the coming months.
Roll on March!
That is so awesome!!3 -
I stumbled onto this on Feb 12th, have been AF 13 of 14 days since. Feeling great, sleeping better, much more alert in the mornings, and have lost 5lbs! I will be joining your March thread!7
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Hello everyone, I haven't had a chance to catch up on posts, but I hope everyone is doing ok with their challenges. It is challenging.
I'm going on 2 weeks AF. The 1st weekend was the grateful dead cover band concert, plus it was the 3 day weekend. This past weekend was a long planned celebration at the Irish Cultural center in San Francisco. What could go wrong here !!!? LOL There was 14 of us from our neighborhood that piled into 2 cars headed for the City. One thing I can say. Everybody loves the DD (Designated Driver) It was tough with all the Irish partying away, but I persevered. I had a great time and I was the early ride home. I took the sober-ish folks who had 2-3 drinks, home and we got home at 1 AM. The other car had the the younger crowd. I heard they staggered in at 3 AM. Weekends are the hardest!
All in all, I'm doing really good not drinking. I'm going to ride this AF wave for awhile and see where it leads me.
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@kittybenn that literally made me cry. Thank you.1
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As far as what I have experienced this month, I was disappointed that I didn't stay alcohol free the entire month since I KNOW I can't moderate. However, on the plus side I have lost 7 lbs and hit the treadmill for at least 45 min 5 times a week. On the days I didn't drink I slept so much better, looked better, and felt happier in general. We are getting ready to put our house on the market and I know that will be stressful but I need to be sharp so I am just going to have to find another way to cope. I actually can't believe I don't have to pay for the therapy I am receiving here. You are all wonderful. See you on the March thread! Thank you especially to our wonderful @JulieAL1969 for leading the way!7
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So happy to have found this thread. I started a Diabetes Prevention Program class 3 weeks ago. I've made changes to my diet, increased my workouts/week and steps today ... so far I've lost 7 pounds. I hope this thread will continue (or maybe start over in March) ... I BELIEVE this thread/group could be the missing link in my current nutrition & health journey
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Kathie_GoGo wrote: »So happy to have found this thread. I started a Diabetes Prevention Program class 3 weeks ago. I've made changes to my diet, increased my workouts/week and steps today ... so far I've lost 7 pounds. I hope this thread will continue (or maybe start over in March) ... I BELIEVE this thread/group could be the missing link in my current nutrition & health journey
Look back a page or 5, the link to March is posted a couple times. 2 -
I am happy to have found this thread, too. I have been cutting back on alcohol for a while, but not entirely abstaining. I would like to cut back to the point where alcohol is something just for special occasions. My husband quit drinking entirely a year ago because he felt he was drinking too much. I don't drink a lot. What helps me is that I am 56 and for the last several years, every time I have a glass of wine I get a headache. This unpleasant side effect, which never happened when I was younger, has really helped me stay away from it. I don't seem to have the same problem with hard liquor as long as I don't have more than 2 drinks. So I would like to reduce drinking to not more than twice a month or so.6
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I saw St Pat’s brought up in a couple of posts. I must be the only person in the beer industry who hates that holiday
Not sure how it happens but every year I try to go out for St Pat’s and I wind up completely miserable and going home early. Well I guess for keeping my drinking down that’s a good thing. My wife and I made a promise to just stay home this year. Maybe I’ll have one Guinness, maybe not even that.4 -
@erikNJ I agree with you! At this point in my life I don't usually like to drink on holidays when it is expected, like SPD and New Year's Eve. Bars are so crowded, I don't want to drive or even be on the road at all etc. I'll be at home with my tea I guess. I am interested in hearing what others think about St Pats and what their plans are.1
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »3) Exercised that willpower muscle, stopped fooling myself into thinking that since everyone drinks, it must not be harmful.
What are your takeaways?
@JulieAL1969 and everybody - I think your #3 was the most important in Feb. for me. I started drinking wine again, but am thrilled and amazed that I'm able to moderate. It's only been a few weeks, to be sure, but this past weekend was good. I stuck to the number of glasses I'd planned. But the more I exercise that willpower muscle the better it gets.
The other takeaway was drinking isn't all I thought it was. Every Sunday night now, I'm kinda like eh. That weekend of wine was nice. It was ok, but it wasn't that fabulous. I am with @springsweet in that I really don't want to stress over "rules." It's just a matter of how to balance all that.
Just like everything, I guess it’s different for everybody. If I didn’t set “rules” for myself I would never have made it two months with my health and wellness goals. I know I would have quit a few weeks back. I’m the kind of person who likes structure in my life, of course that doesn’t work for everyone.
Another thing is that sometimes rules get broken. I know I broke some of my “rules” or drinking/diet standards I set for myself in February. But I was able to get right back on track the next day. And I’m hoping this continues on and on.
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Hi there! How do I join this group?2
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Carolep8359 wrote: »Hi there! How do I join this group?
It's like double dutch jump rope. You just jump right in. 6 -
Carolep8359 wrote: »Hi there! How do I join this group?
Here is the March link
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10646211/less-alcohol-march-2018-one-day-at-a-time1 -
Carolep8359 wrote: »Hi there! How do I join this group?
It's like double dutch jump rope. You just jump right in.
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loving all the updates3
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@erikNJ I agree with you! At this point in my life I don't usually like to drink on holidays when it is expected, like SPD and New Year's Eve. Bars are so crowded, I don't want to drive or even be on the road at all etc. I'll be at home with my tea I guess. I am interested in hearing what others think about St Pats and what their plans are.
St. Pats isn’t really as big of a deal where I live in San Diego (even though my husband comes from. Big Irish Catholic family) - I always make the Irish boiled dinner and have soda bread. I just realized I’ll miss all the hoopla in Chicago - I fly in for a meeting the next day! My biggest concerns in terms of keeping up moderation are two fold - vacations and also when the weather turns warm and we’re outside grilling! I always want a glass of white wine!1 -
My March goal is almost the same as February. Cutting back one beer a night, but at least 75% of the month. I've actually been thinking of doing an af night! I'm working up to that...very slowly.5
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »3) Exercised that willpower muscle, stopped fooling myself into thinking that since everyone drinks, it must not be harmful.
What are your takeaways?
@JulieAL1969 and everybody - I think your #3 was the most important in Feb. for me. I started drinking wine again, but am thrilled and amazed that I'm able to moderate. It's only been a few weeks, to be sure, but this past weekend was good. I stuck to the number of glasses I'd planned. But the more I exercise that willpower muscle the better it gets.
The other takeaway was drinking isn't all I thought it was. Every Sunday night now, I'm kinda like eh. That weekend of wine was nice. It was ok, but it wasn't that fabulous. I am with @springsweet in that I really don't want to stress over "rules." It's just a matter of how to balance all that.
Just like everything, I guess it’s different for everybody. If I didn’t set “rules” for myself I would never have made it two months with my health and wellness goals. I know I would have quit a few weeks back. I’m the kind of person who likes structure in my life, of course that doesn’t work for everyone.
Another thing is that sometimes rules get broken. I know I broke some of my “rules” or drinking/diet standards I set for myself in February. But I was able to get right back on track the next day. And I’m hoping this continues on and on.
I bet you're wife loves and respects you more for it.1 -
@erikNJ I agree with you! At this point in my life I don't usually like to drink on holidays when it is expected, like SPD and New Year's Eve. Bars are so crowded, I don't want to drive or even be on the road at all etc. I'll be at home with my tea I guess. I am interested in hearing what others think about St Pats and what their plans are.
I was one on the other page that mentioned St.Patty's Day. I never went out to it for the drinking. What I do love is the awesome variety of Irish food that you can have and I also really enjoy the Irish music. So when I brought up having to get through March 17 it was fear or eating to much bangers and mash. Lol
There are many places that offer what they call an Irish pub crawl. I never attended it and never plan to. Plus who in their right mind starts drinking at 6:00AM anyhow??
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February was my first month of moderating and cutting back. I drank a few dozen times but more nights then not I was sober. That's more then I've done in a long time. And even better those nights I did drink I didn't over do it one time. I've had a lot of mentally clarity, and I'm making exercise my main focus every evening through the week after work, instead of happy hour at my house. And I'm logging my food and being mindful of what I eat. I'm looking forward to March and cutting alcohol even more out of my life.
Thanks for letting me linger in January, participate in February and progress even more with you guys in March!6 -
Hello everyone, I haven't had a chance to catch up on posts, but I hope everyone is doing ok with their challenges. It is challenging.
I'm going on 2 weeks AF. The 1st weekend was the grateful dead cover band concert, plus it was the 3 day weekend. This past weekend was a long planned celebration at the Irish Cultural center in San Francisco. What could go wrong here !!!? LOL There was 14 of us from our neighborhood that piled into 2 cars headed for the City. One thing I can say. Everybody loves the DD (Designated Driver) It was tough with all the Irish partying away, but I persevered. I had a great time and I was the early ride home. I took the sober-ish folks who had 2-3 drinks, home and we got home at 1 AM. The other car had the the younger crowd. I heard they staggered in at 3 AM. Weekends are the hardest!
All in all, I'm doing really good not drinking. I'm going to ride this AF wave for awhile and see where it leads me.
Congrats!!2 -
I hit my goal of 10 AF days in February! I have already joined the March group and am looking forward to seeing everyone over there! 5
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Happy dry Tuesday people. Feeling real good physically.13
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »3) Exercised that willpower muscle, stopped fooling myself into thinking that since everyone drinks, it must not be harmful.
What are your takeaways?
@JulieAL1969 and everybody - I think your #3 was the most important in Feb. for me. I started drinking wine again, but am thrilled and amazed that I'm able to moderate. It's only been a few weeks, to be sure, but this past weekend was good. I stuck to the number of glasses I'd planned. But the more I exercise that willpower muscle the better it gets.
The other takeaway was drinking isn't all I thought it was. Every Sunday night now, I'm kinda like eh. That weekend of wine was nice. It was ok, but it wasn't that fabulous. I am with @springsweet in that I really don't want to stress over "rules." It's just a matter of how to balance all that.
Just like everything, I guess it’s different for everybody. If I didn’t set “rules” for myself I would never have made it two months with my health and wellness goals. I know I would have quit a few weeks back. I’m the kind of person who likes structure in my life, of course that doesn’t work for everyone.
Another thing is that sometimes rules get broken. I know I broke some of my “rules” or drinking/diet standards I set for myself in February. But I was able to get right back on track the next day. And I’m hoping this continues on and on.
I bet you're wife loves and respects you more for it.
She is a huge motivator for me. Honestly she is one to usually give up on health goals before I do. And we both are two months strong! We had a nice long talk about what is keeping us going strong this time. It was nice to be honest about the things that are working and things that can help going forward.3 -
Going to give my end of Feb progress report now cause I will be busy tomorrow.
My goal was to lose 4 lbs in Feb, I lost 4.5
Since the holidays I am now down 17.7 lbs!
Since Jan 1st I have drank a total of 10 days. My goal was 8 but those Super Bowl celebrations took me over early this month. No regrets about it.
11 days over the two months I went over calories with my food diet. Most of those coincided with the nights I drank.
I have worked out 24 days and done yoga 8 times. Almost all of that yoga was the last half of Feb, but i’m on track now.
My bad knee feels better, my back is getting better. Overall I am more energetic. Other than a few bad nights I sleep much better.
I am very proud to be two months strong but I need this to be a change for life. I have at least 40 more pounds I would like to lose. And I don’t want to do what I did last time I lost 60 pounds, which was gain almost all of it back. Looking forward to the next steps. Thanks for the support from everyone in this group
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Going to give my end of Feb progress report now cause I will be busy tomorrow.
My goal was to lose 4 lbs in Feb, I lost 4.5
Since the holidays I am now down 17.7 lbs!
Since Jan 1st I have drank a total of 10 days. My goal was 8 but those Super Bowl celebrations took me over early this month. No regrets about it.
11 days over the two months I went over calories with my food diet. Most of those coincided with the nights I drank.
I have worked out 24 days and done yoga 8 times. Almost all of that yoga was the last half of Feb, but i’m on track now.
My bad knee feels better, my back is getting better. Overall I am more energetic. Other than a few bad nights I sleep much better.
I am very proud to be two months strong but I need this to be a change for life. I have at least 40 more pounds I would like to lose. And I don’t want to do what I did last time I lost 60 pounds, which was gain almost all of it back. Looking forward to the next steps. Thanks for the support from everyone in this group
Strong showing3 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Nearing the end of the month and I'll make a March thread later today. Sounds like some people continued from Dry January to a Dry February. Others had a Damp February with more restrained amounts of alcohol. Whatevery your goals were bump it up a little in March.
Set a new goal healthwise. Yoga like Erik , walking, becoming a tea connoisseur, journaling, reading more, meditate each day for five or more minutes.... just continue to improve and grow as a person.
What I have realized is like minded people attract. This thread has improved many of our lives. We found a place to voice our worries, wins, fails and reflections in a safe, loving, accepting environment. Over 12,000 views on the thread and 1200 or so comments this month. We may never know who we help and influence, but all of us collectively have improved our lives in some way.
Sending each one of you a big hug! I never imagined I would be two months sober so far. This thread can be a life saver and life changer.
Before we switch over to March thread, please let us know how you did, what you learned this month, and how you feel with less alcohol in your system. It really is a poison. But a tasty poison at that.
Love you Julie!!! Thanks for this thread! You and everyone on here has been my inspiration! I enjoy reading everyone's post and it really does motivate me. I keep you guys in mind when I feel tempted to binge drink. The great news is I a only had 2 slip ups of binge drinking. Normally I would binge drink every weekend ALL weekend!
So from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!!!
Love you too and all of you! My favorite part of the day is checking the thread to see how my friends are doing. Today, I was thinking of caving - I'm going out to dinner with friends. I will be surrounded by my old friends vodka and Chardonnay as well. But I'll resist because I am armed with my friends here on this thread ❤13 -
I made it! AF tonight- the other five ladies shared three bottles of wine. I wasn't tempted at all. I still had fun and will sleep like a baby. LOL19
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