Less Alcohol - March 2018- One day at a Time
Replies
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runtodayamyrun wrote: »I wrecked my car yesterday morning, which would have been a run to the bottle as soon as I got home from work in the past. Don't get me wrong, I almost said 'eff work and picked up a bottle and just went home and back to bed. But I cried was pissed at myself and stuck it out the whole day instead. I even ran after work to de-stress in 30 degrees bone chilling wind. I came home to hubby drinking and by 7 pm I was staving and was able to not touch it at all. I like reminding myself that there are other outlets to us rather then drinking. A good "ol sweat session works just as well, with no hangover and actually benefiting results! Happy Friday gang!
So sorry you wrecked your car and thank God you were ok. And going for a run is the absolute best stress reliever!! Good job for resisting!!!!4 -
So far for march I'm 50/50 dry/wet, lol! I don't even really have an excuse for the wine other than I just like it. I don't know how to fix that part. I'm trying and I do know I feel awful in the mornings after I do drink even though I don't get drunk (or even close).
I know that everything I read says it's an acquired taste and you would not really like it but I do like the taste of the stuff I drink. It would be so much easier if I didn't have access to it. i don't think that I told you guys that I live in Wine country!! Ack....6 -
Have any of you read The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo? It's a motivating book about the journey rather than the destination. We are all on a journey. And how we spend our days is how we spend our lives.
A colleague at school passed away today. Some might think, "We should just live it up and eat, drink and be merry, because we never know when our time is up." I think the meaning of life is helping others, loving fiercely, laughing often, and enjoying the little things in life and nature. Of course, the list goes on...
I love being on this thread with you and reading your posts. You are part of my journey. Just think back to Dec., January or February, where you were then and how far you've come! You have made incredible progress, whether you are moderating or eliminating Alcohol. Moderation is highly productive and beneficial! Your beautiful organs are repairing themselves:) We are strengthening that willpower muscle!
And if you stumble or disappoint yourself, considered yourself hugged by this group. Be kind to yourself and say, well I did the best I could today. xo
Here are some wonderful quotes from this book.
https://addicted2success.com/quotes/12-stand-out-quotes-from-paulo-coelhos-amazing-book-and-fable-the-alchemist/11 -
@WinoGelato - appreciate everything you said about habits. Really an inspiration!
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One way I look at it is “this is a job I have to do now”. Lord knows I dont want to work everyday but I have to in order to pay bills and put food on the table. Health goals are a new “job”. Don’t always love it, but eating healthier, drinking less and working out are requirements for my well being.
I like that analogy! I think this (meaning controlling alcohol) just has to become like the background hum/white noise in our lives. We don't have to love it. I think it helps to remind yourself of your last awful hangover, which for me was Jan. 1. I hope never again.4 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Have any of you read The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo? It's a motivating book about the journey rather than the destination. We are all on a journey. And how we spend our days is how we spend our lives.
A colleague at school passed away today. Some might think, "We should just live it up and eat, drink and be merry, because we never know when our time is up." I think the meaning of life is helping others, loving fiercely, laughing often, and enjoying the little things in life and nature. Of course, the list goes on...
I love being on this thread with you and reading your posts. You are part of my journey. Just think back to Dec., January or February, where you were then and how far you've come! You have made incredible progress, whether you are moderating or eliminating Alcohol. Moderation is highly productive and beneficial! Your beautiful organs are repairing themselves:) We are strengthening that willpower muscle!
And if you stumble or disappoint yourself, considered yourself hugged by this group. Be kind to yourself and say, well I did the best I could today. xo
Here are some wonderful quotes from this book.
https://addicted2success.com/quotes/12-stand-out-quotes-from-paulo-coelhos-amazing-book-and-fable-the-alchemist/
So true julieAL! I've noticed since I joined in January that I am so more conscious of alcohol and do feel I've come a long way. Still wkg on when DH as he is AF when he works away and enjoys it much when he's home (shift worker who works away 16 and home 12). I'm improved so much tho and feeling I'm on the right path3 -
[ I said “no!” Rather more forcefully than I intended but he didn’t ask again and the force of my remark made me feel strangely powerful. I need to hold onto that![/quote]
saying "NO" is a very empowering!5 -
Wish I had just told myself "NO" last night... but got deep into the cookies & candy last night, ended up about 600 calories over my daily goal! Good news is I stayed AF! This is the 1st time in 4 weeks that I caved so bad. This used to be a nightly occurrence when I was drinking, just mindless munching after dinner, while watching TV. Not sure why... now need to get some extra walks in!7
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It sure seems like March isn’t being kind to a lot of us. I’m not happy that others are down as well, but their is an odd comfort knowing you aren’t alone ...
Who would have thought that a bunch of people that I didn’t even know existed three months ago would be a source of support. Thank you guys
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It sure seems like March isn’t being kind to a lot of us. I’m not happy that others are down as well, but their is an odd comfort knowing you aren’t alone ...
Who would have thought that a bunch of people that I didn’t even know existed three months ago would be a source of support. Thank you guys
AWES......that is so well said
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islandbeez wrote: »@NormInv That's ok, buddy. You will be back to the dryish side, I am sure
See you there4 -
And here's a huge hug for you))) 3 -
dressagerider1020 wrote: »I am disappointed to inform I have not been AF in March. Trigger was work related stress....struggling to find my way back to Dryistan.
Good that you came here, you'll be back in Dryistan
in no time.
I fell off as well, trigger is waiting for my contract at work to be renewed...stressful time for me, for sure.
Hope you get it renewed.
I was thinking alcohol is not even effective for stress. One feels more stress after drinking. Must cope in a healthier way6 -
lporter229 wrote: »I am disappointed to inform I have not been AF in March. Trigger was work related stress....struggling to find my way back to Dryistan.
Ditto. I had a glass of wine last night. An 8oz pour. I don't know why, I just wanted it and couldn't really convince myself that I should not have it. I am disappointed in myself because I really thought I could make it through the month and I barely made it a week.
Let's try again today7 -
WinoGelato wrote: »For those struggling with feeling like they’ve lost the newness and excitement of the early honeymoon phase of being AF or cutting way back like many of us have... I have some thoughts. From reading many of your posts about other health goals, it seems like many of you have recently started here on MFP or have been here off and on, or here but with up and down success on the weight loss front.
Just wanted to say, I’ve been here for about 5 years, lost the weight I set out to lose and am now in maintenance. I’ve literally logged in every single day of that 5 years, most days logging all my food. I know without a doubt that the consistency of that is what made me able to achieve my weight loss goal and keep it off fairly effortlessly, but I liken what many are saying about the months of cutting back on drinking not being fun and exciting to what many people say about maintenance. Losing weight is fun because you have constant rewards when you step on the scale. When you stop losing and just try to stick within a maintenance range, it’s not as exciting. No little rewards. But knowing after years of being here and participating in this community how many people lose weight and gain it back, it’s almost always because they lose focus in maintenance, they stop logging, or stop weighing, or just stop being mindful of food.
The key, I think? It needs to become a habit. It needs to become the norm to do these healthier things rather than the exception. Whether that be to eat within your calorie goal, to get in exercise when you don’t feel motivated, or to stick with the amount of alcohol you’ve decided is right and healthy for you.
So inspirational...thank you. Your so right, last year this time was so exciting losing the weight. The reward of seeing the scale go down and new clothes sizes ... You gave me a lightbulb moment that I should be excited and grateful for being in maintenance for over a year. That's huge!!! And awesome!!! without the dedication to keep working out, even when I just wanted to take a break, I would be right back where I started.7 -
runtodayamyrun wrote: »I wrecked my car yesterday morning, which would have been a run to the bottle as soon as I got home from work in the past. Don't get me wrong, I almost said 'eff work and picked up a bottle and just went home and back to bed. But I cried was pissed at myself and stuck it out the whole day instead. I even ran after work to de-stress in 30 degrees bone chilling wind. I came home to hubby drinking and by 7 pm I was staving and was able to not touch it at all. I like reminding myself that there are other outlets to us rather then drinking. A good "ol sweat session works just as well, with no hangover and actually benefiting results! Happy Friday gang!
So inspiring
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Chiming in. Haven't time to read all 20 pages in this topic but just wanted to post that I am taking a break. Got kinda' stupid Super Bowl Sunday and had the typical remorseful feelings the next day. So I decided to take a break. Really wanted to celebrate on my birthday just recently but willpower and determination kicked in. Next test St. Patrick's Day!12
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It sure seems like March isn’t being kind to a lot of us. I’m not happy that others are down as well, but their is an odd comfort knowing you aren’t alone ...
Who would have thought that a bunch of people that I didn’t even know existed three months ago would be a source of support. Thank you guys
You've nailed out again. Very encouraging!!!.. thanku3 -
WinoGelato wrote: »For those struggling with feeling like they’ve lost the newness and excitement of the early honeymoon phase of being AF or cutting way back like many of us have... I have some thoughts. From reading many of your posts about other health goals, it seems like many of you have recently started here on MFP or have been here off and on, or here but with up and down success on the weight loss front.
Just wanted to say, I’ve been here for about 5 years, lost the weight I set out to lose and am now in maintenance. I’ve literally logged in every single day of that 5 years, most days logging all my food. I know without a doubt that the consistency of that is what made me able to achieve my weight loss goal and keep it off fairly effortlessly, but I liken what many are saying about the months of cutting back on drinking not being fun and exciting to what many people say about maintenance. Losing weight is fun because you have constant rewards when you step on the scale. When you stop losing and just try to stick within a maintenance range, it’s not as exciting. No little rewards. But knowing after years of being here and participating in this community how many people lose weight and gain it back, it’s almost always because they lose focus in maintenance, they stop logging, or stop weighing, or just stop being mindful of food.
The key, I think? It needs to become a habit. It needs to become the norm to do these healthier things rather than the exception. Whether that be to eat within your calorie goal, to get in exercise when you don’t feel motivated, or to stick with the amount of alcohol you’ve decided is right and healthy for you.
So inspirational...thank you. Your so right, last year this time was so exciting losing the weight. The reward of seeing the scale go down and new clothes sizes ... You gave me a lightbulb moment that I should be excited and grateful for being in maintenance for over a year. That's huge!!! And awesome!!! without the dedication to keep working out, even when I just wanted to take a break, I would be right back where I started.
Thank you for this inspiration! This week was sooo hard at work. It was unbelievable, but I had to go. It won't always be this tough. There are ups and downs to losing and being AF. I don't want to give up. So much I have already put into it. Thank you so much for writing this!4 -
RedDodgerAZ wrote: »Chiming in. Haven't time to read all 20 pages in this topic but just wanted to post that I am taking a break. Got kinda' stupid Super Bowl Sunday and had the typical remorseful feelings the next day. So I decided to take a break. Really wanted to celebrate on my birthday just recently but willpower and determination kicked in. Next test St. Patrick's Day!
I luv reading posts like this. someone whos quitely following then chooses to join us..
Welcome looking forward to reading more ..
Very inspiring supportive and strengthening 3 -
RedDodgerAZ wrote: »Chiming in. Haven't time to read all 20 pages in this topic but just wanted to post that I am taking a break. Got kinda' stupid Super Bowl Sunday and had the typical remorseful feelings the next day. So I decided to take a break. Really wanted to celebrate on my birthday just recently but willpower and determination kicked in. Next test St. Patrick's Day!
Welcome ! Happy you are chiming in! Xo2 -
AF today. Maybe I can do a better job of building on that. Set me up a string of a few days.
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Not much to say at this point, I just know that drinking too much is making me fat and I also don't feel like exercising when I'm hungover. I need a lifestyle change 12
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DharmaGirl5 wrote: »Not much to say at this point, I just know that drinking too much is making me fat and I also don't feel like exercising when I'm hungover. I need a lifestyle change
Glad you're here. There's lots of support and tips here. This is a great group! I'm cutting back, Or trying to, others are cutting it out completely. Either way you'll have support. 4 -
So great to see people continue to join. Maybe we’ve started a revolution. Honesty and no shame. That’s what seems different for me. No “moral defects”. Taking shame out of the equation is probably what has made the difference for me.10
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Hey.. Ive stuffed up tonight..
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Hey.. Ive stuffed up tonight..
I say there is times when u get persuaded into something... starts off with a taste, like friendships b4 they get romantic..
U r just coasting thinking everything is under control then something slips and b4 u know it youve gone to far...
This is my story.. but the next chapter it'll tell u how i got through
and survived!!
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DharmaGirl5 wrote: »Not much to say at this point, I just know that drinking too much is making me fat and I also don't feel like exercising when I'm hungover. I need a lifestyle change
That was the endless cycle I was caught up in. Drink too much, eat terrible. Then the next day i’m hungover so I didn’t go to the gym and used to eat terrible again because I didn’t care when I was hungover.
Lifestyle change is a great term. I always got bothered when people asked me if I was on a diet. I feel like being “on a diet” is a fad that people fall out of after a few weeks. This has to be a lifestyle change that we take with us on the rest of life's journey.
Like @WinoGelato talked about how she lost the weight and is now in maintenance. Made this a part of her life for the last 5 years. That is a lifestyle change. I hope i can say I have been doing it for 5 when she is up to 10.8 -
Happy Saturday everyone! I too, like the term "lifestyle change" instead of "diet" or even "sober". For me, those words make me feel like a failure if I have a drink or a donut once in a while. I like this thread so much as everyone is accepted regardless of their personal journey...there is no right or wrong way. We are all on our own paths and this group is so encouraging. It honestly is making me a healthier person in every way. I've said it before; this is awesome free therapy!12
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I'm in. I reduced my consumption to one glass for the whole month of February. I like to drink my wine and whisky and will typically have a glass or two every night. March started out okay with one glass on the first but I got to the end of the first week and had three on one day. Really trying to reduce my consumption. It seems to help me with my weight loss but is a real challenge.8
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