Less Alcohol - March 2018- One day at a Time
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@mazcor536 Thanks for your great post! I look forward to my five month anniversary of AF.
You makes some great points. I love the one that we reward ourselves with wine. Annie Grace , author, says we need to change that around in our mind and say "I'm so happy I dont have to drink to relax, have a good time, enjoy life,...."
Beautiful idea of writing a note to yourself when you're hungover. Memories do fade. I really wish I did. I did take a picture of my face after a hangover last December, and every week for a few alcohol free weeks after that. It showed a much less puffy face a few weeks later.4 -
Like Rory Mcilroy said today.....dont try and be too perfect.....dont putt by the marking on the ball and get too mechanical with it.....sometimes its the imperfect putt that scores a birdie...
This is slow on the up-take but I've been thinking lots about this quote becoz its been coming back into my mind.
I set goals waaay too high to start off with then get upset when I don't meet it. Then its down hill and I acomplish nothing.
Thanku Norm, perfect timing, very true and enlightening. It's going to be well used.
So im going reset my goals to 1 standard drink a week. Then if i do itll b ok , or if i dont itll b a bonus..
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Hi just checking in. Oh my this is a daily struggle. Isn't it. I do find if no alcohol around much easier to abstain. Problem is when it's available one leads to two etc. Binged Friday Saturday on alcohol. But 3 days back AF. I noticed Sunday slept terrible. Thinking guilt and anger. But slept so good last night and back at the gym yesterday. I'm tired. Really helps me sleep. Night folks5
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missanne11 wrote: »Hi just checking in. Oh my this is a daily struggle. Isn't it. I do find if no alcohol around much easier to abstain. Problem is when it's available one leads to two etc. Binged Friday Saturday on alcohol. But 3 days back AF. I noticed Sunday slept terrible. Thinking guilt and anger. But slept so good last night and back at the gym yesterday. I'm tired. Really helps me sleep. Night folks
Good night xoxo
Great work on 3 days AF0 -
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Happy first full day of spring (where I am)! It was 75 degrees yesterday, when spring started,and going to be 50 degrees today. A new season begins! Just like the weather, we are all having our up and down days. Its natural and we have to stop beating ourselves up over it. As long as we keep trying, we are winning. Ok, I'm done sounding preachy, I hope.4
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Happy first full day of spring (where I am)! It was 75 degrees yesterday, when spring started,and going to be 50 degrees today. A new season begins! Just like the weather, we are all having our up and down days. Its natural and we have to stop beating ourselves up over it. As long as we keep trying, we are winning. Ok, I'm done sounding preachy, I hope.
You didn't sound preachy at all! Inspiring and positive is my take away :-) Jealous of your 75* , spring here and we will be lucky to hit low 40's as a high right now....it's basically still winter! Happy Hump Day, pals.
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Thanks to each and everyone of you incredible people for your kind words of incouragement yesterday about my bad choices the previous evening.
YES it is a new day and season. If there was anything good that came from yesterday, it is the fact I did not try to blame anyone else for my choice to have that extra drink that put me over the edge. I am clearly an adult that should be able to make smart adult decisions that won't cause harm to myself. I mean... I wear a seat belt, I cross at the cross walk, etc...etc...this should be as easy. UGH.
WELCOME all new faces on here as well.
Off to workout and make this a new start over.
BIRTHDAY WISHES ALSO TO THOSE I MISSED!9 -
Unexpected snow day here in Ohio! Just watching some Annie Grace videos and Stop Drinking Expert videos (Craig Beck) for inspiration. Here's one about the brain and how long it takes for you to feel better after quitting. How long do you think ?
Annie Grace and this expert say
1) notice the incremental changes
2) keep an anxiety journal - score yourself in the morning and evening on a scale of 1-10 of how anxious you feel
3) going back to drinking after abstaining (which I did this weekend) takes you a few steps back.
P.s. I dont regret my St. Pat's drinking adventure; however, I do feel anxious this week and like I let myself down. There is a nagging feeling to drink alcohol that came back this week that had disappeared.
I think after 4 weeks, I'll be back on track again. But it's going to be a climb. I'll do fine. But too bad I set myself back emotionally. Xo
https://youtu.be/499ajGowVqM 11 -
Ten year government study going on about the benefits of moderate drinking.... funded by guess who? The alcohol industry!
From the article:
It was going to be a study that could change the American diet, a huge clinical trial that might well deliver all the medical evidence needed to recommend a daily alcoholic drink as part of a healthy lifestyle.
That was how two prominent scientists and a senior federal health official pitched the project during a presentation at the luxurious Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla., in 2014. And the audience members who were being asked to help pay for the $100 million study seemed receptive: They were all liquor company executives.
'The presentations gave the alcohol industry an opportunity to preview the trial design and vet the investigators. Indeed, the scientist leading the meetings was eventually chosen to head the huge clinical trial.
They also made the industry privy to pertinent details, including a list of clinical sites and investigators who were “already on board,” the size and length of the trial, approximate number of participants, and the fact that they could choose any beverage. By design, no form of alcohol — wine, liquor or beer — would be called out as better than another in the trial."
Most of the cost of this government trial, however, is being picked up by five of the world’s largest alcoholic beverage makers — Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Carlsberg.
“We know that industry funding not only affects the results of studies but affects the questions that are asked, how the results are analyzed and what the answers are,” said Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman, a professor of pharmacology at Georgetown University and director of Pharmed Out, a group that researches drug marketing.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/17/health/nih-alcohol-study-liquor-industry.html?rref=collection/sectioncollection/health&action=click&contentCollection=health&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront
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Happy Wednesday to everybody. I'm glad to see this thread keep going, it's very inspirational to read some of the posts, and happy for everyone who is meeting their goals, and if you're not currently - don't give up!
I'm AF by force this week, as I have a medical procedure tomorrow, so I just didn't want to have that in my body...I hope I can continue after it's over, because I've felt so good since last week.8 -
First day of spring and in NJ we are in the middle of an ice/snow storm, but at least I don’t have to go into the office!
I’ve been working hard since Sunday in anticipation of this weekend. Eating very clean, working out, even worked out at home since the storm is keeping me from the gym. This weekend my company has the Atlantic City Beerfest - largest fest on the East coast. Be working about 35 hours just Fri and Sat alone. I usually get in about 30,000+ steps a day so the calories will be burned. But after working all that we hit an after party and I will def need a few beers after those two days.6 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »
Thank you!!! Love you!!2 -
lisamoravec wrote: »Not sure if this is how to join...but I'll give it a go.
I enjoy wine. White wine. I'm working on avoiding any alcohol during the week. It's tough because some days I just want a glass.
Welcome to the AF community. I am just like you. Enjoy my wine. See I even call it mine.
I am trying to be AF through the week as well. 4 -
My downfall is stress or tired drinking. I think I want a glass of wine to calm my nerves in the evening. I may not really even want a glass of wine, but I think I want it. It's like a battle inside. You want it. No you don't. Yes you do. No you don't. For me sometimes the no's win, but mostly the yes's win. This is my challenge this week. The no's get a little stronger than the yes's.7
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »Unexpected snow day here in Ohio! Just watching some Annie Grace videos and Stop Drinking Expert videos (Craig Beck) for inspiration. Here's one about the brain and how long it takes for you to feel better after quitting. How long do you think ?
Annie Grace and this expert say
1) notice the incremental changes
2) keep an anxiety journal - score yourself in the morning and evening on a scale of 1-10 of how anxious you feel
3) going back to drinking after abstaining (which I did this weekend) takes you a few steps back.
P.s. I dont regret my St. Pat's drinking adventure; however, I do feel anxious this week and like I let myself down. There is a nagging feeling to drink alcohol that came back this week that had disappeared.
I think after 4 weeks, I'll be back on track again. But it's going to be a climb. I'll do fine. But too bad I set myself back emotionally. Xohttps://youtu.be/499ajGowVqMJulieAL1969 wrote: »Unexpected snow day here in Ohio! Just watching some Annie Grace videos and Stop Drinking Expert videos (Craig Beck) for inspiration. Here's one about the brain and how long it takes for you to feel better after quitting. How long do you think ?
Annie Grace and this expert say
1) notice the incremental changes
2) keep an anxiety journal - score yourself in the morning and evening on a scale of 1-10 of how anxious you feel
3) going back to drinking after abstaining (which I did this weekend) takes you a few steps back.
P.s. I dont regret my St. Pat's drinking adventure; however, I do feel anxious this week and like I let myself down. There is a nagging feeling to drink alcohol that came back this week that had disappeared.
I think after 4 weeks, I'll be back on track again. But it's going to be a climb. I'll do fine. But too bad I set myself back emotionally. Xohttps://youtu.be/499ajGowVqM
Loved watching her videos just now. Very insightful. Boredom is my main issue and also habit of old routine when hubby and I are together. Decided now to get busy every evening. Think I will enjoy. Just some soul searching what I need to do to occupy my time. Gym is great but that doesn't keep me busy enough. Well now going at some housecleaning. Long overdue. So happy to have found this group. I've cut back a lot since January sober group. Does help so much to reflect!
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Chardonnay (my default selection for logging wine) has fallen from 2nd to 6th on my "Frequent Foods" lists. Although I hate admitting publicly that it was ever 2nd, seeing this makes me happy and aware of the progress I have made.14
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Just popping in to say, "Hi" and congrats to you all -- great job working on the AF or AM (as the case may be). Still AF for me, though I do confess to some wistful missing the chardonnay I used to think I enjoyed. My AF-fueled weight loss has slowed right down ... could it be because I'm not controlling what I eat as well as on the AF honeymoon? Also, I have a headache the last couple of days, and figured I might as well be hung over. It's "sobering" to realize that people who don't drink can also get headaches, but there it is
Saw a doc for the first time in many years, and had bloods, ECG and x-ray (painful hip) done. Good news that all in normal range, so no lover damage yet. (Of course, I did mean "liver", but I thought to leave the typo in and exercise my love muscles).7 -
Happy 50th! I LOVE Vegas!
My wedding was in Vegas 5 years ago next month. Have a blast. How could you not in sin~city?!
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I would like to join this group! I have one drink a day, but I know that one is still holding me back.5
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Happy 50th! I LOVE Vegas!
My wedding was in Vegas 5 years ago next month. Have a blast. How could you not in sin~city?!
I know!!!
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Buongiorno from Rome. I’m reading posts when possible. Enjoyed a lovely trip to wineries in the Chianti region and have joined the locals in their customary “spritz” (prosecco, aperol, and soda). I’m so glad to discover a new alcoholic favorite because I wasn’t quite struggling enough before.
I believe this moderate drinking has been part of an overall joyful experience. I’ve fallen in love with Italy, especially Florence.
The journey will begin again when I return Sunday. @JulieAL1969, anxiety and heart flutters are my negative responses, too. I was determined to be AF and there are so many good reasons for that. But being in a culture where I’m observing people incorporating alcohol into apparently happy, healthy lives makes me envious. Maybe our American culture just makes it too hard.
Best wishes to all with the weather. As I’m here my husband and his siblings are traveling from Cleveland, D.C., NC, and Austin to Phoenix for Indians spring training so I’m aware that weather is crazy everywhere including Europe.4 -
I realize that we are only on day 21 (March)... Julie can you continue this into April? You have become our mighty leader, and I am so grateful that you got us all started on this path (whatever path each of us are on). I was planning to stay AF through Lent (goofed up a few times), and then see where I was after that. The biggest lessons I have learned since February, are:
1) I do not moderate well
2) I am realizing how much alcohol was taking over my nights and mornings after
3) I sleep so much better, and wake refreshed when not indulging
4) AF, has seriously helped with my fitness goals. Logging food everyday, exercising more. Snacking way down.
5) So much more... the benefits definitely outweigh the challenges of staying AF.
Thank you to everyone of you that have been so open with your own challenges, sharing the good and the bad!
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looneycatblue wrote: »I realize that we are only on day 21 (March)... Julie can you continue this into April? You have become our mighty leader, and I am so grateful that you got us all started on this path (whatever path each of us are on). I was planning to stay AF through Lent (goofed up a few times), and then see where I was after that. The biggest lessons I have learned since February, are:
1) I do not moderate well
2) I am realizing how much alcohol was taking over my nights and mornings after
3) I sleep so much better, and wake refreshed when not indulging
4) AF, has seriously helped with my fitness goals. Logging food everyday, exercising more. Snacking way down.
5) So much more... the benefits definitely outweigh the challenges of staying AF.
Thank you to everyone of you that have been so open with your own challenges, sharing the good and the bad!
Great lessons learned! I identify with each one especially #1 and 3 and 5.
Yes, I will gladly continue this. It truly benefits me and I know many others who need a place for honesty and friends who understand.
P.s. I was watching CBS Sunday Magazine today; an episode from a few months ago. Three segments in a row were involving alcohol. Martha and Snoop Dog making cocktails. Then, a Japanese whiskey segment. And one other I cant remember - I think it was about making pumpkin martinis and pies.
Anyway, it seems so prevalent in our culture like @donimfp said. And it does make me envious. It appears on the surface everyone else can seem to drink without issues. But we do know that many people do indeed have issues with alcohol. But it's romanticized on tv that's for sure.7 -
Buongiorno from Rome. I’m reading posts when possible. Enjoyed a lovely trip to wineries in the Chianti region and have joined the locals in their customary “spritz” (prosecco, aperol, and soda). I’m so glad to discover a new alcoholic favorite because I wasn’t quite struggling enough before.
I believe this moderate drinking has been part of an overall joyful experience. I’ve fallen in love with Italy, especially Florence.
The journey will begin again when I return Sunday. @JulieAL1969, anxiety and heart flutters are my negative responses, too. I was determined to be AF and there are so many good reasons for that. But being in a culture where I’m observing people incorporating alcohol into apparently happy, healthy lives makes me envious. Maybe our American culture just makes it too hard.
Best wishes to all with the weather. As I’m here my husband and his siblings are traveling from Cleveland, D.C., NC, and Austin to Phoenix for Indians spring training so I’m aware that weather is crazy everywhere including Europe.
So happy you are having a joyful experience! Florence is gorgeous!
Safe travels!2
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