Less Alcohol- July 2018- One Day at a Time
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As most of you know I have moved and unfortunately for me, these grocery stores sell beer and wine. That was not a problem staring me in the face, in the last county I lived in. And it is all intertwined with the cheese and deli and the beautiful packaging and displays makes it all so tempting. I must bear in mind every time I go in there that for ME (maybe not for some of YOU) it is toxic. Beautifully displayed poison. It has taken too much of my money, energy, and overall good health already. I sometimes buy myself flowers with the money I would have spent on wine, instead.
I live in a state where alcohol isn’t in grocery stores, gas stations etc. i like it separated. Have to make a fully conscious effort to go out of my way to a liquor store3 -
I know I wished an early one, but Happy Birthday Julie! I hope you have a great one however you decide to enjoy it!2
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@ericNJ yes I preferred that I had to make an extra stop/trip to buy wine before. I liked it more inconvenient. However, I found a grocery store this morning that doesn't carry alcohol so I will do my shopping there.7
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As most of you know I have moved and unfortunately for me, these grocery stores sell beer and wine. That was not a problem staring me in the face, in the last county I lived in. And it is all intertwined with the cheese and deli and the beautiful packaging and displays makes it all so tempting. I must bear in mind every time I go in there that for ME (maybe not for some of YOU) it is toxic. Beautifully displayed poison. It has taken too much of my money, energy, and overall good health already. I sometimes buy myself flowers with the money I would have spent on wine, instead.
I didn't realize there were places that didn't sell alcohol in store. That would be awesome!
Our Whole Foods store even has a selection of rotating craft beers on tap in the cheese section! So, I'm eating less cheese (who needs the calories anyway) and doing a better job of having a really good grocery list when I go in the store. They lay it out so that you wind up your trip with the cheese section, beer/wine, hot prepared food bar and finally the freshly baked sweets section as you make your way to check out. So this past week, I made sure to eat right before shopping, grabbed the one shredded cheese package that I needed, got a plate of hot food for the family and kept my head down through the sweets. May be the first time ever completely sticking to my grocery list!7 -
Happy Birthday, Julie...Enjoy your special day!2
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Glad you all are still here, I need the encouragement to cut down wine consumption after the Pig Roast and 4gh of July family party.
Who knew that summer could be so dangerous for fitness!!
This is my first summer with MFP and I need to get my mind set back to where it was for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This next 20 pounds is proving to be more stubborn, but not drinking alcohol will be a big step in the right direction.
So, no alcohol today, and lots of Crystal Light when the urge gets strong. Always more satisfying in a wine glass!!4 -
Happy birthday Julie. Thanks so much for all you do!2
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Westschmeis wrote: »Glad you all are still here, I need the encouragement to cut down wine consumption after the Pig Roast and 4gh of July family party.
Who knew that summer could be so dangerous for fitness!!
This is my first summer with MFP and I need to get my mind set back to where it was for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This next 20 pounds is proving to be more stubborn, but not drinking alcohol will be a big step in the right direction.
So, no alcohol today, and lots of Crystal Light when the urge gets strong. Always more satisfying in a wine glass!!
I remember you from January! Happy you stopped by again. I hope you are well!2 -
Thanks for the birthday wishes! I'm one of those People who just loves my birthday and anyone else's birthday!
It's summer where I live and it's going to be a beautiful weekend of sunshine and good times with family and friends..... and hopefully NO hangover!
The weird thing is it's just plain easier to abstain than it is to worry and wonder if I'll get carried away. Next year, I'll celebrate my 50th birthday. And in the coming year, I am going to work so hard to be the best I can be! It's a year of transformation for me. Thanks for being an essential part of it! Xo7 -
As most of you know I have moved and unfortunately for me, these grocery stores sell beer and wine. That was not a problem staring me in the face, in the last county I lived in. And it is all intertwined with the cheese and deli and the beautiful packaging and displays makes it all so tempting. I must bear in mind every time I go in there that for ME (maybe not for some of YOU) it is toxic. Beautifully displayed poison. It has taken too much of my money, energy, and overall good health already. I sometimes buy myself flowers with the money I would have spent on wine, instead.
Oh Yes! Here we also have wine and beer in our grocery store but no liquor. During Dry January, I used to rush by the wine aisles like I was being chased. It was very tempting. @JenT304 I'm happy you found a store that has no wine. I just assumed all grocery stores did!1 -
Tonight is my monthly dinner at a Brewery with a group of friends. I have to get up two hours early for work tomorrow, so that will keep me on my best behavior. Probably just have one or two pints and enjoy the laughs. Then try to get to bed as early as possible.5
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Happy birthday Julie, have fun tonight!1
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Life is kind of funny. I put something away this morning and saw my "stash" of alcohol. I have always bought my normal brand of vodka by the case to avoid all the extra tax dollars on it. Of course I discovered I no longer had to keep drinking even semi-regularly almost immediately after purchasing a new case which is now (thankfully) collecting dust still unopened. What are the odds of that happening and if moderation turns out to be pretty rare events even after I achieve more weight loss do I just keep that case or get rid of it? Not to worry though. As much as I hate wasting money that alone is not even close to enough reason to successfully tempt me right now. I do wish I had waited 3 days and avoided buying it though. One of these days when I pass what would be the consumption of that case I will start saving money like everyone else.3
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I went through our January thread and see many familiar faces that are still with us in July! Others I dont recall seeing on the thread after awhile, I wish them success. And hope they check in and let us know how they're doing.
Hey I forgot that Dry July is very popular in other countries!
@NovusDies Did you ever see the movie "Somewhere in Time" with Christopher Reeve? At the end , he sees the penny. That reminded me of your experience seeing your stash of alcohol. And I'm proud of you that it's all still there. You have a great resolve.2 -
Chiming in with my happy birthday wishes to our fearless leader, Julie! I hope you enjoy your birthday weekend (my husband is one of those that celebrates an entire week of fun activities) and that you have no regrets!
If I can offer some free advice from my mindful moderation - sip slowly, alternate drinks with water, don't be in a rush to order refills, and one of my newest tricks - a visual reminder of the plan you have. Agree with yourself ahead of time what your max number of drinks is - 1? 2? 3? I have bangle bracelets and I wear the number of bracelets that signify how many drinks I agreed that I could have, and after I drink one, I take the bracelet off and put it in my purse. When the bracelets are gone I remind myself that I said no more after this. It's worked a couple of times to get me to just say, "no thanks, I'm done" when the server comes around. It also helps my mindset to actually switch to a coffee, or order a dessert at that point.
Enjoy!6 -
@WinoGelato Thanks so much for the tips! I will need them. I love the bracelet idea!! I will drink lots of water and eat food. I sometimes forget to eat while drinking and then I'm screwed. I like your husband's style!2
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@JulieAL1969 I love that movie. I have probably seen it 40+ times over the years. I bought the soundtrack shortly after I saw it the first time and I know it so well I can hum every note. I was always the strange kid that loved classical music though.
In Groundhog Day Billy Murray plays a jazzy version of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini which is an interesting choice since it is another romantic movie with a time component. Ok. It is probably not interesting to anyone but me.1 -
WinoGelato wrote: »Chiming in with my happy birthday wishes to our fearless leader, Julie! I hope you enjoy your birthday weekend (my husband is one of those that celebrates an entire week of fun activities) and that you have no regrets!
If I can offer some free advice from my mindful moderation - sip slowly, alternate drinks with water, don't be in a rush to order refills, and one of my newest tricks - a visual reminder of the plan you have. Agree with yourself ahead of time what your max number of drinks is - 1? 2? 3? I have bangle bracelets and I wear the number of bracelets that signify how many drinks I agreed that I could have, and after I drink one, I take the bracelet off and put it in my purse. When the bracelets are gone I remind myself that I said no more after this. It's worked a couple of times to get me to just say, "no thanks, I'm done" when the server comes around. It also helps my mindset to actually switch to a coffee, or order a dessert at that point.
Enjoy!
What a great idea!2 -
I might have gotten a little carried away. You guys and your insights are amazing. My list from yesterday has more than doubled but I have finished the April thread. I am beginning to worry the resource post is going to be too long next month.
Here is the rough draft which has not been checked for grammar or spelling yet. If anyone sees anything that I have accidentally plagiarized please let me know. I think I was careful avoiding direct quotes from books and articles. Some of these may need to be deleted or combined but, as I said, this is the rough draft. I welcome any comments, rewrites, or criticisms.
Tips & Observations from the Community on the Journey to Less/No Alcohol.- If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
- Some people who ultimately intend to drink less and moderate have said that the initial struggle of breaking free of a daily habit is the same as it is for people who intend to stop drinking entirely.
- If you are not careful there will always be a reason to delay the start of your journey.
- You may have mood swings and anxiety those first two week, but continue to focus on how good you feel
- Many report that initially filling the time they drink with other activities is a helpful distraction. Exercise, taking a nice walk, a new hobby or renewed interest in an old one, and meditation are among some of the favorite alternate activities.
- You may find it easier to isolate yourself from events that will have drinking for a time if you find it too tempting
- Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
- Sometimes talking it out or posting it helps you work things out for yourself.
- It is okay that you don't always have all the answers
- Some days will be easier than others
- You may have initial/increased sugar cravings
- You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted
- Do not take smaller victories for granted. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if you wanted none in that moment.
- Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals to start to help boost confidence.
- There is no benefit to comparing yourself to people who drink freely or people who have made progress towards their less alcohol goals. This is a personal journey.
- Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
- Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
- It is possible to believe two contradictory things at the same time. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
- Sometimes not drinking feels like a punishment but that feeling fades with time
- Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol
- Having a list of reasons not to drink handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
- It is important to have a plan when faced with either cravings or situations where you might want to drink. For example, if you don't want to drink at a social function, what will be your escape plan, how will you handle it if offered a drink?
- If you are out and your intention is to only drink a certain amount some people will intentionally only bring enough money for the amount they wish to drink. If you do not wish to drink some people will only carry their driver's license with them.
- Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits.
- Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little award makes the journey easier
- When the temptation is really strong consider spending the money you would on alcohol on something else nice for yourself
- For some people counting the alcohol free days makes it easier while others find it makes it much harder
- It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
- Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did
- Make a list of everything that has gotten better and easier since you started your journey. Use these rewards to return to a better place if you fall off your path.
- Some find that returning to the habit of daily drinking on vacations or work trips makes it hard to quit again afterwards
- For some people it is easier to not drink and even easier to drink. Moderating is the tough thing. Others have found moderating impossible.
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@JulieAL1969 I love that movie. I have probably seen it 40+ times over the years. I bought the soundtrack shortly after I saw it the first time and I know it so well I can hum every note. I was always the strange kid that loved classical music though.
In Groundhog Day Billy Murray plays a jazzy version of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini which is an interesting choice since it is another romantic movie with a time component. Ok. It is probably not interesting to anyone but me.
You are not alone! I'm a classical musician and I notice this kind of thing even when I totally forget the plot.
And your list is amazing.2
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