Less Alcohol - NOVEMBER 2019 - One Day at a Time

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Replies

  • yamabachi
    yamabachi Posts: 273 Member
    Thank you for putting this together. My goal this month is to have only 5 days this month with up to three drinks.

    Nov 1 AF
    Nov 2 AF
    Nov 3 AF
    Nov 4 AF
    Nov 5 3 drinks! Always happens when we go to the movies. I'm hoping joining this thread will keep me accountable for the rest of the month.
  • Womona
    Womona Posts: 1,770 Member
    whitpauly wrote: »
    6:32 in Vegas another 24,ugh having a cold feels like a kitten hangover!(I'll save mfp the work😆) but you know what that kitten stands for! Feel weak,sore,dizzy,snotty,work should be interesting 😤 have a great day all!

    Ugh! Miserable! I hope you feel better soon!
  • fitand50inSD
    fitand50inSD Posts: 166 Member
    Planning for No Drinks November following a completely Sober October.

    Oct - AF 31 of 31

    Nov 1 - AF
    Nov 2 - 2 drinks - very disappointed that I used the excuse of stress caused by working too much to break the promise I made to myself. I really wanted to continue Sober October into November.
    Nov 3 - AF
    Nov 4 - AF
    Nov 5 - AF
    Nov 6 - AF Still plugging away except for the minor slip on 11/2. I believe in the last 40 days I am AF-39 and A-1. Not too bad considering I was a daily drinker (generally 1 or 2 drinks....rarely more.) Still killing myself with work, but have only turned to alcohol once.
  • Womona
    Womona Posts: 1,770 Member
    @pparrotlet Welcome! Sorry to hear about your dad and his struggles with alcohol. You sound really motivated to walk a different path!
  • bigblues11
    bigblues11 Posts: 203 Member
    I'd love to join in! I am definitely a social drinker! Never to excess but I'm not sure I can completely give that up. However, I've gotten into the habit of grabbing a glass of wine every evening when I get home from work. Kind of my winding down routine. I don't even think about it anymore. I'd like to reduce that perhaps by half at least. I know i'd sleep better!
  • Piqueaboo
    Piqueaboo Posts: 1,193 Member
    Nov 1 - 250ml white wine, 250ml rum & coke
    Nov 2 - 5 AF
    November 5 - 300ml white wine, 750ml of apple cidre
  • anglilacs
    anglilacs Posts: 165 Member
    edited November 2019
    Great job checking in, all!

    6/6 AF days so far for me. Going out with some friends this Friday and looking forward to having a drink or two.
  • MissMay
    MissMay Posts: 3,748 Member
    anglilacs wrote: »
    Great job checking in, all!

    6/6 AF days so far for me. Going out with some friends this Friday and looking forward to having a drink or two.
    anglilacs wrote: »
    Great job checking in, all!

    6/6 AF days so far for me. Going out with some friends this Friday and looking forward to having a drink or two.

    Awsome 6/6 @anglilacs !
  • MissMay
    MissMay Posts: 3,748 Member
    Three weeks until Thanksgiving -
    Alcohol during the holidays: 4 ways to sip smarter
    If you drink alcoholic beverages, practice moderation and make good choices over the holidays with these tips.

    By Jason S. Ewoldt

    Office parties, cookie swaps and other fun festivities offer plenty of tempting treats during the holiday season. It's easy to get carried away with eating and drinking when you're in a celebratory mood, but making mindful choices now is important to maintaining your health — especially when it comes to alcohol consumption. You can still enjoy a cranberry spritzer or a cup of your aunt's famous eggnog, but keep moderation in mind.

    Many people drink with the mindset that liquid calories "don't count," but that couldn't be further from the truth. Alcoholic beverages vary in serving sizes, based on the alcohol content of the drink and the amount of carbohydrates (typically in the form of sugar) it contains. Examples of one serving are 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine and 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of distilled spirits. A serving of alcohol is 100 to 150 calories, but that doesn't include sugary or high-caloric ingredients that usually come with cocktails or festive drinks. For instance, a cup of eggnog, a candy cane martini or a glass of sangria can include 250 calories or more for just a single serving.

    As you can see, holiday drinks can be a real hindrance when it comes to health and wellness. Here are a few tips to help you sip smarter during the holidays.

    Drink water between alcoholic drinks. Not only will this help keep you hydrated, but also it will help slow down your drinking and keep you comfortable in a social setting. (No one has to know it's not alcohol.)
    Use low-calorie mixers, such as no-calorie soda or tonic water or lemon and lime wedges, to help reduce added calories. You can also make healthier ingredient swaps without sacrificing flavor. For instance, use low-fat milk in your eggnog and cut the amount of cream in half — or skip it entirely.
    Practice moderation. Enjoy and savor your drinks by sipping slowly. Being mindful can help you reduce your overall calorie intake without feeling restricted.
    Keep the focus on family and friends and remember the reason for the gatherings: a time to celebrate with those you love.
    Another thing to remember is that alcohol may increase appetite and lead to eating more. A little planning can go a long way when you're in the mood to munch. Fruit and veggies with dip are always good options to have on hand. Lightly buttered popcorn, nuts and whole-wheat crackers with cheese are also good snack staples.

    Now you're ready to toast a healthy and bright year ahead. Cheers!

    Experiments
    Set realistic holiday goals. An all-or-nothing approach rarely works. Be honest with yourself and set a plan before an event where drinking might take place.
    Begin or continue to improve nutrition habits. Examples of easy wins during the holiday season are taking a walk after a meal, drinking plenty of water and practicing mindful eating and drinking.
    If you decide to indulge in an alcoholic beverage, do so in moderation. This means no more than one standard drink a day for women of all ages and men older than 65, and up to two standard drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.
  • dawnbgethealthy
    dawnbgethealthy Posts: 7,887 Member
    My goal is 16-20 AF days for the month.
    I didn't get there in October, ended up with 10 or 11AF days. Daily drinking is so very easy to slip back into!

    November 01 - AF - Really felt like having drinks, but didn't.
    November 02 - AF - Worked my *kitten* off in the yard and again really wanted drinks afterward. But didn't.
    November 03 - 3 drinks hours ago at a friend's place. Not planned. My plan is for drinks on Tuesdays and either Saturday OR Sunday, although I have two theatre outings (involving wine) on Thursdays this month, but will try to keep it to 2-3 days per week.
    OMG, just discovered what "kitten" is!! I have asked people what that meant and didn't get a reply. I see that what I wrote in my last post got rewritten as "kitten". Hahaha : - )
    November 04 - AF
    November 05 - 3 drinks. Actually, I haven't had any at all yet, but unbelievably just finished work - I was up at 4am and it was a very long grueling day. Definitely going to have some food and some cocktails. I will be happy to stick to my plan of drinks on Tuesdays and one or two other days of the week. October turned into almost drinks every day again. I feel like I am back on track to moderate, definitely glad to allow myself Tuesdays, they are a bit *kitten* ridiculous. Wrote that just to test the kitten thing lol.
    November 06 - AF - Not difficult at all. That gives me 4 AF for the 1st week so far, going to try for 5.
    November 07 - Not a planned drink day at all. I pulled something in my back this morning during a simple workout, this has never happened. I still had to go into the field and do a whole bunch of jobs (including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and as it turns out screaming in pain). I had hurt knees this past week and couldn't even skate...only 59, like seriously? Anyway, having a couple of drinks, after the first one I relaxed quite a bit, on the second now. I have some of that icy hot stuff on and bought some robax-type stuff which should be interesting on top of alcohol. I am an active girl, being sidelined from activity is not my jam nor good for my mental/emotional/physical health. No doubt alcohol is probably not the answer, but for now it has relaxed my back a little.

    Running tally 4AF days out of 7 days so far.
  • dawnbgethealthy
    dawnbgethealthy Posts: 7,887 Member
    @MissMay
    Lol, I can't stop looking at your picture now that I don't see you as a pony-tailed runner any more.
    You totally have the features of one of our French-Canadian, strong, self-assured beauties with the high pronounced cheekbones and even the mouth shape like you are saying "oui oui I will help you, what do you need?".
    I am straight, but ... Girl Crush! : - )
  • MissMay
    MissMay Posts: 3,748 Member
    edited November 2019
    @dawnbgethealthy so sorry to hear about your back. It is so difficult to get an injury when you have a very active work and lifestyle. No doubt the drink deadened the pain, but you should probably have it looked into by a DR. If it is not better or if it causes you extreme pain. Hope it heals quickly.

    On the other subject....you are cracking me up. My old profile pic was as close as I could find to a woman doing the type of HIT workouts that I do. Not a runner, have a rebuilt knee that can not take the pounding. Thanks so much for your lovely compliments, it is nice to hear after just turning 60 years old last month. Guess I owe it to cutting back on ALL that booze I used to drink down.😎




  • tracybear86
    tracybear86 Posts: 163 Member
    I don't drink every night but feel like I drink more than I should on the weekends and I think it's hindering my progress on the last 10 pounds. I am going for No Drink November to see if it improves my progress and how I feel overall. So far I am 7/7 AF but only 1 weekend down. :#
    I am wondering if anyone who has done an alcohol free month and then returned to drinking noticed a difference in your ability to moderate your drinking or if you just went back into your normal routine?
  • dawnbgethealthy
    dawnbgethealthy Posts: 7,887 Member
    My goal is 16-20 AF days for the month.
    I didn't get there in October, ended up with 10 or 11AF days. Daily drinking is so very easy to slip back into!

    November 01 - AF - Really felt like having drinks, but didn't.
    November 02 - AF - Worked my *kitten* off in the yard and again really wanted drinks afterward. But didn't.
    November 03 - 3 drinks hours ago at a friend's place. Not planned. My plan is for drinks on Tuesdays and either Saturday OR Sunday, although I have two theatre outings (involving wine) on Thursdays this month, but will try to keep it to 2-3 days per week.
    OMG, just discovered what "kitten" is!! I have asked people what that meant and didn't get a reply. I see that what I wrote in my last post got rewritten as "kitten". Hahaha : - )
    November 04 - AF
    November 05 - 3 drinks. Actually, I haven't had any at all yet, but unbelievably just finished work - I was up at 4am and it was a very long grueling day. Definitely going to have some food and some cocktails. I will be happy to stick to my plan of drinks on Tuesdays and one or two other days of the week. October turned into almost drinks every day again. I feel like I am back on track to moderate, definitely glad to allow myself Tuesdays, they are a bit *kitten* ridiculous. Wrote that just to test the kitten thing lol.
    November 06 - AF - Not difficult at all. That gives me 4 AF for the 1st week so far, going to try for 5.
    November 07 - Not a planned drink day at all. I pulled something in my back this morning during a simple workout, this has never happened. I still had to go into the field and do a whole bunch of jobs (including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and as it turns out screaming in pain). I had hurt knees this past week and couldn't even skate...only 59, like seriously? Anyway, having a couple of drinks, after the first one I relaxed quite a bit, on the second now. I have some of that icy hot stuff on and bought some robax-type stuff which should be interesting on top of alcohol. I am an active girl, being sidelined from activity is not my jam nor good for my mental/emotional/physical health. No doubt alcohol is probably not the answer, but for now it has relaxed my back a little.
    November 08 - AF. Definitely thought about having at least 1/2 glass of wine to soothe me, but had Bengal spice tea instead which was soothing. Hurting unit today, good thing that it is the weekend and I can take it easy and rest.

    Running tally 5AF days out of 8 days so far.
  • dawnbgethealthy
    dawnbgethealthy Posts: 7,887 Member
    Womona wrote: »
    Sorry to hear about your back @dawnbgethealthy ! Hope it heals well and quickly. Meanwhile it stinks to be sidelined when you’re so active. I hear ya!

    I love that so many people have joined this thread! Yes it is possible to not be a daily drinker anymore, and to sub out drinks after sports leagues with a non alcoholic one. Love seeing that others figures this out too! (Sorry for no individual tags! )

    Thanks @Womona
    Took a Robax type of thing last night so at least I slept, but haven't been able to move much at all today.
  • anglilacs
    anglilacs Posts: 165 Member
    Had fun going out last night. Had two drinks at the restaurant and then poured myself another when I got home. I didn’t even take a sip of the drink. Just set it in my bedside table and fell asleep. :)

    @fitand50inSD - nice job! I know you were aiming for an AF month but you have done amazing for only having 2 AF days out of 39!!

    7/8 AF for me

    next planned drinking day is Monday at book club.
  • whitpauly
    whitpauly Posts: 1,483 Member
    tracybear86 wrote: »
    I don't drink every night but feel like I drink more than I should on the weekends and I think it's hindering my progress on the last 10 pounds. I am going for No Drink November to see if it improves my progress and how I feel overall. So far I am 7/7 AF but only 1 weekend down. :#
    I am wondering if anyone who has done an alcohol free month and then returned to drinking noticed a difference in your ability to moderate your drinking or if you just went back into your normal routine?

    Some people feel like their tolerance lowers after some time off and drink less, others (like me) pick up right where they left off and sometimes more I think it just depends on the person 🤷 6:44 in Vegas another 24 💖
  • yamabachi
    yamabachi Posts: 273 Member
    Nov 1 AF
    Nov 2 AF
    Nov 3 AF
    Nov 4 AF
    Nov 5 3 drinks! Always happens when we go to the movies.
    Nov 6 AF. I smelled the wine hubs was drinking and was envious. Then I remembered this challenge. It really helped to strengthen my resolve. Thanks, y'all
    Nov 7 AF
    Nov 8 AF Was tempted while watching TV and saw people drinking wine with dinner on the show. Starting to realize that I'm easily triggered. Helps to have pre-made cold-brew green tea in the fridge pre-portioned in individual sized (pint) mason jars. I can just grab one when I get the urge to drink.

    My mini-goal over the next several days is to make it 7 days AF, based on @Womona 's post about it taking 7 days for your body to detoxify. (Thanks for the tip!)

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