Less Alcohol - JANUARY 2020- One Day at a Time
Replies
-
Week 1 total: 21.5
Week 2 goal: 10 max for the week
Idea is to reduce consumption by half (at least)...really want to get to consistent AF's by 3rd week this month.
Today is a brand new day......5 -
January 7th and 7 AF for me.
Although I went thru the house late yesterday afternoon and last night like an anteater sucking in all the sweet stuff I could. Good thing is I reconized the trigger for my food assault and was able to stop it before more calorie damage was done. UGH. Winters &#$%
"An anteater" this cracked me up it's so cute😆 I do the same,6:31 am in Vegas another 24, everyone is doing well,it's a process of breaking habits that are really imbedded pretty deep after it being the norm for so long,seems like nobody's gone all haywire tho, keep up the good work 👍5 -
@NovemberCharlieAlpha congrats on your 3 AF days and yes there will be hurdles during this process. It already sounds as if your "drinking brain" is preparing you for "rewards" for being AF.
This happens to all of us. We feel as if we owe It to ourselves for being good. Like a kid being handed candy for being quiet during nap time. Those "we deserve it" moments are tricking to get around. Possibility planning to toss in some virgin drinks that still appear to represent an alcoholic beverage may satisfy that drinking brain. Good luck
This is so true... I need to remember that the reward is the fact that I can now do 3 AF days in a row! Of course also better sleep, and not so much mindless eating. Thank you for the reminder!4 -
Jan 2020
AF 6/7
My husband is going through a lot of stress with his daughter... I thought of making him a drink so he could relax, and of course I can't let him drink alone... instead he opened a beer and continued drinking my water.
I am so happy I did, because I know for me I would have poured a strong drink, and then with my compromised brain, it would have probably been 2... because I resisted, I slept so much better, no regrets to haunt me.8 -
I'm in for cutting out alcohol. I've been thinking about the benefits vs negative aspects of consuming alcohol. Benefits: can't think of any. Negative Aspects: Expensive, hard on the liver, added unnecessary calories, too much and makes for a lousy nights sleep. Way too much and headache and crappy hangover. There are just no benefits to consuming alcohol! I want to lose weight and live healthy, therefore, alcohol is gone. FYI, my brother died at age 48 from cirrhosis of the liver due to a love of Vodka. Trust me on this...you DO NOT want to end up with cirrhosis of the liver! It is a Horrible way to die. Just don't go there.12
-
looneycatblue wrote: »Jan 2020
AF 6/7
My husband is going through a lot of stress with his daughter... I thought of making him a drink so he could relax, and of course I can't let him drink alone... instead he opened a beer and continued drinking my water.
I am so happy I did, because I know for me I would have poured a strong drink, and then with my compromised brain, it would have probably been 2... because I resisted, I slept so much better, no regrets to haunt me.
Good for you for sticking to the water👍. With a compromised brain, another drink is too easy, and along with it - more food
6 -
Am I the only one that keeps having to remind myself that "AF" means "alcohol free" and not the OTHER thing that "AF" often means?!
5 -
bourbon_n_barbells wrote: »Am I the only one that keeps having to remind myself that "AF" means "alcohol free" and not the OTHER thing that "AF" often means?!
I got an Air Fryer for Christmas. I joined a couple of Facebook groups. Now I'm doubly confused because I had finally gotten to the point where AF to me meant Alcohol Free more than what you're referring to.
Tonight I'm going to be AF AF and use my AF for making dinner.
12 -
So glad I found this group. I decided 2 days ago to go AF for the rest of the month and so here I am, 2 days AF so far and all going well. I've been drinking almost everyday, sometimes heavily, for the last year and a half, very heavily over Christmas so need to do this. We can do this.! My initial aim is not drinking anything for the remaining of the month, and once January is over I will see if I can continue or if I will allow myself some days off..9
-
karenscfld wrote: »I'm in for cutting out alcohol. I've been thinking about the benefits vs negative aspects of consuming alcohol. Benefits: can't think of any. Negative Aspects: Expensive, hard on the liver, added unnecessary calories, too much and makes for a lousy nights sleep. Way too much and headache and crappy hangover. There are just no benefits to consuming alcohol! I want to lose weight and live healthy, therefore, alcohol is gone. FYI, my brother died at age 48 from cirrhosis of the liver due to a love of Vodka. Trust me on this...you DO NOT want to end up with cirrhosis of the liver! It is a Horrible way to die. Just don't go there.
Hello @karenscfld and welcome. I do know first hand about cirrhosis of the liver, my husband of 24 years died from it.
So as not to confuse you, we are striving towards LESS ALCOHOL, not total abstainace for life. It will be our pleasure to have you join us, I just did not want you to freak out if you hear us talk about our alcohol free days AND our alcohol consumption days to. 😊5 -
So glad I found this group. I decided 2 days ago to go AF for the rest of the month and so here I am, 2 days AF so far and all going well. I've been drinking almost everyday, sometimes heavily, for the last year and a half, very heavily over Christmas so need to do this. We can do this.! My initial aim is not drinking anything for the remaining of the month, and once January is over I will see if I can continue or if I will allow myself some days off..
Welcome @Buzzamba glad you came across us. Many here are doing Dry January, many just cutting back in their own way at their own pace. Which ever you choose is great with us. I plan on the dry January path. Last year was my first D.J. it went well.5 -
WinoGelato wrote: »bourbon_n_barbells wrote: »Am I the only one that keeps having to remind myself that "AF" means "alcohol free" and not the OTHER thing that "AF" often means?!
I got an Air Fryer for Christmas. I joined a couple of Facebook groups. Now I'm doubly confused because I had finally gotten to the point where AF to me meant Alcohol Free more than what you're referring to.
Tonight I'm going to be AF AF and use my AF for making dinner.
Hahahahahahaha!🤣2 -
January 7th and 7 AF for me.
Although I went thru the house late yesterday afternoon and last night like an anteater sucking in all the sweet stuff I could. Good thing is I reconized the trigger for my food assault and was able to stop it before more calorie damage was done. UGH. Winters &#$%
"An anteater" this cracked me up it's so cute😆 I do the same,6:31 am in Vegas another 24, everyone is doing well,it's a process of breaking habits that are really imbedded pretty deep after it being the norm for so long,seems like nobody's gone all haywire tho, keep up the good work 👍
Yeah have you ever watched them vacumn up ants? That was me. LOL
It truely is a matter of breaking habits that have become a non conscious act. Like brushing your teeth. Good job on another 24 girl!4 -
globalhiker wrote: »Week 1 total: 21.5
Week 2 goal: 10 max for the week
Idea is to reduce consumption by half (at least)...really want to get to consistent AF's by 3rd week this month.
Today is a brand new day......
BRAND NEW DAY!⏳ @lilann1961 this is for you too.
3 -
WinoGelato wrote: »bourbon_n_barbells wrote: »Am I the only one that keeps having to remind myself that "AF" means "alcohol free" and not the OTHER thing that "AF" often means?!
I got an Air Fryer for Christmas. I joined a couple of Facebook groups. Now I'm doubly confused because I had finally gotten to the point where AF to me meant Alcohol Free more than what you're referring to.
Tonight I'm going to be AF AF and use my AF for making dinner.
Love this😆 I like using AF as opposed to "sober" just cuz AF sounds less,,,, depressing?? I'm on a forum for non drinking and they hate when I use AF and will post SOBER in capital letters,ok I get it sobriety takes work but I prefer to go at it in a playful,casual manner than a somber one🤷6 -
karenscfld wrote: »I'm in for cutting out alcohol. I've been thinking about the benefits vs negative aspects of consuming alcohol. Benefits: can't think of any. Negative Aspects: Expensive, hard on the liver, added unnecessary calories, too much and makes for a lousy nights sleep. Way too much and headache and crappy hangover. There are just no benefits to consuming alcohol! I want to lose weight and live healthy, therefore, alcohol is gone. FYI, my brother died at age 48 from cirrhosis of the liver due to a love of Vodka. Trust me on this...you DO NOT want to end up with cirrhosis of the liver! It is a Horrible way to die. Just don't go there.
Glad to have you💗 this is a less alcohol thread but I'm trying not to drink at all! Baby steps and it doesn't bother me to read about people drinking,I figure any improvement is great,if you find it triggery in anyway there's a Sober squad thread but it's not as active,I post on both usually4 -
karenscfld wrote: »I'm in for cutting out alcohol. I've been thinking about the benefits vs negative aspects of consuming alcohol. Benefits: can't think of any. Negative Aspects: Expensive, hard on the liver, added unnecessary calories, too much and makes for a lousy nights sleep. Way too much and headache and crappy hangover. There are just no benefits to consuming alcohol! I want to lose weight and live healthy, therefore, alcohol is gone. FYI, my brother died at age 48 from cirrhosis of the liver due to a love of Vodka. Trust me on this...you DO NOT want to end up with cirrhosis of the liver! It is a Horrible way to die. Just don't go there.
Glad to have you💗 this is a less alcohol thread but I'm trying not to drink at all! Baby steps and it doesn't bother me to read about people drinking,I figure any improvement is great,if you find it triggery in anyway there's a Sober squad thread but it's not as active,I post on both usually
💜😊💜😊💜2 -
WinoGelato wrote: »bourbon_n_barbells wrote: »Am I the only one that keeps having to remind myself that "AF" means "alcohol free" and not the OTHER thing that "AF" often means?!
I got an Air Fryer for Christmas. I joined a couple of Facebook groups. Now I'm doubly confused because I had finally gotten to the point where AF to me meant Alcohol Free more than what you're referring to.
Tonight I'm going to be AF AF and use my AF for making dinner.
Love this😆 I like using AF as opposed to "sober" just cuz AF sounds less,,,, depressing?? I'm on a forum for non drinking and they hate when I use AF and will post SOBER in capital letters,ok I get it sobriety takes work but I prefer to go at it in a playful,casual manner than a somber one🤷
Yeah I never thought about it but there's definitely a connotation in my mind to the phrase "sober" vs "alcohol free"
With this group I embraced the idea of tracking AF days, to me, being "sober" has connotations with recovery, AA. It also strikes me as the opposite of "drunk" which I may be splitting hairs here, but lately even when I do imbibe, I'm enjoying alcohol in moderation but not to get drunk (although I was tipsy a couple times over the holidays...)
AF seems more like a daily choice, which is what I love about the spirit of this thread.8 -
WinoGelato wrote: »Yeah I never thought about it but there's definitely a connotation in my mind to the phrase "sober" vs "alcohol free"
With this group I embraced the idea of tracking AF days, to me, being "sober" has connotations with recovery, AA. It also strikes me as the opposite of "drunk" which I may be splitting hairs here, but lately even when I do imbibe, I'm enjoying alcohol in moderation but not to get drunk (although I was tipsy a couple times over the holidays...)
AF seems more like a daily choice, which is what I love about the spirit of this thread.
😊💜😊💜😊2 -
3 consecutive days AF. So 3/8 for the month. Tomorrow is a “tacos and tequila” fundraiser party. Hoping to get one more AF day out of the weekend but... football. We’ll see. Double digit AF days in Jan would be good, I didn’t hit that in December.9
-
As usual, I am going to try for 16-20 AF days for the month.
I just made it to 16 for December.
Wednesday January 01 - 3 drinks
Thursday January 02 - 3 drinks
Friday January 03 - AF
Saturday January 04 - AF - Had to delay and delay and delay today, really wanted to have drinks...but I didn't.
Sunday January 05 - 3 drinks
Monday January 06 - AF
Tuesday January 07 - 3 drinks. Although I have skipped some Tuesdays in the past, it is my designated drink day. I felt off the rails today and know that I need to make some changes with jobs, because the Tuesdays are increasingly just too much for me. Tough to find another job at 59, but the stress is ridiculous. That first sip of alcohol was nicely numbing. I know intellectually that it is not the best way to decompress, but it certainly is surefire and quick.
Wednesday January 08 - AF
Running tally: 4AF days out of 8 days so far.6 -
4/8 for me too 6
-
January accountability ~ 8
No Alcohol: 8 days
Alcohol: 0 days (0 drinks)
Goal: AF days 3 per week / 12 per month
You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. - John C. Maxwell
Including December in my weekly view.
Dec 30 - 2 glasses wine
Dec 31 - AF
Jan 1 - AF
Jan 2 - AF
Jan 3 - AF
Jan 4 - AF
Jan 5 - AF
6 AF days out of 7 this week!!!
Jan 6 - AF
Jan 7 - AF
Jan 8 - AF
Even though I tell myself I'm only targeting 3 AF days per week I want to be supportive of DH who has joined me for the first time. He is going completely dry which is great! It is much harder for him than me but still situations arise.
Challenges this week:
- Friend asked me out for wine in the evening ... I turned this into a lunch instead.
- Bunco tonight challenging situation usually drink 2-3 glasses of wine. My goal is to not even start and drink water instead. Trying to get the scale to go down! It will help not drinking because then I'll not snack at the tables too.
- Friend asked DH & I to join her next week for a wine tasting she got at a silent auction. Luckily we'll be out of town and miss this indulgence. But then the fishing camp is a VERY big challenge with everyone around sitting out with drinks at 5pm.
6 -
Yesterday was my 7th AF day and today WILL my 8th
I've posted on these threads previously at times over the past couple of years and have been fairly successful in the limited goals I'd set myself. However, this time I am hoping to make a long term, and hopefully life long, change in my attitude towards and consumption of booze.
I realized, that not with standing a few short breaks here and there, I've been drinking on a daily basis for almost 15 years, since I came back from Iraq for the last time in fact. I'm bored of it and it's time to change.
I don't envisage going tee total, indeed my job involves an amount of entertaining publishers every month so it wouldn't be super practical. I want to move from drinking from habit to drinking for pleasure.
Maybe when out for a nice meal with my wife, or at a party with friends or to celebrate a birthday.
Anyway the next time I'll "have" to drink is the 29th of this month when I'm taking some publishers for dinner. So my plan is to stay AF until then, I'm super motivated now but there may be some wobbles, and then jump back on the wagon once I'm through that.
Sorry for the long post just getting my thoughts in a row I guess.
PS. I feel great after not drinking for a week (o: My training is going well and combined with a post Christmas diet I'm also dropping some weight which is a bonus.12 -
Goal :: limit to 4 days in January
Jan 01 - drank quite a bit on 1 Jan - wine and beer. 2+2+3 Units
Jan 02 - AF
Jan 03 - AF :: Fridays are challenging. Proud to skip. Compensated with overeating. Need to find better alternatives. Fridays are most tempting days for me to drink.
Jan 04 - AF :: Saturdays are easier than Fridays
Jan 05 - Drank :: 3 units and quickly followed up with food. Hard to stop drinking when I start. Its comparatively easier to turn down the first one.
Jan 6 - AF
Jan 7 - AF
Jan 8 - AF
Tally- 2 A / 6 AF
8 -
Stockholm_Andy wrote: »Yesterday was my 7th AF day and today WILL my 8th
"I want to move from drinking from habit to drinking for pleasure."
This sums up my goals as well. Perfectly stated! I used to enjoy a glass of wine while eating out at dinner, but it became a habit to have a glass+ when I got home from work. Because I will never drink and drive, I almost made myself sound responsible for drinking by myself at home. Now, how much actual sense does that make? It doesn't. It was an excuse. I am only at 2 AF days this month, but they have been this week. I almost always sleep better, just have to learn to settle myself down in the evenings (my brain is always ON) without wine.4 -
Old habit: 1-4 drinks/evening.
Goal: Ease into only drinking on weekends! Consistantly be AF Sun-Thursday by April.
Jan 5- 2 drinks
Jan 6- 1 drink
Jan 7- AF 😁
Jan 8- AF
Side note: My husband has also been AF for 4 days now! Which is a big deal for him. Less drinking = less smoking too!! I'm so proud of him!!!12 -
Hey everyone!
January so far:
Jan 1-7: AF
Jan 8: 3 drinks
Jan 9: AF
I'm trying to drink only one day/week in Jan.
Last night was my planned drinking day. I was traveling for work and staying at my in law's since they live right where I needed to be. I had a long day at work and when I showed up, they already poured me a glass of delicious pinot noir, which is my favorite. I enjoyed 2 hearty glasses with dinner and then after dinner in the living room I had a little brandy with then. It was nice and I really enjoyed it!
In other news, my husband (who I was posting about earlier) has also only had ONE beer over the course of the last 5 days!!!!! I am also so proud of him. He has been a 3-6 beer a day guy forever and I cant remember the last time he didn't have a beer. He says he has been getting headaches without it but that they are getting better.
Weekend is coming and I should be good to avoid alcohol. I dont have any plans that should present any temptations.8 -
As usual, I am going to try for 16-20 AF days for the month.
I just made it to 16 for December.
Wednesday January 01 - 3 drinks
Thursday January 02 - 3 drinks
Friday January 03 - AF
Saturday January 04 - AF - Had to delay and delay and delay today, really wanted to have drinks...but I didn't.
Sunday January 05 - 3 drinks
Monday January 06 - AF
Tuesday January 07 - 3 drinks. Although I have skipped some Tuesdays in the past, it is my designated drink day. I felt off the rails today and know that I need to make some changes with jobs, because the Tuesdays are increasingly just too much for me. Tough to find another job at 59, but the stress is ridiculous. That first sip of alcohol was nicely numbing. I know intellectually that it is not the best way to decompress, but it certainly is surefire and quick.
Wednesday January 08 - AF
Thursday January 09 - 3 drinks - worked early morning until 8pm today, started thinking by 7pm of having a drink when I got home after a grueling day...and I did. I sure am not racking up many AF days this month so far! I know that I won't get rid of that 5 pound gain over the holidays (which took me 7 months to lose!) unless I stop the alcohol. Work in progress.
Running tally: 4AF days out of 9 days so far.9 -
Old habit: 1-4 drinks/evening.
Goal: Ease into only drinking on weekends! Consistantly be AF Sun-Thursday by April.
Jan 5- 2 drinks
Jan 6- 1 drink
Jan 7- AF 😁
Jan 8- AF 😁
Jan 9- AF 😁7
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions