Less Alcohol - FEBRUARY 2020 - One Day at a Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,785 Member
Do you want to drink LESS?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING OUR THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•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.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help 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.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•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.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. 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.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•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 and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•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. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance (by @Orphia):
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You" (by @Orphia):
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this informatio
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING OUR THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•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.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help 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.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•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.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. 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.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•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 and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•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. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance (by @Orphia):
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You" (by @Orphia):
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this informatio
3
Replies
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Get a firm grip on your drinking habits.
8 -
Wow - I can't believe it's almost February already!
Definitely in - I need to think about exactly what my AF goals will be for next month. January was completely AF (well, hopefully will be by tomorrow night:), but that's not my plan or goal for Feb. Looking forward to this - thank you so much for "hosting" again!6 -
Thanks for taking the time and effort on this. Count me in. My personal goal is total sobriety.8
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I NEED to get back to this group for support and accountabilty. Been a slacker, not falling down drunk. Although it is more alcohol than I want to be drinking while attempting to be healthy in so many other ways. Better late than never, right?
Day one starts today.
- 1 -6 -
I’m in 👍😎👍6
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I’m in too! Thanks for hosting MissMay!6
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I'm in as well!
2020 Goal: AF days 3 per week / 12 per month5 -
Great idea. Perfect timing, decided to completely cut alcohol two days ago for a lot of different reasons so this will be encouraging to be a part of.7
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I have never even been to a marathon in my life; I know it's crazy! But I've been told that you get free beer after crossing the finish line of Austin Marathon. I want the whole entire experience, all of it! So that beer will be my first drink after a month (beginning Jan. 15th) plus one day! My goal starts there. I just want to give 100% of my efforts into training and staying sane these last two weeks and couple of days. My last long run is on Sunday, 13 miles, but after doing the 18 and the 20, 13 is nothing...and I'm not being arrogant or overly confident. I've just pushed myself past the point of believing that I couldn't do it! I know I can now!!! Here's to a fabulous less alcohol February for all of us!
Adding: I don't even really like beer! But I really do want to take in the whole experience! Maybe it will be great, but I'll try it out no doubt!11 -
One of the things I did not stick to doing last year was keeping track of my drinking on an app. I tried it for a little bit and didn't like the app that I had and just deleted it. This year I want to keep track of every alcoholic beverage I consume. I'm allowing myself two drinking days for February but if I do three I won't be super disappointed (I think I was at 14 drinking days total by the end of February last year). This year I am going to keep myself accountable and not go back to drinking 1-2 days a week!7
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I realized I’m actually happy with all the progress that I’ve made. I used to have 1.5-2 daily, and now I don’t drink daily and when I do, it’s one drink when I’m out (last weekend excepted! Gak! Lesson learned. ). It’s been a year and I can honestly say I feel better cutting way back on alcohol, and my weight has dropped because of no more “drunk eating”. I never thought it could be done. The first few days were by far the hardest, but they seem like a distant memory now.
So for all of you, keep at it! I love reading your stories and am rooting you all on during your journeys!11 -
HELLO FEBRUARY and a big warm welcome to all of you .
It has been an emotional ride at times for me. Going from drinking an average of 5 drinks or more daily with added binge drinking episodes that would have me flat out trying to recover. Then to just start it all over again. I decided I could not follow the pack any longer and set out to make the change for me. I was sceptical at times because of weakness, mainly I did not think I could have fun without being loaded. BIG LAUGH HERE🤣.......boy was I wrong.
I said once within these pages somewhere:
"I am not here to change the world, only the little part I occupy and live within."
LESS ALCOHOL ~ Day 737
12 -
I'm in
January=0 drinking days!6 -
I kept meaning to join the group last month and didn’t... I drank way more in January than I wanted to. So I’m IN for February!
My goal for the month is 25 AF days. I know tomorrow won’t be one of them. We’re going out to eat for a cheat meal and a couple of drinks to watch the super bowl, so that will be one of my drinking days. I want to save drinks for when I am out or in social situations and stop having drinks at home just because “it’s the weekend” or something similar.
So here I am! Thinking about trying out one of the apps as well. Anyone have one for iOS that you really like?6 -
Absolutely in for Feb! This group has been fabulous for motivation. After only 1 AF day for the whole month of January, I feel ready for a big leap - I want to hit 20 days AF for Feb. I am going to do this!7
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Back to lurking for another month. Had a couple "finished half the bottle" wine days in January, but mostly stayed with just one or two wee glasses or my new friend Mr. O'Douls. Or NOTHING but water/diet soda.
The moderation thing actually gets easier as time passes. The Sunday sushi still whispers "winewinewine" but now I mostly tell it to hush up while I brew a pot of Jasmine tea.
I've also noticed that on the days I overindulge, I THINK I'm sleepy when I go to bed, but end up staring at the ceiling until 4 am. I'm learning what a good night's sleep really feels like. Much less grouchy at quarter to Dawn when Catpuccino jumps on my chest and wants to rub noses....
February is an excellent time to have fewer drinking days during the month...fewer days to be tempted !!
Good wishes and hugs to all....except for "she who wishes to remain hugless".
Thank you @MissMay for continuing this discussion,
6 -
I have never even been to a marathon in my life; I know it's crazy! But I've been told that you get free beer after crossing the finish line of Austin Marathon. I want the whole entire experience, all of it! So that beer will be my first drink after a month (beginning Jan. 15th) plus one day! My goal starts there. I just want to give 100% of my efforts into training and staying sane these last two weeks and couple of days. My last long run is on Sunday, 13 miles, but after doing the 18 and the 20, 13 is nothing...and I'm not being arrogant or overly confident. I've just pushed myself past the point of believing that I couldn't do it! I know I can now!!! Here's to a fabulous less alcohol February for all of us!
Adding: I don't even really like beer! But I really do want to take in the whole experience! Maybe it will be great, but I'll try it out no doubt!
I generally dislike beer, but I did look up who is the beer sponsor is - and it's Oskar Blues who makes the most amazing IPAs and they are very tasty, especially the citrus type ones. I buy this for my husband weekly and when I do, I often have men in the supermarket come up to comment to me about how this is the best beer ever. Seriously. Enjoy your special marathon day and let it be a celebration of your accomplishments!2 -
A single whiskey on the rocks sipped slowly is satisfying enough.... pour the one and put the bottle away.8
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Hello, How do I join this group? I would like to be a part of this. I need the motivation. I have gotten so much better, but it's nice to have support and motivation :-)7
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globalhiker wrote: »I have never even been to a marathon in my life; I know it's crazy! But I've been told that you get free beer after crossing the finish line of Austin Marathon. I want the whole entire experience, all of it! So that beer will be my first drink after a month (beginning Jan. 15th) plus one day! My goal starts there. I just want to give 100% of my efforts into training and staying sane these last two weeks and couple of days. My last long run is on Sunday, 13 miles, but after doing the 18 and the 20, 13 is nothing...and I'm not being arrogant or overly confident. I've just pushed myself past the point of believing that I couldn't do it! I know I can now!!! Here's to a fabulous less alcohol February for all of us!
Adding: I don't even really like beer! But I really do want to take in the whole experience! Maybe it will be great, but I'll try it out no doubt!
I generally dislike beer, but I did look up who is the beer sponsor is - and it's Oskar Blues who makes the most amazing IPAs and they are very tasty, especially the citrus type ones. I buy this for my husband weekly and when I do, I often have men in the supermarket come up to comment to me about how this is the best beer ever. Seriously. Enjoy your special marathon day and let it be a celebration of your accomplishments!
So sweet of you to look it up and share this...thanks for this, for sharing your story and for your encouragement...sounds fantastic, and so looking forward to it...3 -
@peacerunner18 Just participate, that's how you join! 💗4
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As usual, I am going to try for 16-20 AF days for the month.
Short month, so this might be challenging.
I had 18AF days for January
Saturday February 1 - AF - Superbowl party tomorrow (yes, we Canadians love it too) so not planning to be AF. I am planning to intersperse glasses of water between drinks, and I have 1 cold no-alcohol beer to take with me to the party.
Running tally - 1AF day out of 1 day so far : - )4 -
I like the new profile pic @MissMay6
-
Challenging day for a lot of people out there today.
The advertising industry hugely suggests that the only way for us to enjoy the Super Bowl is by being surrounded by alcohol. Most game day watering holes can be found pushing buckets of beers at a Super Bowl low price.(oh boy and some let you keep the bucket 🤔)
My thoughts......make it a time to enjoy friends and a shared interest in a pro sport. Enjoy yourself with the knowledge that knowing the score at the end of each quarter is a bonus. And knowing the score at the end of the game makes YOU a winner as well.
Whatever your plan is for Super Bowl Day, drink responsibility 🏈🍻9 -
I'm flying home from holiday today. Was very tempted to get some wine on the flight but we went for a walk this morning and a paddle in the sea, and as I paddled in gorgeous clear water I realised that my body would prefer water to alcohol today, so I'll try to stick to that.
I will work out a goal for February, but I think it should be 20-24 AF days. One of them was yesterday, and there are two events where I know I will want to drink but other than that I will try to keep it sensible.8 -
Old habit: 1-4 drinks/evening.
Goal: Ease into only drinking on Friday & Saturday! Consistantly be AF 5 days a week.
January outcome- 15 AF / 27 days.
FEB 1- AF 😊 Could have drank, but decided not to! Had 3 drinks the night before & felt like crap in the morning. Decided to pass & feel good today instead!!
1 AF / 1 Days
7 -
Happy at home with Super Bowl as background noise, snacks and no alcohol. No triggers, I like being home and I do not like NFL, not even the commercials.7
-
Old habit: 1-4 drinks/evening.
Goal: Ease into only drinking on Friday & Saturday! Consistantly be AF 5 days a week.
January outcome- 15 AF / 27 days.
FEB 1- AF 😊
FEB 2- AF 😁
2 AF / 2 days6 -
AF = 1, Drinking = 1 today WILL be my 2nd!
Yay I made it into month 2!
Tricky month for me this with a vacation at the end of the month and lots of business trips/dinners earlier.
I'm going to pledge 15 days AF and hope for the best!
Saturday didn't start out too well as we took some clients to a Hockey game. We started with a 6 course tasting menu with a wine paired to each course, then took them into town for drinks afterwards. That said it was planned so I knew it was coming and the hangover was a great reminder of why I'm doing this
Also it's always great to show the American folks how good the SHL is compared to the NHL
I have another dinner on Thursday but I think I'll try just drinking water. It may raise a few eyebrows but what the heck.7
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