Less Alcohol - JANUARY 2021 - One Day At A Time
Replies
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@Amanda_Brit_Expat oh the heat would get to me for sure! Totally hear you on that one.
There is a phenomenon called the “Seattle Freeze “ that I learned about when I lived Washington. If you’re not born and raised there, Everyone is really nice, down to earth, friendly, etc. However, if you try to take the friendship to the next level by suggesting going out for lunch or coffee, they get panicked look in their eye and make an excuse to beg off the invitation.
Now, I personally did not experience this, but saw it happen to a friend of mine, who, like me, came from elsewhere to live in the area for our husband’s work. And for those of you from Seattle, I mean no disrespect! It may even be an urban legend. Or maybe it doesn’t extend all the way up to Bellingham, where I lived.
My point is maybe that’s the phenomenon you are experiencing, and if so, it’s hard to break through. Don’t give up hope. Your people are out there. You can’t possibly be the only lonely transplant looking for deeper connections.
Or, ya know, just put the house up for sale now and take advantage of a sellers market! Haha!7 -
Worked until 9:00 last night, super late, busy shift, so went out to dinner with bosses for a late dinner. Had one delicious glass of wine. Totally worth it! I wanted to order a second but glad I didn’t.
Does anyone know if PMS causes alcohol cravings? I’ve been dying for a glass all week, whereas last week I wasn’t craving it at all!8 -
@MissMay said, "It reminded me of why I am on this journey. I was like that and at times worse in the past."
Loved your story. I hated that "void" when others told stories after each night of my own drinking. I actually was sad for your friends as I read it. At 37 AF days currently, I think about if I would be able to do what you did in that same weekend outing--only have one when drinking was the main theme for all the rest? In my heart I know the answer, which is why it is easier for me to be AF right now.
@Amanda_Brit_Expat I can't imagine people behaving so unfriendly. Also tougher in this COVID environment I'm guessing. Keep getting out and reaching out when you can. There are decent people out there who are just as lonely. Keep the faith.8 -
Instead of alcohol at night, I like hot/spicy tea(like ginger or cinnamon) or if I want something cold, cran raspberry la croix.8
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hello all, just shouting out that I am proud of myself 12 out of 20 days AF
Last night was tough for me and I can't pinpoint the reason I felt the overwhelming urge for alcohol. But I kept with my diet Shasta grapefruit soda. I just need to find something to fight the boredom that makes me want to snack. I have tried playing games on my phone while listening to Hulu. That helps but sheesh you can only do this so log.
I do enjoy painting but many times in the evening I am too tired to see detail and lamp light is not really bright enough.
ok back later9 -
I am a little late, as last week my son ended up in the hospital due to headaches stemming from Covid. It is atypical for kiddos (he is 10) to get the prolonged, constant headache, but alas he was one of the ones. In fact, he is the first documented case at the Children's hospital here. He is out, and home, and functioning, but the headache persists and no medicine touches it. I had put my foster dog down earlier in the week, as stated in my previous post, so it was a very long, stressful, sad week. And Covid sucks. It sounds like I am down in the dumps, but we are managing fairly well.
Yearly Goals:
1) Make my bed everyday. - EVERYDAY, except the two days he was in the hospital...we left for the ER at 11pm. Aside from that, every single day so far!!
2) Walk at the minimum once a day. - This one has been hit or miss, as I have been trying desperately to catch up on everything and manage my kiddo when he isn't able to go to school.
3) Dry January - definitely not dry, but definitely significantly less than I have in the past.
4) Stay close to calorie goals. - Still tracking! A few days were not completed, but it has been pretty consistent.
5) Read/Finish one book a week (52 book goal for year) - Three books down, #4 started! Actually ahead of my goal for this one and it is keeping me sane.
Total for January: 15/21 days AF7 -
Jan: stuck at 6 days AF/20 days.
Realization: I ditched the running for a bit over a week and noticed my consumption of both wine and food go up. I went into "I don't care" mode. @Womona coincidentally it was PMS week which doesn't help.
There is a direct correlation (with me) between getting in cardio (ideally outside) in the morning and having a successful lower-alcohol/no alcohol day. I need to make the exercise non-negotiable and mandatory.
Today I went for a hill run and now enjoying a hot cup of low sodium lentil veg soup with added curry powder and a bit of sambal paste for heat and flavor. Very comforting on a rainy day.
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Amanda_Brit_Expat wrote: »I have noticed a few people mention that sleep improves with less alcohol and I just wanted to share how much better mine is looking since I cut down the amount I drink and started including more AF days. It is very motivating to see it like this:
(don't pay much attention to the start and end times, the sleep is monitored to include all the times I was waking up in the night and unable to go back to sleep, which is shown on a different screen. This just shows the totals after calculating how much sleep I got in total that night.)
Wow a sleep calculator. I have never seen one. Sleep is so very important to our bodies. So wonderful that you are having great results.6 -
DancingMoosie wrote: »Instead of alcohol at night, I like hot/spicy tea(like ginger or cinnamon) or if I want something cold, cran raspberry la croix.
Cinnamon is a soothing spice no matter what. I like it in hot non alcoholic cider.5 -
lilann1961 wrote: »I am a little late, as last week my son ended up in the hospital due to headaches stemming from Covid. It is atypical for kiddos (he is 10) to get the prolonged, constant headache, but alas he was one of the ones. In fact, he is the first documented case at the Children's hospital here. He is out, and home, and functioning, but the headache persists and no medicine touches it. I had put my foster dog down earlier in the week, as stated in my previous post, so it was a very long, stressful, sad week. And Covid sucks. It sounds like I am down in the dumps, but we are managing fairly well.
Yearly Goals:
1) Make my bed everyday. - EVERYDAY, except the two days he was in the hospital...we left for the ER at 11pm. Aside from that, every single day so far!!
2) Walk at the minimum once a day. - This one has been hit or miss, as I have been trying desperately to catch up on everything and manage my kiddo when he isn't able to go to school.
3) Dry January - definitely not dry, but definitely significantly less than I have in the past.
4) Stay close to calorie goals. - Still tracking! A few days were not completed, but it has been pretty consistent.
5) Read/Finish one book a week (52 book goal for year) - Three books down, #4 started! Actually ahead of my goal for this one and it is keeping me sane.
Total for January: 15/21 days AF
Sad to hear that is a nagging result of covid for your little guy. Big hugs to you all. And he is adorable there sitting on your lap in the profile pic. You have a wonderful additude through this.6 -
Another AF day yesterday! Started drinking green tea in the mornings instead of coffee & in the evenings instead of having an alcoholic beverage/s 🙂
13 AF / 21 days
Goal- 20 AF/31 days.5 -
@MissMay said, "It reminded me of why I am on this journey. I was like that and at times worse in the past."
Loved your story. I hated that "void" when others told stories after each night of my own drinking. I actually was sad for your friends as I read it. At 37 AF days currently, I think about if I would be able to do what you did in that same weekend outing--only have one when drinking was the main theme for all the rest? In my heart I know the answer, which is why it is easier for me to be AF right now.
@Amanda_Brit_Expat I can't imagine people behaving so unfriendly. Also tougher in this COVID environment I'm guessing. Keep getting out and reaching out when you can. There are decent people out there who are just as lonely. Keep the faith.
You are busting it with 37 days AF, congrats.👍
This was NOT an over night success for me I will not lie. I was working on cutting back for many on and off years before I really committed to this thread and my convictions. I had to get over hurdles in my own head. When I spoke about that couple earlier today I can truely say I KNOW at many times through out my life I was so much worse than them. Admitting it in the beginning was a big weight off my shoulders. Not wanting to re-live those moments is why I keep pushing forward and make myself moderate.8 -
brittgreenlikethecolor88 wrote: »Another AF day yesterday! Started drinking green tea in the mornings instead of coffee & in the evenings instead of having an alcoholic beverage/s 🙂
13 AF / 21 days
Goal- 20 AF/31 days.
Good job. You are getting at least 10 super benefits to drinking green tea. That is a favorite of mine to.5 -
I'm having a hard time of it. At my peak, I was drinking a fifth of scotch and a 12-pack of beer a day (this wasn't an everyday thing, but I still drank every day) and now I'm down to 10-12 beers a day. Often it's the boredom I fear...yet it's getting harder for me to get good and buzzed even with all that booze plus weed. Yet it's the opposite of what I need if I want to lose weight...there's the calories, the lethargy...
It's encouraging to read that sleep improves if you quit...I never sleep well and am surprised I'm not more tired considering that I'm awake most of the night, even if the light is out and I'm not doing anything but lying there thinking.11 -
HerNameIsMischief wrote: »I'm having a hard time of it. At my peak, I was drinking a fifth of scotch and a 12-pack of beer a day (this wasn't an everyday thing, but I still drank every day) and now I'm down to 10-12 beers a day. Often it's the boredom I fear...yet it's getting harder for me to get good and buzzed even with all that booze plus weed. Yet it's the opposite of what I need if I want to lose weight...there's the calories, the lethargy...
It's encouraging to read that sleep improves if you quit...I never sleep well and am surprised I'm not more tired considering that I'm awake most of the night, even if the light is out and I'm not doing anything but lying there thinking.
Welcome @HerNameIsMischief. You have already done wonders with cutting back from where you were. 👏 we applaude you. Yeah if your striving to see that scale move South, the calories from alcohol do not help in the least. There are even more benefits to cutting back including the sleep beni.8 -
It's nothing to applaud because I still want to get at least somewhat messed up. I never want to get out of my mind, but I still tell myself I want one more time getting good and buzzed. What sucks is that being this fat and this experienced with booze means I can drink ludicrous amounts, usually over an extended period of time, without really getting out of my mind.6
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HerNameIsMischief wrote: »It's nothing to applaud because I still want to get at least somewhat messed up. I never want to get out of my mind, but I still tell myself I want one more time getting good and buzzed. What sucks is that being this fat and this experienced with booze means I can drink ludicrous amounts, usually over an extended period of time, without really getting out of my mind.
Well I am applauding the fact that you cut out the 5th of scotch . To me that is a win . But we all have our own ideas of what makes us happy.
Actually I dont support getting messed up, I may have read your post incorrectly. Good luck what ever it is your looking to accomplish.6 -
I don't mean to dismiss your positive remark, but you do have to admit, "congratulations, you aren't drinking that fifth anymore", while understandable, really shows you how far gone you've become.
I only drink to get drunk. Not crazy drunk, but a good strong buzz. Part of why I've gained weight is because I can drink so much now without feeling it that much. Being this big doesn't help.2 -
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I did it. I made a giant success last night, to me.
With all of your help and reading the inspiring stories I set aside 2 beers out of my six pack. Only 4 went into the refrigerator. The other two into the cabinet. It could be from talking with my friend that was over the other night with his coffee cup.
I think I have inspired him as well. He had been complaining of nothing to do and it was making him eat to much. I invited him to join me working out with me at my home gym. He has come over with his coffee twice now to work out and is hooked because he had been so bored before.
Exercise is a excellent substitute for boredom. We are helping each other with our weaknesses.
Thanks Ladies all of you get my bear hugs. Especially @missmay12 -
Went out for pizza and while DH had wine and DS had beer ... my DIL & I stuck with water! Hot tea when I returned home
Another evening AF.
Jan accountability: 7/21 days AF
Alcohol: 14 days (23.5 drinks)
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month
1/1 - 1 (3oz champagne toast)
1/2 - 2 wine
1/3 - AF
1/4 -1 wine
1/5 -2 wine
1/6 - 2 wine
1/7 - 1 wine
1/8 - 2 wine
1/9 - 2 wine
1/10 - 1 wine
1/11 - AF
1/12 - 1.5 wine
1/13 - AF
1/14 - 1 wine
1/15 - 1 wine
1/16 - AF
1/17 - 4 (2 wine + 2 rum)
1/18 - AF
1/19 - 2 wine
1/20 - AF
1/21 - AF
NSV: Actually tucked my shirt into my jeans & wore a belt out this evening.8 -
I did it. I made a giant success last night, to me.
With all of your help and reading the inspiring stories I set aside 2 beers out of my six pack. Only 4 went into the refrigerator. The other two into the cabinet. It could be from talking with my friend that was over the other night with his coffee cup.
I think I have inspired him as well. He had been complaining of nothing to do and it was making him eat to much. I invited him to join me working out with me at my home gym. He has come over with his coffee twice now to work out and is hooked because he had been so bored before.
Exercise is a excellent substitute for boredom. We are helping each other with our weaknesses.
Thanks Ladies all of you get my bear hugs. Especially @missmay
I love this so much!!!!!!!5 -
Played paddle tennis tonight, and the real goal of the game is the socialization before and afterward, outside under the heaters. With wine. So, I had a glass. Had fun but did not need the wine to make the night enjoyable. Wine was totally unnecessary. Kind of a waste of an AF night! But I only had one. Any night I only have one is a huge win for me!
BTW, my team lost. ☹️8 -
@Lilylady3k 👍👍 on your NSV.
Judging by how tight or loose your jeans are is also a good way to see victory. At times the bathroom scale confuses muscle mase with gaining pounds.
In reality muscle is more dense and takes up less volume than the other F word. Lol
Yay for you
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Still at 6 days AF/21 days. Had no wine yesterday and instead 2 beers and didn't finish the second. I was just too full to consume anything since I ate a full bowl of cut up cucumber, a bowl of baby carrots, and a bunch of peanuts as part of lunch.
Today I am running again, I don't care if it's raining. When I run, I take better care of myself and have better control over food and alcohol quantity.8 -
@CMB44512 that is an enourmous victory for you.
Pardon me if I say "congratulations" or applaude 👏 you on taking two beers out of that daily six pack the other day.
Big steps or little steps they all get us to our goal, some quicker, some a bit later.
Now as I recall you have since getting in here to be accountable:
1) cut back on purchasing nips with those 6 packs
2) gone from removing 1 beer every other day to removing two beers(even if it is a one shot deal)
3) come clean to your buds and GF that you are hanging out with us on the LA thread.
4) gained a work out buddy
If I appear to be overly cheer leader like, that is just my style. I have always believed you get more flies with honey, than with vinegar(sweetness rather than acidity)
You are a great asset to this group. ❤
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@CMB44512 Way to Go!
@HerNameIsMischief sounds like you're ready for a better life and wish to stop alcohol controlling you, so one option is to start reducing the quantity slowly by 1 a day or 1 every other day. Also being open to seeking professional help as some of us have can also only help one succeed faster.
All the excuses that can and will come up to derail you are created by the alcohol, don't let that get in the way of your success.7 -
@globalhiker good point!
You have to do something that either makes you happy or puts you in a positive mood for the day in hopes that will set the foundation for the entire day.
Who wants to waste all that time running or exercising to have it blown up by over consuming bad foods or alcohol.
It is as you said better control.
Nice move.6 -
Good morning/afternoon/eve to which ever part of the world you are!
So it is official so far 13 of 21 days AF this month.
I am amazed at how well everyone is doing here. You all keep coming back and are being accountable for what you drink, not drink or slowed down. I think everyone here should give yourself an 'atta boy/girl' I know I am giving myself one.
The last two night have been rough to stay away from my adult liquids of choice. DH has already mentioned, hey are we going to get some alcohol for Friday night? My reply was well I have (this was last night) 12 out of 20 days AF I think I would like to extend that.....he just agreed but tonight will tell. Should he bring home something I am praying I have the strength to just say no.
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AF another evening Debating on having my "Friday drink" tonight or not. I'm working tomorrow, which means another early morning. I'd probably be better off staying AF an extra night. We'll see!
14 AF / 22 days
Goal- 20 AF/31 days.5
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