Less Alcohol - JANUARY 2021 - One Day At A Time
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@mainelylisa
you may have jumped a big hurdle with your statement "I'm not constantly thinking about my next drink (just occasionally and more as weekend approaches)"
I think this is a big fear of some folks that want to become totaly abstinent. If they dont reach this point they think they cant go the next step.
Nice list of positives you have listed.👍
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Checking in after a few days, and with a new user name.
I just know this year is going to be a massive turning point in my life, so after 8 years here, it seemed like a good time for a new name.
@Missmay I am so sorry if my post and video link caused you any pain. It makes me really sad to hear what you and your husband went through, I just don't think most people are aware that can happen (I know I wasn't), and I didn't think about the upset it might cause someone who has been through this. Big hugs to you, and huge thanks for this thread.
It is comforting and inspiring to read everyone's experiences, both the triumphs and the setbacks.
I had alcohol last weekend but didn't go over 2 glasses of wine per night, and I have been AF the last three nights.
Here is how my month is looking since I found this thread on 11th Jan.
1/11 - 1 shot whisky
1/12 - AF
1/13 - AF
1/14 - AF
1/15 - 3 wine
1/16 - AF
1/17 - 1 wine
1/18 - 2 wine
1/19 - 1 wine
1/20 - 1 wine
1/21 - AF
1/22 - 2 wine
1/23 - 2 wine
1/24 - AF
1/25 - AF
1/26 - AF6 -
HUGE fan of puns here @Fit_Happens_2021 and your new user name is da bomb. What a great gift to give yourself, a new identity.
Do not apologize at all about posting that video😊. If ever I forget about what I went through with 1st hand experience of cirrhosis that would be a mistake. I need to keep the real facts fresh so I dont turn a blind eye towards it.
Plus this is the LESS ALCOHOL thread, not the cirrhosis liver disease thread so I did not want to scare everyone with the harsh reality of it by bringing it up constantly.
I will add the vid link to the intro page for those who want to view it.
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@missmay I have not tried carob but always looking for a new hot drink. For whatever reason hot drinks curb my cravings and helps them pass more quickly. I'll let you know what I think when I land some carob--thanks for the suggestion!
I purchase mine at our local health food store. Our regular super market does not carry it.
**Carob powder can be substituted for cocoa powder as a one-to-one replacement in recipes although it lends a more subtle, roasted taste. It's a great low-fat alternative to cocoa powder. Try carob chips in your recipes for cookies, muffins, and other baked treats to add a unique flavor5 -
@mainelylisa what a beautiful post that exudes energy and one I needed to hear...so happy for you!
Separately, for anyone looking for a lower-alcohol, lower-calorie alternative to help reduce the alcohol % amt without sacrificing flavor:
Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc -NZ- 9% alcohol, 72 calories for a 4 oz glass
Casal Garcia Vinho Verde- Portugal- 9.5% alcohol, 74 calories for a 4 oz glass
Both on the semi-dry side. Taste really crisp and fresh if you like the more sour/citrus type of flavor like me.
In the $7-8 sale range at Frys/Kroger in the U.S. These are real wines and not a wine spritzer/soda concoction.
I can't tell the difference really between these and the 13+% wines.
I also dialed down the quantity by using a cute little glass that holds 4 oz. That's been my new measure.8 -
So happy to see everyone making progress. Yeah for all of us!
@HerNameIsMischief -- good for you for not drinking. I can't say I ever drank hoping to get angrier. I have drank to calm myself down, which isn't good either. I agree with you that I find myself drinking out of boredom. Your step-father sounds like a bully who knocks other people to make himself feel better. A good tactic to deal with people like him is to publicly question the behavior & motivation. Turn it around on them & make them feel bad. say something like "You know I struggle with my weight. Why would you say something like that to me? Are you trying to fat shame me & make me feel bad? That's not very nice."
It has been easier to not drink when there is nothing in the house to drink. I don't know that I would have resisted temptation early on if the stuff had been easily accessible. I am a little grossed out by the fact that DH drank 8 non-alcoholic beers last night. The recycle was full so he left his empties on the counter.
I definitely would have caved long age if he was drinking while I was trying to cut down. We did both agree that we're gonna try to make it AF until the 1st weekend in February & then try to weekend drink only.
I know myself. None is easier than 1. I have always joked that when I drink the 1st inhibition I lose is the ability to say "no thank you I don't want a 2nd drink."
So far 26/27 AF days in January! I am so thrilled that the cravings have subsided. I really needed to prove to myself that I can do this. Now to ease back in & master drinking less.
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"None is easier than 1" is exactly how it is for me too, @Trish1c - the days I've caved and had more than I intended have been the times there's been alcohol in the house. My self-discipline is like steel until I have a small drink, which just seems to melt it with ease.
20 days AF, which is what I was aiming for this month. On the days I've had some, it's usually been more than one or two. Doing this for a month has been revealing; I now know that going AF isn't too tough for me, it's sticking to*just a couple* that is. Something for me to work on this year. I've learned something about myself by taking part.
Well done everybody else! It's comforting and inspiring to read all your experiences 🙂9 -
@MissMay oooooh I like the picture and I need big to bonk me on my head! I am going to have to look for this when I go shopping later this week!
TY
14 out of 26 days so far...goal 20 out of 31 day. And this drink may be the answer I am looking for4 -
That or topo chico
Also comes in lime
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I'm happy to report today I replaced peanut butter on white for a turmeric pepper berry smoothie, chips & M&M's for a salad, and the couch for a walk around the pond and spazzy weight/dance session in the basement. I wasn't in the mood to be told what to do, so I did my own thing.
I hope soon to be able to comment here on posts--so much I'd like to say--but work zaps my screen energy. Still listening to my music...Michael says...You got to be startin' somethin'
Oh, and WoW (Words of Wisdom)...Don't exercise right after a fish taco. Gives a whole new meaning to BURPees.10 -
AF this evening even though DH opened 2 bottles of wine.12
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1 week AF today 🙌
Only craving was at wine'o clock (cooking dinner) made myself a mocktail in a wine glass. It helped a little.10 -
I know myself. None is easier than 1. I have always joked that when I drink the 1st inhibition I lose is the ability to say "no thank you I don't want a 2nd drink."TheSunAndTheRainfall wrote: »"None is easier than 1" is exactly how it is for me too, @Trish1c - the days I've caved and had more than I intended have been the times there's been alcohol in the house. My self-discipline is like steel until I have a small drink, which just seems to melt it with ease.
These quotes from the two of you really resonated with me. It's great to read other peoples "shared" experiences and see the successes you've had coping.
Thanks for sharing!
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Very short on time this morning. A good quote to think about.
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En route for another dry January this year (3 days to go!).
I had the same phenomenon as last year; I started being 'bloated' for more than 2 weeks, up to Jan 17th my weight was a plateau, and then it came down 4 lbs in the last 11 days.
Another important change I made more recently; cut the cafeine. I was drinking 5-6 large coffees a day. I reduced it to 2 cups of 250ml. The rest is green tea and water with flavor enhancer.8 -
I replied earlier but forgot to hold myself accountable by checking in
5 x AF in January and a 3 day streak.
Plan for today is a repeat of yesterday day.
I will also start thinking about some goals for the weekend to help me drink in a more moderate fashion than I would otherwise.
FWIW My long term goal is to be AF during the week and have a few on the weekend.
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Another AF yesterday making a streak of 4 this week!
Wishing everyone a wonderful day.
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I found out in November that my liver enzymes were high among some other things. Husband and I are TTC and putting it on hold until I can get some things under control. It looks like I may have NAFL, but with a family history of alcoholism and a reliance in 2020 on a drink or 3 to unwind 2-3x a week, I realized I needed to re-evaluate regardless of whether my issues were alcohol relatedor not. I've been AF for 2 weeks as of today and plan to keep going until I have healthy numbers coming back. I don't plan to stay 'dry' forever, but I do plan to change the way I look at alcohol. It will be a fun accessory for a karaoke night or bonfire with friend, in the future without a pandemic, and nothing more.
My Grandaddy and my Daddy were both incredible men but they had their vices. It's as simple as me not wanting my kids to ever say that about me. Know better, do better. All that.13
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