Less Alcohol - FEBRUARY 2021 - One Day At A Time
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@lisamestiza2021 - My thoughts are with you as you remember your mother’s passing. I hope you are able to get the necessary care for your cancer. My mom passed away 7 years ago and had dementia, she was 72. I try to keep my brain healthy, I know AF days help, along with supplements. February is rough for me, so is Mother’s Day and her birthday in September.
February 7 AF out of 17 total.
thank you so much... dementia is such a sad digression to contend with for all concerned. mother's day is bittersweet for those of us who are mothers but have also lost a mother. it's all part of life but still ....
AF days do help. keep going - we all have our cross to bear in some capacity or another...
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globalhiker wrote: »Day 17 AF here, day 9 AF for husband. It's week 3 for me and the insomnia is back so is the fussy tummy. Tried to fall asleep at 4am and was fighting thoughts of wanting to go to IHOP for a stack of pancakes with whipped cream and syrup (I haven't been to IHOP since I was like 8 years old!).
@lisamestiza2021 I am sorry for your loss. My mom died from cancer when I was a child. So all my life going to the doctor stirs up anxiety. She became sick in her 30s. I did not get it but at 53 was labeled by docs as high-risk, 60-75% chance. I go to a cancer hospital 2x a year since I am part of a high-risk group. They put me on chemoprevention (tamoxifen) which was horrific and I went off it. Now it's just me creating my destiny, so I want to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, hitting the needed nutrient profile, lower stress lifestyle, exercise etc because I believe it and in it's powers to keep me as healthy as possible. I wish you well on your journey towards improved wellbeing and optimal health. BTW your picture looks amazing, I thought you were about 20 years younger really.
oh my goodness... SO young to have lost your mother, my sincere condolences. no wonder you have doctor anxiety. i have friends who have been on tamoxifen and who have had breast cancer also. like others say - one either goes off on a tangent to ruin or do all in their power to have as healthy a life as can be. thank you for your wishes and your sweet compliment.
i like the *creating your destiny* - that is a positive affirmation.
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alcohol triggers so much of what is no dealt with from our past, or our coming to terms with it. it also is something we use when we feel wronged, misunderstood, hurt or angry. covid certainly doesn't help these feelings.
if we have non AF days - we still have to remember to be kind to ourselves. nobody else can do that for us, BUT us.
16 days AF this month. happy hump day everyone...
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globalhiker wrote: »@lmlmrn I used to sound like you when I'd speak to my former trainer; a huge intimidating football player looking type. He also had a MSW degree and did counseling in addition to personal training.
He would typically tell me this with a very stern face:
1) promise me not to get on the scale for 1 month (me: are you crazy, women don't do that)
2) ok so you exercise about the same time every day in the mornings; your body is smart and knows that so it's storing your dinners for the morning exercise and nothing is getting burned off at night. You have to change up the routine and psych it out, exercise differently at different times (we agreed on a 15 min step workout mid-afternoon)
3) don't complain to me if you are not eating 80g-100g protein (me: ok, you got me there, the most I could do is about 40 gr because well, I love my carbs, and heck I am petite)
4) I want you to take 3-4 days off and just go for casual walks (me: ok he is crazy because runners don't walk).
Long story short, I did the no scale thing, the 15min in the afternoon exercise in addition to the morning jog and the 2x a week weight session with him, upped the protein to 60-70gr the most I could do, and added on boring walking on weekends (hills, about 1.5 hr).
I went from 151 to 141 in a few months, not counting any calories.
These are wonderful tips and I will do my best to incorporate them...
1. the non scale..ehh not sure I can pull it off but can back off for 1 week intervals
2. I can do an intense 15 min mid day
3. You are right the protein may be a bit of a struggle but I will work on that, I use to do low carb and getting that amount of protein was tough even then
4. I usually take Sat and Sun off and just do casual walks with DH so that is covered
5. I usually take my last meal around 3-4 in the afternoon that has the bulk of my calories and protein so will take a bit of juggling for me
My strength training I typically alternate upper and lower and each session is between 15-25 minutes, with sets almost back to back until the last reps are very difficult to continue. I am building back up to where I was last year before my gym closed down.
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@lisamestiza2021 I was not sick but I was nervous I wouldn't make it to 50 because of my father's sudden death at 49 due to his heart. Those who didn't know always said don't you feel old--you are going to be the big 5-0"! Doesn't that bother you? Nearly 10 years later, the answer is still "no!" That said, I am sorry for your loss and your current struggles.
@Intentional_Me Ha-- you described me to a tee! If I break my AF streak before I get my head straight, I'd be back at "all" instead of "nothing." Grateful @globalhiker and I are tackling a AF Lenten season together. Feel free to join--always room for more.5 -
@lisamestiza2021 I was not sick but I was nervous I wouldn't make it to 50 because of my father's sudden death at 49 due to his heart. Those who didn't know always said don't you feel old--you are going to be the big 5-0"! Doesn't that bother you? Nearly 10 years later, the answer is still "no!" That said, I am sorry for your loss and your current struggles.
@Intentional_Me Ha-- you described me to a tee! If I break my AF streak before I get my head straight, I'd be back at "all" instead of "nothing." Grateful @globalhiker and I are tackling a AF Lenten season together. Feel free to join--always room for more.
Tesha - i believe this is a parent dying young thing, the more i read what others have shared. whether the child is ill or not. thank you for your insight...5 -
@lisamestiza2021
Sorry for the loss of your mother and your diagnosis. Those anniversaries are difficult. I lost my dad 3 years ago, its hard. It's also hard because I have children who don't remember him, he was a great Papa. He passed from lung cancer, no suprise after being a lifetime smoker. It took him very quickly.
But I totally understand feeling like you will have your parents fate. My mom got diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago (still alive) and I struggle with fears that I too will get cancer and die in my 60s.
At this point I'm 35 and I struggle with the fear of having more children and leaving them motherless at a young age. But I really want 1 more. I feel very deeply that someone is missing from our family, I have had this feeling for a long time.
I'm continuing my AF days, 16 out of 17 this month.
I got hit hard by the wine devil Monday night. I was to the point of feeling angry that I couldn't have a drink. It was bad. I'm totally not an angry person so those feelings caught me really off guard. Luckily it passed and I didn't cave in.6 -
Not had any alcohol since boxing day, longest break for for a minute. Planning to keep pushin through 💯11
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Hi
I originally decided to drink less in order to lose weight.
I have been on this thread since Nov 28.18
Thank you to @MissMay for keeping us going.
I am going to post with my usual diary style to keep track of my AF days.
I will be keeping to my usual goal of 16-20 AF days per month. It is manageable for me and doesn't put too much pressure on me. So far I have been able to keep with it. One month I raised the goal and failed miserably, so I learned from that. I think this is my sweet spot.
My rule for myself: No drinking 2 days in a row, strive for 2AF days in a row in between at minimum.
Friday Feb 12 - AF - I stayed in the house almost all day, it is cold here for another day or two. I have a half of a can of Spicy Caesar wrapped up in the fridge from the other day that was staring at me, I resisted.
Saturday Feb 13 - AF - Had to get 2 in a row. Not sure about tomorrow.
Sunday Feb 14 - Drinks
Monday Feb 15 - AF - Going to try my best to be AF tomorrow too although Tuesdays are my trigger days.
Tuesday Feb 16 - AF - Felt like having a couple of drinks, but wanted my 2 AF days in a row more. Not to mention I like the way that my belly and face look in the mornings when I haven't had drinks the night before! I take motivation wherever I can find it.
Wednesday Feb 17 - AF - Had a fabulous trail walk today. The weather here is in the process of a 30 degree jump over the next couple of days, so it was a happy medium. We even got a tiny sprinkle of snow. I often want drinks after these walks, or skating, or X-country skiing. I will some other day, just not today.
Rolling total 12AF days out of 17 days6 -
Someone left some painted rocks at a trailhead : - )
My crampons always start out well...
But then do this! Even with the tiny tiny bit of snow, you can see that the trails are pretty much ice.
I am going to put them on bigger shoes, and maybe bungee cord them along with the laces that I already tied around them so that they don't flip completely off.
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I can't believe it's Thursday already!
AF 7 days for February.
My wife actually went AF last night too. I have no idea when she did that the last time but I'm really glad she did. I also really hope she has a few more AF days. I know enough not to push it, as that won't go well, but I'll try and support and encourage her if she decides to continue.10 -
As I read this morning it is clear we have so much more in common than wanting LESS alcohol in our lives. Here's to all our parents that left us to soon. Their memories are always with us. ❤9
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Yesterday..........I am not sure how I managed not to drink a bottle, or hit someone (not saying who ) over the head with one.
The type of day that when you walk in the door from work and then want to do 360° turn right back out it.
Accountability for February-
15 days alcohol free
2 days alcohol
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Yesterday..........I am not sure how I managed not to drink a bottle, or hit someone (not saying who ) over the head with one.
The type of day that when you walk in the door from work and then want to do 360° turn right back out it.
Accountability for February-
15 days alcohol free
2 days alcohol
this is big. i'm giving you several gold stars. *insert gold stars emojis - all of them for you @MissMay 5 -
Day 18 AF here, hubs is on day 10 AF. His beer belly is gone, and so fast. Incredible! And the guy is drinking lots of diluted fruit juice ALL DAY LONG!
@Lilylady3k I hope your family is OK out in Texas! Thinking of you. The news is terrible. I have family there and their community is a disaster but they have their own well water and generator and enough food in the pantry.
@dawnbgethealthy us Americans down here will soon need your Canadian footgear for the ice the way our winters are getting like yours. We're just not prepared for this.
@CryingBlue your heart will direct you to your happiness. I've been regretting not having a third child now for 20 years. I didn't have a choice, my ex said no and bought a puppy instead. Now I patiently wait until I have little grandkids and nieces and nephews.5 -
I’m so touched by everyone’s stories about the impact of losing their parents, especially at you g ages. Thanks all for sharing your stories!
Delicious lamb dinner waiting for me when I got home late from work. Thought a nice glass of red would go perfectly with it. But.... the bottle wasn’t opened yet. Turns out DH didn’t drink again last night, and I didn’t want to be the one to open it! So, sort of by default, another AF day for me. Not complaining!
Slept great last night and my scale moved downward this morning. Far cry from my drinking over limits all last week!
Enjoy the snow everyone whose getting it, and stay safe out there!7 -
I’m so touched by everyone’s stories about the impact of losing their parents, especially at you g ages. Thanks all for sharing your stories!
Delicious lamb dinner waiting for me when I got home late from work. Thought a nice glass of red would go perfectly with it. But.... the bottle wasn’t opened yet. Turns out DH didn’t drink again last night, and I didn’t want to be the one to open it! So, sort of by default, another AF day for me. Not complaining!
Slept great last night and my scale moved downward this morning. Far cry from my drinking over limits all last week!
Enjoy the snow everyone whose getting it, and stay safe out there!
having an amazing meal like that without the wine! kudos to your self control @Womona !3 -
Super-excited to see spouses joining in the "less" and sharing in AF days together. So much easier with in-home support!4
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Wow and to this group of dedicated individuals who share there ups and downs, pain and joy, frustration and accomplishments! Do you really know how special you are??? I do!
AF again last night (rolling 13 out of 17), DH is doing well too can't say he has stayed AF with me even though he said he could do the 1 day a week with me, but in his defense he really does not even think about alcohol like I do. He really can take it or leave it and has proved that over and over again during our 25 year marriage.
This weekend is DH birthday and like I said before we are having a small family gathering (3 people lol) I am tempted to drink some wine but that would mean I would need to buy some and today I am not in the mood, does that make sense? Today is actually my 9th day in a row AF7 -
my goal is to be AF today. I've successfully achieved that goal for the last 444 days. I like being an achiever 12
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Thank you for posting this! The links, the kind words, the support. It makes me realize that I'm not the only one who is struggling with this. It's been 3 weeks and today my goal is to continue AF. It's wrecked my family life, my work life, and taken precious moments away from my kids. I'm just starting back up on MFP and it's completely ruined my physical abilities. I've never been this unhealthy, ever. The pandemic has been a detriment to my health and staying at home ALL THE TIME isn't helping me to stay mentally fit or AF. Thank you for this reminder and support!8
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So much catching up to do!. I'll just say that February in Maine during a Pandemic has gotten the best of me. I would never have spent a whole month, much less winter, in a freezing tundra, but Covid had other plans.
I discovered a powerful trigger for me. In addition to having trouble transitioning to Monday from wknd (and believe it or not even to wknd from workweek, I get very blue when packing up the cabin and returning to "civilization." I think a lot of it is my brain thinking....oh back to city and social life. But not so much. Just city with empty streets and restaurants and gross black snow and ice. So I medicated somewhat, which of course only makes me bluer in the long run. Finally exercised yesterday, so coming back from the dark.
15-ish out of 15 allotted alcohol days. I better be good the rest of the month--thank God it's a short one. Except my mortgage payment really needs one more payday in this month.
Hang in there and wishing speedy warmth and power to my Texas friends. 9 -
thompsjared3 wrote: »Thank you for posting this! The links, the kind words, the support. It makes me realize that I'm not the only one who is struggling with this. It's been 3 weeks and today my goal is to continue AF. It's wrecked my family life, my work life, and taken precious moments away from my kids. I'm just starting back up on MFP and it's completely ruined my physical abilities. I've never been this unhealthy, ever. The pandemic has been a detriment to my health and staying at home ALL THE TIME isn't helping me to stay mentally fit or AF. Thank you for this reminder and support!
Great job on the 3 weeks. There are so many great tools/groups/blogs/podcasts, etc out there to support your journey. We all have our point of "i've had enough" and "release" to be open to the changes we want to make. For me, it hasnt always been easy, but by focusing on today, it always seems achievable. Keep it up and be sure to explore the other opportunities to find AF support locally for yourself as well.6 -
I meant to say 15 out of 15 allotted drinks this month. Would have easily downed 15 drinks in one week(end?) a year ago.5
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@dsnapp3 Thanks for the kind words man! Started therapy 2 weeks ago, seeing a specialist, and LOTS of reading. Appreciate the words of encouragement...feels good to get back on the right track.6
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Crazy busy on here trying to catch up with posts.
Doing much better since my weekend booze crash. I am back to only drinking 2 beers on my drink days. Squeezed in two AF days already this week. I hated that feeling of let down to myself after my head switched off my brain and let my mouth keep sucking down those way to many drinks.
Thanks for the kind words. No @dawnbgethealthy, my girlfriend was a saint over the weekend. Maybe because I am giving some days up to being alcohol free? Small steps for this guy.
Sorry for those who have already lost their Mother or Father.the stories were touching.8 -
Dropping in to just let you know I'm alive and well. Texas has been crazy with all the infrastructure failures on electricity and water during this winter storm. Never seen anything like it before. But house hoping we were able to find a warm place each night and also DH has fixed a few busted pipes for folks (he can be handy when he wants and we have a copper pipe cutter from my dad's old tools). I'll not bore you with all the details of kids, mom, brothers, sisters, etc and how we were able to live through all this. Just glad I'm starting to see an end ... expecting 2 more nights of hard freeze.
Might have lost all my plants
Praying my azaleas live through it all.
No more than 2 glasses of wine each night.
Take care!10 -
@Lilylady3k
So glad to hear from you and that you and your fam are all fine.
It has been all over the news here about what is going on down there.4 -
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My newest solution, I threaded the shoelace through the crampons. I will have to replicate that on the other shoe (picked bigger shoes) because it fell off several times while traipsing today. My newest idea stayed on tight.
We were 15 degrees warmer yet again today, even up at this higher place, it is ice with a skiff of snow. it is going to get very messy over the next few days with a big melt.
But today it was absolutely my joy.
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