LESS Alcohol ~ JANUARY 2023 ~ One Day At A Time
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@joans1976 don’t go down the “i gave myself cancer” road because who knows if you did and and what would it matter if you did? I did that to myself too when I had cancer (among other things blaming myself for living in TriBeCa after 9/11 with all the aftermath still there). You have to focus on what is ahead and organizing your life/health in ways that will serve you well for the future. The statistics that jumped out at me in the article were not the cancer ones, but the ones linked to liver disease which has no symptoms until its too late. I don’t remember the exact statistic but it was something like 90% of people who are daily drinkers for 5 years even at FDA limits show some signs of damage.The other comment that struck me was that if you stop for dry January and feel better, or if you stop for a few days even and feel better, your body is telling you something. Mostly because those at least tell you something actionable (that and it is really surprising). I always claimed I didn’t get hangovers (which is a sign of a problem in and of itself apparently) but every time I stopped drinking for a while before I quit for good I definitely felt better. I agree about all the benefits you mention you are enjoying - and trust me chemo and cocktails are not a great combo … so just cuddle Roger and enjoy looking forward to all the things you’ll be able to do even stronger than before when all this cancer nonsense is completely in the rear view mirror.
ETA this is not a pitch for folks to stop drinking entirely. I am just commenting that i was shocked by the statistic. And commenting that it rang true to my personal experience when stopping10 -
January accountability: 7 days AF
Alcohol: 9 days (24 drinks)
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 20-25 AF days this month. I usually target 12-16 AF days each month which is usually a challenge … hitting 20 days since DH backed out of his dry January commitment is definitely influencing me to join him on weekdays I had not planned when setting the goal. Going for it anyway!
1/16 - AF @ 📚
Easy peasy. The other ladies drinking at book club doesn't bother me at the restaurant because I don't want to pay $12-15 for a cheap glass of wine. DH had bourbon & coke before I left but that too I could brush aside knowing I was racking up another AF day ... need to catch up with my A days.10 -
Okay the Deschutes Black Butte NA is really good, if you're looking for a good dark NA beer this one is worth checking out.
AF today.
-m7 -
Lilylady3k wrote: »Easy peasy. The other ladies drinking at book club doesn't bother me at the restaurant because I don't want to pay $12-15 for a cheap glass of wine. DH had bourbon & coke before I left but that too I could brush aside knowing I was racking up another AF day ... need to catch up with my A days.
Great Attitude LL! Nice work ignoring the temptations.
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16 days AF for January.
If anything I think it's getting easier this time around so far. It seems I'm 100% better at abstinence than moderation and both are much easier when we are both doing it LOL
It'd be nice to think I can make this my new normal. Drinking maybe a couple of times per month as a conscious decision rather than out of daily habit. Sure my liver would thank me also.
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Hello! It’s Amanda, I’m back. It’s a new month and a new year! I’ve been thinking about 2022 and 2023. I’ve got some goals for the year and staying 98% AF is one of them. I love this group, I love this thread, it really works.
1/1-1/7: 7 out of 7 AF
1/8-1/14: 7 out of 7 AF
1/15: AF
1/16: AF
So you all could have almost seen me on the news last night “Woman sticks pen in her eye;driven by stress from her boss.” Seriously. I hate, hate, hate that my health insurance is connected to her.
Well, I’m just a bucket of sunshine this morning aren’t I?
Love to you all, everyone is doing so well. Have a great Tuesday 🫠
24 days AF
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@GeeBee08505 Kramer is….suspicious. They have come nose to nose a few times but there is definitely no sharing of the bed or couch. Kramer is doing better than I thought he would be at this point, he’s a sensitive little soul.
@MissMay Congrats on the non-frying job! Thank you for keeping us all going here!
I would have re-named that puppy too, geez. I had a cat I adopted come with the name Muriel. I changed it to Daphne but for some reason she became Peanut.5 -
Stockholm_Andy wrote: »16 days AF for January.
If anything I think it's getting easier this time around so far. It seems I'm 100% better at abstinence than moderation and both are much easier when we are both doing it LOL
I've always done much better at abstinence than moderation with everything.
I can't find an original blog post regarding abstainers vs moderators but I did find it interesting, this is a recap of it https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/abstainer-vs-moderator/
A summary of the concept https://www.pbfingers.com/abstainers-vs-moderators/
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tiptoethruthetulips wrote: »Stockholm_Andy wrote: »16 days AF for January.
If anything I think it's getting easier this time around so far. It seems I'm 100% better at abstinence than moderation and both are much easier when we are both doing it LOL
I've always done much better at abstinence than moderation with everything.
I can't find an original blog post regarding abstainers vs moderators but I did find it interesting, this is a recap of it https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/abstainer-vs-moderator/
A summary of the concept https://www.pbfingers.com/abstainers-vs-moderators/
Great reads.
I have the same feeling. Abstinence has been really kind of a smooth process. For me, it's the will power to stick to Dry January... which hasn't been too challenging (surprisingly). As I said, I will see how February goes. I am an accountant and tax (hell) season is fast approaching. Which means a combo of crazy work hours, squeezing in meals and sleep and typically -bad choices. Trying to develop a new approach this year with preparation, routine and consistency. I am looking for more ways to deal with stress that isn't a nice, big glass of Pinot Grigio when I get home.
Happy Tuesday.
-Georgia
AF Jan 1-168 -
@mfowler883 Thanks for the Deschutes Black Butte NA recommendation. I'm looking for it but haven't yet found it.5
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Robyn here. I have been a part of this group for a few months and have significantly reduced my alcohol intake. I'm drinking less for health and weight loss.
Goal: 16-20 AF days monthly. Last Month: 16 AF days. I post the next morning"
1/16: AF - Made it AF but wanted a glass (or two) of wine. We didn't have any in the house. Instead I had a couple of Lagunitas IPNAs. I am (we are) in great distress right now. The memory care facility is really doing a terrible job of taking care of my mother-in-law and they're supposed to be a "premier" community. We're going to hire someone to stay with her around the clock until we figure out the next thing.
Rolling Total: 10 AF Days out of 1613 -
I am Dawn, I live in SE BC Canada
My ongoing goal remains, 16-20 AF days per month.
Last month I had 18AF days
I do this diary style to keep track, and post the next morning
Sunday January 15 - AF - Ankle was sore, so didn't go to the public skating. Our roads after several days of thaw are ice covered in deep puddles of water. The trails would be treacherous. I had a nice day puttering around. No split shifts scheduled for this week so far, the first time in almost 2 years, so planning on earlier dinners and catching up on a few things. Plan for this week is to have drinks on the weekend and maybe a midweek day.
Monday January 16 - AF - This morning on the radio the new alcohol consumption guideline for Canada was revealed. It went from 7 drinks per week spread across the week for females being safe, to saying that 2 drinks per week or less is recommended. Ouch.
Rolling total: 9AF days out of 16 days.8 -
Good day everyone
AF last night but that sugar devil is still got me in it's sites, rolling 9 out of 16 days.
Last night I made some sour mix then added my diet tonic water and a bit muddled cucumber...had 3 of those LOL it's all in the glass
@MissMay so nosy neighbors want to know what type of work are ya going to be doin when not hob nobbing with the elite at the art gallery
I think I am going to look for a few more of those AF beers I see floating around on here. I do need to pick up a few other items so I may as well enjoy the trip.
I have tried a lot of the recipes in my new mocktail book and I do tend to gravitate towards the more bitter/sour mixes. I made another batch of hop water last night so I can use it tonight8 -
Reading through the thread, some very inspirational ideas on how to manage alcohol consumption. I have been a heavy wine drinker for many years and need to minimize this, pretty sure it is a big punch to my liver. I love wine, but I quit my wine clubs and am planning to only allow one glass with dinner periodically (no need to drink every night, especially during the week for me). This is huge for me because it is so easy for me to consume two or three glasses prior to eating (while cooking), then with the meal, and then afterwards. I HAVE to break this habit, super bad for my health and wellbeing. My main concern is liver health, in my 60s and I know I have done damage. That being said, the liver is one organ that can recover over time, so fingers crossed I can help that poor little thing (or big depending upon how sick it is). Booked mark this and will start my AF journey.14
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dawnbgethealthy wrote: »Monday January 16 - AF - This morning on the radio the new alcohol consumption guideline for Canada was revealed. It went from 7 drinks per week spread across the week for females being safe, to saying that 2 drinks per week or less is recommended. Ouch.
Well, to be fair, we are talking about Canada. In time, this will go from recommendation to law, in keeping with the nanny state pattern.
All risky political humor aside, opinions about how much drinking is safe have changed a lot over the years, I take most stuff like that with quite a few grains of salt. I should probably watch that, sodium intake is also linked to a lot of health issues, too.
-m
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Reading through the thread, some very inspirational ideas on how to manage alcohol consumption. I have been a heavy wine drinker for many years and need to minimize this, pretty sure it is a big punch to my liver. I love wine, but I quit my wine clubs and am planning to only allow one glass with dinner periodically (no need to drink every night, especially during the week for me). This is huge for me because it is so easy for me to consume two or three glasses prior to eating (while cooking), then with the meal, and then afterwards. I HAVE to break this habit, super bad for my health and wellbeing. My main concern is liver health, in my 60s and I know I have done damage. That being said, the liver is one organ that can recover over time, so fingers crossed I can help that poor little thing (or big depending upon how sick it is). Booked mark this and will start my AF journey.
It's nice to have you here! I have found this discussion to be very insightful as well. My pattern prior to Jan 1 was very similar to yours. Wine is also my problem. So far, so good for January, but I am thinking more and more about the months ahead. My initial plan is to stay AF at home - aside from company, I guess (?). You'll see that some here have very specific goals, others are sort of going with the flow of life. There's no right and no wrong way of approaching it. Again, we are all different, but for me, the past 16+ days have shown me how much of a "fog" I was in before. How my sleep was so terribly affected. How even my handwriting was suffering. So many other benefits...
What I also like about the group, as well, is that this is truly a "no judgment zone". You do you. And if you need advice, odds are that someone here has been there - done that.
-Georgia13 -
I went away to NYC for the weekend with my new hubby, and we had a delightful time. We were in an area with tons of restaurants. My goal was to keep it together, drink some wine, but not binge. And I did not binge on this trip- so that's a win. I am in the category of someone who walks on a tightrope regarding drinking. Most of the time I do hold it together, but sometimes I do binge.
Some wins this week:
skipping wine in the hotel room even though we had bottles in the refrigerator
drinking lots of water
eating delicious food so no need to snack despite having alcohol
tons of walking and really living in the moment
meeting with a new therapist once a week to discuss goals of being AF
Some challenges:
starting with a cocktail at lunchtime is risky- leads to more and more.
knowing I should exercise to reduce stress but choosing to have wine
I am not keeping track of A vs. AF this week because it's been a week of drinking.
I'm not discouraged, but I just have to write down some short term goals for the week.
Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts; it really helps me so much.
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Jan 1- AF
Jan 2 - AF
Jan 3 - AF
Jan 4 - AF
Jan 5 - 6- 7- A
Jan 8 - AF
Jan 9 - AF
Jan 10 - AF
Jan 11 - AF
Jan 12- 13- 14 - A
Jan 15 - AF
Jan 16 - AF
Jan 17 - AF9 -
So much going on around here lately, lots to read and keep up with! And welcome to new peeps, of course.
Okay, tried the Gruvi stout today. I liked it better than the Bravus, but perhaps not as well as the Deschutes. It has a syrupy sweetness, although not nearly as pronounced as the Bravus, and seems slightly flat, although again, not as much so as the Bravus. I don't know if that's a challenge specific to brewing this style, or just a coincidence. I do like the fact that it's only 45 calories in a 12oz can. That's less than half the calories of the Bravus and Deschutes, and some days, that matters.
Tonight's dinner was good, had ahi in the sous vide and finished in a screaming hot skillet. Sides were long grain rice and a chopped salad with G Hughes miso dressing. I really like some of the G Hughes stuff. Anyway, playing the make up game after a few days of bad food decisions.
AF today.
Oh yeah, and I might have gotten another knife in the mail.
Nothing exotic this time, a little Boker Slike that I saw in the store in TN and couldn't stop thinking how it would make a great fidget toy. HBIC took one look and tried to tell me she needs a box cutter for the office haha...
-m
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January accountability: 8 days AF
Alcohol: 9 days (24 drinks)
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 20-25 AF days this month. I usually target 12-16 AF days each month which is usually a challenge … hitting 20 days since DH backed out of his dry January commitment is definitely influencing me to join him on weekdays I had not planned when setting the goal. Going for it anyway!
1/17 - AF; DH had bourbon & coke but I passed
Still trying to catch up my AF number of days to my A number of days. It was the ONLY reason I passed on joining my DH. Otherwise I would have caved.
THANK YOU for being here for me to check in.11 -
@Lilylady3k I can relate on catching up on the AF days. I got a little de-railed over the long weekend. Back on course today. Dinner will be leftovers and going to bed at a decent time. I have noticed that when I do drink alcohol I tend to stay up late for no good reason which only interferes more with good sleep.
Including today I am 9/17 AF9 -
16 days AF and I have to say that "good feeling" I had there for week two transformed itself to a state of constant irritability. This is one big mental challenge for sure. Just when you think you are past it, this happens. And for no reason or excuse. I've been a grouch for 3 straight days and that is just not me.
I also started a diet so I am running a bit on the hungry side which is tough.
I suppose my options are to whine about it, fail myself, or put myself to bed and tell myself it will pass. Luckily, I have no treats in the house so the last option is my pick.14 -
@globalhiker Yeah, apparently the roller coaster ride goes on for a bit as our brain chemistry tries to reestablish its balance in the absence of alcohol. I remember reading about that the last time I got sober. Fun stuff, right? I wonder if that's why I was in a mood this morning...
-m7 -
tiptoethruthetulips wrote: »Stockholm_Andy wrote: »16 days AF for January.
If anything I think it's getting easier this time around so far. It seems I'm 100% better at abstinence than moderation and both are much easier when we are both doing it LOL
I've always done much better at abstinence than moderation with everything.
I can't find an original blog post regarding abstainers vs moderators but I did find it interesting, this is a recap of it https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/abstainer-vs-moderator/
A summary of the concept https://www.pbfingers.com/abstainers-vs-moderators/
Thanks for posting these Tulips. I found them both interesting reads and I'd never have come across them otherwise.4 -
17 days AF for January.dawnbgethealthy wrote: »Monday January 16 - AF - This morning on the radio the new alcohol consumption guideline for Canada was revealed. It went from 7 drinks per week spread across the week for females being safe, to saying that 2 drinks per week or less is recommended. Ouch.
This was being reported quite a lot on the UK news this morning. I'm guessing a lot of Countries will be moving to lower limits and advice not to drink at all based on the science.
However, as someone who's usually hits or gets close to the recommended weekly limit on a daily basis I don't think it will affect the behavior of the people who really need the advice.
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On abstainers v moderators … that gretchen rubin blog is spot on! But I find that I thought i was going to be a moderator because the idea of giving up wine forever sounded crazy - no wine at a wedding? Never to toast my birthday or with an excellent dinner? Or with friends? How will I relax? Etc. why should i be punished like this? But in reality it turned out that for me all of that is just marketing and customs and that no one notices or cares - least of all me - when i abstain at these occasions. When I was first experimenting with sobriety and 90% dry it could be a downfall to partake at one of these expected occasions because then it was easy to say the next day that i would just wait until the weekend or the wedding or the vacation or whatever was over but those events easily stretched into later days or I found myself having to summon lots of willpower and go through everything I had already done before to get back to being happily AF. I was not a binge drinker but I enjoyed wine on a daily basis.
I see other threads on mfp where people struggle to lose weight for the same reasons. They haven't figured out what way of eating works best for them. On eating I don't tend to cut food groups out, but I always record calories and I keep to a set limit regardless of holidays, celebrations etc. so that naturally leads to preferencing certain types of foods on a regular basis over others in my daily diet if I am going to be full and stay in calorie limits. During holidays if i dont control the food prep then i consume different and more caloric foods so i look at calories over a week rather than day by day, but i dont say i am going to change my style of eating/start eating particular foods regularly bc its the holiday season any more than I say I am going to change my plan for alcohol consumption. I think that makes me some variety of abstainer in eating too (though i eat most everything including cheese and chocolate ) because i am a strict recorder of calories and dont deviate from that plan. (both on food and drinking)12 -
kinda new here from the other site
, but enjoy reading all the posts.........hey Ruby and Bein and thank you sunny day11 -
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Good morning!
AF yesterday and nothing exciting to share. 😜
-Georgia
Jan 1-17 AF7 -
Hi Lloyd! Glad you found us!
Suffice it to say, January has been a struggle for me. December was so much easier for some reason. You would think it would be the opposite with all the celebrations going on. I am sure I have had way more A days than NA days. Like my meditation says, "Today is a new day. Yesterday is in the past. Just let it go and move on". Reading the posts here is always inspiring and remind me why I do want to be AF as many days as I can. The quality of sleep alone is worth it.6
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