LESS Alcohol ~ MARCH 2023 ~ One Day at A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,748 Member
Do you want to drink LESS?
Then join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) as we continue to support and learn from each other.
■ LESS ALCOHOL RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST ■
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time.
•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 USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over.
•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:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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:
▪▪▪▪
•Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
by Holly Whitaker
•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 information
~Established 2017~
Then join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) as we continue to support and learn from each other.
■ LESS ALCOHOL RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST ■
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time.
•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 USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over.
•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:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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:
▪▪▪▪
•Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
by Holly Whitaker
•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 information
~Established 2017~
3
Replies
-
In for the WIN.
Promise to self...Enter all calories from HEALTHY food and any alcohol ito MFP. Stay at 1200 or less and not skimp on food to be able to allow booze.
Had some awesome "shrimp tempura sushi " delivered yesterday & indulged in a tiny bit of sake to go with. Coulda skipped the sake, and traded for some home made crab rangoons from my freezer. Next time. It wasn't March Moderation, yet.
🍶10 -
I’m in for March! Even though I don’t seem to rack up a ton of AF says, I have cut down on my number of drinks per day by about half, so I’ll take the win!9
-
Thank you @MissMay for continuing to provide us a space to share our challenges, support each other and note accountability!
I've been focused on drinking less since joining this thread Dec 28 2018 when I couldn't remember my last AF day in previous years. Continuing to focus on my 2023 goals in March. Trying to get back to more AF days but really focusing on reducing the number of drinks per day and limiting myself to 2. Showing some improvements between Jan and Feb.
January accountability: 13 days AF
Alcohol: 18 days (42 drinks)
Days over 2 glasses: 7
February accountability: 14 days AF
Alcohol: 14 days (26 drinks)
Days over 2 glasses: 2
* Primary goal in 2023: Do not drink to excess when drinking. This is most important to me personally … don’t go over 2 drinks in a night.
* Secondary goal this year: Strive for 12-16 AF days per month.
* Monitoring: Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.
9 -
Good to see familiar names popping in already. I'm in for March. Going to try to have a better month. I know February has been rough, and I'm not going to beat myself up over the way I've dealt with the stresses but I also know I can do better. I know that March doesn't promise to be much kinder to me than Feb was, and I'm getting more and more worried that I'm soon to be facing a very difficult decision with Bentley, but I will make an attempt to find healthier coping mechanisms moving forward. I'm all too aware of the ways that alcohol can and will interfere with reaching my goals - getting healthier, losing weight and feeling better about myself.
-m8 -
@mfowler883 ..After seeing Middle Daughter & SIL provide hospice care for 2 dying felines during the past few months...there are no words for the anguish. When MD went through the same thing 10 years ago she was drinking heavily, and now says she never had the chance to grieve properly, she was just too "blotto". That's a regret.
Now totally sober, she faced the end of life issues of the last two with more acceptance, but it was still horribly painful.
On another note...YOU hear the critters in the walls...does Bentley ?? Are some of his mid night yellings because his doggie hunting instincts are aroused ??
I kinda worry for your neighbors...of course you would use infra red tech to make sure there are no humans in your sights...but I have a mind picture of you aiming an assault rifle at the ceiling....JUST KIDDING DUDE !! TRULY !!
New month, new slate.
@MissMay ...My ex-boyfriend may never recover from something he saw on one of our trips to Key West in the '80's.
A beach lady in a loosely [VERY LOOSELY ] crocheted bikini . She was also in her '80's.
THANKS FOR KEEPING THIS GOING EACH MONTH.7 -
@forestdweller1 It sucks, we all know that our pets can't live forever, but we still bring them into our lives and get attached and in five or ten or fifteen years or so, we go through the inevitable. We tell ourselves, not yet, they've got plenty of good years left, right? Then we tell ourselves, not yet, we take such good care of them, they'll pull through this, right? I'm trying to figure out what I can do, everything points to veterinary neurologists and imaging and it's prohibitively expensive even for pet owners who aren't financially strained. I keep trying to find ways to diagnose what's causing his issues and I keep coming up empty. We could load him up on massive doses of a variety of antibiotics and hope that if it's bacterial in nature, we catch it in the crossfire. But if it's not, we haven't accomplished anything or bought him more time. On the other hand, if we pursued the neurology route, we could spend a small fortune to be told, we found nothing, or worse, we found this but there's nothing you can do. I dumped everything I know of his history and symptoms into an AI and kept coming back to the same maybes and either/ors. There are no answers and it's making me so crazy because I always want to be able to solve the problems one way or another and now the stakes are so high.
As for squirrel problems, the dogs have never paid any mind to the scritchy scratchy scrabbling thumps coming from the ceiling. Food drive? Yes. Prey drive? Not so much. I felt a little bad about the last batch, but squirrels can be very destructive, and if they get into the insulation on the wiring it can be a fire hazard. They need to stay in the trees where they can be adorable and run around doing squirrel things without being a problem.
Loosely crocheted. Wow. See, that's why we should all just stick to the clothing optional beaches, you pretty much know what to expect there.
Thanks for the laughs.
-m7 -
Yes, ready to start a successful month of March! I have to set some goals because with no goals, I get no progress!
I'm joining @forestdweller1 on the 1200 calorie plan. No calorie budget left...no drinks....well this leaves barely any room for wine. If I get hungry at night... my go-to plan (which by the way used to work for me "back in the day" when I was skinny....is to put myself to bed super-early and read.)
Good luck to you all...!
6 -
@ mfowler883..final note...are our furry companions happy ...do they still purr or wag their tails when cuddled and stroked...keeping on, keeping on, just for our sakes is cruel. Sounds like Bentley is still experiencing the joy and love. No need to answer this...just hug your pup. I can't , I'm horribly allergic to dogs. LOL.6
-
He still wags. When we walk, he still sniffs the ground, raises his head, sniffs the wind. When we spend time with him, he still licks hands or feet. He's not done yet.
Random pic of the night:
Power lines along a back alley somewhere in Roswell, NM.
-m
7 -
Hello! I’m Amanda, I’m a crazy cat lady from Michigan! I joined this forum in June of 2022 and since September I have decreased my drinking to one day a month! This is a huge accomplishment from where I was and I absolutely could not have done it without the wonderful mix of people in this group!
March goals: just make it through the month unscathed! (27 doctor appointments)
Alcohol goals: 95-100% AF
3/1: I usually post the day after but does it really matter? I post when I want!
Today is the first anniversary of my best friend of 38 years passing away. I may have mentioned this before but she passed from an aggressive form of cancer and was a very healthy, vibrant person before that. This was completely unfair and devastated her family and all of those who loved her. I think of her everyday and miss her with every fiber of my being. She was my ride or die.
To celebrate her life today I am going to do my best to remember the good times (but if tears come, they come) and practice self care. I wanted to be outside but it is supposed to rain all day and there is currently something that is not slow or sleet or rain coming from the sky. I am going to spend time with her 17 year old daughter and we may go to some botanical gardens. Oh and I took the day off work and am completely off the grid. *kitten* those people!
RIP Steph, you are missed babe! 💗💓❤️💕15 -
Happy March, y'all!6
-
@MissMay Thank you for keeping us afloat each month!
@RockinRobyn672 I have 12 more radiation sessions to do. I am 40% of the way done. My skin is just starting to bother me and the fatigue is setting in. There’s quite a bit of pain in the area from swelling and scar tissue changing. I’m kind of tired of driving there daily but the techs are nice and they’ve got it set up to be as smooth as it can be.11 -
@mfowler883 I wonder if you can lure the squirrels outside? This is silly but I bought a squirrel/critter feeder for my cat, Sport (LOL). I placed it in a spot for Sport to watch activities from the sun room. It's a little picnic table. The food is dried corncobs and a seed assortment. It attracts squirrels and rabbits.5
-
@Joans1976 Twelve more days. The end is in sight. I'll be glad when it's zero more days. I'm glad you have the day off, that you're totally off the grid, and are remembering your dear friend with her daughter. Here's hoping the weather clears up for you and that you have great and fun memories to share with each other!4
-
@globalhiker Going to bed early is also one of my methods for stopping eating for the day. It works!7
-
8 -
@joans1976 You got this. March may be tough but you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. You'll be out the other side and into the bright sunshine of spring before you know it! I'm sorry for the loss of your friend its tough to lose someone that close to you.6
-
Ok so what's my plan for March.
To do better than February.
(Thank you to everyone who "regraded" me on last months performance but I feel I could have done better. That said I didn't drink everyday so that's a bonus.)
Maybe I can get single digits? I have a big reunion on the 25th so I'm aiming to be good until then at least.
For you @mfowler883 in honour of your March Squirrel invasion.....
9 -
@forestdweller1 oh I love that - "March Moderation"
@joans1976 My heart hurts for you. How awesome that you can spend the day with her 17 year old, though. I hope it's full of joy and love for both of you. There must have been wonderful things to celebrate about your BFF's life for so much love to still be going strong around her. Hang in there with radiation. Get the rest you need. And total agreement *kitten* those *kitten*.
@MissMay Thank you for the thread!
Feb wasn't my best effort. You guys are boosting my motivation for March Moderation. Thanks!M-Th=AF
F-Su<27 -
Thank you @MissMay for keeping these going and to everyone here for the motivation and support!
Did not finish Feb where I wanted to in terms of AF days OR goal of not overdoing it - but that's why we keep moving forward right?
Goals for March are the same as last month- 12-16 AF days, limited weekday drinking (if at all), and focus on not overdoing it when I do drink.
I'm starting to refocus my definition of overdoing it- it's not just how many in one sitting but also how many per day. Sometimes when going to a brewery in the afternoon I may have a beer or 2, but then in the evening later on still have another couple because it feels like a new...Idk reset? Hard to explain which is interesting because historically it hasn't been hard to justify!
My ultimate goal in my journey is not to have a goal...not think about it at all and truly just take it or leave it without it feeling like a big decision...still feels like a long way off some days.
Let's do this!9 -
@joans1976 Days like this can be really hard. Thinking of you today.
@Stockholm_Andy I think a lot of us feel we could have done better. Most of us could have done far worse. Small progress is still progress.
@RockinRobyn672 I used bait piles to get them out of the attic and into places where I could take them down last time. It didn't take them long to get comfortable popping up onto the brick pillars to check for snacks periodically. I initially thought about trying to trap or poison them but didn't want unintended victims or slow painful deaths or decaying carcasses smelling up the attic.
-m5 -
February was my first month participating with this group. It allowed me to be mindful of my drinking and be accountable, but with no judgments if I didn't succeed. Thank you all for that!
March goals are going to be a bit more strict as I really want to drop a few pounds before the end of the month.
Week 1 (ending 3/4) = 0
Week 2 (ending 3/11) = 0
Week 3 (ending 3/18) = 2 - 3 of wine per week, less is better
Week 4 (ending 3/25 = 2 - 3 of wine per week, less is better
Week 5 (ending 4/1) = Mini (4 day vacation in Vegas) - No rules
Detail StatsAF = 0
A = 0
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January
AF = 53%
A = 47%
February
AF = 29%
A = 71%
March
AF = 100%
A = 0%
@joans1976 ~ I am so sorry for your loss. Today, take time to remember all the special times with your friend Steph. If the tears come, that's ok. And 12 more days left is awesome! Stay strong.
@mfowler883 ~ you are correct, Bentley is not done yet!8 -
Hi!
This group got me through dry-January 2021. I did go back to drinking after Valentine's Day but drank less. I drink less than 2020 (don't we all?). I'm better about having 1-2 glasses of wine rather than 1-2 bottles so that's something.
Less drinking during the month of St. Patrick's Day & my birthday. Now that will be tough.
Here's to trying though. I don't need the calories.10 -
March accountability: 1 days AF
Alcohol: 0 days (0 drinks)
Days over 2 glasses: 0
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days this month.
3/1 - AF; Clausthaler Grapefruit Non-Alcoholic. First sleep over babysitting our 8 month old granddaughter4 -
@joans1976 big hug to you as you remember Steph. She sound like an amazing person. I love that you spent time with her daughter today!
@mfowler883 I love your photos! Keep ‘em coming! Hugs to Bentley. I have an image of you taking out the squirrrels… did you ever see Mad Men? When Betty Draper goes after the pigeons?
6 -
I overate and overdrank yesterday. My son bought his first car (cash!) yesterday so I took him out for a celebratory drink where we had a late lunch. Then I bought delicious thin crust pizza for book club last night and had two glasses of wine, not to mention a ton of pizza. Hey I was hungry! Back on track today with logging food and making much better choices. Had half glass of wine just to kill off the bottle.
My goals for March are S-W AF, 1 on Thursday wine night at work, and no more than 2 on Fri/Sat.8 -
@MissMay thank you for keeping this thread going. Here we go into March moderation!
All your posts are so helpful and encouraging - I find myself looking forward to checking in and reading through the thread. Sending positive thoughts to those who are going through medical treatments or hard times! You are inspiring.
Interestingly, since cutting WAY back on my wine in February (first month of LA), I have found cravings for sugar happening. I read this can happen but it is strange since I have never been into sweets except for on holidays. Now I’m eating a few gummy bears or jelly beans a day - at least it is only a few!
February stats: short month
AF - 19
A - 9
Goals: no more than 2 glasses a day. Met my Feb. personal goals.
March goals: 31 days in the month
AF 20-23 days / 31
A - 8-11 days / 31
Goals: no more than 2 glasses a day (personal
commitment)
I like to plan my AF days ahead of time which are Sunday - Wed or Thursday which leaves the weekend to enjoy 2 glasses of wine or Prosecco in the evening.
I’m doing this for weight loss and improved health benefits!
5 -
I feel like a Catholic going to confession: Snuck in 2 beers and a piece of chocolate but barely made it under 1200 cals. Been abnormally hungry all day and back to not sleeping but I will put myself to bed after this post.
@joans1976 I so admire your courage and strong spirit and how well you've done with being AF - and thank you for your posts because it's people like you that motivate people like me. Lead the way
@Womona congrats to your son, especially for making the right decisions!
I really hope and pray the bad weather here improves because tomorrow I need my sun...and my run....
6 -
Hello! I’m Amanda, I’m a crazy cat lady from Michigan! I joined this forum in June of 2022 and since September I have decreased my drinking to one day a month! This is a huge accomplishment from where I was and I absolutely could not have done it without the wonderful mix of people in this group!
March goals: just make it through the month unscathed! (27 doctor appointments)
Alcohol goals: 95-100% AF
3/1: AF
Yesterday was a rough one but I didn’t even think about having a drink. Radiation continues to suck the life out of me but I can’t fight it, I have to do this. After today I will be halfway through treatment!
Thank you everyone for the support as I had a challenging day yesterday and I needed it. You all are so wonderful 🥰💗9 -
@Michieb125 I didn’t know that about the sugar. I cut way down 6 months ago and can’t remember what I craved (besides alcohol) but I do know if I don’t have at least an ounce of dark chocolate daily, I get a little….shall we say…..angry? Touchy? Bitchy? Lol
@globalhiker Wow! What a compliment! Thank you! I might ride high on that all day!8
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions