LESS Alcohol ~ SEPTEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
Options
Replies
-
@SurferGirl1982 - this group doesn’t give up on our LA friends! You can do it, each day is a new beginning for each of us to start again.
5 -
@globalhiker - agree, the ginger lime Poppi is super good too. I had a Yasso chocolate fudge brownie yogurt bar for 100 calories twice now. They are my new obsession! Can’t wait to try the mint. Best wishes on the new drink cycling possibilities with DH. Putting in effort is always part of this journey.6
-
AF = 4
A = 3
Well… I cleaned my bathrooms, paid my daughter to dust the house, cooked a really yummy dinner, and I did some work today. I normally wouldn’t work on a Saturday, but felt like I needed to catch up. But, when I started going through my list, I realized it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought! I was so worried about a few things that I lost sight of what I had already done. I feel so much better now.
The only thing I haven’t done is canned the broth I made. If I wake up early again tomorrow morning, I’ll probably get it done. If not, I’ll freeze it and do it next weekend.6 -
Last night was a bit of a struggle, but I just held firmly in mind that I didn't want a drink because I wanted a drink, but because the other half was drunk and he was a lot to deal with, and a drink would have made it easier to deal with. That's not a good reason.
So September:
A - 1
AF - 6
Much like y'all have said above, cutting the wine has had an epic effect on my weight loss. Not just because of the empty calories I'm not consuming, but also because of the self control and lack of cravings for grease etc.
8 -
5 AF
3 A
Definitely doing better this month than last.11 -
Hi all. I have not been on MFP for a few years, but I have been continuing to work on my goals! I recently logged back in because I decided to use the calorie counter here as I switched to a different wearable health tracker device that works with MFP.
Anyway! I used these Less Alcohol threads a few years back as a catalyst to drinking less. Before that I was a daily drinker. Like half a bottle of wine at least. I'm proud to say I have completely changed that habit and kept it up for years. Now, NOT drinking is the default for me, but I do drink on occasion. Mostly vacation, special dinners out, every now and again on the weekend to unwind... but more often than not I opt for tea. I find it hard to believe I used to drink every night.
The benefits have been amazing. I just love how I feel everyday! Clear headed, well rested, and oh I've lost a bunch of weight too (30 lbs).
I still track how much I drink and I've been considering the idea of just not drinking anything forever. But I'm not the type to like "absolutes" in life, so I doubt I'll ever make such a declaration. But I continue to work toward less and less. Right now I'll have a hard cider or cocktail now and again. My biggest struggle is that my husband is a daily drinker, and seems to have no desire to change. It's created a bit of a rift between us.
But that's a subject for another time I suppose.
So far in September I began my month with a little holiday away that did involve a beer or two, so I'm at 4/7 days AF.
My goal is to have 25/30 AF days in September!
Thanks for having me back and I look forward to supporting you all too.10 -
My no wine plan backfired last night for no good reason. Had a High Noon followed by 8 oz. white wine.
Heading out to a pro baseball game with the grandkids today, so fun!
I have been thinking a lot about my desire to drink much less as in only occasionally, which would mean no wine while watching TV at night and limiting to a night out here and there or during a holiday.
Current:
AF days - 3
A days - 57 -
@shorepine A big welcome back!! Your goals are inspiring!! It must be difficult when a spouse drinks regularly and there are a few on this thread who can relate!
I am also no longer a daily wine drinker but feel I have more wine during the week than I really want. Looking forward to ‘seeing’ more of you this month!6 -
I've been MIA, my husband's brother has been in the hospital, brain surgery on Thursday... he's doing better, but it's been a rough week. My focus has been elsewhere. I am happy that I am no longer a daily drinker, I need to keep a clear head to help my SIL get through this. Her husband has a lot of healing to get back to his usual self.
Sep: 6 AF, 1 A14 -
Week 1 AF done
@SurferGirl1982 I have the same observation with myself, during the no alcohol months, weight drops pretty steadily and with no dieting, then during times of drinking + dieting, there is a steady weight gain.
@shorepine welcome back! Great to hear you've been having success! I've experienced something similar, where the norm is not drinking and it's so great. I still have to work on my husband and my vacations, where I start off being reasonable day 1 and 2 and progressively go into all-you-can-drink-mode.7 -
AF = 5
A = 36 -
@shorepine great to have you here! You’re living proof that it’s possible to go from being a daily drinker to a once in a while drinker!
@SurferGirl1982 oh yeah, the weight just melts off when we slow down or stop the drinking! 100%. Your weight chart really drives that point home, thank you for sharing it.
@looneycatblue so sorry to hear about your BIL! That’s a lot to go through, for everyone. I hope he heals well and quickly!
@Alatariel75 that was totally the right choice to stay sober. Way to go.
@tmbg1 happy to hear you’re having a great month so far!5 -
The alcohol was flowing this weekend. Champagne, a cocktail and a glass of wine on Friday to celebrate christening the boat. Saturday was dinner out with friends, so that’s two glasses. Today a High noon on the boat as we got it set up, and then went out where I had whiskey. I was seriously craving wine at dinner home. I tried and tried to resist, and caved. However, I took one sip and said “I really don’t want this.” So I stopped drinking it! That was a win.
My plan to have only one drink during the work week has not been achieved so far this month. True, I stop at two drinks generally, but I see myself gaining weight and my skin looks kind of haggard despite all the water I drink. Also, my motivation to get to my 8:15 AM workouts has declined. I really need to get back on track with everything. I had a good habit going, and that extra wine is making me sleep poorly and not want to get up in the morning.
Ok new week, new effort!7 -
Here she is!11 -
Was in a hurry last night when I posted my tally.
@shorepine welcome back!
@SurferGirl1982 I had a similar weight chart when I first reduced the wine. It’s amazing what our bodies do with and without alcohol.
@Womona love the boat!
@looneycatblue keeping your BIL and SIL in prayer. Hope his recovery is quick and complete! It’s good that you can keep yourself AF to help your SIL during this time. Very stressful for all indeed.
Have a great day all!6 -
Love the boat! Congrats!
Not doing so great. I only have 1 AF day this month and that was because I spent the day with my granddaughter and then went straight to bed. Yesterday was football and we have season tickets. I need to figure out a way to navigate that without alcohol.
Anyway, just checking in and catching up on everybody. Hope everyone has a great week!
AF = 1
A= 77 -
Happy Monday LA friends!
I am looking at an easier week ahead than the last. I had lots of appointments along with pushing to prepare for Medicare choices and deadlines, wow! Looking forward to this next retirement milestone!
Due to extra commitments, I know I wasn’t as stringent with planning each AF day based on scenarios (I do better when I do).
So, I am also having a bout with sinusitis and need to limit caffeine and wine this week as they are so dehydrating. My two vices! And, our cruise isn’t far off and I want to feel 💯 when we leave. A very good week will be 5 more AF days to make 8 / 15 AF days by next Sunday.
Looking at my A / AF calendar, I decided to note LA days again as it shows when I do limit the wine pours - something I tried a few months back. Limiting for me is also cutting calories and alcohol content but not an excuse. I cannot consider it an AF day.
Make it a great day!
Current:
AF days - 3
A days - 4
LA days - 2 (under 8 oz. wine total each day)
6 -
@Womona love the new beautiful sailboat! Also love seeing your big smile next to DH. You two look super healthy and can enjoy many more adventures together!5
-
AF = 6
A = 3
I would like to have a glass of wine tonight, but my husband has already gone to bed (it’s 7:00). I have to pick up my son from work at 8:00, I need to keep my caloric intake down, and I don’t have any anyway.
Ended up freezing my chicken broth. Just didn’t have time for canning this week. Hoping on Sunday.6 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »Well, I'm about to give up. Every day I plan on being AF. But then I change my mind.
I can't give up though. I need to quit drinking for my health, fitness and my weight. And I don't want to become physically dependent again.
So I'll still be checking this thread daily. But until I have 1 to 3 days AF, I may not post my monthly tally.
AF - 1
A - 8 (disgusting!)
Take care everyone!
That's not disgusting! It's just life. I sometimes think that making having an AF day such a goal really just keeps it so front and centre in your mind that it does the opposite and makes it seem like this unachievable thing. Give yourself grace!6 -
@SurferGirl1982 I hear your frustration and don’t want you to give up, maybe try listing out why you want to have less A in your life and then determine the best approach to do this for yourself. It may be this thread plus another program. It may be reading materials on how to quit or reduce safely. Mostly, I hope you seek the right support as this road is not always easy.
Remember, it’s okay to have a plan that backfires, that’s reality and being human!
You did it before and know you can again!6 -
Thanks everyone for the happy boat wishes!
@chicbuc I totally hear you. Certain activities seem to signal automatic alcohol intake- yours happens to be sports. It’s something we can all identify with. Even if you have a NA drink between your normal consumption, it’s a win!
@SurferGirl1982 Don’t give up! I suggest re-reading your posts from last month- they were overflowing with how fabulous you felt. Even if you do wind up reaching for a drink, stop for a moment and ask why. Habit? Need to not feel your feelings? Bored? Anxious? I found that taking that quick moment turned me off of autopilot, and I found I was able to find other things to soothe me/ keep me entertained/ etc.6 -
Taking the win tonight- I had planned on AF tonight (everyone in my office is doing a detox, and I am doing a modified version). However, my awesome DH had a glass of wine waiting for me with dinner, so I enjoyed it and did not even want to refill my glass! LA goal achieved ! Yay!7
-
@SurferGirl1982 Don't give up and don't quit posting. You have some good ideas from others on how to get that AF streak started back up, but even if you drink every day, your DESIRE to drink less puts you in with this group. It will happen...maybe today. You are always encouraging everyone else, now it's your turn to receive some encouragement. Don't beat yourself up too bad. That makes it worse. Hugs to you!7
-
I’m happy because I kept my personal commitment to take an AF day!
Last night I tried an Olipop prebiotic soda over ice - Tropical Punch. I swear it’s the perfect base for an umbrella drink on a beach somewhere, but alas it was non-alcoholic and super tasty. I can make one of these last almost two hours separated by two pours.
I know there are some amazing “mocktail warriors” on this thread who have shared good NA substitutes to achieve their Less Alcohol goals. Please share tips if you can!
Life is full of real struggles for each of us, may we be kind and compassionate toward ourselves today 💜.8 -
@SurferGirl1982 you have a great attitude, and that’s what it takes to keep on trying! Many of us have been drinking for 10-20-30 years! Reason we can support one another!
Oh and p.s. I completely understand that AA is not for everyone. But it also seems to be Godsend for some……to each his own for sure. 🌹6 -
September:
AF=5
A=4
3 days AF while traveling to bring Mom home. Stopped for wine on the way home last night and drank a bunch of it, but planning on AF tonight.
Will try to get back in the next day or two to chat (I have a lot of painting to do over the next 3 days so won't have much computer time available).
Have a great week all!
8 -
Sep: 7 AF, 2 A5
-
7 AF
3 A
6 -
Still going strong on AF for September, only the 1 day of A. I'm currently not struggling at all, honestly because I've been put right off drinking by the goings-on at home. I won't go into detail but alcohol is not leaving a good impression in this house right now.
I do have this underlying fear of when this feeling will wear off though, and the "if you can't beat them, join them" will creep back in. Right now it's like I'm at the height of my motivation and determination not to drink, so it's easy, but I'm always conscious of the slippery slopes either side of me, how deep down the drop is, and how narrow the path I'm in can be.
Hoping if and when that loss of resolve starts, coming back here and reading what I've put here might help.
9
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 396.9K Introduce Yourself
- 44.2K Getting Started
- 260.9K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.3K Food and Nutrition
- 47.6K Recipes
- 232.8K Fitness and Exercise
- 452 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.7K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.3K Motivation and Support
- 8.3K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.5K Chit-Chat
- 2.6K Fun and Games
- 4.5K MyFitnessPal Information
- 16 News and Announcements
- 18 MyFitnessPal Academy
- 1.4K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 3.1K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions