LESS Alcohol ~ SEPTEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
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forestdweller1 wrote: »One Day At A Time....
There's Monday. One small step. All by itself. No pressure.
There's Tuesday. No need to worry about tomorrow's goal. Just do today. Only 24 hours & 1/3 of them are asleep.
There's Wednesday. You can do anything for just one day. Got this.
There's Thursday. You are strong. You are in charge.
Friday...Saturday....Sunday.....
Sigh.
There's Monday....
My life story 🍷
This!!!!! Are you me???6 -
I caught up reading all the posts, and I am just blown away by the insights. I know some of can moderate, some cannot. As a “moderator” I can stop at two, but have been struggling to moderate my way down to one or zero. The comments from the “non-moderators” really resonated with me.
I notice that if I have a drink at lunchtime, I take a nap and then have 1-2 that night.
I’m noticing timing and place:
If I’m out to dinner, and it’s a 6:30 reservation, I’ll generally have one glass because I have to drive home. By the time I get home, I’m ready for bed and don’t drink anymore. That seems to be my sweet spot.
If I have an early dinner or happy hour,, say at 5:00PM, I’ll have one glass at dinner, and then a glass when I get home.
If I’m having dinner at home, it’s 1.5-2 glasses because I don’t have to drive.
If I have a Cosmo, I can only have one because it’s basically two types of alcohol. I count it as two drinks.
Sigh. All I know is that I had more than I planned this weekend. Oh, the pizza and pasta didn’t t help, I just cannot eat it. I just can’t. Kills my system. My weight was up by a lot this morning, and I know I haven’t been diligent with exercise and logging food. Does anyone else find logging food to be a giant PIA??7 -
@SurferGirl1982 Don't feel like you can't post your intentions just because you don't stick to it. I'm right there with you, too. I had every intention of not drinking last night until I ran into a lot of stress in the afternoon from my SO (who is also my boss) and I hit the store on the way home "to be able to get through the night" in the same house as my stressor...or at least that was my excuse. :hugs: to you. It's hard to beat something that's been a part of you for so long. Don't give up!
@Womona I admire your moderation skills so much! I have a love/hate relationship with food logging. I love it when I'm faithful because it helps me control my intake. I hate it when I'm off track because it shows how far off track I am. Carbs are absolutely my enemy and I have to cut out the bad ones all together and replace them with good ones. Pizza and pasta bring me joy but cause me uncontrollable heartburn not to mention the weight gain
I do indulge in some Carbe Diem pasta a couple of times per month, though. It is so good and way less carbs and calories.
AF = 4
A = 12
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@Womona I am with you, dislike logging food. I am gluten intolerant like so many, can't have the pizza and pasta, gives me autoimmune chaos not to mention bloating.
@RubyRed427 did you say 9 months AF? That's outstanding. Did you feel like once you got past the first month it got easier or was the "wine devil" always challenging?
For anyone challenged with getting in AF days, I found it helpful to taper for a couple of weeks. Every 2-3 days, slowly reduce the quantity. Only keep the amount you plan to drink that day in the house. Don't go shopping hungry after 5pm. Drink a large glass of water with whatever (mint, lime, etc) and lots of it. After tapering as much as you can, do an AF 24 hour period, like 7pm to 7pm next day, then have planned drinks from 7- 9 and stop. I played this drinking window game and it helps. All of this will you a sense of control although it's a small step, then you'll want to progress to full AF day. Plan it out. Pick a low stress day. Put yourself to bed super early before the wine devil starts to cry and scream
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Well, Day 17 AF is here for me. My only withdrawal symptom is occasional fatigue, aside from the chocolate cravings. I did some internet surfing on the topic of different strategies to stop drinking and learned so much. I was surprised to find that there's supposedly effective medication doctors can prescribe via telemedicine to dampen the cravings. If I were to do it all over again, in addition to staying active in this group, I would've tried that approach as well as join additional online free support groups with folks who are ahead of me in their journey and can provide information about their success and keep me motivated. My first time AF for a stretch was do-able but uncomfortable, even after tapering for a few weeks before I jumped into AF 100%. I had upset stomach, nightmares, insomnia, irritability, you name it. I did try herbal teas and melatonin and alka seltzer etc. and got past that first challenging ten days or so. Thereafter I remember being fine and happy with my AF drinks and chocolates. I felt wonderful and accomplished, lost weight, looked good. It's when I got somewhere between the 45 and 90 day mark that I declared myself fixed, healthy, and ready to drink moderately (according to US health guidelines which is now qty1!). It worked for a few occasions then back to square 1 I went. This repeated maybe 2-3 times a year FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS guys. I am caught in a cycle. Then I read about this online last night and understood this "cycling" was normal and typical. So I try again.8 -
Hi there! I'm new to this group but I have really cut out alcohol since August. I have noticed that I drink alcohol like water meaning that I have finished my first glass before others have even sipped theirs. So now I'm aiming for an alcohol free autumn except for weddings, birthday partys etc, but then I volunteer to drive.
I have dome very well - only had 2 nights with alcohol since august. The backside is that I get really, really drunk when I drink. I have a fast pace and my body has forgotten what to do with the alcohol. My husband had to carry me home.
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There are such great stories this month from both moderators and non-moderators alike. I often try the tips shared by our community and incorporate them. I am the kind of person who does best when I have a plan for food and drink each day and not wing it. As for logging food I do track all my food in MFP but it is a chore and commitment. I like seeing macro targets and the app has built in progress updates.
Over the weekend I found it was so nice not to negotiate, plan A, or justify a drink. Did my two AF days in a row on Sat/Sun.
I had the best day yesterday starting with a Pilates class, then went a nail appointment and then picked up my grandson from school and dropped him home after a short visit here. I decided to open a sparkling wine after dinner to unwind a bit - not planned and not for any stress relief. Had a little and a little more, then stopped and did not analyze why I did that, etc.
As a ‘now’ moderate drinker, I am expecting to get to a point to live in this space of not over thinking my actions. I would love to be accused of being an occasional mindful drinker!
Planning two more alcohol free days in a row - today and tomorrow, but well put @globalhiker no need to worry about tomorrows goal, just do today.
Current:
AF days - 6
A days - 6
LA - 4 (under 8 oz. wine or 8% alcohol)
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@globalhiker thank you for sharing your excellent tapering suggestions today! And a big congrats on 17 AF days!
@KarinSanden welcome!
This is a great group of likeminded people who are seeking to be alcohol free or at least want less A in our lives.
You will find great support along your journey!
@Womona I can totally relate to your experience with timing and place for drinks and how it really plays into quantity.
@chicbuc you are always so encouraging to everyone, thank you!
@SurferGirl1982 thanks for your support on my consecutive AF days!5 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@globalhiker I already did my tapering when I was drinking a fifth (750 ml) or more of Black Velvet a day. My biggest problem was saving some for the morning so I wouldn't be sick. This went on for months. I couldn't even drive to the store (too panicky). My husband would go for me. He would leave a couple of minutes before the store opened at 9 am (11 am on Sundays). Not only could I not drive, I could barely walk. My balance and coordination were extremely bad. I'm much better now!
Except for a few days ago, I don't keep alcohol in the house after bedtime...down the drain it goes! I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms since before my August streak.
The only way for me to drink less each day is to wait longer each day to start drinking. But with the liquor store closing at 7 pm (5 pm on Sundays) that's difficult. I don't like wine or beer. I'll drink beer when I go gambling across the street because that's all they sell. And, I haven't drank wine for quite some time . But I do remember some pretty serious hangovers! Also, even when I start drinking later, I still seem to drink the same amount 😕
Recently, I made a list of all of the reasons that I wanted to quit drinking (per a suggestion from one of our group members). All the reasons were basically related to health & fitness. After I made the list, I realized that the reason I drink is because I enjoy it. But the negative aspects of drinking are just too many and serious!
Very insightful.
One of my reasons to want to quit all together is the $.
Here in Canada a case of 24 beers is almost $60.00 now and a good bottle of wine is over $20.00. Now hard liquor like a 750 of whisky is around $40.00. Thats good money being peed to the wind for no good reason!!
I am determined to do it this time. But this time I am not telling anyone. They will say the same old you will drink again because you we will keep the pressure on you until you cave... 11 -
@shorepine very true about the wine industry; and I actually think it's true of the liquor industry also. The beer gang is a little different as they appeal to your sense of fun and excitement more than trying to appear sophisticated, but same underlying tactic - make people think they need that product in order to fit in with whatever group.
@SurferGirl1982 I get why you might not want to post intentions - I sometimes shy away from doing that also. I don't like to set specific intentions and goals only to not do them and then be disappointed with myself. And not just for drinking, for exercise, snacking, etc. I've been setting an intention to start a meditation practice for months now and have yet to start I try to do more general goals, especially with drinking, I want to keep my monthly AF days at roughly 50% of the month (I used to drink daily, so that's cutting it in half). That way I don't put too much pressure on myself for any particular day. I know for some people specific goals are wonderful, so I guess it depends on the person.
@KarinSanden welcome to this very friendly and supportive group, and congrats on you AF days!
@globalhiker thank you for the insights into tapering and cycling. I've done the cycling thing, and it's true - after a few months AF you do think you're "fixed".
@womona I have a love-hate relationship with food tracking. I hate the time it takes to do it, but love how I can see my calorie count for each day and make changes the next day to better my results.3 -
@SurferGirl1982 Girl...you are never letting me down!! We're all on the same path and none of us are perfect!4
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Hello my LA friends
One more AF day under my belt.
AF - 6
A - 119 -
This is an excellent podcast about taking a break from Alcohol.
I am on day 4 of my 90 day alcohol break. I already feel amazing...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiKQTXtdeUE 7 -
@Michieb125 - Congrats on your success this month so far! I like how you also track the less alcohol days - I’m gonna try that, right now i need every bit of success i can muster.
@SparkSpringtime69 - lol, I celebrate in the same way, and feel like I am just celebrating getting through the day. I need to set the bar higher for myself.
@SurferGirl1982 and @chicbuc - I’m in for a M-Th streak for next week if we want to a “challenge”
I was successful with AF day on Monday, will plan for AF today.
September:
A - 16
AF - 19 -
@Michelle9912 if I can get in the right frame of mind for next week, I'm in. Right now, things are tough, and wine is the only thing keeping the anxiety from taking over. I'm sure it will be alright in a few days, so I can get right and get back at it.8
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@xbowhunter I wasn't able to watch the whole podcast. But I saved it to YouTube. I don't know if I can watch parts of it and resume where I left off? I've have the attention span of a rock 😁
So, you're going for the full 90 days? Sounds good! I hope to be able to join you soon 🙂
Yep I'm going full 90days. This brings me to Dec 13th...
I did something similar last year 45 days sober and I never felt better and dropped a lot of weight.
I am sick of feeling like crap when alcohol enters my body. It won't be easy, and I have some party's coming up that I will be pressured to drink but most people around me know I like to be challenged, and I can't be stopped once the train leaves the station...lol9 -
@Michelle9912 if I can get in the right frame of mind for next week, I'm in. Right now, things are tough, and wine is the only thing keeping the anxiety from taking over. I'm sure it will be alright in a few days, so I can get right and get back at it.
Funny you should mention anxiety and drinking. For me alcohol would absolutely reduce my anxiety short term. But then would make my anxiety worse once I started to sober up. It's a vicious cycle!8 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@KarinSanden Welcome to the group!
When we drink regularly our bodies build up a tolerance. So we can drink more and feel like we didn't have anything to drink at all. When you drastically cut down your consumption of alcohol, you're tolerance went down. That's why you get drunk so easily now ☹️ We all experience it!
Ah, it feels great to have found likeminded. I think more and more people realize that alcohol is actually a poison and that our body is prioritizing it over other functions like building muscle or calories. That sleep suffers and skin quality are affected. It is more normal now to not drink than 10 years ago,7 -
@xbowhunter thanks for that youtube link, a very interesting and insightful conversation.5
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September:
AF=6
A=11
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12 AF
6 A7 -
AF = 14
A = 4
Tattoo started last night. Have about 3-3.5 more hours of tattooing to complete it, but it looks so good so far. AND, hubby has decided to help me pay for almost half of what is left to be done. 😁 I’m even more excited now!6 -
@NonnieDoiron ohh, so happy for you that hubby wants to help pay, new ink is always so exciting.3
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I met my goal today! One planned glass of wine at lunch after a golf outing. I originally wasn’t reaching for my mindless after work drink, but my husband made lollipop lamb chops, and I thought a glass of red would go perfectly with dinner. I was right. So, still two glasses, but the intent was different tonight. Better than being mindless or reaching for it because I am stressed.10
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AF last night and am very happy with my progress. It’s been a minute since I had 3 out of 4 days AF.
This works for me right now as I am trying to be proactive to reduce anxiety and welcome more health and wellness as I’m having a big birthday in October.
Current:
AF days - 7
A days - 6
LA - 4 (under 8 oz. wine or 8% alcohol)
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6 A
6 LA
6 AF
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Morning my LA friends
AF - 7
A - 116 -
xbowhunter wrote: »Morning my LA friends
AF - 7
A - 11
Good morning! Hey, thanks for the link to that video. I was only able to watch part of it so far, but what resonates with me is when he said (and I’m paraphrasing here) “some average drinkers, when told to stop alcohol for 90 days, go into a slight panic mode.” Holy cow that is me!!
I’m back with the low alcohol white wines. So far I have liked the Starlight , which is the Starborough Sauvignon Blanc light version. Better price point than the Decoy Featherweight (my favorite).
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September:
AF=6
A=12
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AF and it's day 19. No cravings, I've weaned off the sweets and feeling great.
Impressive some of you are going for 90 days. I want to also and I love a challenge, but I am stuck here: in this time span I have a 1 wk trip, a bday, and Thanksgiving.
Why am I so programmed to drink during these occasions?
Will I have a boring time skipping the drinking?
Will I be tempted to fail since my family and friends, who I will be with, ALL DRINK?
What if I have only 1, will I stop there?
I'll watch the youtube video, thanks for the idea. I need all the positive brainwashing I can get to convince myself I can do this.5 -
globalhiker wrote: »AF and it's day 19. No cravings, I've weaned off the sweets and feeling great.
Impressive some of you are going for 90 days. I want to also and I love a challenge, but I am stuck here: in this time span I have a 1 wk trip, a bday, and Thanksgiving.
Why am I so programmed to drink during these occasions?
Will I have a boring time skipping the drinking?
Will I be tempted to fail since my family and friends, who I will be with, ALL DRINK?
What if I have only 1, will I stop there?
I'll watch the youtube video, thanks for the idea. I need all the positive brainwashing I can get to convince myself I can do this.
Hello I can relate.
Here is my schedule of events that I will have to fight the temptation. At all of these events I will hear "oh come on just have one, it's not going to kill you!"
This weekend
Friends coming over this Friday.
Son in laws B-day party. this Saturday.
My daughters baby shower Sep 29.
2 weddings in November.
I am prepared for the negative comments and peer pressure. Always remember when some-one is pressuring you to do drink its usually because they have a real problem with alcohol and misery loves company.
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