LESS Alcohol ~ SEPTEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
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I dumped the remainder of my weekend wine out yesterday morning and did not have wine last night. One day down...
AF = 5
A = 187 -
23 AF days done and day 24 AF begins. Setting my intention now and planning my day. Self-control feels good but I know I have to hold onto it tightly.
I hope others join me in the long-ish AF stretch. The first few days or week of discomfort is just that, learning to deal with temporary discomfort.5 -
So, I’ve been reading the posts about going long stretches AF, like 30-90 days. And, I appreciate why people want to do that. I completely understand it, and I think it’s great for everyone who will or will try to do it.
It’s just not for me. I enjoy my wine. My problem has been I enjoy it just too much and too often. This group helped me put into perspective just how much, and I have been able to see when I’m doing too much. It also helped me to figure out the whys for when I pick up the wine. I always said I “needed” it. But, I don’t “need” wine. I “need” to work through whatever emotion/stressor that’s behind the “need”. To want to have a glass of wine is just a different feeling.
Anyway, like I said, all my support to you all trying to go for long stretches! I pray you’ll succeed! I know you can.7 -
I have been alcohol free for 10 days now.
A few observations.
sleeping way better. I wake up before the alarm.
Energy is way up during the day. Fatigue is gone.
Less bloating.
Cravings for empty calorie food and mindless snacking is gone.
I have dropped 5lbs.
Anxiety is gone. I feel calmer and more relaxed with myself.
I seem to have more time on my hands.
My overall senses are firing on all cylinders.
My wife said to me last night "you will drink again I don't think you can do it" normally this would have set me off but for some reason I found this to be motivating, and I accept the challenge! lol
This is my second go around to quit the habit.
I initially wanted to do a 90 day challenge but I have made the decision to make this a permanent change. The people in my life will either have to accept it. If they can't accept it, then I guess that's the end of our relationship. 13 -
@NonnieDoiron I, too, enjoy my wine, and I don't want to put it down forever. I do need to set rigid ground rules for myself, or I will drink it every day. That's just a fact. I'm battling some bouts of depression right now that I need to work through without drinking, but part of the depression is not drinking...lol. I'm a mess, but I'll get there one day at a time.7
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September:
AF=8
A=15
5 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@xbowhunter Congratulations on your 10 days of being alcohol free. I had the same observations during my twenty-something day AF streak last month.
I believe you originally said that you wanted to quit drinking to save money. I had said that the reason that I would like to quit is because of past medical issues. But the reason for me to quit drinking right now is that I'm scared!
Three years ago, I woke up just after midnight vomiting blood. My husband called 911. I was taken to the hospital and was in the ICU for at least three days (I don't remember a whole lot) and then transferred to other units. I was medically detoxed (I couldn't have done it on my own). I was diagnosed with esophageal varices and beginning stages of cirrhosis. Obviously, I was told not to drink.
I haven't been checked out for a while. I have an appt with a new gastroenterologist next month (I had a falling out with my old one). Another reason for me to abstain!
Right now, I feel like I'm pushing my luck. And recently, I've been feeling really scared because often there is no warning when something bad is going to happen.
I do have alcohol in the house right now. But tomorrow is a new day!
Wow that is scary. All the more reason for me to move on alcohol free!6 -
16 AF
8 A5 -
@NonnieDoiron I, too, enjoy my wine, and I don't want to put it down forever. I do need to set rigid ground rules for myself, or I will drink it every day. That's just a fact. I'm battling some bouts of depression right now that I need to work through without drinking, but part of the depression is not drinking...lol. I'm a mess, but I'll get there one day at a time.
I completely understand. And, you’re not as big a mess as you think you are. You’re here and checking in daily. You’re doing the work and making the effort. We are all here to support you!
I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but I am not medicated because of my drinking. I know I drink to self-medicate. So, like you, I have those ground rules which cause me to analyze why I “need” a drink. After careful reflection, I realize I don’t need a drink. I need a good cry or a b*tch session or even a good laugh. I need feedback from someone who might see a different angle to my frustration, or maybe I just need to pray. My need is not alcohol. My need is to face whatever I’m feeling good, bad, or indifferent.
We are all different, and we will all find our way through this maze of either abstinence or temperence. I hope and pray everyone gets where they are going and stays there. 🙂
AF = 17
A = 68 -
@SurferGirl1982 Your someday is already here, though because you've had less to drink last month...and even this month...than you did before you started. You can't get anywhere unless you start. Keep on fighting!
@NonnieDoiron I've recently regained my faith and started praying again and it has helped immensely. I know it sounds weird to someone who doesn't believe, but it helps just to put that burden on God and to know it's not just mine.
AF last night and I didn't really crave any either, so that's good. I do go to bed earlier on AF nights, and I can tell that frustrates the SO a little, but it sure is nice to wake up early AND refreshed.
AF = 6
A = 189 -
15 A
9 AF
Added two AF days this week. Let it roll! Once I get two days in a row, it is better for me to keep it going.9 -
Happy hump day.
AF - 13
A - 117 -
September:
AF=9
A=15
Two AF days in a row - WOOHOO
9 -
24 days AF and on to day 25. Taking it one day at a time.
Still in that honeymoon phase of my life is so good without drinking - except I lost only 1-2 lbs this time because I intentionally substituted chocolate for alcohol and that works very well for me. I've switched to 10 calorie 100% cocoa powder to mix in with whatever to try to better manage the chocolate addiction.
I love some wines (both the flavor and the warming feeling it gives me) and do look forward to the day sometime in the future where I will have a good wine without guilt or waking up the addiction. But I know I shouldn't have them much more than a few times a year because my health is the most important thing I can control in my life. The quality of my life matters very much. Didn't realize how much the wines were affecting my self-esteem and controlling my thinking.
6 -
17 AF
8 A6 -
AF = 18
A = 6
I think I forgot my b12… better go do it before I forget again.🙄6 -
Today I'm going to our ski cabin for the "Autumn Market" in the village. I have packed some Red Wine but I haven't decided if I want to drink yet. I'm mostly thinking that is is unnecessary calories because I want to lose weight and stay in a calorie deficit. At the same time I think it is so cozy to be there and have some burning candles and a great book and some wine. Let's see how it goes...
AF: 24
A: 24 -
AF - 14
A - 11
11 days alcohol free now. I feel 100% better both mentally and physically. No going back now... 10 -
I was in another city for work for the last 3 days and went out for dinner with friends last night. Cocktail before dinner, one glass of red with, and a cocktail at another bar a bit later, but that was it. It still messed with my sleep, but I enjoyed the drinks.
Considered coming home to a glass of wine when I got in, but the other drinker in the house had been hitting it pretty hard and that put me right off again. A good thing, I guess.
We're going into a long weekend, and there will be drinks, but I'm hoping my newfound moderation sticks...6 -
Great job @xbowhunter !!5
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@SparkSpringtime69 Congrats on the 2 day AF streak 😀 It really is an accomplishment!
Thanks @surfergirl1982, Unfortunately I didn't get a third day into that streak
I seem to have very little problem with days 1 and 2, it's getting past those first couple into a longer streak that I have difficulty with. I need to figure out what's causing that - I blame it on stress, but I think there has to be something more to it, and I don't think it's a physical thing. Anyway, today should be a new day 1.
@xbowhunter nice job on the 11 day streak - keep up the great work! And to everyone else who has those wonderful, long streaks going, congratulations; it's inspiring and I'm looking forward to the day I can count myself as one of you!!
5 -
September:
AF=9
A=164 -
15 A
11 AF
My AF days are catching up to the A days. This week, all AF since Sunday. I go between being resentful of people who can drink and do drink in front of me to accepting that this is best for me.
I also noticed very long lines at the theater I was at... Long lines for alcohol. I was satisfied to just walk past these lines and sit down in my seat. (I thought of the money I saved because one drink would not have been enough for me.)
One thing that helped me this week is that I turned my resentful feelings around in my mind and said, "I can't wait to sip my coffee without a hangover." This thread used to refer to it as the "tomorrow you".
I want to keep riding this AF wave. I have been eating lifesavers in the evening to satisfy my sugar cravings. I was in a bad mood in the evenings this week but it would come and go. Sleep is so much better. Heart rate at night is 95% below resting. I've been tracking it all month.6 -
25 days AF and starting day 26. Posting daily helps me be mindful. This team here is helping me stay accountable.
Ideas for folks who want to start their day 1 AF:
1.Pick a day or weekend where it's likely to be a low-stress time, fewest likely triggers, and plan out your AF days
2.Doubting thoughts will enter and firmly tell them to shut up. Brain is just sending out a thought that makes no logical sense and it needs to be treated like a misbehaving child. It's not the thought you want or need.
3.Get support - tell family what your plan is
4.Consult with the doctor even if it's telemedicine if there's a concern or if medication is a desired option
5.Prepare: I got rid of the wine in the house and replaced it with nonalcoholic stuff, even flavored fizzy waters, ginger beer, chocolates, healthy carbs like popcorn, all used as a replacement. When the cravings and irritability hit, I turned to these things temporarily
6.Go to bed early. Fewer waking hours = fewer craving hours in that first week.
7.Consider Annie Grace 30 day online program or similar ones, I used that years ago and it really helped me change the thoughts that were nothing but malfunctioning doubt and fearful thoughts that were blocking me
8.Replace thoughts like "Lets see what happens" with "I control my actions today and deserve a successful outcome".
9. Don't accept excuses. Live a no-excuse life. I had re-started drinking because my tummy hurt, my digestion was off, I had a headache, just can't sleep, I had a stressful meeting, I had an argument with the husband, my boss is driving me crazy, I went to the supermarket hungry so I was tempted, I have a coupon for 40% off wine and it's a really good deal.
10. Embrace temporary discomfort and grow up (I told myself firmly). Pop a tylenol, take an alka-seltzer, take a day off, go take a nap, get some melatonin gummies, drink herbal tea in the afternoon, stay away from the bad friend, get support, take yoga, take magnesium, drink lots of water, drink less coffee, run out for the best gelato ever if there is a bad craving, drink an AF beer, eat a carby meal. And yep, I learned there was a solution for all of it and I didn't need wine.
8 -
globalhiker wrote: »25 days AF and starting day 26. Posting daily helps me be mindful. This team here is helping me stay accountable.
Ideas for folks who want to start their day 1 AF:
1.Pick a day or weekend where it's likely to be a low-stress time, fewest likely triggers, and plan out your AF days
2.Doubting thoughts will enter and firmly tell them to shut up. Brain is just sending out a thought that makes no logical sense and it needs to be treated like a misbehaving child. It's not the thought you want or need.
3.Get support - tell family what your plan is
4.Consult with the doctor even if it's telemedicine if there's a concern or if medication is a desired option
5.Prepare: I got rid of the wine in the house and replaced it with nonalcoholic stuff, even flavored fizzy waters, ginger beer, chocolates, healthy carbs like popcorn, all used as a replacement. When the cravings and irritability hit, I turned to these things temporarily
6.Go to bed early. Fewer waking hours = fewer craving hours in that first week.
7.Consider Annie Grace 30 day online program or similar ones, I used that years ago and it really helped me change the thoughts that were nothing but malfunctioning doubt and fearful thoughts that were blocking me
8.Replace thoughts like "Lets see what happens" with "I control my actions today and deserve a successful outcome".
9. Don't accept excuses. Live a no-excuse life. I had re-started drinking because my tummy hurt, my digestion was off, I had a headache, just can't sleep, I had a stressful meeting, I had an argument with the husband, my boss is driving me crazy, I went to the supermarket hungry so I was tempted, I have a coupon for 40% off wine and it's a really good deal.
10. Embrace temporary discomfort and grow up (I told myself firmly). Pop a tylenol, take an alka-seltzer, take a day off, go take a nap, get some melatonin gummies, drink herbal tea in the afternoon, stay away from the bad friend, get support, take yoga, take magnesium, drink lots of water, drink less coffee, run out for the best gelato ever if there is a bad craving, drink an AF beer, eat a carby meal. And yep, I learned there was a solution for all of it and I didn't need wine.
Love everything you said.
One thing I have started to do is not tell anyone I have actually quit drinking. This is my second go at this, and my personal plan is to never drink again. My last attempt was actually temporary because I knew I would drink at my daughter's wedding. When I started again I couldn't stop and started to drink daily again. This time I keep it to myself and don't make it a big deal about it because really no one cares. When someone asks me if I want a drink I simply say, "no thanks not drinking today but appreciate the offer". This eliminates the accusations that I have a problem with alcohol and avoids the probing questions... 10 -
Hello my L.A. friends
I got a little sidetracked with checking in, as I have jumped back into my fitness workouts 100% committed. Redesigned my living room to accommodate all my fun fitness toys {exercise balls, bands, free weights etc)
So taking time to now set up our October LESS Alcohol thread. I am doing it early in case we are without power during Hurricane Helena. Yup I live Florida.
I have been enjoying reading all the posts and conversations and wonderful successes with you all.
Keep it up. OK back to setting up our October2024 thread. Keep tuned in!7 -
As promised our OCTOBER thread link- click below to get there
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10924459/less-alcohol-october-2024-one-day-at-a-time/p1?new=14 -
xbowhunter wrote: »globalhiker wrote: »25 days AF and starting day 26. Posting daily helps me be mindful. This team here is helping me stay accountable.
Ideas for folks who want to start their day 1 AF:
1.Pick a day or weekend where it's likely to be a low-stress time, fewest likely triggers, and plan out your AF days
2.Doubting thoughts will enter and firmly tell them to shut up. Brain is just sending out a thought that makes no logical sense and it needs to be treated like a misbehaving child. It's not the thought you want or need.
3.Get support - tell family what your plan is
4.Consult with the doctor even if it's telemedicine if there's a concern or if medication is a desired option
5.Prepare: I got rid of the wine in the house and replaced it with nonalcoholic stuff, even flavored fizzy waters, ginger beer, chocolates, healthy carbs like popcorn, all used as a replacement. When the cravings and irritability hit, I turned to these things temporarily
6.Go to bed early. Fewer waking hours = fewer craving hours in that first week.
7.Consider Annie Grace 30 day online program or similar ones, I used that years ago and it really helped me change the thoughts that were nothing but malfunctioning doubt and fearful thoughts that were blocking me
8.Replace thoughts like "Lets see what happens" with "I control my actions today and deserve a successful outcome".
9. Don't accept excuses. Live a no-excuse life. I had re-started drinking because my tummy hurt, my digestion was off, I had a headache, just can't sleep, I had a stressful meeting, I had an argument with the husband, my boss is driving me crazy, I went to the supermarket hungry so I was tempted, I have a coupon for 40% off wine and it's a really good deal.
10. Embrace temporary discomfort and grow up (I told myself firmly). Pop a tylenol, take an alka-seltzer, take a day off, go take a nap, get some melatonin gummies, drink herbal tea in the afternoon, stay away from the bad friend, get support, take yoga, take magnesium, drink lots of water, drink less coffee, run out for the best gelato ever if there is a bad craving, drink an AF beer, eat a carby meal. And yep, I learned there was a solution for all of it and I didn't need wine.
Love everything you said.
One thing I have started to do is not tell anyone I have actually quit drinking. This is my second go at this, and my personal plan is to never drink again. My last attempt was actually temporary because I knew I would drink at my daughter's wedding. When I started again I couldn't stop and started to drink daily again. This time I keep it to myself and don't make it a big deal about it because really no one cares. When someone asks me if I want a drink I simply say, "no thanks not drinking today but appreciate the offer". This eliminates the accusations that I have a problem with alcohol and avoids the probing questions...
These are all excellent suggestions - thank you both so much for sharing them.4 -
@SurferGirl1982 My goal was 15 A and 15 A days in September.
I thought it was hopeless until this week where I got a few AF under my belt.5 -
AF = 19
A = 6
Tired… it’s been a long day. Couldn’t get to sleep last night and was woken up too early from my work phone going off at 4am. 🙄6
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