LESS Alcohol ~ SEPTEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

RubyRed427 · September 26

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.

globalhiker · September 26

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.

xbowhunter · September 26

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...

MissMay · September 26

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!

MissMay · September 26

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=1

SparkSpringtime69 · September 26

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.

SurferGirl1982 · September 26

SparkSpringtime69 wrote: »

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

Don't feel bad! @SparkSpringtime69 I only have 2 AF days for all of September (and they weren't in a row). Day 1 AF is usually the hardest for me. Keep trying for Day 3 because it seems that after a few days it gets easier.

I, too, have to figure out what is going on with me. Last month I had a 21 day AF streak. I really thought I had it ☹️

@KarinSanden Very impressive numbers! Keep up the good work!

@xbowhunter You're doing so well (very determined) 🙂 I hope I can get back on track soon. I would like tomorrow to be my Day 1 (special date). But I may not drink today.

@RubyRed427 Your AF days are catching up with your A days! Do you have a certain goal in mind?

@globalhiker You're really kicking butt 😀

RubyRed427 · September 26

@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.

SurferGirl1982 · September 26

@RubyRed427 It's definitely possible for you to still reach that goal. Be strong!

SurferGirl1982 · September 26

I've decided that I'm definitely going to make tomorrow Day 1 AF. I couldn't make today Day 1 because I had a little left over this morning (which I prefer not to do). And, or course, I drank it 😕

My starting goal is to be AF for the last 4 days of September and have an AF October. Most of you know of my issues with moderation. I'm not very good at it! So, I'll most likely continue after October.

I want to be healthy and active again. And lose some weight. Since I've basically became a daily drinker again (since my streak in August), I'm almost back to where I was before. My balance and coordination aren't very good. I don't have much energy or motivation. And for the last two days I was unable to drive myself one mile to the liquor store (major anxiety).

I know I won't be feeling great tomorrow. But I just need to tough it out!

So tomorrow I'll tell myself, "I can control my actions today and I deserve a successful outcome" instead of "Let’s see what happens". I guess that I borrowed that thought! 😁

NonnieDoiron · September 26

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. 🙄

tmbg1 · September 26

17 AF
9 A

SurferGirl1982 · September 27

@MissMay You mentioned on the October thread that you are in FL. Please be safe!

SurferGirl1982 · September 27

I noticed something interesting at the beginning part of the October thread. I'm sure it's on the other months too. I do try to read these things every month. But I currently have some vision problems. So, I read as much as I can (a little at a time).

This is what I found interesting. Look at the third item on the list. "We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking". Pretty ironic. But it sounds a bit like me.

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.

Just thought it was interesting. Have a good night everyone!

xbowhunter · September 27

Good morning my LA awakened wonders!

AF - 15
A - 11

Had so much excess energy yesterday from not drinking I didn't know what to do with myself. So, I went for a 1hr walk and then cut the grass. lol

globalhiker · September 27

Day 26 AF done and on to Day 27. I'm sensing motivation in people's posts!

If we don't challenge ourselves, we don't change.

MissMay · September 27

SurferGirl1982 wrote: »

@MissMay You mentioned on the October thread that you are in FL. Please be safe!

Thanks @SurferGirl1982 my area in Florida was spared harm from hurricane Helene.

Also your attention to the avoidance information is as you say, ironic. It is a circle some people can not seem to step off the rotating carousel.

Womona · September 27

xbowhunter wrote: »

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.

I love how you were like “Challenge accepted!” Great to hear being AF is making such a difference for you.

SurferGirl1982 · September 27

I wish I hadn't announced my intentions of making today Day 1 AF. I'm not sure if I can do it today ☹️

Womona · September 27

Low alcohol wine is really working for me. Even a 6oz glass is still not quite one normal glass, so that’s a LA win for me. I’m sleeping much better too. Sticking to one glass of the low alcohol wine is a bonus!

So my new favorite Starborough’s Starlight Sauvignon blanc. Better price point than the Decoy (which I still love), and more readily available. But- with the regular one on sale, it was more expensive! Grrr. But, I just spent the extra $2 and moved on.

I had two glasses of regular wine on Wednesday night, which caused sleep disturbances. So, when out, I really need to stick to one glass. Two is just a little too much.

LESS Alcohol ~ SEPTEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

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