LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

SurferGirl1982 · October 22

Thanks @globalhiker!

Fortunately, I don't eat sweets or eat junk food much. I guess my taste buds have adjusted over the years.

It's funny because I have been a heavy drinker for years but my diet would be considered fairly good. I eat fairly low carb and healthy fat (chia seeds, walnuts, avocado, healthy peanut butter, EVOO). I also eat quite a bit of fish & seafood, chicken, eggs, some beef and pork. I make homemade carne asada tacos and taco slaw *Yum*. I eat carbs but more in the form of vegetables, some fruits (mainly blueberries and citrus), beans, nuts & seeds, etc. I do eat some bread and pasta (but not daily). The only thing is when I'm drinking, I have no appetite and eventually I get starved and eat whatever is convenient.

You can beat the sugar addiction. I think as you cut down on sugar, it starts not tasting as good (taste buds change).

My husband doesn't have a drinking problem. But he is ridiculous about his sweets. His main problem are bear claws and donuts. He also eats candy bars and drinks sugary drinks (soda & juice). He also, like you, loves chips, dips, etc. I wish he would work on his diet. But, he has said in the past, "I wish I can eat more like you". I think he's working on it. I do weigh, measure and log my food on MFP (most days) and usually keep my calories at 1200 or less. It's actually hard for me to go over 1200 calories unless we go out to eat and then "Ugh"....way over. I don't even log on those days.

I'm on my third day AF and my appetite is returning a bit. And I'm starting to eat better again.

I'm sure you'll be successful with your diet...you're rockin' the AF thing 🙂

Michieb125 · October 22

@SurferGirl1982 a huge congrats on making your AF goals - we are all cheering for you! You’ve come a long way and ARE demonstrating Less Alcohol. Day by day!

@globalhiker your AF lifestyle is extremely admirable! It sounds like you are going to get your mojo back after vacation with a super positive start of your day! Have a great time at the gym! I do understand what you are saying about swapping in (for lack of another word) poorer food choices while succeeding with less or no alcohol. I do feel the same —- I could have written those sentences. I am trying to eliminate sugar and processed foods entirely (I actually threw away the Oreos and bad oil crackers and chips on Sunday). I started to track calories again and am aiming to meet higher protein targets and reduce white flour carbs. Not all carbs are equal for me. My calendar showed going over by 300 + calories a day for several days a week (for weeks and weeks) - that was either pizza, chips, cookies, too many nuts OR wine. 👿. It is no wonder the scale is stuck over here.

We are leaving for a little camp getaway this afternoon to take in the beautiful fall weather. Will also see my mom for a bit and help out with a few things. But, I will be leaving the Halloween candy at home!

SurferGirl1982 · October 22

Thanks @Michieb125!

That's good you are trying to eliminate sugar and processed foods. And, it's great that you are cleaning out the cupboards of all the bad foods...obviously reading labels.

A lot of people these days eat fast food nearly everyday. But, if you go to their websites or MFP database, it's unbelievable how many calories are in fast food items. Yesterday, we had to go into town and would be there around lunch time, so we decided we would stop at Carl's Jr (I guess Hardy's on the east coast). I went to their website before we left. A western bacon cheeseburger (single patty) is 780 calories. An order of fried zucchini is 330 calories and the dipping sauce is 90 calories. We did eat there, but I regretted it when we left. All the restaurants are like that...one meal is usually more than my daily allowance. Fortunately, we don't go out to eat a lot. Although, a while back, when I was drinking heavy, my husband and I went on a lazy streak and started ordering pizza delivery several times a week. Pizza doesn't even sound good to me anymore ☹️

looneycatblue · October 22

Late to the Oct party! I've been back to daily drinks, with a few AF days sprinkled in... Sep & Oct is full of B'day's, wedding anniversary, quick weekend trips... I've really been slacking. So yesterday was my B'day... dinner = Chinese takeout, drinks, then cake & candy!

I was still full when I woke up this morning.

It would be impossible for me to read all of your posts, but seems several of you are getting into the groove... time for me too!
Calling today #1 AF, and eating within my limits...

SurferGirl1982 · October 22

Happy belated birthday @looneycatblue 🎂 I was wondering if you would be back 🙃

I didn't do well in September or October either. I'm working on it though!

MissMay · October 22

@looneycatblue HAPPY BIRTHDAY and happy day number one. Glad it was a fun one for you!

MissMay · October 22

@forestdweller1 oh my gosh, how did I not connect those dots. I think I will be sharing your win-lose idea to.

MissMay · October 22

@surfergirl1982 you are amazing. We all believed in you. YOU just needed to believe in yourself.

MissMay · October 22

@Michieb125 take in the fall color before it disappears, enjoy camp!

MissMay · October 22

@NonnieDoiron you have your hands full with MIL. I cringed with your description at the dinner table. My Sister and I both are misophonia. And that would have put us over the edge.

Hope your husband comes around and takes action for her.

MissMay · October 22

Congrast @womona for an AF win. I know you have been struggling to get one.

MissMay · October 22

@RubyRed427 Remember this:
Be kind today to the tomorrow YOU.
Hugs

MissMay · October 22

October accountability-
20 - AF
2 - A

I want to get a full 3 week streak under my belt. Saturday is a huge adult Halloween party.
Can I be AF- YES. Do I want to be AF - not sure, But if I do have alcohol I will keep it to standard limits and goals.
MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR IS HALLOWEEN!!!!!

I am so proud of every person here.

We have not had this many responses/comments in a single month (this month- 433 comments) since
LESS Alcohol ~ JANUARY 2023 ~ One Day At A Time
678 comments

SurferGirl1982 · October 23

AF again today. It was a rough day. But I made it!

October:
AF - 4
A - 18

Womona · October 23

@SurferGirl1982 congrats on a two day streak! So happy for you! If you can do two days, you can do three…. And so on.

@globalhiker just like you, I am trying to reduce calories and watch macros while trying to go less alcohol. If I cut out wine I know I would want more things in the chocolate family! It isn’t easy. I get about three pounds from my goal weight, and then the next day I’m up two pounds! So frustrating.

@NonnieDoiron Trans-Siberian Orchestra for the win!!!!! Haha! That’s quite a work-around in your husband’s part. Geez, dining with her sounds like sleeping next to someone with sleep apnea-except she seems to have it during the day! Is she on oxygen? You are giving her a lot of grace, but yeah, I can see how there are moments when it’s too much.

@MissMay, I love the engagement on this thread!

My plan tonight was to be AF because I have a dinner tomorrow night, but my husband cooked dinner and I really wanted a glass. I’ll still take the win because I wanted that second glass, but didn’t pour it. Glad I stayed away.

SurferGirl1982 · October 23

Thanks @Womona! But today was my third day in a row. So I have a three day streak 🙂 I only had one other AF day this month...last Monday. I really need to keep going!!!

SunnyDays930 · October 23

I am on Day 30 AF. I go to Dr tomorrow for check up and to discuss continuing liver pain...it has lessened though not gone away completely as I had hoped. I will have blood work and then who knows. Other than that, I am feeling very positive and happy. Alcohol was depressing me. Worrying about when I could or couldn't drink was taking up a lot of mental energy. Abstinence is easier for me. To those of you that can take it or leave it, I am jealous and wish I could be like that, but repeated attempts at moderation proved futile. I have accepted this and feel peaceful about it. Sending continued good wishes to all, meeting whatever personal goals they have set for themselves

chicbuc · October 23

@SurferGirl1982 One word of advice. Change your words. Don't say you need to keep going. Say "I am going to keep going." You'll still take it one moment at a time, but it doesn't give you an "out." You're doing amazing!!

xbowhunter · October 23

Good morning and happy Humpday my LA friends!

AF = 38
A = 0

Feeling like a new man now that the poison is no longer in my life.

looneycatblue · October 23

Unfortunately I wasn't AF yesterday as planned, old habits are hard to let go of. But on the positive side, I had half of my usual.
Just by cutting back, I can feel the effects, easier waking and getting out of bed this morning.
Today will be AF

Womona · October 23

SurferGirl1982 wrote: »

Thanks @Womona! But today was my third day in a row. So I have a three day streak 🙂 I only had one other AF day this month...last Monday. I really need to keep going!!!

I stand very much corrected!

Womona · October 23

xbowhunter wrote: »

Good morning and happy Humpday my LA friends!

AF = 38
A = 0

Feeling like a new man now that the poison is no longer in my life.

I love this so much.

chicbuc · October 23

AF = 22
A = 0

globalhiker · October 23

I choose to be AF again today.

I am learning to deal with occasional irritability. Before the glasses of wine took care of that feeling but now I am left to experience it and I can't just can't keep eating it away. Although last night it happened and while dinner was slow to get ready, I "chipped out" on tortilla chips. Maybe 300 calories worth I didn't need. Since I already "messed up" the dinner calories, I proceeded to have a frozen yogurt (ice cream in disguise) for dessert. I wasn't hungry, just following my bad programming to EAT MORE when I am not hungry and "just because" I already "messed up" earlier. The worst part is that I am reinforcing a habit (feeding feelings away I think is just like drinking feelings away, and so trying to change that response pattern so I just get used to observing my feelings and trying to get the undesirable ones to just lessen and go away (without relying on consuming anything).

Mentioning this stuff in case you run into it. In the past, I've talked myself back into drinking a few glasses just to reduce the snack and dessert calories. That plan FAILED a few times since it resulted in a bit of weight loss but increased number of drinks over time. Please don't follow my past stupid moves.

It is human and normal to occasionally feel stressed, anxious, hungry, mad, down, restless, in pain, irritable, etc. and I am working on getting used to experiencing feelings like a normal human. My brain instantly asks for sugar or crunchy food when I experience any of these emotions since the wine is not an option and I am working on correcting this.

SurferGirl1982 · October 23

chicbuc wrote: »

@SurferGirl1982 One word of advice. Change your words. Don't say you need to keep going. Say "I am going to keep going." You'll still take it one moment at a time, but it doesn't give you an "out." You're doing amazing!!

Advice taken!!!

SurferGirl1982 · October 23

Womona wrote: »

SurferGirl1982 wrote: »

Thanks @Womona! But today was my third day in a row. So I have a three day streak 🙂 I only had one other AF day this month...last Monday. I really need to keep going!!!

I stand very much corrected!

Don't be stealing a day away from me...*LOL*

SurferGirl1982 · October 23

I will catch up with everyone else tonight. I have a very busy day today...tomorrow too.

I feel really good this morning (physically and mentally). I'm starting Day 4 AF 🙂

xbowhunter · October 23

globalhiker wrote: »

I choose to be AF again today.

I am learning to deal with occasional irritability. Before the glasses of wine took care of that feeling but now I am left to experience it and I can't just can't keep eating it away. Although last night it happened and while dinner was slow to get ready, I "chipped out" on tortilla chips. Maybe 300 calories worth I didn't need. Since I already "messed up" the dinner calories, I proceeded to have a frozen yogurt (ice cream in disguise) for dessert. I wasn't hungry, just following my bad programming to EAT MORE when I am not hungry and "just because" I already "messed up" earlier. The worst part is that I am reinforcing a habit (feeding feelings away I think is just like drinking feelings away, and so trying to change that response pattern so I just get used to observing my feelings and trying to get the undesirable ones to just lessen and go away (without relying on consuming anything).

Mentioning this stuff in case you run into it. In the past, I've talked myself back into drinking a few glasses just to reduce the snack and dessert calories. That plan FAILED a few times since it resulted in a bit of weight loss but increased number of drinks over time. Please don't follow my past stupid moves.

It is human and normal to occasionally feel stressed, anxious, hungry, mad, down, restless, in pain, irritable, etc. and I am working on getting used to experiencing feelings like a normal human. My brain instantly asks for sugar or crunchy food when I experience any of these emotions since the wine is not an option and I am working on correcting this.

Very inspiring!

I quit drinking last year then had to do a father of the bride speech and reached for the wine.

If I had to do it over again, I would have just manned up and did the speech sober. The bad part is I don't even think it even helped me with the public speaking. The next day the daily drinking continued for another 14 months, and I will never get that time back. I have put the bottle away for good this time and couldn't be happier with my decision.

Love live and learn from your mistakes to not be repeated...

MissMay · October 23

xbowhunter wrote: »

I quit drinking last year then had to do a father of the bride speech and reached for the wine.

If I had to do it over again, I would have just manned up and did the speech sober. The bad part is I don't even think it even helped me with the public speaking. The next day the daily drinking continued for another 14 months, and I will never get that time back. I have put the bottle away for good this time and couldn't be happier with my decision.

Love live and learn from your mistakes to not be repeated...

@xbowhunter such a touching paragraph of how you slipped out of your alcohol free life last year during your Daughters wedding. The pressure from society, friends and family is REAL when it comes to these glorified drinking events.

I commend you so very much. You know what you had last year and have made darn sure it is not going to slip away again.

MissMay · October 23

@SurferGirl1982 is a hotty unfire. You are doing GREAT.

LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

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