LESS Alcohol ~ DECEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
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Hi Friends! I don't think I have ever posted in the community before.
Drinking is such a slippery slope. It became quite habitual during COVID and the low rumble depression that has been present in and out since. I have gained quite a bit of weight and I think primarily from that.
I really wish alcohol wasn't so pervasive in our society....when I am having a hard day it's like a siren's call to "slip into something more comfortable".
I have given up almost all social media (to help with stress etc) but I hope that this can take hold and I can get some peer support here. I was happy to find the group.
What tips tricks or other methods to help you stay on track?6 -
20 AF days in a row
@Angel3167 not really a tip that would work for everyone but I'm treating the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve like Lent. Just trying to give it up for the season of advent and the spiritual aspect is helping me keep to it.4 -
@tmbg1 - I love your reason and approach to AF this month! You are doing great!
@Angel3167 - welcome! This Less Alcohol thread has many wonderful people who can relate to your story. You might find it helpful to check out some of the resources at the beginning of the thread, or read tons of posts of what others are doing. Many here have been successfully cutting back for 1,2,3,5 years and more!
We all have very individual and personal goals! Some want abstinence and others want to cut back.
For me, I plan drink targets or goals each month (and week) and set an intention that I’m going to have so many AF days. Sometimes I hit my goals and many times I don’t get there. But being here regularly is super helpful for support and accountability! Hope to see you here again!5 -
AF - 13
A - 4
I took about a week long break for walking because my hip was hurting so bad. But, I couldn’t do it anymore. I had to start walking again. The pain isn’t there when I walk. It’s just when I sit down.
I’ve started taking my vitamins and meds again, too. I’m horrible at doing it. I’ve set alarms and asked my family to remind me. I’ve put the pills where I see them regularly. I just don’t take them. Hoping I can stick to it this time. I really need to do better with them.
I’m glad most of you are doing so well this holiday season. I didn’t make it to my Christmas goal. I caved. But, I only had 2 glasses each of those 4 nights. Far better than Thanksgiving when I was back to drinking a bottle a night.4 -
@Angel3167 what I have learned is that this a journey of self-discovery and life improvement.
Here is a list of ideas, many that I have used but the easiest of all, hands down, is to stop drinking alcohol entirely just because after the initial 2 weeks, it gets much easier.
1-tapering: measure out what you plan to drink that day and every 2 days, reduce it.
2-don't keep alcohol in the house
3-stick your goals on the fridge
4-check in here or elsewhere to check in with yourself and set your intention for the day
5-join a free online support group (smart recovery - haven't tried them but they have tons of virtual mtgs.)
6-change what you drink, shift to lower alcohol volume
7-start drinking MORE of the liquids that are non-alcoholic - mocktails, water, NA beer, etc. The list is endless of what you CAN drink.
8-find something nonalcoholic that you really like
9-eat chocolate
10-drink herbal tea to relax, make ice tea from herbal tea
11-get a workbook on cognitive-behavioral therapy off Amazon, helps to understand how to talk back to irrational thoughts and get in control of behavior
12-watch youtube videos on sobriety and drinking less to learn how the successful did it, while you exercise in the morning
13-Fill your time and your mind with a new activity or hobby to fill in that space alcohol consumes.
14-read online 5 min before bed: anything on drinking less or sobriety - when in this relaxed mind
15-make your own PLAN - list what you are going to do and how and when
16-accept failures - understand that the process tends to be a bumpy ride and when we fail, it's normal but the successful dust themselves off and go right back to working their plan asap.
17-self-assessment: why are you drinking? self medicating? depression? feel nervous? bored? making a list of this and figuring our OTHER solutions (there are many) will help to address the "root cause".
18-What are your triggers? When do they set you off? Make plan of what you will do when the triggers show up.
19-Be kind to yourself and love yourself. Know you are wonderful. It's the alcohol devil that is bad, not us.
20-Realize alcohol warps our thinking and makes us think we can't do things. It controls us. Going AF for a stretch will change your thinking pattern and this will create MOTIVATION.
21-Don't worry about diet when starting to go AF. It's hard to do this when hungry. Plus the weight tends to come off anyway.9 -
globalhiker wrote: »@Angel3167 what I have learned is that this a journey of self-discovery and life improvement.
Here is a list of ideas, many that I have used but the easiest of all, hands down, is to stop drinking alcohol entirely just because after the initial 2 weeks, it gets much easier.
1-tapering: measure out what you plan to drink that day and every 2 days, reduce it.
2-don't keep alcohol in the house
3-stick your goals on the fridge
4-check in here or elsewhere to check in with yourself and set your intention for the day
5-join a free online support group (smart recovery - haven't tried them but they have tons of virtual mtgs.)
6-change what you drink, shift to lower alcohol volume
7-start drinking MORE of the liquids that are non-alcoholic - mocktails, water, NA beer, etc. The list is endless of what you CAN drink.
8-find something nonalcoholic that you really like
9-eat chocolate
10-drink herbal tea to relax, make ice tea from herbal tea
11-get a workbook on cognitive-behavioral therapy off Amazon, helps to understand how to talk back to irrational thoughts and get in control of behavior
12-watch youtube videos on sobriety and drinking less to learn how the successful did it, while you exercise in the morning
13-Fill your time and your mind with a new activity or hobby to fill in that space alcohol consumes.
14-read online 5 min before bed: anything on drinking less or sobriety - when in this relaxed mind
15-make your own PLAN - list what you are going to do and how and when
16-accept failures - understand that the process tends to be a bumpy ride and when we fail, it's normal but the successful dust themselves off and go right back to working their plan asap.
17-self-assessment: why are you drinking? self medicating? depression? feel nervous? bored? making a list of this and figuring our OTHER solutions (there are many) will help to address the "root cause".
18-What are your triggers? When do they set you off? Make plan of what you will do when the triggers show up.
19-Be kind to yourself and love yourself. Know you are wonderful. It's the alcohol devil that is bad, not us.
20-Realize alcohol warps our thinking and makes us think we can't do things. It controls us. Going AF for a stretch will change your thinking pattern and this will create MOTIVATION.
21-Don't worry about diet when starting to go AF. It's hard to do this when hungry. Plus the weight tends to come off anyway.
Very well said!
5 -
FInally, Finally, Finally!
I got through one day AF after a relatively long run!
Two things helped:
1) I have 3 bottles of wine in my home but they are on the expensive side and I don't want to just drink to drink, I want to enjoy these, perhaps with someone who enjoys wine as much as I do.
2) Having a substitution. I had been pouring 5-calorie juices, but those were getting old. I do want to explore the list that @globalhiker provided but haven't been to the store. I bought this Gruvi Bubbly Rose in my fridge, I tried it and was pleasantly surprised.
I'm going to explore NA red wines again. I found a couple of articles that said the ones where the alcohol has been removed are better as it's gone through the wine fermentation process. Sounds like a project
AF = 1
A = 16
One day at a time
Welcome @Angel3167
@nonniedoiron ~ re meds, never been good with vitamins, I find that if I'm in a routine (preparing for work) then I'm good, it's these newly acquired days off that throw me for a loop. It was ok when it was only one day once in a while. So now I too set two alarms as I will most likely ignore the first. If the second one goes off and I haven't take them, I MUST stop what I'm doing and do it immediately. No if and, or ignores allowed!
@globalhiker ~ nice list! I will adopt many!
I love this one as you can let your unconscious mind do a lot of the work:read online 5 min before bed: anything on drinking less or sobriety - when in this relaxed mind
4 -
AF - 14
A - 4
The craziest thing has happened this week! I have been called twice, once by my former employer and now by my current employer, offering me a new job. Both roles are in project management and would mean a pay bump (a substantial one). One would be a promotion, but the other I’d have to go through the whole application/interview process. One is working on the same project I’ve been working on for the past 5 years, and the other is for a whole new project.
I didn’t want to go back to work. I wanted to just stay home. But I must say it feels awfully good to get these phone calls and hear that people I respect have this kind of trust and confidence in me.
I’m so excited!
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Checking in! I am doing pretty well on limits this week. Example: 1-2 glasses of white wine on an A day and also tried this nice N.A. sparkling Rose tonight called ‘Mingle.’ Found it at Total wine. It’s very similar to a dry and fruity Rose wine and has a great taste. Love that it comes in 12 ounce cans for 60 calories. I could mix it with a small glass of regular sparkling wine for a full 20 ounces - then I could be full of LA bubbles!
Also picked up the Mionetta alcohol removed sparkling wine. Saving this to share on Christmas Day - maybe for mimosas.
I’m actually shocked that I’m okay with my latest N.A. wine selections. Who knew?!
Still working on closing the gap. May you find your best solutions if just for today.
AF days - 5
A days - 13
3 -
22 AF days in a row!5
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »I just wanted to let everyone know that you are all a great group of people. And that I'm not giving up on my AF plans.
I'm not a big social media fan. I originally joined MFP just to log my foods and my weight.
But, lately, I've been getting friend requests from people I've never had any interaction with. I know the people in this group that are legit (the people that regularly post) and that I've had interactions with. But, getting friend requests from people I've never interacted with is kind of creepy! I just decline the requests.
I'll still check in from time to time. I wish you all the best!
Totally agree with you. Friend requests from strangers, usually men always send a private message saying "hi, how are you?". They just want to chat or something. I only accept requests from people I see on the threads and like.4 -
Hello all!
Everyone is doing amazing!
Starting my AF days over again because I had a real beer last Saturday! Ugg!! lol
But the good news is the beer made me feel Nauses so I see that as a posiitive.
I will probably have a glass of wine over the holidays to see how that sits in my body.
AF - 4
cheers!
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@SurferGirl1982 I get those requests all the time and just deny them. Friends are useless on this site now that the newsfeed is gone anyway.
Great list, @globalhiker
@Angel3167 Welcome to the group. Obviously, globalhiker has a great list. I have no awesome advice for you as I am struggling except to hang out with us and read or post...doesn't matter which or both. You'll gain encouragement and insight along the way.
@xbowhunter Glad your experiment went well and didn't lead you down a path that we all know you don't want to be on.
@NonnieDoiron I'm soooo glad your husband is just a dork and got the dates mixed up! Enjoy your celebration!
@MissMay Go you with your 70 days! That's awesome!
@tmbg1One heck of a streak! Keep on keeping on!
@itladyee Congrats on your first day! That's a big one!
@Michieb125 I admire you LA restraint!
@Womona I also admire your LA restraint!
Sooo...we got back from our trip yesterday and I did not drink last night, but the 3 previous days were filled with it. I need a detox for sure, and that's just what I'm planning for the rest of the month!
AF = 5
A = 137 -
3 months + 18 AF days done. I found a beverage called Slate Dark Chocolate that is taking away my sugar cravings! I'll have it 1-2x a week after a hard workout. A bit pricey but looks like it doesn't have any "bad stuff".
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For the holidays, I am drinking AF!! My AF drinking plan is:
If you have a look at the calorie profile, these are the lowest of the low, less sugar, etc. But, the taste does vary depending where it's bought and if it was transported in heat. I've tasted some spoiled ones. So far, Total Wine is working out well.
I'm not buying AF wines now unless it's a holiday. My go-daily nightcap is 1 oz of Santa Cruz lemon juice with 3-4 oz seltzer. Zero calories and I hope it does something to burn fat (wishful thinking)
5 -
@NonnieDoiron - congratulations on not one but two unexpected offers! It’s nice to tell appreciated!
@SurferGirl1982 - I have one of those invites sitting in my box now just haven’t made it over to decline.
Day 2 ~ solid!! 😂
AF = 2
A = 166 -
Yesterday, I went in search of some NA wines. I found a couple to try ... {fingers crossed} . I bought some more of the Gruvi bubbly too.
I did have a couple of mixed drinks yesterday.
It's sooooo weird how when drinking daily, it's just another thing and the body does what it needs to do. Give the body a break from alcohol, even if only 2 days and it rebels!
I have no desire to drink tonight and wont as I'm picking up my grandson and we are baking cookies this weekend!!
AF = 2
A = 176 -
Had the best N.A. night with family yesterday. Picked up Mexican food with my 8 year old grandson, baked cookies and built a holiday train set then went to my son’s house for the evening. Played some games and shared some memories of Christmas’s past. DDIL made us tasty tart cherry and seltzer drinks - so festive and healthy!
They both decided to significantly reduced their alcohol a little over two years ago (my son is at about zero) and I followed a LA lifestyle shortly thereafter. This is a gift being “sober-minded” together!
I’m sure we will have something together on Christmas Eve but definitely nothing unreasonable.
Planning AF again tonight.
December goal: 12 AF days
Current:
AF days - 6
A days - 13 (including LA choices)
4 -
@itladyee enjoy your grandson this weekend! Baking together is the best.
It’s also true about the body and when we skip A days. I feel like it screams for familiarity to grab that glass.
But it looks like you found a good solution with the Gruvi sparkling rose! Another NA one I’ll look for.2 -
23 AF days in a row! Friday cravings hit so I'm having tea and chocolate 🤣10
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I had 1 AF day and then I was right back at it. I'm having a hard time just coming home from work and not pouring that first glass of wine. I'm going to try again after the weekend. *sigh*
Have a great weekend all!8 -
Happy first day of winter 2024!
Best laid AF Intentions went sideways last night after a Costco haul with my only DD - oh what fun we had from 6:00 pm - 8:00 shopping together! I love just hanging out with my adult kids and doing the day to day just as much as seeing them on a big holiday. It wasn’t too crazy actually, and happy I found a beautiful roast, mushrooms for stuffing and spinach I want for Christmas Eve dinner.
Came home and poured a large glass of Chardonnay and ate a big bowl of popcorn with my feet up (yep the giant bag of Skinny Pop came home too).
Today is planned AF with church tomorrow morning. This board seems is a little quieter this week and know it’s a super busy time of year for many people. Whatever you are doing in the days leading up to this holiday week, let’s remember we ARE capable making better choices. And may you and your families stay safe along your travels!
🎄❄️⛄️🎄❄️⛄️
December goal: 12 AF days
Current:
AF days - 7
A days - 14 (including LA choices)
4 -
25 AF days in a row- trying to stay AF until Christmas Eve 🎄5
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I had 1 AF day and then I was right back at it. I'm having a hard time just coming home from work and not pouring that first glass of wine. I'm going to try again after the weekend. *sigh*
Have a great weekend all!
@chicbuc ~ I’m right with you as this was/is my habit more than anything. What kinda works for me is immediately pouring something else NA. It breaks the routine.6 -
Taking a lot of outdoor walks out in the mist and fog here - such a beautiful winter backdrop!
Haven’t given up on coming somewhat close to my AF days goal for December…..but honestly I’m getting that IDGAD attitude because we’ve been doing tons of holiday activities for a few days. And yeah, Prosecco does seem to go hand in hand for me. But not overdoing - so less?
Now have family arriving tomorrow!
🎄❄️⛄️🎄❄️⛄️
Current:
AF days - 7
A days - 15 (including LA choices)
4 -
Happy Sunday! Great weekend baking cookies yesterday and enjoying my grandson. The cookies did not become a problem until today!
Not sure of plans tonight so no ✅ just yet. 🙂
AF = 4
A = 17
@Michieb125 ~ I agree with you on spontaneous time spent with our adult children!!! You are also still well within your goals!
@tmbg1 ~ you are doing well!
6 -
Update
AF = 4
A = 18
I decided to have some wine today. My husband had offered up brandy eggnog, but I knew that I would drink the eggnog and then revert to wine.
Instead, I opened a bottle of the "good" wine and asked him to join me. He's not much of a wine drinker but he did have a glass while I had the rest
But after focusing for a few days, I feel more in control. I have substitutes and I'm good.
The rest of the year is at my discretion. I will jump on Dry January with a vengeance, there are a few exception days (same as I handled I 2024, so I'm good).
Enjoy your evening....
6 -
Update
The rest of the year is at my discretion. I will jump on Dry January with a vengeance, there are a few exception days (same as I handled I 2024, so I'm good).
I'm going to jump on dry January, too. December is going to play out how it's going to play out because I'm a loser, baby...
My adult kids and their babies came to my house for family Christmas last night. We always do it the weekend before Christmas since they're all busy doing their own things on the holiday. My sister and her kids came as well. We had a lot of fun. I made a saran wrap ball with money, lottery tickets, candy, and trinkets all wrapped up inside. It was a blast watching everyone try to unwrap it on their turn! I might make that one a tradition and start buying things a little at a time to put in for next year because it got quite pricey!
I wouldn't have had to drink yesterday, but I opened a bottle while I was baking cookies and appetizers and kept it topped off all night. No one else that was here even had a drink. I would like to say today will be wine free, but my SO is in a foul mood as he gets in EVERY freaking Christmas and I might just need to drink to deal with him the next few days.
5 -
AF - 14
A - 8
Definitely did not make it to Christmas. Oh well, it is what it is.
Been cooking and baking like crazy. I’m still not done, and we still have Christmas gifts to buy and wrap. I’m so far behind, I think I’m first.🙄🤦🏻♀️5 -
26 AF days in a row- went to a nice Christmas concert last night - gotta finish wrapping and baking today then the whole fam will be together tomorrow 🎄🎅🤶🎁🌲7
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