LESS Alcohol ~ APRIL 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

Michieb125 · April 23

Gosh, I thought I posted on the 14th before my international flight to London and Paris but see I did not!

Still in Paris until Saturday! Been doing surprisingly well with my wine targets. I guess walking 5-6 miles a day to all the sights has taken a priority:). I feel like I have lost weight. Interesting.
Enjoying some new French wines but definitely not over doing.

So very sad to see the post from MissMay - such an incredible leader to keep this thread going for many years. I do hope someone can report back that she is okay.

Thanks @itladyee for offering to take over posting a new thread for us. Appreciate that!

Be back next week!

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 23

Sorry everyone,

When I posted the May thread, I had copy and pasted April's intro. But, it was pasted, but was not formatted correctly. To make a long story short, it was getting late. So I requested it be deleted. Here is the link to the new thread:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10937436/less-alcohol-may-2025-one-day-at-a-time#latest

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 23

@Michieb125 I cannot believe you are in Paris. I haven't been out of Oregon in 14 years. Sounds fun!

Have a great time!

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 23

Well, I still haven't had even one AF day this month. I know that it isn't always the best way. But, I think I need to just cold-turkey it. This isn't my first rodeo and I don't think I'm that bad. I haven't been experiencing shakes or major anxiety. Of course, there will be some discomfort, but it's unavoidable. I keep telling myself that I'll quit tomorrow or someday. But, I think we all know "Someday Never Comes!"

I want to start posting some positive numbers again and get back to living. Believe me…drinking everyday…is not living!

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 23

I just wanted to say that I may start checking in a little less often. I really don't feel that this is helping me. I do get inspiration from those that are seeking a total AF life. But, it would probably be best for me to be in a group where all the members were also striving for the same thing.

Also, I know that it sounds weird, but social media makes me feel lonely. I know I'm not alone because someone much younger than me told me a while back that he tried social media at one time, but that it made him feel sad.

I've been looking for motivation, support, and help. I've done AA in the past and do not care for it in the least. In reality, this is something that I have to do myself…nobody can do it for me (that would be nice though). It will be difficult for a few days. But, somehow, I just have to do it. And, after that, I can never go back again.

I'm not leaving MFP, so I will still be checking in. But, I think I should wait until I have something good to report. My Mom used to say, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all! 🙃

I originally joined MFP to log my food and weight. MFP is the best, IMO, for that. I haven't been logging lately because of the drinking. I'm definitely not eating like I normally do. Hopefully, soon, I can get back on track!

I really do appreciate everyone and all of your support. I will be following your successes. And, I will definitely post when I get a handle on this thing!

Have a great day everyone!

SparkSpringtime69 · April 24

April:

AF=8
A=15

SunnyDays930 · April 24

@itladyee Thank you for volunteering to take the lead here. I would hope the thread will continue in the tradition with which it was started years ago as a SUPPORTIVE, NO JUDGEMENT ZONE. No one needs to be lectured as we are all adults and well aware of our own issues. I wish MM well and maybe she just needed a break; she has been running this thread like a champ for a long time and probably taking a well deserved rest.

Today will be a beautiful day and it will be an A day for me. Having happy hour after work on a beautiful local patio. I will be on a semiglutide journey for the second time starting as soon as it is delivered to my door. As important as weight loss for me, equally important is that it totally curbs my desire to drink. As in I cannot finish one glass. It really is a game changer. IMO it should be dirt cheap and widely available but that day has not come yet. Hopefully soon.

Have a wonderful, healthy day, Friends.

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 24

@SunnyDays930 Does semiglutide really take away your desire to drink? Did you buy it online? My doctor prescribed Naltrexone, but the side effects weren't worth it. The pharmacist told me some people don't like it and suggested that I only take a half at first. So a few days later, I did take a half. I read drowsiness or tiredness was a side effect. So I took it at 9 pm. The next night at 9 pm, I still felt like I had been run over by a Mack truck.

I still need to take a break. I really need to quit drinking. I need to focus on my health. I've just been fooling myself.

I'm sure @itladyee will continue the threads for you. I will still be checking in from time to time.

I wish everyone the best! Have a great day!

chicbuc · April 24

@SunnyDays930 One of the original reasons I started Semaglutide was hoping it would curb my desire to drink. It did not, but it drastically decreased my appetite. I'm happy it works for you! Good luck and keep us posted on your journey

@SurferGirl1982 As I always say, keep on keeping on! You will get where you want to be when you're ready

@itladyee Yes, please keep us going!

I've not been doing so great the last few days but hoping to turn that around today. I'm attending a charity tea party with my sister where they will not be serving alcohol, so tonight will be AF. I will try to continue through the weekend. Saturday will be easy. I'll be at dance competition with grandbabies until late. I'm not sure about Friday. I think I'll try to work a little late and take away the temptation.

A=8/AF=15

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 24

@chicbuc That is disappointing that the Semaglutide did not work for curbing your desire to drink. I have a doctor appointment in a few weeks and was thinking about asking him about it. I don't know much about it. But, I think it was originally used for pre-diabetes. My A1C was 4.8 when it was checked last. So I may not be a candidate. I am going to bring it up though.

And, yes, I am still trying to keep on keeping on 🙂 It will happen soon!

itladyee · April 24

Garage cleaning day today…. more like…still unpacking.

I've been AF for the past 3 days. Easter was spent at my husband's family's house and they don't drink so no fun popping a cork all alone.

We see how today plays out :)

Happy Thursday!

Stats thru 4/23
A = 12
LA = 3
AF = 8

tmbg1 · April 24

13 AF

5 LA

6 A

globalhiker · April 25

Looks like we'll keep moving forward, thank you @SurferGirl1982 and @itladyee.

I'm still at zero drinks for April. Still eating my evening apple with a glass of seltzer mixed with a generous few ounces of pure lime juice. I call it my faux whiskey sour.

In a couple of weeks I have a plane trip to visit family. That will be a drinking test so trying not to think about it. Planes, airports, and extended family all make me want to drink. I read about valerian to help relax and I may experiment with something like that before I leave so I am prepared.

NonnieDoiron · April 25

AF - 19
A - 5

Well, gee whiz… first @MissMay dropping us like hot potatoes and now @SurferGirl1982 trying to put us on the back burner! I just don’t think I can take this kind of rejection.😉

I’m kidding, of course. But, I understand everyone has their way, their life, and their comfort zones. We all have to keep on, keeping on like @chicbuc says.

The transition to the new job is kind of kicking my *kitten*. It took me about 5 hours this evening to figure out a task I was assigned. Now, that I’ve figured it out, I’ll have the rest of it done in a half an hour tomorrow.🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

On the drinking front, I may not have as many days of drinking, but 2 or 3 of those days was polishing off a full bottle of wine. So, the daily ratio looks nice, but behind the ratio is a hot-*kitten* mess!

Walking comes in spurts. I’m trying to get out there, but there are tons of last minute meetings with the job transition. There’s also the kids’ crap, and the rain. It’s just all throwing me off.

My eating isn’t much better. I’m trying to keep it down to a dull roar. I made cookies today for my son’s last IEP meeting and ate 2. I had Bojangles for lunch which made me feel sick, like it was too heavy. And, because I was trying to figure out the work crap, hubby got pizza for dinner. I had 2 slices. I could’ve definitely done better with that today, and this almost seems like a typical day anymore. I’ll never lose my fat *kitten* this way. 😕

Anyway, tired again, so off to bed I go. Good night all! ❤️✌🏻& 🐓-grease!

itladyee · April 25

I gave in tonight and it was ok.. I spent the entire day working in the garage. You know how you start a project and then 3 hours in wonder why???? yep, that was today. The left side was totally clear before I began as I'd been parking there….then I started the task and this is what it looked like… But I got it done. Emptied about 10 boxes…felt good.

It was nice enough to clean the grill and fire it up…nothing spectacular….just Italian sausages. Then watched the NFL draft so I can be ready for the season! 😂 Entertaining some quotes to get a patio….can't wait.

Stats thru 4/24
A = 13
LA = 3
AF = 8

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 25

@itladyee Hmmm! I'm slightly confused. You said you were parking in the garage and worked for three hours. So, is this the before or after picture? 🤔 If it's the after picture, I think you should stick with your day job…LOL 😀

Well, I'm sure the Italian sausage was good. I love Italian sausage!

I didn't watch the NFL draft. Did anything happen with my beloved Seattle Seahawks? Or, what we sometimes say around here…the Seattle Sea Chickens!

mfowler883 · April 25

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48581435#Comment_48581435

Valerian can be good, it works on GABA mechanisms - my personal stack uses kava, which also effects GABA, but it's hard to source clean and it can be expensive, so I'm considering subbing it out for valerian and passionflower which should pair up to have similar effects. Valerian inhibits GABA uptake, while passionflower shows increase GABA levels and mild MAO inhibition. Other things you might look into are magnesium glycinate, l-theanine, lemon balm and ashwagandha. If you take ashwa, make sure it's paired with about 5mg of piperine, otherwise its bioavailability is garbage. I've been learning a lot about bioavailability and solubility lately, it's amazing how many grocery store and drugstore brands are selling garbage that we can't absorb because it's either a bunk form (like magnesium oxide or potassium gluconate), insoluble (hacks include pairing with MCT powder) or require additional components like piperine to make them bioavailable (turmeric, ashwagandha, etc). Most of these things are good for stress management and relaxation without getting too into drowsiness territory unless you're stacking decent size doses. For daytime, I find that a small stack of magnesium glycinate (~100mg), ashwagandha (300-500mg) and l-theanine (~100mg) really helps me decompress without significant physical effects. Valerian can be mildly sedative, while passionflower is more anxiolytic.

-m

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 25

@NonnieDoiron it's somewhat late right now. But, I do want to reply to you. I'll catch up with you in the morning…OK?

Michieb125 · April 25

Returning home tomorrow from vacation! Looking forward to supporting everyone in May who are working a Less Alcohol program (as stated in the openers each month).

I am pleased that @itladyee has offered to keep us going. You are a longtime member here! And I know MissMay also posted last month how she might be needing your help.
It’s a commitment so thank you!

Womona · April 25

@itladyee thanks for taking this over. I’m sure it’s a big job-but may be a piece of cake for you! That garage project, however- it always looks worse before it gets better! It’s such an amazing feeling to get rid of stuff you don’t need! And then re-organizing and tidying up-bliss!!!

I really hope @MissMay is ok. If you’re out there, check in with us!

@SurferGirl1982 I totally understand if you need to find a group that’s about being completely sober. Glad you’re not bowing out completely!

I have a mixed doubles round robin tonight at 8:00 with my son, so I can’t drink at dinner. That’s a good thing! I haven’t had one AF day all month. Most days have been more than one drink. I know what I need to do, I just have to get over the Wine O’clock craving. I’m like freaking Pavlov’s dog over here!

Good news is that I’ve been exercising more consistently, and getting my house in order. Also I’ve been consistent with logging my food. Next stop, reducing alcohol. The pudge needs to budge! Haha!

More good news is that our boat goes into the water today! YAY!!!!!!

May we all have a great weekend full of joy and less alcohol-whatever that means to you!

SparkSpringtime69 · April 25

April:

AF=8
A=16

globalhiker · April 25

@mfowler883 good advice there, I have used Tadin brand passionflower tea on my earlier rounds of attempting to quit/reduce drinking and it helped take the "edge" off. I did not experience side effects and I am allergic to many plants. I would make it super-strong and steep multiple tea bags in a mug and drink a couple of cups mid-afternoon, in an attempt to help me better manage the 5pm drinking hour. I'll try Valerian next at home first to see how I react.

@SurferGirl1982 I am behind you all the way in whatever your next plan is and I will honestly say I have taken breaks from this group from time to time and that is all good.

In fact I used to phase in and out of this group over the years. Sometimes I felt I didn't need it, sometimes I needed a break, sometimes I screwed up and just didn't walk to talk about it, sometimes I compared myself to the others, sometimes I felt I drank way more than most others, and like even now, I wonder, do I belong here if I am proceeding down the "not drinking for good" route? I'm staying for now because what I do admire about this group is that it is a judgment free, no-comparison zone where everyone is on their own journey, at their own pace, checking in here when they want, and using their own method or method(s) to become happier and healthier selves.

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 25

@Womona That's awesome the boat's going back in the water. You've never mentioned which body of water it's in…Great Lakes or ocean. You're going to have to let me know if I'm going to sail it this summer - HeHe! Just think…if I'm sailing…you and your husband can have all the wine you want. I would be the designated sailor 😁

I was intending to reply to @NonnieDoiron this morning. But, I would like to reply to you all. I'm not completely bailing on all of you. I've actually become quite attached. But I feel like my drinking problem is possibly a little more serious than most of yours and I've been seriously concerned about my health. It's nothing to mess around with.

While I was typing this @globalhiker just posted, so this is for you also.

I've told this story before, but I feel that I need to tell it once again. I'm sorry, but it's long. Here it is:

On November 28th, 2021, shortly after midnight I woke up feeling the need to vomit. I ran to the kitchen sink. We have a garbage disposal, so I wasn’t concerned about using the sink. Plus, at my age, the days of hugging the toilet are over. I hadn’t turned on the light, but what had come out did seem a little on the dark side. I went back to bed. Shortly after, I needed to vomit again. This time my husband came out and said, “What is going on?” He turned on the light and said, “That’s blood!”

So, he called 911. I had esophageal varices and was in the hospital (ICU) for five days. I don't remember a whole lot. But they wheeled in a whole bunch of equipment to do an endoscopy. I told the nurse that the last time I had an endoscopy, I had to go to the OR. She said, “When you’re in the ICU, we come to you!”

Anyways, my memory is vague. The nurse put padding around the inside of my bed. She told me that sometimes when people are detoxing that they can thrash around and hurt themselves. I didn’t have any problems in that way. But I do know that I was hallucinating. At one time, Big Foot was sitting next to me on a park bench in my ICU room. When I was finally able to walk to the restroom (with assistance), upon returning to my bed, there were two old miners in my bed. I told the nurse that I wasn’t getting in the bed with those two men in my bed. The nurse reassured me there was no one in my bed. After coming home, I told my husband that maybe I wasn’t hallucinating and was just dreaming. He looked at me and shook his head “No”.

After I got back home, my memory was really bad. The only way that I really know what happened was that I spent hours on the hospital’s patient portal. After each shift the nurse writes a report, any time a doctor comes to see you or they run a test or procedure, there is a report. I read and reread every report trying to remember what happened. I memorized them.

After coming home, I told my brother that I was having memory issues. He suggested that I play FreeCell which I had played for years. When I started it up, I couldn’t remember how to play. I’ve always handled the finances. But when I logged into online banking and had the checkbook open, I couldn’t remember how to balance it.

Fortunately, I did slowly recover.

I just don't want for something like that to happen again. I just have to work on quitting completely. Sometimes when I hear people say that they only had one glass of wine, I think maybe I can do that to. But I can't.

Anyways, I'm not going anywhere. I just have to try a little harder.

Have a great day all!

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 25

@globalhiker One more thing that you mentioned. I know we're not supposed to compare ourselves to others. But sometimes, I do feel like I'm the screw-up of the group. I want so bad to be able to report something positive. It may take some time. But, I know, it will happen. I just have to keep trying. Or, as @chicbuc always says, "I just have to keep on keeping on!" 🙂

Have a great day everyone!

itladyee · April 25

@SurferGirl1982 ~ So yes, back in the fall, I promised myself I'd clear the garage to a point that I could park inside. And yes, I did it….but the "other" side of the garage was a mess and still had boxes that needed to be unpacked.

I always make a bigger mess before I clean …

I did manage to get it all cleaned up and better organization on the "other" side but it's going to take about 3 more passes and 1800gotjunk to be able to park two cars inside!!!

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 25

@itladyee I know how you feel. We've begun de-cluttering ourselves. You don't realize until you start going through things how much stuff that you have and don't use and most likely never will. For more expensive items, we've listed things on Craigslist. But lately, we've just been donating most of it to St Vinnie's…we have one right down the street.

I still haven't been feeling 100%. But I've been getting a few things accomplished. Here in the next day or two, I need to go through the garden shed. I have a lot of pots I know I'll never use. So, they'll be going bye-bye.

tmbg1 · April 26

13 AF

5 LA

7 A

itladyee · April 26

I did enjoy a couple of glasses last night, and then finished it off today. It's interesting that you take a couple of days off and then partake..the taste is so full of body…..

I played with Chapgpt today. Someone in another group suggested putting your requirements in and allowing it to plan a menu for you for a specified amount of time. I did a 5 day, low carb (gave it my macros) and tweaked it a couple of times (stuff I didn't want) and it finally spit something out that might be doable. I did include 1 6oz glass of wine each night. That gives me flexibility…. i have my menu planned through Wed of next week, but I think I will give chatgpt a go. I was going to do the premium + meal planner a try on MFP…. choking on a 99 a month upgrade (I already had premium so just the net difference) but because I did premium through google plan…it wouldn't let me. Being going round and round with support so I think I'll just wait and see….

Thank you all for your support moving forward.. But to be clear… @SurferGirl1982 has set up May and will be controlling the site for the month. I will add content as usual as a member. I will set up June and subsequent months, unless someone objects.

@chicbuc ~ did you ever do that 4:30 wake up.. Inquiring minds….

@Michieb125 ~ Welcome back. I know how bittersweet it is returning home after vacation. When I went on my first cruise (years ago) I vowed to NEVER go on a cruise every again because I had so much fun, coming back to real life was unimaginable. ok, I got over that but I know it's hard!! Can't wait to hear (and see pictures) of your trip!

@SunnyDays930 ~ Rest assured, the thread will continue as a supportive, no judgement zone place for us wishing to cut down on alcohol…. however long it takes.

@globalhiker ~ You go! I am so happy and proud of your accomplishments. I like the idea of setzer mixed with lime. It's just "something" in the hand during those moments. I think I mentioned before…filling your glass with something else before that urge surfaces..makes all the difference in the world.

@NonnieDoiron ~ Bummer the new job transition is kicking *kitten* but I'm sure that's just temporary as you get your sea legs! Give yourself grace…you've had a tough couple of weeks and you need to get back in your zone, you'll get there.

@SurferGirl1982 ~ re the NFL draft…I only paid attention if it was the Bears or the Raiders…or some cute kid (that could have been my son) wearing super nice clothes….and sneekers! Re your "screw-up" comment. Everyone is on their own journey to their destination…. Being able to post something positive is part of the motivation that this groups brings…aka…accountability. As said many times before… on your own terms…when you're ready you'll know and you will be able to share the wins with us. We are here supporting you every step of the way but it's up to you to take the first, second, third, fifth, tenth, twentieth….step.

@mfowler883 ~ your post has my head spinning… I guess when you don't know…you don't know… MCT powder was the only thing I've heard of… Living under a rock, maybe!

@Womona ~ I will figure out a way to keep things humming. I'm admin in a couple other groups so adding one more shouldn't be a big deal. It's kind of my nature…. While it doesn't look like it…but I didn't show you after pictures. I empties about 10 boxes, created 3 carpenter trash bags and then restacked the rest. It will take a few more passes to make room for another car…but progress was made. I'd better save …..been typing bit Congrats on getting that boat in the water. Isn't there a day in May set aside for that celebration?

if anyone has a lock step with Spring… please send them my ways…these "teaser" days are killing me!

Have a great night all….

Stats thru 4/25
A = 14
LA = 3
AF = 8

LittleSurferGirl7 · April 26

I did set up May because several of you seemed to be panicking 😱. I couldn't let that happen!

@itladyee added the missing content that I guess had been missing for a while. I have no problem with having her continuing with the June thread. Of course, if that's OK with everyone else.

@chicbuc Yes, inquiring minds do want to know! No way…4:30 in the morning! I wouldn't even be able to find my shoes at 4:30 in the morning. If you did workout at that time, I think we may have to start another group 🤔 Although, maybe we shouldn't tell you…LOL!

Have a great night everyone!

Womona · April 26

Sigh… turns out the boat is NOT in the water today, but should be early next week. Here’s hoping! Meanwhile I finally had a AF night! My son and I played tennis, got our butts soundly kicked, but had fun. Hmmm… playing sports late at night is one way to avoid drinking! I didn’t even have a sip of my husband’s cocktail at dinner! And guess what, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

@SurferGirl1982 I’m on the East coast, but I’d love to have you on board! Kinda far I know. Meanwhile- thanks for sharing your story again. I didn’t realize that you were having such hallucinations! Scary stuff, especially with memory not coming back right away. Bigfoot-wow!!!!!

@ Michieb182 sounds like such an amazing trip!

LESS Alcohol ~ APRIL 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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