LESS Alcohol ~ May 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

margim5 · May 6

Had a great weekend at a Rod Run—over 580 classic cars on display! Wrapped up the night with some drinks and laughs with family... maybe a few too many, because Sunday was all about recovery mode. Planning to spend this week AF and hit the reset button.

AF = 2

A = 3

Womona · May 6

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48590650#Comment_48590650

Thabks for sharing about the sessions you had! I’d be very happy with 2 cm less around my middle!

SparkSpringtime69 · May 6

@chicbuc limiting to two glasses is definitely a victory!

@itladyee I have one "don't even think about it". It's from years ago, when I still wore suits to work, and it was a bit tight when I bought it, about 5 pounds from my goal weight ……. it still has the price tags on it :0

Yes, I'm in the BLC58 challenge - I've been a Resolute Renegade for many seasons. What team are you on?

@SurferGirl1982 sorry to hear your sleep's been messed up, I hope you're able to sleep a bit later in the morning to get a daily sleep/wake routine back.

I totally about being serious about AF (or at least waayyy LA) for these challenges: I plan to be AF during this 12-week challenge. That's a pretty big leap for me, usually I calculate calories to allow for some wine, but this challenge I plan to really push myself to be AF. I told my SO just a couple of hours ago that I'm really serious about getting to my goal weight over these next twelve weeks. He said "can I ask something" and I said sure (knowing what it was). He said "What about the wine?" I said "No Wine" and he said "Okay" with a smile (he likes when I take a break from drinking).

So tonight I am imbibing and, starting tomorrow, diet, exercise and AF for 12 weeks!!

@Michieb125 lucky you - a nice hike with a loved one and a well-paced step class. My step class today started out, and stayed, at a very quick pace. I'm so, so, SOOO glad I didn't drink last night because I wouldn't have been able to put nearly the amount of effort into the class that I was able to do this morning.

@margim5 That's a huge number of cars! Nice job planning a reset this week.

Womona · May 6

Hi everyone! I just got caught up on reading the last of the April and first of the May posts. Hugs to all those who need it.

I had a D&C last week and am still feeling fatigued as I recover. I was hoping to be back to my normal self by now, but I still have to take it easy. Frustrating for this go go go girl!

Let’s all give ourselves grace this week!

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 7

@Womona I'm so sorry that you're not feeling well. I've noticed that you haven't been posting for a few days. You take care of yourself…Hugs!

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 7

@SparkSpringtime69 I'm obviously not quite ready for a challenge right now. Alcohol really kicked my butt this time around. But, I wouldn't mind participating at some time. I honestly have no idea how it works? Is it a private group? Do you weigh in weekly?

Actually, I plan on quitting drinking after tomorrow. I have enough to get well in the morning and then that's it! I've had it! It definitely has to stop! If I have any problems, I will go to urgent care or the ER.

When does this challenge start? Maybe I could participate. That may be a good distraction for me. I can't really exercise right now. Do you have to report your exercise?

Fill me in on the details if it's not too much trouble. If I can't join this one, maybe next time.

Thanks!

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 7

It's 4:40 am. Good thing that I didn't try to completely cold-turkey it. I feel pretty sick. My husband is still asleep. I can't wait until I can get my sleep schedule back to normal.

My husband and I will have to discuss this later. Maybe we will need to do the taper thing. He's willing to help. We'll see.

For those of you that have never reached this point…please be careful. It's not fun. And, it can sneak up on you. Please don't let it happen!

Take care everyone!

globalhiker · May 7

Love this team's words of wisdom including Hope, giving yourself Grace, and realizing we are human. I'll add practicing Gratitude.

@SurferGirl1982 I like what you wrote about "what if" we all lived closer together. We'd have a blast for sure. What you write I always draw meaning from and it never offends me. Hopefully I don't offend anyone either because I tend to have a direct communication style. And super glad to hear your husband is supportive of your goals.

@Womona hope you feel better soon. I dropped another 2 lbs. and down to 141. Eliminating the canola and veg oils and salad dressing along with the advice I got to "eat more" and exercise more. I'm starting to believe that theory about inflammatory bad fats blocking weight loss. I also struggled with getting enough protein so I am eating an additional protein bar a day (and it has sugar!). My muscle % went up a notch in a week, only 0.1% but my BMI dropped from 29 something to 27 something just doing that in a week so I am in disbelief. I don't understand it but somehow eating more protein+fat and eliminating the veg oil is setting the weight loss switch to "burn". Curious now if this will continue?

AF=6 days done.

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 7

@globalhiker You've never wrote anything that has ever offended me. I prefer honesty.

As I think you know…my sleep schedule is a bit off right now. So, I'm almost ready to go back to bed.

I actually know quite a bit about healthy fats and protein (they're the way to go). I'll post more at a later date. Also, unless you're genetically disposed, dietary cholesterol is nothing to fear either. In fact, if we don't eat enough cholesterol, our bodies make it.

Anyways, I should be off this alcohol thing soon. And, I'll start logging my meals and weighing myself regularly again. I emailed my veterinarian's office and I heard back from them yesterday. The doctor is concerned about my cat's recent weight loss. We have an appointment next Wednesday and I plan on being 100%.

By the way, my cat Tinker would like to go hiking with you. She's 17, so she's old enough to get her driver's license. But, you would still have to drive because she can't reach the pedals 🙂

Michieb125 · May 7

I truly admire your inspiring weight and LA goals @SparkSpringtime69! Your attitude and dedication will take you far! Oh, and how I loved wearing power suits during my corporate career era too, lol. Those were the days!

Sending positive thoughts your way, @Womona. I hope you are much better soon. Need to get your boat in the water soon!

Good going on having a great time @margim5 and now ready to cut back this week. A very mindful choice!

You are fortunate to have such a supportive husband @SurferGirl1982. I can’t relate to your situation but truly hope you can find the best solution to help you.

Your efforts are paying off big time @globalhiker!!

Had a Recess non-alcoholic mojito beverage last night. So refreshing with added mint, lime and a drop of stevia.

NonnieDoiron · May 7

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48597914#Comment_48597914

If we lived closer, I would be happy to give you some cooking tips. But, I warn you, it won’t help with any weight loss! Lol, my fat booty can attest to that!

My daughter is having symptoms again. She stayed home from school today. I messaged the doctor but haven’t heard back yet. 🙁

itladyee · May 7

@SparkSpringtime69 ~ I am on the Determined Desert Tortoises. I love what you wrote about getting serious about AF and diet during this 12-week challenge (and then some). I am trying to wrap my head around the concept and adopt it. It seems that if I'm AF, then I want an extra snack to compensate, or if I'm doing well on my calorie count, I've got room for a glass of wine. Both are just plain sabotage! Good Luck to you. oh and yes, I'm happy to be rid of those power suits. The only power suit I want right now has to go well with might Nikes!

@margim5 ~ glad you enjoyed yourself.

@Womona ~ Wishing you a speedy and restful recovery. Don't rush, you'll be go go go before you know it.!

@globalhiker ~ congrats on the additional loss and figuring it all out. Our bodies are sooooo complicated.

@SurferGirl1982 ~ I hope your cat is ok.

@NonnieDoiron ~ Continued prayers for your daughter's health.

I'm now motivated to go for a second walk today.

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 7

@Michieb125 I'm glad that you can't relate. That's why I sometimes say that I'm not sure if I belong in this group. To me, drinking one or two standard glasses of wine, a few days a week is normal drinking. But, since discovering this group last July, even though we all haven't actually met, I feel like I know you all and you are part of my extended family. By the way, have you tried any of the So. Oregon wines? I worked briefly at a post office in Umpqua, OR. There are several wineries nearby. Just wondering what a wine connoisseur may think. Here's a link of some of the local wineries. There's one called Henry Estates, but for some reason it isn't listed: https://www.umpquavalleywineries.org/visit-us/ I just checked the link. I guess you have to click on wineries.

Even though I'm struggling more than most in this group…maybe I can get the "Most Improved" award? Let's hope…I'm really trying!

@NonnieDoiron I'm sorry to hear your daughter is having symptoms again. I hope the doctors can find a solution. It sounds like the infusions helped quite a bit.

If I came to your house, I could make you spaghetti. But, if you want garlic bread, you are in charge. I used to always make garlic bread. When I was younger and on my own, I often just used a hamburger bun. Sometimes, I use hoagie rolls. But, after the…well, let's say mishap, I stopped making garlic bread. I had a full fledged fire on my hands. I grabbed the fire extinguisher. My husband didn't seem alarmed, and said, "I wouldn't use that…it will make a mess!" So I just turned the oven off and closed the door. Anyways, nothing burnt down and I didn't have to call the FD 🙂

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 7

@itladyee You posted while I was typing. Thank you for wishing well for my cat. We adopted her when she was the size of a small rat or hamster. And, here we are 17 years later. She is very important to us.

tmbg1 · May 7

3 AF

4 A

NonnieDoiron · May 7

AF-3
A-4

Upside down now, but will turn that around next week on the business trip because I will not drink around my coworkers.

@SurferGirl1982 I’m happy to make the garlic bread. It’s one of the things my family can’t get enough of, and I make all the time. Lately, I’ve been using homemade Italian bread which is just so yummy. I have been let off the hook 2 nights in a row now for making dinner. I’m sure this weekend I’ll be cooking like crazy like always, but there will be enough leftovers to keep everyone fed while I’m gone.

Womona · May 7

@SurferGirl1982 hope your cat bounces back. That is a lot of weight loss so quickly. Hugs and snuggles to her.

@globalhiker isn’t it amazing how changing what we eat yet keeping the same calories makes a difference?

@itlaydee I totally hear you on getting your full share of those calories by either eating or having that glass of wine. But if we’re within our calories, we can do that, right? RIGHT? 🤣

@NonnieDoiron so sorry to hear your daughter has symptoms again. Poor thing. Hope she feels better soon.

speaking of which, I am feeling better, but I need a lot of rest. Left work early and took a nap this afternoon. Praying I can sleep through the night tonight. I was up from 1:30-5:00 last night! No wonder I’m exhausted. I generally don’t do that, but this surgery has knocked me off kilter with sleep. Dang.

On a good note, AF tonight and don’t even want it.

SparkSpringtime69 · May 8

@Womona I hope you're continuing to recover from the surgery. Those wakeful nights can really mess with you, good luck getting a regular sleep pattern back.

@SurferGirl1982 The groups in the challenge are private, you have to register for the BLC challenge and then they will let you pick a group. It started yesterday (registration ended 4/30), but for people who want to join after registration closed, they will automatically put you on a team called White Rabbits for this round. You do have to weigh weekly, on Wednesdays, and their are different things to do every week (e.g. track food, etc). You have to exercise, but only if you are able, you're not supposed to do more than you can. Here is the link to the main site in case you want to check it out: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/140802-blc-58-summer-round
On another note, I hope your cat is ok.

@globalhiker Congratulations on the weight, loss bmi drop and muscle gain.

@Michieb125 Thank you for the encouragement. I've never tried the Recess, I'll have to see who around here carries it (if any do).

@NonnieDoiron I'm sorry to hear your daughter is having symptoms again, I hope the doctors can get her the best treatment to help her out.

@itladyee So true about the sabotage we inflict on ourselves - cutting out some healthy food so we can have alcohol, then flip and treat ourselves to some junk because we skipped the alcohol, yikes. Hope you had a great second walk in your power Nikes. Good luck to you in the challenge.

SparkSpringtime69 · May 8

May

AF: 2
A: 5

globalhiker · May 8

So in 24 hours I embark on my first sober trip involving flying - in like 30 years. No joke. En route to MIL's house I will pick up the usual seltzer and lime juice and that sort of thing. They expect us to buy them booze so I have to be surrounded by alcohol, oh joy. I'll try to go for a long walk or two if my husband will go. With a sober trip, everything needs to be carefully planned. And the new earphones are coming along so when the family chatter intensifies I can turn down the volume in my head.

@SurferGirl1982 Tinker actually looks really young!

Michieb125 · May 8

Have a fabulous trip taking care of yourself @globalhiker. Sorry to hear you are the one expected to provide a ton of alcohol for people while on your own vacation. Well it sounds like the ear buds are going to come in handy!

I traveled around Oregon for work some years ago @SurferGirl1982 - such a beautiful state. I recall some of the wines from Willamette Valley were ver nice.

May you have the kind of day you deserve everyone!

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 8

@NonnieDoiron It's a deal. I'll make the spaghetti and you make the garlic bread!

The homemade Italian bread sounds great. I've always made garlic bread in the oven. But, somehow, the last time…I guess I had too many irons in the fire and it got away from me.

I tried making my own bread several years ago. But, it didn't work out. I really didn't have a recipe. I was trying to make a bread with seeds. I didn't taste bad. But, it was very heavy (dense). So, I gave up.

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 8

@SparkSpringtime69 Thanks for the info. But, I'll probably wait for the next challenge. I'm not in the best of shape right now.

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 8

@globalhiker Have a nice trip. Back in 2010, my Mom got sick and I had to fly on a plane. At first, I was scared to death. But, once we were in the air, I really liked it.

Yes, that picture of Tinker is when she was younger. We lived by a VA hospital. There was a golf course, a duck pond, hiking trail, bike paths, frisbee golf, etc. We used to take her there on a long leash. But, she still pretty much looks like she did in that picture.

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 8

@Michieb125 The Willamette valley is a little bit north of us. That's where they keep making me (or trying to make me) go to doctor appointments. It's 60 miles from here and I have an anxiety disorder. That's where Eugene, OR is. It's the second biggest city in the state…it's terrifying!

We did go there to see my retinol specialist. I don't know how it could have possibly happened because when you get off of the freeway the doctor's office is almost in eyesight. But, somehow we got lost getting there. We had to pull over and I called the office to find out how to get there. Then, we got lost, trying to find the freeway going home. Beforehand, my brother told me to just go, that it would be fun, and we could go out to lunch or dinner. They do have all the stores and restaurants that most of you have. But, it was a nightmare.

Well, I'll try it again someday. I just have to regroup. And, maybe, learn how to use GPS.

LittleSurferGirl7 · May 9

This is Tinker today.

She used to be fat. I'm not quite sure how this happened. Oh, my!

We had to put her on a diet. Now we wish she would gain weight.

itladyee · May 9

Happy Friday!

Promised to drive down with my husband to see his Mom. Leaving soon, so catch up later.

Planned: 7 to 10 days
Just one of those days: 1 day so far
Baseball game this weekend - Yes
Cinco de Mayo - Yes , 2 margaritas
Mother's Day
Book Club
Memorial Day Holiday

In addition to planned
May 7 LA - finished off mexican food from Cinco De Mayo and had one margarita
May 8 had drinks with husband while watching mindless TV.

Stats thru May 8

AF: 3
LA: 1
A: 4

Walktostaysane · May 9

Hi all, just joined beginning logging again after a long time away. I’m aiming to get alcohol free. I’m so sick of it controlling my weight and my life. So glad you are all here. My plan is to reduce over this month and fully quit the start of June. Look forward to sharing the journey with you.

Michieb125 · May 9

There is a lot of excellent research based information on the relationship between anxiety and drinking habits. This has been a topic on this board many times through the years. Over drinking creates anxiety and then the recurring anxiety is why people drink to try to reduce it. It’s a vicious cycle that take place in the brain which makes so much sense. I will look for links to share later!

AF today and Sat. Planning on a hike, cherry picking and some champagne on Sunday.

Happy Mother’s Day weekend to those moms out there! Let’s find a way to treat ourselves to some good self-care. 🩷

Michieb125 · May 9

Welcome @Walktostaysane - this board offers support to those who are seeking positive changes by choosing Less Alcohol in their lives! Glad you are here.

LESS Alcohol ~ May 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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