LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

Womona · July 22

@NonnieDoiron oh sister, I feel ya! I think we’ve all had “that” job. The question of “why am I doing this to myself?” Always ends with “because I have bills to pay!” Well, it’s good motivation to clean up the budget and increase savings so you can reduce your time there! Hugs.

chicbuc · July 22

I was just looking at the spreadsheet. @NonnieDoiron and HYS? and @nbruns83, you're all killing it! Congrats on the hard work!

Still going strong here. I wanted a dry July and I may just get it 🙏 We're taking 2 of our grandsons on a little weekend cruise this Friday. I did not get the drink package. My SO did. I am determined to stick to my eating plan as closely as possible and remain AF! Please pray for me on that front…lol.

I'm not really having many cravings, and when I do, I stop and remember that I don't like the feeling of being tipsy and breathe and let it pass. I'm down ~12 pounds in just over 3 weeks. That's not just because of not drinking. I did make a major change in the way I eat at the same time as dropping the wine, and I've been so busy that I've been undereating too much. I need to work on that.

I feel pretty good. Still struggling with good sleep. I'm getting about 7 hours at night and most nights I sleep straight through, but my Apple watch says I'm only getting about 45 minutes of "deep sleep" per night…sometimes less…which is the restorative sleep. I'm not sure why my body won't go into deep sleep. I take magnesium at night and drink a cup of sleepytime tea most nights. I suppose it will get there eventually.

Y'all take good care today!

Jthanmyfitnesspal · July 22

Congratulations to everyone who is engaged in this life-changing effort. And thanks to @itladyee for taking over the management efforts.

I want to report both the good and the bad for me.

Good: I’ve done very little drinking on work nights. I even dumped out a beer last night after lazily pouring it from the main fridge. I went and got a NA beer from the drinks fridge instead, which really hit the spot. It was a good choice as I was still tired from a fun weekend away and badly needed a good sleep, which I got.

Fun, but less good: I drank 2-3 drinks on every evening of my vacation in July (10 days). I paid for it in being more tired, but I also had more time for rest. So 🤷‍♂️. I had no trouble kicking the habit when I got back home. My weight also dropped by >2lbs almost immediately after returning.

My “Everest” is a fun vacation without so much CH3CH2OH. Oh well, maybe one day!

BurnMode05 · July 22

Back from my first vacation this month — Arizona was amazing, but wow, it was HOT! 🔥 Had a great time, but definitely feeling like I need a day to reset and get back to normal.

Welcome to all the newcomers!

Staying AF the rest of the week to recharge before vacation #2 starts Sunday. Only planning on three more A days this month to stay on track with my July goals.

AF = 13

A = 8

Michieb125 · July 22

For the Rose’ lovers - this 12 oz can really satisfies!

SparkSpringtime69 · July 22

July:

AF=8
A=13

I've had a few A days in a row now and really need to get more AF days to reach my greater than 50% goal for the month!

Welcome to all the newcomers, and welcome back @looneycatblue

SparkSpringtime69 · July 22

@Michieb125 I've never been a huge rose' fan, but that looks tasty anyway. I can't wait until the Trader Joe's opens near us (supposedly sometime this year).

LittleSurferGirl7 · July 22

@chicbuc Congrats on your success! If I remember correctly, you had 3 AF days in June also. I'll pray for you to get through this weekend. You have to do it! You've got this. Your weight loss is amazing. I experienced the same thing when I quit in the past. If I could just get a streak going, the weight loss would motivate me to continue.

I could use a prayer or two myself. I plan on being AF tomorrow. I have to do it! I've done it before and "Yes" the first day may not be totally pleasant. But, I can do it. I'm not at the stage where I'm having withdrawal symptoms or anything…I need to just tough it out!

I'm also a little curious about who HYS is. Come on out and introduce yourself. Trust me…we don't bite. But, if you don't care to, that's OK too. You're doing well.

@SparkSpringtime69 The nearest Trader Joe's is 60 miles from here. We had one where I grew up. I sure miss it. I wish they would put one in here!

Welcome to all the newcomers. Nice to see you back @looneycatblue!

looneycatblue · July 22

Well… I had a few AF days in July, but just really started keeping track this past Sunday.

Sun, 7/20 AF

Mon, 7/21 Nope… very stressful day, business where I work got broken into and robbed Sunday night/Monday early morning. Spent all day on the phone with Alarm company, Fire Dept, Police Dept… and trying to fix it so if they returned they wouldn't be able to get in again (hopefully). On top of being tired (calls into the late night from Fire Dept, Police, Alarm Co and Boss)… and I was hungry (not much time to take a break and eat)…. etc…

Tue, 7/21, still a bit tired but got my AM walk in, and feeling like I am coping better. Planned AF tonight.

NonnieDoiron · July 22

Declaring tonight AF because the mother-in-law went by ambulance to the ER this afternoon because she was having trouble breathing. My husband is acting like he can’t keep his eyes open which means when it’s time to go get her, that’ll be my job. 🫤 (whispers to self… all things for love of Him… all things for love of Him… all things for love of Him…)

@Womona saving, saving, and more saving is the plan. I told our “money guy” I need to be a multi millionaire by next year. 😉 But, seriously, as soon as he tells us I can retire without losing any income, I’m DONE! I will retire so fast, and never look back! Until then, I guess I’ll keep on keeping on.

globalhiker · July 23

Today I am richer than I was same time last year and thinner too. Today I hit 14 lbs. thinner. Bank accounts are growing. Abstinence will do it.

Strength to take control of one's life is something that is developed over time and it comes with abstinence. Please don't hate me now. Only my perspective and take it or discard it. I still have feelings like I want a drink when my stress is high or I am tired and hungry, maybe my cortisol or blood sugar is a bit off. Strategy- I go eat an apple or two and in a minute, feeling is gone and I am onto doing something else.

LittleSurferGirl7 · July 23

@globalhiker I know you are so right. But I don't know how to start. Right now, it's 6 pm where I live and the liquor store closes in an hour. I was thinking about going to get more. I know at some point that I have to just have to tough it out. But, it's hard. I wish I knew what to do.

You're doing great! The weight loss is impressive. And, saving money is a definite bonus. One thing I would like to add…you've gone so far…never give in and take a drink. It could spoil all you have achieved!

Have a good night! I'll let you all know when I have something to report.

nbruns83 · July 23

@LittleSurferGirl7, I'm sending prayers your way; I hope you can make it AF tomorrow. You can build that "Resistance Muscle," one day at a time. I know you want to get back on the path to a healthier life.

@chicbuc, thanks for your encouragement, posting to this group is making me want to report those AF days.

I had my favorite Mexican beer on tap, Jalisco Estrella, with lunch today. I was planning AF, but going out to eat is definitely a trigger. It's no excuse, but at least, I didn't get a margarita.

July stats:

AF 16
LA 4
A 2

LittleSurferGirl7 · July 23

Thanks @nbruns83 The liquor store closes in 40 minutes. And, I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm not to going there tonight. Keep in mind though there's still 32 minutes left. But, I'm not going to go. Thank you for the prayers.

I'm probably not going to be a happy camper in the morning. But, I'll get over it. You have to start somewhere…right?

Michieb125 · July 23

While on my walk today I listened to a Sunnyside podcast found on YouTube. It was about being in the drivers seat on this journey whether it’s to be abstinent or toward mindful drinking (or thinking drinking) - I’m not a passenger anymore!
The message ended with “make a plan and stick to it.” So I did.

Here’s my replacement found at Bev Mo today - This one ticks all the boxes for citrus and lime and I poured 2-6 oz. glasses. Delicious!

Michieb125 · July 23

I believe you can begin where you are as hard as it “seems” @LittleSurferGirl7

You may find extra support beyond this group (as many of us have) by listening to some podcasts or YouTube videos. They can be super helpful when individuals want to cut back or cut out alcohol.
Some are listed at the beginning of this thread…..others you can google.
Or there are paid apps with coaches that many people find immensely helpful. One day at a time, one moment at a time they say. Looking forward to your update.

Walela617 · July 23

Hi everyone,

No alcohol since 7/18/25 (Stopped drinking around 9:30pm that night.)

Counting days reset on 7/20/25 [DAY 001]

At midnight, 7/23, the Sober Time app will award me my 3-day milestone "badge"!

I will post a screenshot tomorrow.

Have a great day and night,

💞Carole

chicbuc · July 23

@LittleSurferGirl7 I hope you were successful in staying away from the liquor store yesterday and continue on in sobriety today…just for one day at a time…but if not, we're still here for you. I appreciate your struggle more than you know. I hear your frustration with yourself because you just can't seem to do it. I think we've all been there. Sending you prayers for success and comfort no matter what. I think @Michieb125 is spot on with outside resources. Order some books. Listen to podcasts…even if you're still drinking!

Have a great day, everyone!!

Womona · July 23

@ globalhiker so you are human after all! You get the occasional craving, just like the rest of us! Hahahaha! I am so inspired by the way you can move past it. I know you feel so much better, and I’m loving the weight loss too! Goals!

@LittleSurferGirl7 hang in there girlie! I know you were counting down the clock like Mission Control counts down a rocket launch.

@Walela617 congratulations on the three day badge!

@Michieb125 I love that. “Make a plan and stick to it.” So simple, really. I also love be in the driver’s seat of your life. Thanks for the podcast recommendation!

Did I mention that last night was my 2nd AF night in a row? Going for three tonight!

Womona · July 23

@Jthanmyfitnesspal oh those vacation drinkies, I am right there with ya. It really is hard to resist. Being on the boat every weekend is my vacation, so I really struggle to cut back. Yay for us for getting back at it!

@nbruns83 dinner out is my trigger too! I have taken to only ordering one wine and micro/sipping it to last the meal. Plus I know how many calories I’m dealing with. If I order a cocktail before dinner, I know that I will order a wine afterwards, so it’s best if I just go to the wine.

@Michieb125 dang, I was right by the Trader Joe’s yesterday! Need to try those rosé drinks you recommended.

Have a great day everyone!

Womona · July 23

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48697639#Comment_48697639

OMG so sorry to hear this! How much was stolen? What a PIA to have to clean it all up with the police reports, insurance, etc. sounds so stressful and annoying! Hope they catch whoever did it!

Womona · July 23

@NonnieDoiron sorry to hear about your MIL. Did they keep her overnight? Breathing problems are very scary.

tmbg1 · July 23

11 AF

3 LA

8 A

LittleSurferGirl7 · July 23

Thanks everyone for your support, suggestions, and prayers. I really do appreciate it.

@Womona It did seem like a Mission Control countdown for a rocket launch. Anyways, at 18:48:00 hours I caved. The thought of not having anything this morning was too intense.

@Michieb125 I have purchased several of the books listed at the beginning of this thread. I had to order the Kindle versions because of my eyesight. I have the Kindle app on my desktop. But I didn't really get anything from them. I still prefer regular books. I was watching some You Tube videos. I was interested in the Huberman videos. But, most of his videos are 2 hours or longer. I don't have the patience to sit for that long. I don't even watch movies. One hour is about my max for TV and about 20 minutes is about my max for You Tube videos.

@chicbuc Thank you for continuing to cheer me on. And I really do appreciate the prayers. I'm not sure why I'm having such a hard time this time around. I know from the past that after Day 1 (for me), it gets pretty easy. I seem to have some sort of mental block. I have to get past this. So, all I can do is aim for tomorrow.

Have a great day everyone!

Walela617 · July 23

Hi everyone,

I have just passed my 3-day milestone (officially, even though I actually stopped on the night of July 18th. Here is my milestone badge:

Screenshot_20250723_095733_Sober Time.jpg

Have a great day!❤️Carole

Michieb125 · July 23

A big congrats to you Carole! I can hear your well earned enthusiasm 👏🏼!

@Womona you are doing great!!

AF last night with my new mocktail! Worth the 50 calories compared to 300 on a wine night.

Something a wise past LA friend once said, an individual is the only one who can decide when they are ready to change their relationship with alcohol - no one else has the power to do anything about it but them.

nbruns83 · July 23

@LittleSurferGirl7, Sending you a big warm hug. Maybe today's the day. I know what you mean about the Huberman videos, He can be long-winded. I wondered across a psychiatrist who has a YouTube channel called HealthyGamerGG. I know it sounds weird, but he was addicted to video gaming, and many of his videos are aimed at younger men, but he also addresses anxiety, depression, and all kinds of addictions. He helped me because he's pretty realistic about how it take's more than "will-power" or personal resolve to break through serious problems. He gets how hard it is and some of his videos are 20 minutes or less.

@Walela617, Congratulations on the 3-Day badge, you're off to a good start. Keep up the momentum.

Today's AF for me, I just don't react well to dinners out and even 1-2 drinks.

SparkSpringtime69 · July 23

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48697871#Comment_48697871

@globalhiker thank you so much for this reminder - I'm so looking forward to having extra money in the bank for things that really mean something to me and will bring me actual enjoyment.

I'm still searching for the "strength to take control of my life" but I'm getting closer.

Thank you for your continued inspiration in this group.

itladyee · July 23

All, I updated the spreadsheet to include August. I will continue to add additional tabs for each new month. At the end of this month, I will rename the sheet (since it’s more than just July) and resend the link.

For those of you who joined later in the month. I put together a simply spread sheet that you can join (just add your name) and start to check off your alcohol free days. There are some calculations that will show you your percentage for the month, days AF and your longest streak. I think we all find it to be motivating!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16oiWd3euWSGpbEBxbURJ-LKFxwUTircUIpcHF2Jnwgo/edit?usp=sharing

@looneycatblue ~ oh, that’s horrible and what a violation! I hope there wasn’t much damage. Were they able to catch the thieves?.

@NonnieDoiron ~ Sorry to hear about your MIL. I hope she’s better now.

@globalhiker ~ Hate?? Farthest from it… I’m loving what you’ve done, the control, the dedication AND the results!! You are very inspirational to me. My lesson to learn…there will always be “something” to trip you up and I have to learn to deal with those things in other ways! You have done an amazing job!

@nbruns83 ~ I agree that going out to eat is a trigger, at least for me it is… in another group, a member took an entire year (more for weight loss) and didn’t go out to any social events, restaurants, etc….something to think about.

@LittleSurferGirl7 ~ wishing you success for a day 1 AF. It’s coming, you’ve got this!!

@Walela617 ~ congrats on your progress.

@Womona ~ you are well on your way as well! Keep ‘em coming! Yeah, I usually do the cocktail and the wine but limited to 2 regardless of combination.

@SparkSpringtime69 ~ the time will come….

@Michieb125 - love the quote from the past LA Friend. I think I’ll add it to our opening pages!

For those of you who have read books that have helped, please share your choices.

SparkSpringtime69 · July 23

@LittleSurferGirl7 Sorry to hear you didn't quite make it to closing time last night - but I have faith that you'll get your another July day very soon!

@nbruns83 I think trying to stay AF when eating out can be daunting sometimes. Hooray for avoiding the margarita.

@Michieb125 Thanks for sharing the pic of another refreshing replacement beverage.

@Walela617 Congrats on the 3 day milestone!

@Womona Congratulations to you also for your 2nd day in a row AF. I went AF yesterday and am planning to be AF again tonight.

LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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