LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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.

NonnieDoiron · July 23

@Womona and @itladyee MIL was released yesterday evening at about 8:30. To my surprise, my husband was still awake and went to pick her up. YAY! Anyway, nothing was found. ER doctor told her to come back if it happens again, go see her primary, and make sure she makes it to dialysis. She went to dialysis today. Her appetite has really waned the last few weeks, and everything seems to make her nauseous. My personal opinion (just a hunch): I think it’s the Ozempic she’s on. Her endocrinologist insists she be on it, but I think it’s making her sick. She wasn’t on it after her aortic dissection happened last year, and she wasn’t fine. As soon as the endocrinologist put her back on it, she’s been battling nausea and diarrhea. She won’t talk to her about going off of it, so there’s nothing I can do about it.

@LittleSurferGirl7 Tomorrow is another day to try again. Fortunately, God keeps giving us all more days to keep trying. I think it’s because He knows we can do it. 😉

@Walela617 congrats on the badge!

I am trying to remember to take my medicine/vitamins every day, and I’ve been consistent for about a week now. I even remembered my b12 shot the other day. I’m feeling a little less irritable, so I am going to try to keep at it. I’ll do well for a while and then I’ll put it off until later and end up forgetting.

Now, if I can just force myself to walk away from my computer for an hour each morning and go for a walk, that would be great.🤔

Calling tonight AF…

AF - 20
A-3

Fursian · July 23

I’m not seeing how to snip bits out of someone’s quote in this latest format, so I’m quoting your question like this, @itladyee .

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

I went through and read most of the suggested books that are kindly mentioned at the beginning of these LA threads, and even read a few of the memoirs out there after that and, overall, the three books that stood out to me were,

Alcohol Explained by William Porter. For straight to the point science. I found it useful in the way it helps explain what alcohol is and what it isn’t, and the misplaced credit we give it.

Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck. Because, IIRC, a wine connoisseur, respected and called on by the people around him for his choices and thoughts on wine, reading how ingrained into his identity it had become and how he broke free made me sit up and take notice. If this person could separate this drug from their ego, I could maybe stand a chance.

Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale. By the time I had gotten to this book, I had a few days away from alcohol at this point but was still behind the moderation merry go-round fence. Towards the middle of the book I found myself thinking and actually exploring the question “What if I don’t actually have to do all this mental acrobatics anymore? This boring dance, I don’t have to do it anymore…” Cogs were turning in my head and the seeds were being planted. This book and the others also do good with explaining, with their science-y background, the knowledge of there genuinely being nothing to miss and go back for.

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.

Very true, @Michieb125 . It was a readiness that I felt within. The well meaning nags and desperate guilt trips from loved ones unfortunately never seemed to really sink in on any serious level.

Thank you for keeping the thread going, @itladyee and everyone. :)

Womona · July 24

@Fursian thabks for the book recommendations. I think I’ll start with Alcohol Lied to me. Also, I love how you snipped those quotes! I need to learn.

@Michieb125 not only alcohol, but weight loss, budgeting, going for a new career, etc. great point no matter what it applies to!

@LittleSurferGirl7 aww man, so close! You can absolutely do this!

@NonnieDoiron it’s possible your MIL is getting sick from the Ozempic, but I assume she has diabetes and needs to lose weight in a hurry, which is why the endocrinologist won’t take her off. Would be great if they could at least adjust her dosage. At any rate, I wouldn’t want to eat either if I were constantly nauseous all the time. How’s her mobility getting to the bathroom? Dare I ask?

Oh one other thing, I take all my meds and supplements before I go to bed at night. That’s the only way I’d remember them!

Womona · July 24

Another AF day today! That’s three in a row! Thurs.-Sunday are planned drinking days. I’ve been doing well this week with logging my food, and my weight is starting to come down. If you keep tabs on your macros and calories, you can consume yummy food in place of the alcohol calories and still meet your calorie limit! Hallelujah!

I actually thought of having a glass of wine, especially earlier today when I was super frustrated at the marina for giving me the runaround regarding an A/C check that I need. I was so angry. I didn’t want to drink when I got home to make me feel better, but if I had enough calories left over, I would. Well, no room in the calorie budget, so I’m actually grateful for that!

nbruns83 · July 24

Back to AF today. And it feels so motivating to read your comments and suggestions. Thanks.

July stats

AF 17
LA 4
A 2

itladyee · July 24

@Fursian ~ thank you so much for the book recommendations and summaries!!

I read/listened to The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr. While unpacking a few months ago, I came across the same book in hard cover. I apparently purchased and started reading quite some time ago but never got through it. I did finish the audio version and a few points still scream in my ears.

I'm in the middle of listening to Tired of Thinking About Drinking: Take My 100-Day Sober Challenge by Belle Robertson ~ needless to say, have not taken the 100 day challenge but this book also has some good analogies. I will finish it.

NonnieDoiron · July 24

@Womona MIL is overweight, but not nearly as much as she was last year before she spent a couple months hospitalized for her aortic dissection. She was in a 5xl before, and now she can wear XL. She feels more comfortable in 2xl, but she can wear XL just fine. I feel like the endocrinologist is just pushing the ozempic too hard. Her mobility is bad. She is slow and uses a walker and is well on her way to a wheelchair.

Thanks for the night time meds/vitamin suggestion. I have to eat something before I take them (can’t just drink milk, tried that) because I feel ill when I take them on an empty stomach. I am trying to remember at breakfast/lunch to take them, but I tend to forget if I get distracted. Trying not to get distracted when I eat is the hard part, but I have been keeping them on my desk in front of my face which helps a little.

SparkSpringtime69 · July 24

July:

AF=10
A=13

Got two days in a row, yay.

SparkSpringtime69 · July 24

@NonnieDoiron glad to hear your MIL is home, but sorry to hear she's so sick, hopefully her doctors can adjust her meds or find out what else is causing it.

@Womona It's great that you can use your calorie budget as inspiration to avoid the A. I usually just stop tracking my calories for the day it I start in on a bottle wine 🙄. Nice job with the 3 days straight.

@Fursian and @itladyee thank you both for the book recommendations.

tmbg1 · July 24

12 AF

3 LA

8 A

globalhiker · July 24

@Womona a 3 day streak in the midst of summer and boating season - keep going and all your goals will come true! It's worth it just to get rid of the intensity of the craving and be able to nibble on delicious goodies and it not showing on the scale.

@Walela617 congrats and great to see you again!

@LittleSurferGirl7 I am rooting for you - good things are waiting for you.

Every day is the perfect day to not drink.

Michieb125 · July 24

Happy Thursday!
Logged my 5th AF day out of 7 days; also I’ve had 3 glasses of wine in 4 days this week.

I wanted wine last night after a concerning doctors appt with my mom, but didn’t because I really wanted to stick to my plan.

Thanks for sharing book recommendations everyone. I like these as well:

Kick the Drink

Alcohol Explained

The Unexpected Joy

The Naked Mind

Very eye opening for anyone seeking LESS. I used to be wary about exploring the subject matter but now love the science, facts and myths behind it.
I currently love videos from Journey to the Sunnyside!
Remember, each day is a new beginning!

Michieb125 · July 24

Well said @Fursian on the “well meaning nags inside” that beckon us to look at our choices and behaviors! That’s how I got started.

Looks like a good read too @itladyee.

Yes! @Womona we can insert any other thing or bad habit into that quote….we are the ones responsible to make changes - not others!

Congrats on two days in a row @SparkSpringtime69 - great work!

itladyee · July 24

Strung 3 in a row but today is party time ~ Seriously, a couple of friends are coming over to see the house/patio and I'm cooking dinner. They will be our official first patio guest! She did, however, text me this morning and told me to put martini glasses in the freezer; she was bringing something to fill them!

Thru July 24

A=16
AF=8

NonnieDoiron · July 24

Sounds like a great evening, @itladyee! A little back porch sittin’ and a nice cold ‘tini… count me in!😉

AF-21
A-3

My daughter had an infusion today, so 3 hours working from the clinic’s kiddie table, LOL. Then, my husband grabbed 2 of the grandkids for afternoon playtime and pool time with PopPop. Work was uneventful giving me the ability to walk away a few times to see the grandbaby playing outside, and I was thankful for that. Then, everyone else snuck early dinner eating the last of the leftover zucchini Parmesan I made on Sunday, so I didn’t have to cook. I would say it was a pretty decent Thursday. Praying Friday is just as chill!

Womona · July 25

@NonnieDoiron that’s a huge weight loss for your MIL! I’m sure at least half of that was her being hospitalized for her procedure. Sorry to hear she’s that slowed down, must make things tough for everyone. On a happier note, I love that yesterday was a pretty mild day for you, work wise. Except for being hunched over the kiddie table! Hope your daughter’s infusion went well. I also your husband playing with the kids in the pool. I can just picture everyone having a blast.

@itlaydee have so much fun hosting tonight! Your patio area is beautiful, and I’m sure this is the first of many great memories with friends. Sign me up for a frozen drink too!

@LittleSurferGirl7 hey, waking up with no alcohol in the house is huge! That’s actually a giant step forward. Proud of you!

@tmbg1, @Michieb125 and @SparkSpringtime nice stats! Way to go!

Planned drinking night last night. 2 glasses that fit within my calories. Tonight is a concert and then 2 days on the boat. I’m not worried about the concert since I have to drive, but the boat is where I tend to lose all my progress, so I will concentrate on turning off my “*kitten* it” gene.

Womona · July 25

@itlaydee this popped up on my FB feed and I immediately thought of you and you’re awesome new patio that we all want to hang out on!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18gAZPBHmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

You’re welcome.

P.S. to view, highlight the whole link and then press “open link”. Not sure why it says it’s not allowed. Maybe hyperlinks aren’t allowed to FB.

Michieb125 · July 25

Did a powerful BodyBalance yesterday morning - wow my blood was circulating hot the rest of the day!

Had some planned wine last night and it surely made me so tired! Would have been better off just hydrating and not having any. Will gladly welcome two more AF days as I head into the weekend. Will wait and have some Prosecco on Sunday with friends.

Make it a great LA day!

nbruns83 · July 25

Hmm, I thought I posted yesterday, that happened on another team thread. Is it me or glitches? Anyway, I hope this stays put and I'm planning AF for today.

July Stats:
AF 18
LA 4
A 2

Good luck to everyone with your weekend plans whether they include alcohol or not. Let's all stay aware.💪

tmbg1 · July 25

14 AF

3 LA

8 A

NonnieDoiron · July 25

MIL went to her follow up with the primary after Tuesday’s ER visit only to be sent by ambulance back to the ER. It appears her edema around her lungs has gotten worse. She’s been there all day, and we still don’t know what they plan to do. My husband left a little bit ago to go get her something to eat because for some reason they won’t get her a tray from the food service though they told her she can eat. Because of this, my husband has been ill-tempered all day. When he started yelling at me, I yelled back. I’m not playing this game with him. He started to get pissed and walked away, but he came back about 45 seconds later and apologized. I know he’s stressed, but I don’t deserve his anger. He doesn’t like it if I take my stress out on him, so he better not do it to me.

Anyway, still no wine in the house. We were supposed to go to my friend’s house out of state tomorrow, where I had planned to drink if she was drinking which is hit or miss with her. But, I don’t think that’s happening now. I would go alone, but the purpose was to take her son the powerlifting bar my husband got for him. It won’t fit in my car. 😕

Work was uneventful until 3:45 (I log off at 4:00) when my boss called and needed a full run through of our online workflow management system and all the items in it. I worked another hour to get her what she needed. One of these days, she’ll remember I’m on the east coast. Lol

AF-22
A-3

nbruns83 · July 26

@NonnieDoiron, I'm sorry to hear that your MIL health's declining. I'm sorry your DH doesn't know how to handle it. No excuses for taking it out on you, but sadly many people don't know how to deal with the fear they have concerning serious or perhaps terminal illnesses, so it manifests as denial or anger. As a culture we just don't have the support for recognizing that life is finite. I know my own mother's dementia, and physical decline, was an experience I wasn't prepared for. I had so much anger because, there was nothing I could do to control or reverse what was happening to her. Sending you sympathy and hugs, and praying your whole family will find strength and patience.

@LittleSurferGirl7, I'm thinking about you and hoping that today's the day. Prayers and hugs.

My Stats:

AF 19
LA 4
A 2

Michieb125 · July 26

Hiking in Oregon sounds wonderful, @LittleSurferGirl7 - hope you will be able to enjoy that type of activity again very soon.

You are living proof on how wine can be avoided @NonnieDoiron with all the extra stress of work and family life and MIL. Obviously you are doing something very right.

Thank you for sharing your experience with your own mother’s dementia @nbruns83
I’m sure it’s an understatement to say it can be the most confusing time for both the individual and all family members. Your stats are admirable for July BTW.

Your stats are terrific @tmbg1 - way to go on the AF days!

I hear you on fitting the wine into your calorie intake @Womona-A good reminder for me.

Made an intentional choice to have some Prosecco last night instead of waiting until Sunday - did enjoy it and the lower abv%.

Now I am looking at 2 AF days ahead - today and tomorrow. Starting off today by cleaning the refrigerator out and taking a long walk in the foothills on this coolish morning.

itladyee · July 26

Hello All,

To help make things a bit more streamlined and efficient each month, I’m considering turning our ongoing “LESS Alcohol” discussions into a group. Before I move forward, I wanted to get your thoughts—this is our community, and I value your feedback.

🌱 What would change?
The group would be called:
LESS Alcohol ~ One Day at a Time

Here’s how it would work:

Announcements (pinned posts) would house the intro, helpful resources/links, general information and a link to our spreadsheet, maybe a post for mocktails…..No more reposting the basics every month—they’ll live in one easy-to-find spot.

Each monthly thread (discussion and tracking) would become a new “post” within the group. For Example..this entire discussion would have been LESS Alcohol - July 2025.

Anyone who wants to post each day will need to “join” the group initially.

Members can leave at any time—no pressure, no questions asked.

The group would remain public, so anyone can browse (“lurk”) without joining—just like many of us did before diving in.

We can also promote the group more easily if we ever choose to.

✅ Potential Advantages:
No more copying and pasting the intro each month—hooray for saved time!

Resources and links are always available at the top via announcements.

Easier to look back at past months if we ever want to reflect or reference something.

Keeps everything contained and organized in one place.

Establish Mini challenges <ie: 7 day streak challenge>

Allows us to build a growing archive of encouragement, wisdom, and shared experience.

🤔 Possible Disadvantage:
Inactive folks would remain part of the group, but I would never remove anyone unless there was a clear reason—such as trolling, rudeness, or excessive profanity. This space will continue to be supportive, kind, and inclusive.

What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—any concerns, questions, or suggestions. If the group idea feels like a helpful next step, I’ll move us forward and get it set up, hopefully in time for August. We can also try it and if we don't like it, revert back to the way it's always been done. If absolutely not, then I will resume creating the discussion for August as always. Perhaps this was attempted in the past….

@LittleSurferGirl7
@chicbuc
@barabaradem
@SparkSpringtime69
@NonnieDoiron
@BurnMode05
@nbruns83
@Michieb125
@SparkSpringtime69
@globalhiker
@Womona
@tmbg1

I tried to tag everyone that has posted this month. If I didn't include you, not intentional, feel free to also provide feedback.

SparkSpringtime69 · July 26

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48702562#Comment_48702562

@itladyee I think this is an excellent idea. My only question (and maybe someone who has been around a lot longer can answer) is - what reason did the original poster have for doing it as a discussion, and why did Miss May continue to do it this way? I guess it may not matter, but I wonder if there was an advantage that we have not thought of.

I like the idea of having all of the months' conversations in one spot. Also, additional resource categories could be added at any time (like the way you added the drink size chart, and your suggestion for a mocktail category).

Curious what others think.

LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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