LESS Alcohol ~ August 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

itladyee · August 2

@SparkSpringtime69 @tmbg1

Don't forget to come over to August. I see you two still posting in July. I will add the link back there just in case..

SparkSpringtime69 · August 2

@itladyee thanks, I thought I was in August when I posted yesterdays AF day 🤪

SparkSpringtime69 · August 2

Aug:

AF=1

A=0

Alatariel75 · August 3

Thank you do much for the welcomes, all.

@LittleSurferGirl7 I don't know if I'm strong. I think it's more that I'm very good at cramming stuff into a box and pushing it right down the back of the attic of my mind, and avoiding it at all costs. I'm terrified of actually taking out my feelings and looking at them, and I'm very good at compartmentalizing. I do worry that the box will spring open one day.

@globalhiker 12 months is a huge achievement! Well done!!

I'm yet to have an AF day for August, but I have stuck to my goals - my drinks have been on the weekend, and while alone, they have been a few lovely glasses of wine while building my new Lego set and have been relaxing and mindful. Today I have the smoker going and a friend on the way over, so we will have drinks with our delicious foods. The weekdays will be AF!

NonnieDoiron · August 3

Haven’t had an AF day yet. I opened a bottle for cooking on Friday, and I think I used about a third of it then I drank the rest.

Last night, the hubby and I had our anniversary date at the mystery murder dinner theater. I had a glass of wine with dinner. The murder mystery was fun (its was a comedy) they incorporated the whole audience (it was so embarrassing). I did manage to guess who did it but didn’t win. I knew who did it before all the clues were given, but I couldn’t give the detailed reason why. I could see the whole picture, but assembling the details was too hard for me. My husband had the details but didn’t submit an answer because we ran out of time. I guess that’s why we’ve been married 19 years. 😉 To make things more interesting, we drove a half an hour away to this venue and met some neighbors for the first time. They know which house we live in, so I’m hoping they’ll stop in sometime. They seemed nice. I enjoyed getting to know them a little.

Anyway, today will be AF. Then, we’ll see how the rest of the month goes now that I’ve dried out from my 2-3 months of constant drinking and things have calmed down at work a little bit.

globalhiker · August 3

Guess what I did Friday night? I was at a friend's house party and was curious and tasted an IPA beer, a bourbon, and a sip of italian white wine. I said a sip OK. It was like not even half ounce of each. Well, all 3 were ridiculously nasty. Nasty like the taste felt repulsive, exactly like putting perfume in your mouth (I tried that when I was little). I felt so turned off to drinking.

Interesting how the palate changes over the months. I did not have this experience after I stopped in prior years at the 3 month mark. My husband tasted the same and said they were not off, all tasted fine, but it was me. OMG.

Well I guess lucky me. I detest alcohol now. Thank goodness coffee still tastes great.

Womona · August 3

@globalhiker wow, that’s incredible to hear! I never factored in one’s palate changing that much. That’s actually a good thing. BTW you’re still AF in my book. A tasting sip does not count as even a 1/16th of a drink! Oh and about the coffee, may we never lose our taste for that!

I’m proud of myself… got down to our boat(her name is Grace) yesterday three hours before my husband. After I set everything up, I had two NA drinks-my go to club soda with a splash of cranberry. Only two glasses of wine all night. BUT, that after dinner Madeira. We can’t buy it anymore. I don’t drink it at home, and that’s what tips me over the edge of my goals.

Oh that and potato chips. My husband asks me to not buy them at home because he can’t stop eating them, yet there they are every weekend on Grace. We have both got to rein it in.

I am taking a cue from all of you to have NA goals. I rarely have them, but I think abstaining M-W will go a long way toward my goal of less alcohol. So, now I have a goal of 12 AF days per month! Oh and still to not *kitten* it up on the weekend!

tmbg1 · August 3

1 AF

1 LA

Womona · August 3

@NonnieDoiron your anniversary celebration sounds fun! I’ve never been to one, but I hear they’re a good time. I didn’t realize there were prizes for guessing the answer, but also that you have to “show your work”. Happy anniversary again! So glad to hear things are settling down for you.

nbruns83 · August 3

@LittleSurferGirl7, boy, it's hard to resist those salty, fatty, and sweet snacks if they're in the house. Some how a carrot just doesn't have the same appeal.😄

@Alatariel75, I'm sorry for your loss and I hope you find support and companionship on this thread. Sending you warm hugs and prayers.

@itladyee, I really like the planned/actual addition to the spreadsheet. It offers me more incentive to stick with good intentions.

nbruns83 · August 3

August Stats

AF 1
LA
A 1

Sunday -planned AF

chicbuc · August 3

Hi, all and welcome to the newcomers!!

@Alatariel75 Thank you for sharing your story. You are brave and strong and don't you think otherwise!

@globalhiker AHHH…I'm so glad nothing tasted good. You're my hero!

@LittleSurferGirl7 Hi, friend! Sounds like your off to a banging start to your weight loss challenge 🤣I LOVE potato chips, too!

@Womona Your boat life sounds fantastic and way to go on the NA bevs before wine!

@NonnieDoiron Your anniversary dinner sound like it was so much fun! I love stuff like that. I think that's why I love cruising so much…dinner and a show every night!

@itladyee Thank you for keeping us going!

I have started August off terribly. It is what it is. I've really been down in the dumps and just can't get ahold of myself. We went out with friends last night and that helped my mood but not my drinking. I'm having a few glasses of Pinot Noir tonight and then planned AF until at least Thursday.

We're going to Daytona Beach on Wednesday night. We attend a convention once a year for my SO's continuing education hours. He's a septic contractor. He'll be in classes all day, so I'll get to enjoy the beach during the day and socialize with industry folks at night. It's a good time even if he's in classes so much. Then on Saturday, I'm going to uber over to Port Canaveral and meet my cruise friend. I was invited to sail on the Star of the Seas "shakedown" cruise (it's like a stress test for the crew before they start sailing for real), so we're going on the first ever sailing out of Port Canaveral. The best part is that it was 100% free…not even taxes and port fees. WOOT!

Hope everyone meets or exceeds their personal goals for August! I'll be here, hopefully not mucking it up. I think I'll aim for 50% AF and keep my fingers crossed. Headed over to fill in my "planned AF days" on this new format.

Edited to add: If I stick to those planned AF days, that puts me at 51% 🤣

Alatariel75 · August 3

@chicbuc that sounds so cool!! I've not been on a cruise, and a shakedown cruise sounds so fun!

OK so while I did stick to my rules all weekend, I think I need to maybe add another one about not drinking as much. I really did drink to excess all 3 times I drank, and that's not great. Not enough to stop me getting up at 6:30 to walk the crazy puppy, but enough to make me sorry I had to haha.

NonnieDoiron · August 4

As planned, no wine tonight. So, first AF day of August in the books (or on the spreadsheet😉).

I was doom scrolling TikTok, and apparently my algorithm picked up my anniversary talk and decided I needed to see all the wedding dress restoration videos. This got me thinking about my own, never-been-worn wedding dress (wore my work clothes for our impromptu civil ceremony, was 5 months pregnant at the church ceremony and wore maternity wedding dress, and couldn’t fit into the dress when having our marriage convalidated in the Catholic Church). Hubby mentioned renewing our vows for our 20th next year which would give me a year to lose about 55 lbs, so I could wear my never-worn wedding dress. It’s just a little cream-colored summer dress I bought off the rack at Stein Mart 20 years ago that’s been in a dress bag in the closet ever since. I looked at it last year, and it was still like new. It may just be the motivation I need.🤔

itladyee · August 4

I love the realness of this group. I’m A tonight unplanned and will Post details tomorrow.

AF=2
A=1

Michieb125 · August 4

I have a feeling this month is going to fly right by! Went to a few stores over the weekend and my goodness, all the fall and Halloween decor is out!

Planned out my weekly LA targets yesterday.

Claiming tonight as AF - a nice cold NA Stella Artois 0.0 or Pom/club soda and lime with our barbecue chicken dinner.

August stats:

AF - 2
A - 2

May you find your best resolve - just for today.

SparkSpringtime69 · August 4

Aug:

AF=2

A=1

I keep saying this and don't seem to make it but - be back later to chat.😊

BurnMode05 · August 4

Just got back from a much-needed week off, and I’m feeling refreshed. July didn’t go exactly as planned — I went over my goal by 2 A Days — but I’m still taking it in stride.

I spent the week with my sister and had a great time. I’ll be honest: I did splurge a bit more on A than I originally planned, but the good news is I didn’t go overboard like I have in the past. That alone feels like real progress.

Now that August is here, my focus is getting back on track with reducing overall consumption. This month, my goal is to meet what was supposed to be my July target: no more than 11 A Days. I'm feeling motivated and ready to recommit.

I also had my annual check-up this morning. I’ll be getting my bloodwork done next week, and I’m really interested to see if the changes I’ve made over the past several months are starting to show up in the numbers. It’ll be a great benchmark to compare with next year.

And @Alatariel75 — welcome back! I really appreciated what you shared. A lot of it resonated with me, and I’m looking forward to following along with your updates.

AF = 1

A = 2

nbruns83 · August 4

Sounds like most of you are hanging in there with your August goals, more or less.

August Stats:

AF 2
LA
A 1

Monday, planned AF

itladyee · August 4

Long weekend…. had my DGS since Friday. Took him home yesterday afternoon and then starting packing for vacation. Was exhausted and husband decided to make Pomagranent sours. We sat by the fireplace with a couple of cocktails and then made smores… I'm getting hooked on those things!!!

At any rate, it was a nice evening. And yes, the body appreciates the break from alcohol as this morning, I was feeling the difference! Back on "planned AF" day today and tomorrow.

@NonnieDoiron your anniversary date sounds like fun! I haven't been to a murder mystery theater in ages and I never figure it out! I hope your neighbors visit! Oh my re your never-worn wedding dress. Well, I hope you get that 20 year renewal.

@globalhiker ~ That's amazing that your taste has changed so drastically…but in a year's time…maybe not. Congrats on not pushing the envelope and simply saying "yuk" and moving on! Bring on the coffee!! :)

@Womona ~ Chips are my weakness too!

@nbruns83 ~ Glad you like the planned addition to the spreadsheet. I was sitting here doing it by hand on paper and thought….hmmmm why not just add it to the spreadsheet!!! I do better when I plan. Without a plan it so easy to just let the habit kick in…but when you decide "no" in advance, it's easier to stick to it.

@LittleSurferGirl7 ~ glad you're using the planned feature too. Good Luck! Your exercise routines look great. I've got to get back to seriously working my core again.

@chicbuc ~ good to "see" you. It's still early, pick yourself back up! Enjoy that beach!!

@Alatariel75 ~ Fair enough. Less is less so not drinking to excess is still a winning goal.

@Michieb125 ~ I heard someone mention on 8/1 that Halloween stuff was out. I bet if you look a bit harder, you will see Thanksgiving and Christmas too!!

@SparkSpringtime69 ~ We will be here!! 😄

@BurnMode05 ~ I for sure read "progress" and a great time too! Let us know how that bloodwork turns out. Hopefully good!

AF=2
A=1

NonnieDoiron · August 4

A-2 AF-2

Two to 2, and it may just be 2 to 29 the end of this month. I know that no wine will help my weight loss efforts if for no other reason I won’t do the late night snacking that occurs when I drink. @Womona that is exactly why I don’t buy chips, they truly are a weakness! They will get eaten especially if I have wine.

Work was fairly benign today which allowed me to log off on time, and I could start dinner. We had Alfredo and grilled chicken with a salad. It was so good.

Pulled the never-worn dress from the back of the closet, and I’ve hung it on my closet door. My reminder for the next 52 weeks:

tmbg1 · August 5

3 AF

1 LA

nbruns83 · August 5

@NonnieDoiron, That's a beautiful gown. I'm glad you kept it all these years, and yes, you should definitely wear for a renewal of vows next year.💍💘

@itladyee, Your evening at the fireplace sounds like a relaxing event worthy of a cocktail with your DH.

I'm counting today as AF - I really want to improve my sleep habits. I get enough hours, but rarely wake refreshed.

Stats:

AF 3
LA
A 1

Michieb125 · August 5

globalhiker · August 5

@itladyee I do really like your spreadsheet, you did a nice job there. I may borrow it to track no chocolate days. When's your sister's surgery date?

Over here I'm experimenting with finding the best tasting pea protein shake. My protein intake is pretty low so I've given up and bought powders. While last night I did make "the right" dinner of ginger flavored sockeye salmon with avocado, brown rice and broccoli, that type of occurrence where I get "macros" right is well, like only once or twice a week at best.

@LittleSurferGirl7 like you, I have some at home exercise gear and that's what I am doing today after a walk outside. I am aiming for just 10-15 min weights, 5x a week, while immersed in youtube. Then drinking half a serving of pea protein shake plus chocolate collagen powder mix. Maybe it will do something magical for my muscles, who knows, but I will give it a try.

Today I will drink only good healthy stuff.

Womona · August 5

@globalhiker i don’t know if it’s pea protein, but I really love the protein powder from Earth Fed Muscle. 20g of protein. It’s really delicious. I’m kinda plain, so I just get the vanilla, put it in water and go. It’s a great snack for 4:00PM when I get hungry. I hear all the other flavors are really good too. I’m just a plain vanilla girl, I guess! Haha! Seriously, 36 flavors of ice cream and I mostly choose vanilla.

Michieb125 · August 5

@globalhiker I use different protein powders on a fairly regular basis - both pea protein and whey isolate based products. My DH and I enjoy them on most days. I’ll have mine when I return from Barre this morning.

Whey + is a natural grass-fed whey isolate protein powder from dairy farms in Ireland - by Legion. Buy on Amazon- Very clean and the Dutch chocolate is delicious. Also combine with 1/2 banana in my ninja to make thick, chocolaty banana shakes for 150 cals.
Or, I just tried the Costco Kirkland creamy chocolate whey protein isolate (huge bag - 5 lbs.). Very tasty and provides protein synthesis with most of amino acid chains. We will be using this during my husband’s knee surgery recovery period.

Sprouts brand is also a very good for Whey- Choco or Vanilla. I just don’t get over there too often.

Lastly, I do use a pea protein ( which you asked about) ‘super food’ powder occasionally by the popular Orgain brand for plant protein - Vanilla or Strawberry. It offers probiotics as well. I mix in blueberries or strawberries for added fiber and flavor. ‘Pea’ seems to have a bit stronger flavor for me, but with all the added fruit and sometimes a Stevia it packs a punch resulting in a thick, sweet and healthy shake for under 200 calories. It’s really the only brand of pea that I do like.
I also love Vital Proteins Collagen in my coffee every morning (since age 60) in addition to the shakes. Goodness gracious the battle to maintain muscle is real. I found Creatine recently by Legion for muscle endurance, recovery and brain health, lol.

All the PP’s provide between 22-25 grams of protein.
Good luck on your quest! You are doing great.

Today, I will be drinking only healthy beverages with you.

NonnieDoiron · August 5

@Womona and @LittleSurferGirl7 sometimes all you need is a good vanilla ice cream. I love a good real vanilla bean ice cream when in can get it. I’m a chocolate fiend, but I will pass it up for real vanilla bean ice cream.

Was thinking about a walk today, but it is raining and I’m tired. Hubby didn’t sleep well last night, so I didn’t sleep well last night. He’s talking about going for a walk in the morning, but it’s calling for thunderstorms at the hour he wants to go. I think I’ll pass.

Slow day at work, leftovers for dinner hopefully staying under my calorie limit for the 2nd day, and an AF evening.

A-2
AF-3

chicbuc · August 5

Vanilla girl over here, too! I've been made fun of my whole life, and I don't care. I've recently discovered Jocko Molk protein shakes. They're low carb, but sweetened with allulose and monk fruit and pretty clean ingredients and the best damn protein shakes I've ever had. They're so delicious, I ordered the powder for my smoothies. Haven't tried the powder yet but I expect it to be just as delicious!

itladyee · August 5

@NonnieDoiron - that dress is beautiful and I’m sure the hanger doesn’t do it justice. Good for you with the 2 and 29 goal. And yes, Wine will NOT help weight loss efforts. I’ve tried and failed! 😒 Glad you had a slow day…you needed it!

@nbruns83 ~ as much as I hate to say it because I do enjoy my wine…sleep without alcohol the night before is heavenly. It’s amazing how much alcohol does affect your sleep.

@Michieb125 ~ I wish I could send you the 4 NA Stella’s I have. I tried them and while it still tastes like beer and I don’t like beer, it tastes more like a beer than an NA wine taste like a wine! So..if I were a beer drinker, I just might be happy with those. I’ve been drinking the Fever Tree mixers (Lemonade) as a NA treat. Thanks for the protein summary. While not 100% Alcohol related, it is health-related so I think I will add it to our resources as it is a question that’s asked often.

@globalhiker ~ feel free to copy the spreadsheet and tweak it for your use. No date set just yet for surgery. We are waiting on the results of the genetic testing, which should arrive this week - most likely right in the middle of vacation. If she has the trait, then they will suggest a double mastectomy. If she doesn’t then we will continue with the plan of a single removal. So just the waiting game at this point. I suspect late August, though. Thanks for asking! I add the 15 or 20g protein Oikios yogurt to my protein shakes in additional to 1st Phorm Level 1 protein powder.

@Womona ~ I had to chuckle. I can see you at a Baskins-Robbins now… Vanilla please!!!

I haven’t packed for a road trip in a long time. The problem…..there are no limits…no weight limits on suitcases or how many you can bring…yep, it’s a problem. So far I have 1 large suitcase, 1 small suitcase (tolietries), a backpack and one more small bag….so far….

LESS Alcohol ~ August 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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