LESS Alcohol ~ August 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

tmbg1 · August 13

4 AF

2 LA

6 A

Fursian · August 13

I came across this quote on my travels that I thought spoke to our group and all of our goals.

Allegedly said by Lao Tzu. Either way, thought provoking.

SparkSpringtime69 · August 13

Aug:

AF=6

A=6

globalhiker · August 13

Checking in. Not drinking and haven't felt like it. Getting ready for spin class and that is what I crave.

People here were mentioning doomscrolling. I get it and I was hooked on news. Now I spend days skipping the news and I simply ask my husband at dinner "what happened today" and I get my headline news that way. A few times a week, I do catch 5 mins of tv news but I pretty much limit it to that. But I love to read online and what do I read? Everything health related, recipes, self improvement, travel and places, latest skin care and anti-aging information, reddit, places to move to, social issues in other countries, product ratings, looking for local clubs to join, etc. I love to spend my time picking up some new info that is valuable to me.

Michieb125 · August 13

Went on a lovely 3-mile walk in the hills yesterday morning (instead of Barre at the gym). Our unusually cooler August temperatures have been beckoning me to take advantage of starting my day outdoors. For me, exercising in the morning makes for a great day vs. just an okay day.

Last night I had a sparkling La Croix, POM juice with squeezed lime while cooking dinner. Followed by 2-5 oz. glasses of white wine in total with a grilled chicken salad and started a cute new show - The Madame Blanc Mysteries.
I too can relate to doomscrolling all the things travel, food, health and fitness, medical research, you name it. My arthritis in my hands can attest that I should cut back on that too!

August stats:

AF - 4
LA - 4
A-5

tmbg1 · August 13

4 AF

3 LA

6 A

NonnieDoiron · August 14

A-2
AF-11

On a roll, and really not missing it at the moment. My determination to lose the weight this time is really steering me away from it every time a craving hits.

Lab results are back, and I’m post menopausal. I kind of figured that, but it’s good it’s confirmed.

globalhiker · August 14

@Fursian I appreciate your post - "If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading". That speaks to me. Our behaviors drive our future, don't they.

And, I found some positive news for a change:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/693362/drinking-rate-new-low-alcohol-concerns-surge.aspx

Michieb125 · August 14

My DH and I went to an afternoon SF Giants vs. SD Padres game yesterday. Love a good pro baseball game and it did not disappoint!

But no beer or wine at ballparks for me anymore; too expensive and we also drive. But it hit me after the fact that I never even thought about buying a drink nor trying to sneak in a can of anything. That was a nice aha moment.

BurnMode05 · August 14

Got my blood results yesterday — all normal, except the usual cholesterol quirk. My good cholesterol is always super high (runs in the family), which skews the numbers, but doctors have never been concerned due to the healthy balance.

Potassium was normal but right at the top end. I've been on prescribed pain meds lately, so wondering if that’s affecting things. Will see what the doctor says.

It’s AF week for me, but I might make an exception — my husband just found Newcastle Brown Ale in our area for the first time in 7 years (his absolute fave). Feels like a small moment worth toasting to.

AF = 7

A = 6

SparkSpringtime69 · August 14

Aug:

AF=6

A=7

Michieb125 · August 14

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48725333#Comment_48725333

Thank you @globalhiker for sharing this encouraging and insightful article! The Gallup poll results always fascinate me. Much of their findings seem to align with what I’m seeing and hearing in my own friends and family circles —- very interesting. And, that marijuana doesn’t account for the current lower alcohol consumption. Nice to hear.

Noteworthy is mentioning households with incomes over $100,000 - described as the demographic with the highest drinking rates. And politically, republicans are reducing more than other parties, also interesting.

Of course there are other variables that can affect the outcomes but the poll showcases how attitudes and behaviors are changing in the U.S. Very promising!

itladyee · August 14

I'm back….

I didn't have any AF days, but I did have some LA days!

8/6 (Wed) - LA - Travel day, after almost running out of gas thanks to DH, had a glass of wine during the complimentary evening reception (which is daily) and a glass of wine with my dinner.
8/7 (Thu) - A - Drove to Memphis, Had breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe (highly recommended), Tourned the Civil Rights Museum then back to Little Rock for the kickoff party. Had maybe 3 glasses of wine there and felt it the next day.
8/8 (Fri) - LA - Convention sessions, Baseball game. They didn't have red wine, so I had a whiskey sour and then water for the rest of the night.
8/9 (Sat) -LA - Convention sessions and banquet. Had wine with dinner at the banquet.
8/10 (Sun) -A - Drove back to Memphis. Toured the Stax Music Museum, Had dinner at the Blue City Cafe and listened to Blues music at the BBKingClub (highly recommended for live music and food as well, didn't eat there but it looked great). There were a few drinks…
8/11 (Mon) - LA - Drove to St. Louis. Stayed at the Hollywood Casino just outside of St. Louis. Won $1,200 on a penny slot machine. Had a glass of wine while gambling.
8/12 (Tue) A - Got tickets (free, food and drink free) for a suite at the Cardinals game on Tuesday night. I had a couple glasses of wine had wine spritzers for one more glass with sprite.
8/13 (Wed) - LA - Took a ride to the top of the Arch. Lunch at Sugarfire and then drove home. After unloading the car, took a shower and had a glass of wine and promptly fell asleep!!

So time to get back to planning….Today ~ TBD. Saturday, going to a Paint n Sip and Dinner with Friends. I have another dinner next Saturday and a book club on the 27th. So that's 3 more days this month that will probably include a cocktail or wine…and a potential 12 AF days to add to the month of August!

I'm seeing some great effort this month by all. Looking Good!!! 😁

Sister Update: Got the results back from the genetic testing and all is negative aka good. No markers or irregular patterns that increase her odds for additional cancer. This test includes all kinds not just breast….so that was good news. Tomorrow, I will call the plastic surgeon and the breast surgeon to get things scheduled.

@Womona ~ I hope you are enjoying your vacation!!!

@Walela617 ~ Glad you found your way back!

@Debi1956 ~ Hi there! Welcome to the group. You will find great support as well as the ability to be accountable to you and the group.

@tmbg1 ~ It seems that by reducing our overall intake, our bodies adjust (tolerance) and we can't do (drink) what we used to without feeling poorly the next day…which isn't a bad thing. I found the same…2 drinks or less, I was fine, more than 2… not so much! That number used to be relatively larger!

@Alatariel75 ~ It's nice to find something "special" to consume, that's NA and still feels fun.

@Fursian ~ that quote is spot on and it makes me happy that so many folks are here in this group working to change direction~ thanks for sharing!

@NonnieDoiron ~ congrats on your new weight-loss focus and success! Sounds like it's going well and that dress is calling your name! Nice to have a friend join you in the journey! I had quite a few LA days but I know I made up for it in extra calories….but it was vacation, so now I'm back to eating like a sensible human!

@globalhiker ~ I am going to adopt that philosophy of doing something to make me happy each day (that does not include A). Today, I'm going to watch mindless TV (Press Your Luck) after dinner! I didn't watch TV for 7 days! I love your approach or alternative I should say, to doomscrolling.

@SparkSpringtime69 ~ I think making a list of happy things is a great idea as well. So when you need something …there's a go to list….I'm on it!!!

@Michieb125 ~ Glad all went well with your mother's birthday celebration! I understand the stress level and yes, you made conscious choices and you stopped!

@BurnMode05 ~ glad to hear great results on your blood test. My annual is coming up in October. So glad I have time to do some damage control after vacation!

@nbruns83 ~ Any more updates on your brother? Glad he was able to go home but they do need to work on finding what's causing this issue.

AF = 3
LA = 5
A = 5

NonnieDoiron · August 14

A-2
AF-12

Still doing my thing. I am trying intermittent fasting. So, I fast for 16 hours and have 8 hours to eat. Basically, I get lunch and dinner. It seems to be working well. We’ll see what happens on the scale on Monday. As long as I’m down 1 lb for the week, I’m happy because that is the goal. Minimum of 1 lb per week for 52 weeks. I’m already down 5, so I’m ahead of the curve, but I want to stay that way. I think avoiding A is helping. However, some of what I was feeling may not have been alcohol induced. I think most of it is actually the menopause crap. But, that’s not going to be my excuse to suck down empty calories.

Glad you’re back, @itladyee. The news about your sister must be a little bit of relief. Now, you just have to get through the rest. Keeping you and your sister in my prayers.

tmbg1 · August 14

4 AF

4 LA

6 A

nbruns83 · August 15

@itladyee, thanks for asking about my brother - he was referred to a specialist finally in another city, and has an appointment on September 15. Getting that referral and appointment are a step in the right direction. Also glad to hear that your sister's genetic testing came back with happy results.

@Fursian, Ditto on the quotation being so spot on for this group. It's a easier to think that I'm changing direction than to think that I'm "giving up" something pleasurable.

@NonnieDoiron, good luck with the intermittent fasting. I think about the word "fasting," and I start to crave food. It's the same with the work "diet." I'd blame a "contrary gene" if there were such a thing.

August Stats:

AF 12
LA 1
A 1

SparkSpringtime69 · August 15

Just read an article on alcohol and blood pressure:

"The next time you get your blood pressure checked, expect your medical provider to be a bit more aggressive about high levels. And if you like a glass of wine with dinner or a cocktail on the weekends, brace yourself: New guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released Thursday suggest you abstain."

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blood-pressure-guidelines-recommend-skipping-180011840.html

Fursian · August 15

@globalhiker Ironically I found that quote on a cheesecake company’s FB page (that I may or may not lurk to find out when and where their cheesecake stalls will be near me 👀), of all places. They were letting their customers know that they were heading for bankruptcy unless things changed. The cheesecakes light my head up like a Christmas tree, but the prices don’t. I sympathise with their issue, but can see why things have gone the way they have. The last unsuspecting place I found a quote, not really applicable here, was in my town centre's public restrooms, inside a toilet cubicle. 😁 I have a nice little quotes folder building up, lol.

Thank you for that article by the way! The different shifts are fascinating. It made me think about something that I had read a while back about how the pandemic hiatus sparked reflection on people's drinking habits, and while some found an increase in their drinking, their awareness increased along with it due to the unique situations they were having to be in.

@itladyee I’m so glad to read that the results from the genetic testing all came back negative! One less thing to think about. I hope the surgery goes smoothly and you and your sister can catch a much needed break. Congratulations on the penny slot machine win!

@nbruns83 I hope that referral and appointment for your brother leads to a good outcome! And I love that perspective!

Womona · August 15

Hi all! Hearty welcome to the new members, and hello to the ones returning!

I have been enjoying my vacation on the boat. The sailing has been great. Even with light winds, we are able to get in a nice sail. The windier days are exhilarating. Oh and the air conditioning on the boat, which was on the fritz for a couple days this week, is back to tip-top shape and I am finally comfortable again! This is HUGE!

Drinking wise…. Eh, not good. Three drinks per day, sometimes four. Doing better with food though, so that’s something.

@itlaydee so happy to hear your sister’s genetic testing was negative. What a relief!

@NonnieDoiron your son is 18 now? Wow! Glad the proceedings went well. Any more competitions coming up?

@nbruns83 hope all goes well for your brother.

Fursian · August 15

I’ve been catching up on reading everyone’s introductions from the July thread, and this one, and wanted to take this time to welcome all the newcomers who have joined since January. It was really good reading each of your posts, as well as from the existing member’s re-introductions, and I wish you all the best in achieving your goals.

I’ve not shared in a while so my re-introduction is going to be my first ever post that I made in one of these LA threads, for anyone interested.

Dated March 25, 2023.

“Hello everyone :)
I'm new to this thread, but not MFP. I'm comfortable mostly just lurking, but I've followed this thread for months wanting to join in and wondering if I'd be a good fit? I've followed everyone's personal stories , through the good and the bad, and find myself smiling and feeling so proud of everyone, and just hope I can get to a point where I can be proud of myself.
To just jump right in, so far this month, I have 16 AF days, and 9 A days for March.

It might seem like AF days are in the lead, but when I drink, I binge. I can and often go over the recommended daily/weekly allowance, and still "want it all". I have struggled for a while, repeatedly just not seemingly being able to stop, like that "switch" is well and truly broken..

Thank you all for listening, and tyvm to @MissMay for creating these threads , they are powerful and far reaching.”

These days, my LA = no alcohol. While I don’t miss alcohol, there have been some other challenges along the way. Like physically and emotionally feeling like I had to learn to walk again after 20 years of drinking, and picking up a fierce coffee and all the sweet things, habits. I see some here have/are also experiencing these, what people refer to as ‘cross-addiction’ pitfalls, too. The sunshine-breaking-through-the-clouds moment came one night when my partner and I had stayed up until 5AM in the morning, working on a Jigsaw puzzle together. Since we both quit alcohol, we were concerned that we’d not truly enjoy anything ever again, and we realised that night that not only were we having fun without alcohol anywhere in the picture, but it was for a lot longer than we would have when we used to drink.

Since the beginning of July last month I’ve been working to reign in a ‘eat all the sweet things habit’. During downtimes, I have found myself sitting in literal huffs with myself because I don’t exist in a world where I can eat all of the cakes, and the entire house along with the couch cushions, without consequences. Miserable, and an all too familiar feeling to me. I wondered what an AI Assistant’s search on binge eating would dig up and asked, hoping for a general consensus and some suggestions. It suggested that if I was to go low sugar for 2-4 weeks this can help reset what is known as our hedonic pathway in our brains. Along with changing our taste buds to appreciate less sugar, the parts in our brain that assess how satisfied with something we are and how much of it we want, apparently can become less. And wow, those 2 weeks were revealing. It was a nice break away from all the cravings.

So, I think I have my answer, I just don’t like the answer. Not all of me is on the same page and it’s causing some cognitive dissonance. In the meantime, my goals are to keep problematic, to me, foods out of the house. Take advantage of the lack of opportunity. I can’t control what others bring into the house, of course, but I can avoid most of the headaches.

Current wins: During the 2-4 week low sugar goal, I gave a Red Velvet cake away that was in the fridge. This is one of my favourite cakes. Previously I probably wouldn’t have let it go, let alone without great struggle. And yesterday I was able to put a box of biscuits back that I very nearly ate before dinner. I was able to intercept my thoughts even when it felt like the switch had been flipped. This was a good feeling.

Thanks for letting me share :)

SparkSpringtime69 · August 15

@Fursian I love this quote, and it's true whether you're headed in a good or bad direction.

@NonnieDoiron glad to hear your determination is strong. Congrats on the good lab results.

Speaking of lab results, @BurnMode05 I'm happy for you that your results were normal (for the most part).

@itladyee welcome back! Your vacations sounds wonderful - I hope you're all rested up after so much travel and sightseeing. Glad to hear your sister's results were good.

@Womona Glad to hear you're having such a great sailing vacation.

@Michieb125 Nice job avoiding the ballpark drinks (they sure are getting expensive).

I doom scroll on my computer more than my phone, and like many of you, look at health, medical news and fitness. I also watch/listen to youtube music videos. Lately I've been binging on drum solos.

briscogun · August 15

I lurk in the comments here and read what everyone is up to, but I saw this article this morning and thought of the group here. Here's an excerpt:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/693362/drinking-rate-new-low-alcohol-concerns-surge.aspx

"Alcohol consumption rates in the U.S. have dropped to a record low, with just 54% of Americans reporting drinking in 2025, according to a new Gallup poll. This decline, the lowest since 1939, is driven by growing concerns about the health risks of alcohol and is especially pronounced among women and young adults, who are drinking at rates lower than older generations for the first time. "

Thought that was interesting and might provide some context to the group here.

I do still enjoy an adult beverage a few times a week, don't have a problem with alcohol per se, can stop drinking for months on end if I want, but have definitely cut down from where i used to be!

Michieb125 · August 15

Great share @briscogun - thank you. This article circulated here a couple days back and really sheds some light on how attitudes and behaviors about alcohol are changing! Congrats on your personal success as well - a couple of drinks a week seems very reasonable.

It’s nice to hear from you @Womona - your sailing adventure sounds divine. We know those days on the water or on vacation tend to draw us to have a bit more vino. Enjoy the rest of your time away!

Thanks for sharing your LA journey @Fursian — many people describe the increased cravings for sweets and fats when cutting down on alcohol consumption so you are not alone. It’s so excellent that you are now AF free and navigating those big changes. Keep going!

I will read the article you shared about BP @SparkSpringtime69 - thx!

Michieb125 · August 15

So happy to hear from you @itladyee - what a great trip!! I love all your stops on your itinerary! The Civil Rights museum and Blues concert sound fantastic. Can’t beat a FREE all-inclusive pro baseball game-wow! Welcome back.

Your AF stats look outstanding @NonnieDoiron and @nbruns83 - be proud!

I’m happy with getting back to more regular exercise - can feel the difference getting up early and starting my day outdoors. Had a little of that darn good Prosecco last night - but the bottle is gone as I enter into the weekend! My plan is to just not buy any wine for the next couple of days.

But Fridays can be tough, what strategies for LA are you using going into the weekend?

SparkSpringtime69 · August 15

Aug:

AF=6

A=8

NonnieDoiron · August 16

A-2
AF-13

Went out to eat at MIL’s request to try a new place. It wasn’t good, but she loved it. She loves buffets, and the worse they are the more she likes them. I’m sorry, but I cook too damn good to waste my time and money on crappy food!

nbruns83 · August 16

@Fursian, As a newbie in this discussion, I appreciate that you shared your story. I can certainly relate to the mixed feelings.

So, I think I have my answer, I just don’t like the answer. Not all of me is on the same page and it’s causing some cognitive dissonance.

I've moved past the point where I habitually reach for a wine glass on the end table. But I struggle with the thought of giving up wine tasting trips, and I look at all the pretty glassware I've gathered over the years. Stuff like that.

And I've allowed myself to order desserts at restaurants in place of a drink, so I, too, struggle to give up or limit the sweets. I don't know if it's a new "cross-addiction" for me because I've always enjoyed food and desserts. As a pretty good baker and cook, it's hard to think of giving that up as well as alcohol.

@NonnieDoiron, I am 100% with you on eating out at places I don't enjoy.

I’m sorry, but I cook too damn good to waste my time and money on crappy food!

I totally agree!

@briscogun, Hi, I read that same article, but I still encounter folks who believe that old news that red wine was good for your heart. Let's hope the trend in the new poll continues. Good luck with your conscious limited use of alcohol.

@SparkSpringtime69, Thanks for the article about blood pressure. It feels like one more pat on the back for this journey to limited or no alcohol.

@Womona I'm glad you've had such a great time sailing. I know it's especially hard to limit alcohol in certain places or with activities that are linked with the enjoyment of a few drinks. Vacations are like that for many of us.

@Michieb125, I've tried switching out prosecco with sparkling pear or white grape juices. Sometimes it seems to fool me.😄

I have to say that my brother's mysterious health issues have also been an incentive to give up drinking. There's a possibility that his alcohol use is contributing to the platelet issues. Alcohol is not good for the spleen which is linked to platelets. But each person has to find the power to change from within.

August Stats:

AF 13
LA 1
A 1

SparkSpringtime69 · August 16

Aug:

AF=7

A=8

NonnieDoiron · August 16

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48726412#Comment_48726412

My son will compete again in November. He’s been training with my husband who competes in September. Since powerlifting isn’t seasonal but the Special Olympics team only trains when in school, the competition season is upon us. This year my son is helping to coach since he graduated last year. He’s excited.

Walela617 · August 16

Hi everyone,

I had alcohol on Thursday and Friday; {oops} so I'm starting over, hopefully for the last time! I will completely "dry out" today and tomorrow and will make a fresh reset with my Sober Time app at midnight, Monday, August 18th, which is not only my 67th birthday, it is also "NEVER GIVE UP" day. That fits perfectly!

Have a great weekend!

💞Carole

LESS Alcohol ~ August 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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