JC_suburbangothcatmom's Journal, 25 January 2023

❤️🙏🏻😘 

You got this! Alcohol is/was the hardest thing for me too. I drink on the weekends as well, but have been trying to moderate even that cause I tend to go all out knowing that “oh these are my drinking days” then feel like crap for a few days starting the week. I wish I had more advice but joining the r/stopdrinking subreddit and posting here has been such a huge help. You’re not alone, we can do it one day at a time ❤️ 

I drank a lot years ago but finally quit. I think about it sometimes but the last time I tried one drink on New Year's Ever decades ago it gave me a headache. Good luck.  

Drinking is a problem for me too, talking about it openly is the first step--you're doing great! 

My dad was a heavy drinker so I never really got in to drinking. I have no advice persay but I can support your efforts! 💜🙏 Perhaps the more successful you become on your journey, the less you will find yourself craving alcohol...I wish you the best and I'm glad you shared. 💜💜💜💜💜 

It’s definitely a journey. Will be thinking about you. 

I deeply respect your honesty, and your willingness to share a problem that is common to many; if not ourself, then someone close to us. In your heart, you know yourself and your habits best. You know what you have to do. I’m behind you and your efforts to make healthy and long life changes, my friend.🙏🏻🤗🥰 

Good luck with the direction you choose to go in JC. You can do what you put your mind to. (Standard pep phrase for you!) 

Sounds like a lot of positives mixed in there 👍. I tend to not try to give too much advice or sound too preachy on the alcohol stuff because everyone has a different "relationship" with alcohol. Mine is not good haha so for me I have to avoid it altogether but there are plenty of people that don't need to go that route. Good luck figuring out what works for you happy to help with what worked for me if you end up going the avoid it all together route. 

I've never been a heavy drinker but I love a glass or two of wine while I am making dinner. After I start eating I'm not interested in it. That probably doesn't sound like much to many people but I'm conflicted about it. I am addicted to high carbs and sugar so the wine fits right into that category. These things that raise my (and everyone else's) blood sugar is a serious problem. Beside making us heavier, and that is what this FS site is about, it is terrible for our health not only physically but mentally. It creates inflammation in our bodies, and we know cancer feeds on sugar. As I am a little old lady it scares me knowing that high carbs and sugar, including alcohol is the greatest promoter of dementia. I have been binging for almost 3 months (since our daughter died) this time around and gained about 11 lbs in that time. Since I am out of control with high carbs (wheat, etc.) and sugar I put myself right in the category with you. Personally I need to start praying about it. I've yo yo dieted all my life and have done every method known to man. Many times I cut back slowly but with a strict plan. Occasionally I've gone cold turkey and gone on a plan of "cut out all the offending things" overnight. They all work. I'm just terrible at maintenance. I did go for 6 years once upon a time with no desserts. I too am at the edge of jumping on a new diet cycle whether for high carbs, sugars, or alcohol. Thanks for your frankness and honesty. I think I should start praying for both of us.  

I enjoy alcohol and have not wanted to give it up. I drink on Friday night and Saturday night only as we go out to eat with friends both nights. I control what I usually drink and log everything the best I can to keep myself on track. My go to drinks are vodka or Prosecco. I try to avoid the higher calorie drinks. My food journal shows it all and I turn it in to my trainer weekly so it does keep me accountable. 

I feel ya, jc! No advice (not that you're asking), just support. If you're being honest with yourself that's all that matters, imo. 

I’m doing a dry january and really think that’s what’s contributing to my weight drop. In February I’ll go back to drinking in moderation. Half a glass of wine with dinner once in a while is more than enough for me. 

Focusing on your fitness and calorie intake is a great way to limit your alcohol consumption. If you track correctly at 1200 daily calories, you'll realize quickly how unimportant alcohol truly is. You'll find yourself not drinking at all just to preserve the limited calories you have for your nutrition. Good luck with your goals.  

Oh! Something that may help: find an alcohol-free version of your drink of choice. I did an alcohol free 2020 (no alcohol for the whole year) and I found alcohol free beers, wines etc that weren’t half bad and tasted like the real thing without the side-effects. 

Yes the only person who can change the habit is you. alcohol is really detrimental to weight loss due to calories and that your metabolism takes energy to process alcohol calories . Not judging your drinking at all...but it is about calories, right? 

The only time I drink is on vacation, and even then, just a couple of glasses of wine. Like @Joel pointed out, the calories cut into your nutrition budget. It's very hard to lose weight when drinking because it also lowers your inhibitions to snack or eat an extra slice of pizza, and of course, to forget to log it. So if you don't want to reserve it for only holidays or special occasions, maybe try to cut back to only 1 day a week? 

With me it's sugar! I can eat it until I feel sick and I still want more! Nice to hear from you on my post!  

for me it's sugar right now. I have been going out of control almost every day. 😞 you're doing so great with the working out and logging during the week! definitely kudos on that 😄 

I totally understand. My relationship with wine was a love affair. I would stop for a while, then start badly eating again, and then here comes the wine. The only thing that worked for me and I was thrilled is eating low carb. And I mean low. Like Keto low. I lost all cravings for wine afterwards. I have tried to have a glass of wine sometimes with dinner, but after a sip, I push it away. It has totally made a difference in my health. Take your time. Go at your own pace. You can do it!