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Post by amyj on Feb 25, 2021 13:14:01 GMT
Welcome to our 2021 Alcohol Free All The Way Board!
If you have been struggling with your weight and have found this board, you undoubtedly have your own unique, complicated relationship with alcohol and food. Laying out the problem honestly can give you the extra push you need to succeed in getting it under control. A few questions for you to think about...do you wake up at 3 AM wondering what did you do? Do you sometimes have no recall of the evening before or do you try to recover your memory of the evening before you even get out of bed? Is your spouse angry with you? Or do you simply think that A is taking over too much of your life, affecting your weight loss? Did you finish the bag of chips? cookies? or just spend the evening grazing? These are hard questions but know that you will find understanding, love, encouragement and support on this thread. We are each in a different stage of this journey but you will find others have shared your experiences. There is no judgment, just an acknowledgment that we have been there, done that and know we need and get the support from this great group of women and men.
Whether you are choosing to be AF or find you can achieve AIM (maximum of one drink per day for women and maximum of two drinks per day for men), please join us if you feel this challenge meets your needs.
The main focus of this board is to be ALCOHOL FREE. The focus of our new challenge is to commit ourselves to success, one day at a time, one hour at a time....success breeds success! Follow a healthy food plan, exercise and stay AF.
As with all of our challenges, everyone is welcomed. For some making the commitment for the entire challenge is the way to go, but day by day is also a way to go. No one is cut from the challenge, and if you don't want to be part of the challenge, you are still welcome to post.
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Post by amyj on Feb 25, 2021 13:14:44 GMT
Labor of Love
NEW CHALLENGE
February 14 through April 4
The word labor implies a specific task or effort, many times painful or arduous. A labor of love is doing something because you really want to, not because of any monetary reward you might get for it even though it involves hard work.
This challenge is all about a labor of love, reminding yourself to love yourself so it becomes your norm.
How often do we do something for someone else because it makes them happy and in turn makes us happy. But as the saying goes âhow can you love someone else if you canât love yourselfâ.
There are many ways we donât show ourselves love. We are harder on ourselves than on anyone else. We go over and over âwhy did I drink too muchâ and the ever popular "if I lost weight I would be so much happierâ. We are not showing ourselves love by overeating and over drinking, we are doing the opposite. To start, forgive yourself, or tell yourself yesterday is done, tomorrow isnât here, so letâs deal with the present.
We worry about so many things, things we have no control over. Resilience, happiness and freedom comes from knowing what to care about and what not to care about. Your health, your familyâs health, doing what works for your corner of the world. Let go of the things that do not work for you, help you, or encourage you. It is hard! You want to be a good person but be good to yourself first. Send out positivity but give yourself positivity.
We all have bad days, nothing goes right, nasty people out and about, stress levels are over the top and you have no control. This can be true in many ways but your control is to step away, love yourself.
Journal it, put it down on paper, and then let it go.
So each morning give yourself an affirmation. Here are some suggestions:
#1. I am worthy.
#2. I am enough.
#3. I am beautiful inside and out.
#4. Even my âflawsâ have good and helpful aspects.
#5. I love and approve of myself.
#6. I am delighted with who I am.
#7. I fully approve of who I am, even as I better myself.
#8. I approve of myself and love myself completely.
#9. I am happy in my own skin and in my own circumstances.
#10. I am surrounded by love.
#11. I am treasured for who I really am.
#12. I am worthy of happiness and love.
#13. I enjoy my own company as I get in touch with my true self.
#14. I am at peace and happy when Iâm alone.
It may sound like Stuart Smiley but go with it!
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Post by amyj on Feb 25, 2021 13:14:59 GMT
Are you ready for this new challenge? If wavering, no matter, join in and take what works for you. Share, enjoy the bonding!
Options for loving yourself!
What are you doing for yourself this week?
What will you let go of?
NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY
Ugly and good days
Drink more water Drink your height in waterâŚ.68 inches tall equals 68 ounces of waterâŚ.add 8 ounce every seven days
One or more fruit daily
One or more vegetable daily
Track nutritional intake
Grocery List
Share a healthy recipe
Low Sugar, limit added sugar to 24 grams or less
AF/AIM/AIE
EXERCISE SUGGESTIONS
Shelf push ups
Hoola hoops and jump ropes
Step blockâŚ.okay, Jane Fonda days
Touch your toes
Sit ups!
Create your own and share your own plan
JUST JOURNAL!
What did you do for yourself today?
Motivational quote
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
We can be and will be accountable and supportive to each other. As always no judgement, just encouragement, and if needed, tough love though we are usually toughest on ourselves. Set your accountability goals and let's get to work. Letâs be healthier versions of ourselves come April 4.
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Post by amyj on Feb 25, 2021 13:30:30 GMT
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Post by amyj on Feb 25, 2021 13:44:59 GMT
What will you be accountable for today?
Move More Accountability: 4, walked the nature trail, laps in the basement, 250 steps 6/8 hours, over 10,000 steps, 13 FP, push ups and wall stretches, trail exercises, lifted weights in basement
Sleep Accountability: 3, slept well, nearly 8 hours
Nutrition Accountability: 2, 34/23, mac and cheese, 2 cookies
Journal Accountability: 4, continuing online journal
Happiness Accountability: 4, enjoyed the day, watched a Hallmark movie
Habit Accountability: 5, drinking more water than Diet Coke
Check in Daily Accountability: 5, I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: 3, got the hardest part of the pre-interview worksheet done, chores around the house
Number Of Days AF (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 5304; ANIM: 1
Labor of Loving yourself first!
February 14 - April 4
February 14 start weight: 176.2
February 21: 175.3
February 28:
March 7:
March 14:
March 21:
March 28:
April 4 final weigh in:
Another gorgeous day, temps in the 70's. We took the golf cart to the nature trail, had to replace a few of the exercise shells. Saw a dandelion, lots of trees and shrubs are budding. Love having change of seasons again! Unfortunately, the pollen count is high, so I've been taking an allergy pill at bedtime. I think it's making me a little tired during the day, but better than sneezing and runny nose. I'm also using saline eye drops for the itchy eyes. Had a plan for panko breaded chicken breasts and DD's leftover Caesar salad for dinner, but DH added macaroni and cheese to the menu, there went the blue dot.
The roofer called this morning, he's supposed to be here before 10. Good timing as it's supposed to start raining again tomorrow.
Murphy- Yay for your friends taking most of the purged clothes. Hope choir practice went well.
Jan- WTG AF55, steps, FP, PT exercises, blue dot, rollovers. Glad your DB got his first shot. Sorry about the yarn.
GG- Glad the Zoom call was helpful, you got some nice weather, and slept well without the medication.
Carole- Yay for getting the day off, sorry about working this morning. Where in IN is Ty playing? It's about a 5 minute ride in the golf cart to the nature trail.
Cindy- Hugs! Glad DS went to the Urgent Care.
Cathy- Trimming the rosemary bush sounds like quite a job!
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Post by amyj on Feb 25, 2021 13:50:32 GMT
I didn't get my usual email for the Word of the Day, that's why it looks different.
Zeitgeber
Pronunciation: [ tsahyt-gey-ber ]
Origin: 1950s; German
Etymology: from German Zeitgeber, from Zeit âtimeâ + Geber âgiverâ
Definition:
1. (noun) an environmental cue, as the length of daylight or the degree of temperature, that helps to regulate the cycles of an organism's biological clock
Synonym(s): environmental cue, instinct
Example: The water temperature is a zeitgeber for the migration pattern of the blue whale.
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Post by tatermom on Feb 25, 2021 13:59:02 GMT
Labor of Love NEW CHALLENGE. February 14 through April 4 AF 56 Started Christmas Day. My gift to me for 2021! Feeling Good!! AIM 2 ANIM 4 Move More Accountability: 4 Get my AP bar each day, 10,000+ steps, walked outside, 14 FP. 11/11 hours. PT exercises Sleep Accountability: 4 8+ hours, crazy dreams Nutrition Accountability: 4 19/23. Rollovers+. OP AF Ate my planned menu, no detours. Lunch packed, 2 ingredient calzones for dinner Journal Accountability: 5. Write every morning before any screens, record challenges, gratitudes and daily plans. Happiness Accountability 4. Just be responsible for my own happiness. Spring is coming, heard the cardinal this morning Habit Accountability: 3 Make 80+ oz of water a habit, plan for treats, walk daily, take time for quiet reflection each day, less screen time Check in Daily Accountability 5. I'm here. I come here first after journaling, then e mail, FB and Connect. Then need to check out. Time Management Accountability 4. Morning routine is pretty set, afternoon hours need more structure after work. February 14 start weight: 196.8 February 21: 195.8 February 28: March 7: March 14: March 21: March 28: April 4 final weigh in: "A year from now you may wish you started today!" "I am happiest when I take care of myself first" Good morning. Woke up to the smell of bacon and coffee, DH making breakfast. Good way to start my day  . Now to work around the points! Get off at 1 today so will head to the grocery for some things we need, going to make the 2 ingredient dough when I get home for dinner. If it's mid 40's again when I get home I'll get out for a longer walk than yesterday. I'm sure this weather is a "tease" but going to enjoy it while I can. DH car arrived yesterday, he's busy going through parts etc, will keep him happy and busy for awhile. Just looking forward to the weekend may even try to plan a drive somewhere just for a change of scenery. HOpe you all have a great day. Jan GG. Sounds like a beautiful day in PA. Can't wait til I can sit on the patio with the coffee and watch the birds. The scale will get back in line, it's just a reminder to behave ourselves more often than not. It's like me, I can't be mad at the cats for finding trouble when I leave it out and available for them. Keep the chips and chocolate out of the house for a bit and all will be good. Hugs. Hope the Dr finally checked in. Cindy. Glad DS finally felt ready to go have his ankle and knee checked out. Did he still go to work today, I'm sure the answer is yes, nothing holds those kids back. Has your weather really started to turn around? Things getting any better down there? Murphy. So will you need to go shopping for any new "retirement/resort outfits now that the closets are clear? HA HA. Enjoy your day. Carole. Hope you'll get to go see Ty play this weekend, especially if the weather stays kind of nice. I saw where there is a Chicago vaccine hunters facebook site where people tell where you can get in for extra does of vaccine..one friend got an appt. through there. Your dad should just qualify by age for somewhere I'd think. Good Luck. I like the thought of Angel in the flower garden. Cathy. When everything is normal, all feels good. Glad you're getting books read and reviewed, DH is content and will probably be out doing more planting soon I'd imagine. The cats are funny. I give them yarn toys, they find my things upstairs and drag them around, like a felted snowman I made, but after a day those aren't so interesting and they have to always look for the project that's actually on the needles to mess up!! Lesson learned. Amy. Did you have good luck finishing up your health application? We have not looked into long term care, something to think about I guess. Hope you enjoyed your leftovers for dinner, just saw where DH added the mac and cheese A good cheeseburger sounds like a treat, maybe we'll splurge this weekend and actually go out or get takeout. I'm excited because Monday should be payday and I'm going to treat myself to a real haircut at some point this month, maybe even highlights!! Will feel like being "normal" again. Have you gotten your pay from the extra project you did? Hope the roofer shows up. Yay for signs of spring and changing seasons!! Off to get ready for work |
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Post by murphy1288 on Feb 25, 2021 14:02:19 GMT
What will you be accountable for today? Staying A Free and to stay engaged with those around me!
Move More Accountability - didn't get on my bike but I did get some extra steps in!
Sleep Accountability - much better!
Nutrition Accountability - I fixed red beans and rice for supper. Higher in carbs but low fat!
Journal Accountability - keeping up with the AE journaling
Happiness Accountability - I'm feeling a peace in my soul!
Habit Accountability - drink more water!
Check in Daily Accountability - I'm here!
Time Management Accountability - I have a list of things to get done!
Labor of Loving yourself first!
February 14 - April 4
February 14 start weight: 189
February 21: 190
February 28:
March 7:
March 14:
March 21:
March 28:
April 4 final weigh in:
Good morning all! I guess that several nights of bad sleep caught up with me! I was asleep shorting after 10:00 last night and didn't get up till 8:30 this morning!! Can't remember when I've done that! But I feel great. I'm just glad I don't have that "sleep hangover"! LOL. I'm having my coffee and getting caught up on checking the computer. It's sunny so I have the door open so the sun can come in through the glass door. I don't know how to explain that one! I have 2 doors at my front door in the living room. The inside one is a solid regular door and then there is a full glass door on the outside. I guess that's instead of the normal screen door we have in the south! Anyway, it's like having another big window in the room so I get lots of light that way.
No plans at all today so I'll just putter around the house. BBL to catch up on personals after my coffee!
Murphy
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Post by murphy1288 on Feb 25, 2021 16:22:13 GMT
OK I've had my coffee and straightened up a bit. Have to say I am LOVING retirement! LOL. First time in my life that I haven't had a schedule to live by and It's pretty awesome! Cleaned up the kitchen and made a casserole to cook for supper. My hands are feeling a little more steady today so I'm thinking I'll try to give myself a manicure. It's sunny and supposed to be about 60 today so I will get out and walk this afternoon. I'm thinking I'm going to have to buy myself some walking shoes because all I have are slip on sneakers and I'm afraid that will cause me to have blisters.
Amy - so glad you are enjoying then changes in seasons! You will appreciate each change more and more!
Jan - I sure hope I'm not wrong about that stipend repayment. I'm going to call the insurance company this afternoon and will be sure to ask about that! I want to find out if everything is straight now with my correct estimate of my annual income and how that has an effect on my insurance premium. Will let you know what I hear.
GG - glad you had some good coaching calls yesterday! The scale will come down again in no time! My eating has not been good this last week either and I won't be surprised to see the scale move up for me either!
Cindy - I'm so glad that DS relented and let you take him to the urgent care! I had a severe sprain of both ankles (at the same time!) in my 20's and I remember the doctor said I would have been better off if I'd just broken the bones! He said the sprain actually takes longer to heal! Glad you got your meds.
Carole - hope you get to see Ty play this weekend. How long a drive would it be for you?
Liz - hope DH is doing well at home. I'm glad the hospital was able to give him a supply of meds!
Cathy - I've seen rosemary plants for sale especially around Christmas that look like little Christmas trees. They smell so good and I've thought about getting one but feared that I would kill one in no time! LOL I have only black thumbs when it comes to plants!
Hi and hugs to everyone!
Murphy
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Post by flower on Feb 26, 2021 0:52:02 GMT
Hi friends! Work went well this am and I had a good workout. If I would stop eating peanut butter filled pretzels I might actually lose some weight. It was nice out today, the sun was out.
Amy, does DD go walking with you during the week? Tylerâs playing in Logansport.
Jan, I watched DS you tube video, it was great!
Gg, how are you feeling today?
Murphy, you sure do sound happy! How far are you from the mountains?
Cindy, I hope DS is feeling ok. How about you?
Cathy, I hope youâre not sore tomorrow from pruning.
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Post by cathygeha on Feb 26, 2021 9:56:15 GMT
My word for 2021: FOCUS My Visual/Mantra/whatever: Believe -> See AFFIRMATION: I believe in myself. LOVING MYSELF TODAY BY: âď¸ Tracking: âď¸ Moving: 20 minutes so far today...20 more soon âď¸ Sleep: âď¸ GHGs Fruit âď¸ Vegetables âď¸ Whole-grains âď¸ Dairy products-calcium. âď¸ Healthy oils âď¸ Protein (lean)âď¸ Limit added sugar and alcohol. âď¸ Liquids-hydrationâď¸ Multiple vitamin-mineral supplementsâď¸ Labor of Loving yourself first! February 14 - April 4 February 14 start weight: 172.4 February 21: 170.4 February 28: March 7: March 14: March 21: March 28: April 4 final weigh in:
<169.8>
Nothing exciting to share. Hoping that it won't be too long before they contact me about getting the vaccination BUT still only older than I am have been contacted. I have beans in the pressure cooker and will make either vegetable soup and add some into it OR make a zucchini-tomato-onion-garlic sauce and add the beans into some of it...maybe over a potato or as is or on pasta if I have any?
AMY: The cat comic in the OR made me laugh...glad I was not drinking coffee! Hope the macaroni and cheese was tasty! Did the roofers finish before the rain? I was thinking I should have to trim rosemary bushes EVERY Day...would be SO strong 
JAN: I have not had bacon or smelled in a LONG time...not since the last visit to the USA and that was maybe seven years ago? I hope you do get to go out for a drive! I opted NOT to read two books I signed up for...one was too young and silly and the other was one I could not relate to. So, am onto other books...hooray!
MURPHY: It sounds like retirement agrees with you! Hooray for walking shoes and having places to go for walks and the time to do so! I don't know if rosemary would grow outside where you live or not. Ours is kind of difficult to kill...needs trimming back more often than I thought it would.
CAROL: I am actually not sore but feel that pruning could be a good workout if done daily...I would have a perfect garden if I did that I have never had a peanut butter filled pretzel...they must be good!
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. Now to work around the points! Get off at 1 today so will head to the grocery for some things we need, going to make the 2 ingredient dough when I get home for dinner. If it's mid 40's again when I get home I'll get out for a longer walk than yesterday. I'm sure this weather is a "tease" but going to enjoy it while I can. DH car arrived yesterday, he's busy going through parts etc, will keep him happy and busy for awhile. Just looking forward to the weekend may even try to plan a drive somewhere just for a change of scenery. HOpe you all have a great day. Jan
