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Post by cindy on Mar 3, 2024 13:17:00 GMT
Welcome to Alcohol Free is What We Want To Be! We are glad you are here with us! 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? 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 acknowledgement that we have been there, done that. This board of great people will support you in your journey.
Some of us have been here for several years, others are new, but all are welcome and if you have visited before but didn't stay, there is still and always a place for you. Don't get overwhelmed, take your time, if something strikes you, respond. We are great at giving advice, whether you want it or not....you will get tough love, if necessary, but you will also find help. We practice positive self-talk and support, we encourage and gently hold each other accountable. We each have stories to tell, share and suggestions to help. We post different challenges during the year. Please join us if you think this is the group for you. You will be glad you did.
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Post by cindy on Mar 3, 2024 13:17:34 GMT
SHAPING UP FOR SPRING!
February 11 - March 31
Spring is coming!
Supportive Friends
Progress not Perfection
Renewal of Being
Inspiration
New Habits
Great Success!
This can be your Spring! This can be your success! No more rationalizing and making excuses.
This challenge isn't just about being alcohol free though it is the focus of the board. It is about finding and giving encouragement, getting healthy, loving ourselves, and finding what works and what doesn't. This is NOT about making ourselves feel badly about the unhealthy choices, it is about celebrating the healthy ones. So let's go for it!
As always, the rules aren't complicated. Simply no alcohol and staying on your food plan. If you get off track, don't give up....don't throw away the day, the night, the week. We are working on progress not perfection.
You may have alcohol issues that you cannot manage on your own and our group is here to support you and encourage you to get the help you might need. You may have alcohol issues that you can control but have to exert the motivation and our group is here to support you.
Spring clean your cupboard early! If you have junk food, tempting alcohol, or trigger foods in your kitchen, you are setting yourself up for failure. Give it away, dump it, GET RID OF IT! Temptation is always going to happen. Don't make it easier for yourself to give in to it. Assess your kitchen, ask if this helps or hinders me. DO NOT have sentimental attachment to food or alcohol. The stuff will always be there, it does not magically disappeared but your health can be compromised! This is your life! Make it the best!
REMEMBER….
1. Work the Plan and the Plan works! Think of your new eating plan as a lifestyle change -- one that will have ups and downs, with good days and (very few) bad.
2. Don't deprive yourself. A food plan should be about SATISFACTION. Find foods you LOVE that will help you meet your goal.
3. Drink lots of water. Water is good for you.
4. Listen to your body. It knows things. Pay close attention to your body cues.
5. Live one day (or even one MEAL) at a time. Don't be discouraged and beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Just get back on with lots of helping hands.
6. Get exercise with activities you enjoy. If you don't like what you are doing, then you won't stick with it.
7. Keep track of what you eat. Write it down. You WILL 100% without a doubt make better choices if you hold yourself accountable for them.
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Post by cindy on Mar 3, 2024 13:18:12 GMT
THE EIGHT GOOD HEALTH GUIDELINES
1. Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
2. Choose whole-grain foods, such as brown rice and oats, whenever possible.
3. Include two servings of milk precuts – low fat (1%) or fat-free – each day.
4. Have some healthy oil (olive oil, canola, sunflower, safflower or flaxseed each day.
5. Ensure that you are getting enough protein by choosing at least a serving or two of meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dried beans
each day. Many dairy products are also good sources of protein.
6. Limit added sugar and alcohol.
7. Drink at least 6 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
8. Take a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement each day.
NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY
Drink more water:
One or more fruit daily:
One or more vegetable daily:
Dairy:
Healthy Oils:
AF:
AIM:
ANIM:
Exercise goal:
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Journal:
Move Accountability:
Sleep Accountability:
Nutrition Accountability:
Happiness Accountability:
Habit Accountability:
Check in Daily Accountability:
Time Management Accountability:
What did you do for yourself today?
Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote
CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11:
February 18 weigh in:
February 25 weigh in:
March 3 weigh in:
March 10 weigh in:
March 17 weigh in:
March 24 weigh in:
Final Weigh March 31:
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Post by cindy on Mar 3, 2024 14:18:55 GMT
Good Morning!
A gloomy, windy morning, not sure if it is suppose to clear up. Did get out yesterday, planted more bulbs, put down fresh soil and then mulch on top. I have about 20 bulbs to go. I know I don't have enough soil to cover an area I want to refresh but will go as far as I can, if the weather cooperates. I bought some dried horticultural molasses powder to fight the fire ants. Allegedly they hate the stuff. I just want to keep them out of the garden areas. They can hang out in the field.
As a friend reminded me yesterday, I always feel lousy the week before an infusion. I should put a big red mark on the calendar so
I face it head on. So infusion is Tuesday, will be voting and making a stop at Costco to get soil. There is something else on the schedule but I can't remember what at the moment...probably because I don't want to do it!
Friend/girl pushed to come over yesterday but DS told her no. It would be fine if she came over but she never leaves! She has been blowing off work on Monday. She works for her uncle but I can't imagine he appreciates it. If she came over today she wouldn't leave till Tuesday morning and it is just too much.
DS was in a talkative mood yesterday and it ranged from politics to music to cars and other stuff. I like to take advantage of it but some of the discussions got into my dreams.
Amy, putting zippers into sweatshirts isn't easy! Glad you had success. What musical instrument does DH play?
Jan, sounds like fun shopping and the jeans are definitely a good buy. It is the getting in and out of the car that gets to me and makes me give up.
Liz, glad Isabel is doing so well. Hope DD gets some answers soon! Are you planning Easter dinner?
Cathy, I "wonder what straw broke the camel's back" as well. I enjoyed your post.
Yesterday someone posted on our local FB newsletter "let's get the biggest group of motorcyclists together". A beautiful day, over 100 showed up and tied up traffic....ultimately two were killed. This wasn't an organized rally other than a posting on FB.
See the piggy redwing blackbirds have stuffed themselves so off to refill the feeders so the mourning doves and cardinals can get their share.
Be back later, fingers crossed.
Hugs, Cindy
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Post by tatermom on Mar 3, 2024 14:31:56 GMT
This can be your Spring! This can be your success! No more rationalizing and making excuses. Yes, feeling this!! "I look to 2024 with a renewed commitment to Progress” “Out the Door in 2024” SHAPING UP FOR SPRING EQUINOX! February 11 - March 31 Spring is coming! Supportive Friends Progress not Perfection Renewal of Being Inspiration New Habits Great Success! NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY Drink more water: daily goal 70= 90oz One or more fruit daily: 3 One or more vegetable daily: 2 Dryuary AF: 63 Dampuary AIM: Sauced ANIM: Fitbit Goal/burned: 2,000/2,604 JUST JOURNAL! HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY Move Accountability: 7,966 steps, 11/11 hours, 75 PU, 12 floors, stairs for laundry, stretches Sleep Accountability: 7 hours, 80 sleep, 81 stress, some crazy dreams Nutrition Accountability: 28/23 points 11 weeklies, eggs, 1/2 bagel, lox, cream cheese, orange, banana, string cheese, goldfish, chili, hamburger fries, 1 wafer cookie, one lemon bar. Fitbit Macros: 1,668 cal. 40% Carbs, 33% fat, 27% protein. 436 left 1568 avg for the week. Happiness Accountability: 5 feeling happy Habit Accountability: Exercise bar. 3/4. did tiny habits, morning journal, quiet time, tracking it all, Check in Daily Accountability: 5 I'm here!! Time Management Accountability: 4 Vintage hop, litter box, laundry, lemon bars, put away snowflakes and greens decorations, read What did you do for yourself today? 4 shopping, TV time, journaled, read, Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote. "Ask yourself today if what you're doing is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow." CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11: 201 official at WW: 201.8 February 18 weigh in: 200.6 WW February 25 weigh in: 200. At home March 3 weigh in: March 10 weigh in: March 17 weigh in: March 24 weigh in: Final Weigh March 31: Good morning all. Hi Cindy! I'm going to head into work before my "motivation fails me"  Will be back to check in later. Jan |
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Post by amyj on Mar 3, 2024 15:20:22 GMT
SHAPING UP FOR SPRING EQUINOX!
February 11 - March 31
THE EIGHT GOOD HEALTH GUIDELINES
1. Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
2. Choose whole-grain foods, such as brown rice and oats, whenever possible.
3. Include two servings of milk precuts – low fat (1%) or fat-free – each day.
4. Have some healthy oil (olive oil, canola, sunflower, safflower or flaxseed each day.
5. Ensure that you are getting enough protein by choosing at least a serving or two of meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dried beans each day. Many dairy products are also good sources of protein.
6. Limit added sugar and alcohol.
7. Drink at least 6 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
8. Take a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement each day.
NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY
Drink more water: 80 oz
One or more fruit daily: Y
One or more vegetable daily: Y
AF: (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 6417; ANIM: 1 (021221)
AIM: N
ANIM: N
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2170/2181
JUST JOURNAL!
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Move Accountability: 4, 12,300+ steps, 250 steps 8/8 hours, walked the nature trail, walking video, laps in the basement, counter pushups and stretches
Sleep Accountability: 2, trouble falling asleep but then slept pretty well, 6.5+ hours, Fitbit score 83, stress management 88
Nutrition Accountability: 3, 32/23, 18 weeklies left, blue dot, ice cream
Happiness Accountability: 3, enjoyed the day, watched Hallmark-type movies, part of Carole King/James Taylor concert on PBS, Anatomy of a Fall, stitched, read before bed
Habit Accountability: 3, drinking more water than diet Coke
Check in Daily Accountability: 3, I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: 3, walking, dusted, watered plants, filled bird feeders, couch time, finished UGA stocking ornament, started on Saints ornament
What did you do for yourself today? Reading, couch time, time outside
Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote: “Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” ―Carol Burnett
CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11: 173.0
February 18 weigh in: 173.2
February 25 weigh in: 172.6
March 3 weigh in: 171.6
March 10 weigh in:
March 17 weigh in:
March 24 weigh in:
Final Weigh March 31:
2024 Goals:
11,000 steps each day: 62/62
At least 7 hours sleep: 31/62
Lift weights twice/week: Wk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Blue dots: 53/62
Starting weight: 179.8
Get to the 160's:
DH & I took the golf cart to the nature trail yesterday morning. It was cool and overcast, but pleasant. When we got back I filled the bird feeders and watered the plants in the basement. I did a bit of dusting in the family room. Then couch time. We had turkey Manhattens for dinner. I watched Anatomy of a Fall (Oscar movie 6/10). It was pretty good, about half in French with subtitles. It had an ambiguous ending, but I was okay with that. It was another long one, so I started my bedtime routine a little later than I would have liked. Once again I had trouble falling asleep, so got up later and dragging this morning.
It's gloomy and foggy, but is not supposed to rain today. It's already in the mid-50's.
Jan- WTG steps 11/11, PU, stretches, blue dot, AF. Glad you had a nice, productive day yesterday. Yay for motivation jeans. Hope work today goes well. I applied for my passport in early August, received it at the end of October. DH's was a renewal and didn't take quite as long. We're leaving on April 25.
Liz- WTG eating pretty well, some AF days, mostly AIM. Glad Isabel is doing great. Hope DD gets some answers.
Cathy- WTG getting BOT and getting some exercise with Rosalie.
Cindy- Thanks for getting us started. WTG for time outside, getting bulbs planted, yard work, battling fire ants. Hope you get a nice boost from the infusion on Tuesday. Yay for DS in a talkative mood and telling friend/girl "no" when she asked to come over. It's too bad she stays so long. Sorry about the mess with the motorcyclists and the redwing black birds being such piggies. DH plays a keyboard, has a couple of trombones, a trumpet, and a euphonium.
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Post by amyj on Mar 3, 2024 15:23:38 GMT
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Post by amyj on Mar 3, 2024 15:25:47 GMT
M-W Word of the Day
connive
verb | kuh-NYVE
What It Means
To connive is to secretly help someone do something dishonest or illegal.
// Roger suspected that his coworkers were conniving to get him fired when in reality they were planning his surprise birthday party.
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Post by WWVicki on Mar 3, 2024 17:49:07 GMT
Hi girls! It’s a BEAUTIFUL sunny day here! Supposed to hit 70! I’ve been to church and had my lunch. Now I plan on getting outside! Yesterday I went to Addi’s basketball game, which is always fun.
Cindy: How far away does g/fish live? It sounds like DS is doing all he can to discourage her.
Jan: Sorry you had to go in today. I know you will enjoy the fun money though! We had hamburgers and fries last night too!
Amy: Does DH spend much time playing his instruments? April 25 will be here before you know it! Have you been researching the weather so you know what to pack?
Liz: So glad Isabel is doing better! Are you ok with 1 or 2 drinks a night?
Cathy: Glad you got to walk with Rosalee! Pounds don’t really matter! I’m glad you are spending time with your friends!
I’m off to enjoy the sunshine!
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Post by tatermom on Mar 3, 2024 18:39:15 GMT
Hi all. Got home right before 12, had some lunch and have the Iowa basketball game on, see if Caitlin Clark can set a new record. I will knit or get something done while I watch. Then the plan is to get some steps outside as the sun is now shining and it's really pretty out. Work was fine and went fast, so nice when there are no customers  No other plans for the day. Hope you are all enjoying your day. Jan Amy Both our passports are renewals so hope it won't take too long, but we don't have any plans to use them at this point. I was just thinking in case on a whim we decided to drive all the way up to Canada on our road trip. Sorry you had a later night and didn't sleep as well. yay for the scale going down. I know I lost some # last month but when I WI at the Dr tomorrow I will still be higher than my last appt I'm pretty sure. Just keep working at it, I know I'm on a better track at the moment. GG Glad you have the beautiful weather. It's mid 50's here now so I'll take it. Starting to see green in the garden beds. Yay for fun going to Addi's game. We're going to have a good week!! Liz I'm sure you're tired after long days with the GK's Hope you are getting some spring like weather. I'd love to go on a yarn crawl with you Post pics if you go and show us your loot Cathy Sorry the scale is up but glad you are visiting with friends and enjoying yourself. Carole Are you watching the Iowa game? Hope you've had a nice weekend. Cindy Yay for DS being chatty, love when that happens. Sorry if some of it messed with your dreams. yay for getting some bulbs in and having no GF over for days! Hope the infusion works some magic on Tuesday. Sure hope DS is going with you to Costco if you are buying big bags of soil. Murphy Missing you, check in when you can. |
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Post by lizmawmn on Mar 3, 2024 21:07:08 GMT
SHAPING UP FOR SPRING EQUINOX!
February 11 - March 31
Let’s Begin!
DAILY STATS
Allowed/consumed: 1,290/1,183
Fitbit Calorie Burned: 1,811
Fitbit Step Goal/Actual:6,500/ 2,077 What a slug!
Exercise goal Bike: NO
AF: 3
AIM: 2
ANIM: 11 Lost track, will start again next challenge
CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11: 214.8
February 18 weigh in: 213.2
February 25 weigh in: 213.2
March 3 weigh in: 211.2
March 10 weigh in:
March 17 weigh in:
March 24 weigh in:
Final Weigh March 31:
Good morning girls!
Yesterday was an ANIM day (2 drinks) and food was OP. This week was a good week weight wise. I across a Keto recipe on Instagram and it reminded me that I was given a mini waffle maker by my boss like 5 years ago. So DS remembered where I put it and I used it for yesterday morning and this morning breakfast. You beat up one egg and add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, and it makes two mini waffles about 4". Today I added two strips of cooked bacon chopped up, wow delish and filling! I also found a macro guidline for Keto, I never followed the guideline, I just ate more protein and only good carbs. I think I am pretty hyped because I am seeing some success, all be it slow ones but never the less, the little ones add up. I have a graduation party to go to at the end of May and a really nice venue and I am hoping I can get into something I already have. I think it will be doable because for them to fit, it is a matter of about 4 lbs. AS gloomy as it is, I really need to go grocery shopping so that there is healthy and low carb things in the house. Then I'll come back and do some knitting, I have about another 11 inches to complete the baby blanket that DSIL had asked me to make.
I am not hosting Easter this year. DD and I discussed the holidays and as much as I cried (inside) I told her that it was not fair for Isabel and Michael (eventually) to not spend the holidays with their little cousins. I see how much fun she has with the other kids in pictures. There are no children on our side of the family that we actually spend holidays with. So I told her that I want her to start accepting invitations from her DH's family and not to worry about us. Right now it is just too much for her to host. When she did host it would be both sides of the family but her house is small for that. So it will be DH, DS, and myself, very low key like maybe smoking or grilling dinner. I may only bake the Pizza Cheina which is not a desert and more of a side dish. I know I will be heart broken, but it is the right thing to do.
Cindy~ Thanks for getting us started! What kind of bulbs did you plant? I can't wait to clean up out front but it is still too cold here. I need at least 60 to 70 degree weather. Maybe DS should have a talk with friend/girl and lay down some ground rules like when she does come to visit, no staying over. It's a visit, not a mini vacation. It's actually very presumptious of her to think that she is welcome as an overnight guest. I relish my privacy, I don't think I could get used to that.
Jan~ Enjoy work and the extra $$$ that you can spend! You are doing so well with your AF days, I bet you feel more energetic without the A. Glad DH has been AF as well! I don't know if I could resist those lemon bars!
Amy~ LMAO with the TOTD! Have you ever used the Calm app? I just stick to the free stuff on it, the sleep stories or relaxation to sleep stories really do work, I am out before they end and they are generally 30 to 45 minutes.
Vicki~ 70 degree weather and getting outside sounds wonderful! Glad you had fun at Addi's game. The one or two drinks so far is ok, if I start to see that it goes to more and triggering eating then I have to go back and take a serious look. Amy had brought up a good question when I was in a funk a couple of months ago and questioning if the A was causing the funk. It may have really been so, right now it's not and it is mostly an afternoon winding down at the end of the day, late afternoon. Right now, I can't wrap my head around being AF, I will see how things go.
Cathy~ You will be BOT, I have every confidence in you!
Hi to all that follow! Happy Sunday!
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Post by cindy on Mar 4, 2024 0:17:39 GMT
Hi All,
Though it is a beautiful, albeit windy day...BASKETBALL took over...Dallas Mavericks lost their game, Celtics won their game against Golden State Warriors by 52 points. So delayed any work outside....did get some more dirt down so do have a good idea of how many bags I will need. DS's car parts came late afternoon and he decided not to work on it. Tomorrow is suppose to be a good weather day!
Amy, hope as the day went on you felt less draggy. Your passport renewal makes me need to check ours. I don't expect to leave the country but could see DS doing so plus it is a great ID for employment. Love your DH's instruments. My nephew (52) plays clarinet with his town band and plays at the church services. He has his uncle's (my brother's) clarinet. Will you be staying home for Easter or joining family in Indiana?
Jan, yay for getting more hours and being done by noon. Yay for motivation not failing you!! I meant to mention how nice "fourth anniversary" for DS and DGF and having it at the restaurant. I am glad GF is on board with DS's time line and glad she has her own ambition. Yay for being on track! I dislike weighing at the doctor but I get weighed for infusion every six weeks, then another weigh in for the RA Doctor. In some ways keeps me on track but leave me alone!
Vicki, friend/girl lives about five miles away...a bit too close but at least she listens when DS says no. I hate to say this but read the room. I hope you enjoyed the sunny day!!
Liz, I know one drink is AIM but I seriously feel two normal drinks are more AIM...not helpful I know. I don't know anyone that stops at one so I rest my case. The keto recipe sounds great...reminds of one that Clinton Kelly made on THE CHEW. You will get into something you have....maybe try it on weekly, or hang it so you can see it daily. Can understand the Easter dinner. Hard to organize family stuff. Would you want to go to DSIL's family for dinner? My DSIL has been asked to go to her son's inlaws but she doesn't want to...I think it would be nice if her DDIL would host but keeping my opinions to myself. I planted hyacinths, lillies, irises, and stuff that I can't remember, lol. I too treasure my privacy and DS pretty much does....only child syndrome.
Cathy, you will be BOT but also a variation up and down versus being with friends, friends win!
Hi Carole, how are you enjoying the job? Sounds better and hopefully it is! Getting close to Florida trip!
Murphy, thinking about you and about your brother. Hope you can check in soon to let us know how things are going!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!
Hugs to all, Cindy
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Post by flower on Mar 4, 2024 3:16:09 GMT
Hi friends! I just want to check in, need to get to bed. Went to lunch with the gym girls, I was AF. Not dessert free though. Sleep well my friends!
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Post by cathygeha on Mar 4, 2024 14:19:21 GMT
CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 2/11: 163.6 February 18 weigh in: 163 February 25 weigh in: 165.2 March 3 weigh in: 166.8 March 10 weigh in: March 17 weigh in: March 24 weigh in: Final Weigh March 31:
March 4 <165.6)
Today I managed to sleep till 8:30 and scared my husband...I don't usually sleep so late. It was marvelous to sleep a solid eight hours. We ran errands and while out and about I bought a new 2024 Agenda to use as a food journal. I ran across one that I used in 2020 and feel that it is a wiser thing than the App especially since apps tend to have glitches and are much harder to scan through. So...let's see if this will help me to focus and get back to goal weight again.
I've read and caught up but no personals today.
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Will be back to check in later. Jan
No other plans for the day. Hope you are all enjoying your day. Jan
