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Post by amyj on Mar 8, 2024 13:59:40 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 amyj on Mar 8, 2024 14:00:08 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 amyj on Mar 8, 2024 14:00:27 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 amyj on Mar 8, 2024 14:28:36 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: 48 oz
One or more fruit daily: Y
One or more vegetable daily: Y
AF: (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 6422; ANIM: 1 (021221)
AIM: N
ANIM: N
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2170/1968
JUST JOURNAL!
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Move Accountability: 2, 10,700+ steps, 250 steps 7/8 hours, walked at Gibbs Gardens, Publix, laps in the basement, counter pushups and stretches
Sleep Accountability: 2, up late reading, but then slept well, <6 hours, Fitbit score 81, stress management 81
Nutrition Accountability: 3, 27/23, 30 weeklies left, blue dot, cheeseburger, English muffin with butter and jelly
Happiness Accountability: 3, enjoyed the day, watched Rustin, 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, driving to and from and enjoying Gibbs Gardens, worked on Saints tissue box cover
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: “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.” ―Jim Henson
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: 66/67
At least 7 hours sleep: 33/67
Lift weights twice/week: Wk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Blue dots: 58/67
Starting weight: 179.8
Get to the 160's:
DH & I drove up to Gibbs Gardens yesterday morning. It was very crowded in the ticket office, probably b/c it was the first decent weather all week. Once we were out in the gardens, the crowds didn't seem as bad. I think we were a bit early for the peak of the daffodils, so we may go back again in a week or so. They were selling daffodil bulbs for $16.50 for 25 bulbs, so I picked up a bag on the way out. We stopped to eat at the Burger Bus in Ballground on the way there. I enjoyed my cheeseburger and only had one of DH's fried mushrooms. We stopped at Publix on the way home for a few things. Nobody was really hungry for dinner, so I scrambled some eggs and had an English muffin with it. After dinner I watched Rustin, which was about the march on Washington for racial equality. I recommend it, it was very good. I stayed up late trying to figure out the stitching on my tissue box cover, then took a bath and read for a while. It was around 2am before I turned out the light, but I guess I was tired enough that I didn't have any trouble falling asleep. I didn't realize I was less than 250 steps from hitting 11,000 steps until after midnight, darn it!
The weather was so beautiful yesterday but today it's cloudy with rain on the way for the next 2 days.
Vicki- Sorry you've been feeling tired and your head hurting. Hope Jack has a speedy recovery with his knee.
Cindy- Yay for permanent teeth and for the dental assistant being good. Sorry you had to reschedule your blood draw. LOL over DH being able to bore himself to sleep.
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Post by amyj on Mar 8, 2024 14:33:38 GMT
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Post by amyj on Mar 8, 2024 14:34:35 GMT
M-W Word of the Day
Weltanschauung
noun | VELT-ahn-show-ung ("ow" as in "cow")
What It Means
A Weltanschauung is a worldview; in other words, a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world especially from a specific standpoint. The word is typically capitalized.
// Many people disagree with the writer's personal Weltanschauung, but most can appreciate the quality and thoughtfulness of her work.
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Post by tatermom on Mar 8, 2024 15:19:04 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: 70oz One or more fruit daily: 3 One or more vegetable daily: 2 Dryuary AF: 68 Dampuary AIM: Sauced ANIM: Fitbit Goal/burned: 2,000/2,2,462 JUST JOURNAL! HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY Move Accountability: Step goal 7500: 6,535 steps, 9/11 hours, 70 PU, 2 floors, stretches Sleep Accountability: 7 hours, 81 sleep, 83 stress, Nutrition Accountability: 28/23 points 18 weeklies. BLT, 1/2 blueberry banana treat at knitting, chili, goldfish, cantalope/pineapple banana, chicken brat, waffle fries, 1/2 cookie Fitbit Macros: 1,501 calories, 54% Carbs !!, 30% fat, 16 protein. 461 left Happiness Accountability: 5 feeling happy Habit Accountability: Exercise bar. 2/4. did tiny habits, morning journal, quiet time, tracking it all, Check in Daily Accountability: 5 I'm here!! Time Management Accountability: 4 Worked, mailed passports, knitting, baked 2 banana breads, TV time, read in bed What did you do for yourself today? 4 Went to knitting with friends, TV time, journaled, read, Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out" 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: 199.5 at home this morning March 10 weigh in: March 17 weigh in: March 24 weigh in: Final Weigh March 31: Good morning all. Officially old I guess Amy  Had a good, busy day. A lot of crazy but getting closer to the end each day. DS called last night on his way to work, was very upbeat, felt really good about the interview, now to hear some good news. They make them wait almost 3 weeks or more. I just will hate it if his bubble is burst again. At this point though, the plan is they are moving down to Miami regardless next Jan. or when their lease is up. GF is going to start her clinicals there so that's the plan. He'd get a job in one of the U hospitals and apply again if needed. That kid does not give up!! Just got a call from my Dr's office that she's going to have me go do a blood test to check for that darn shrimp allergy. I conveniently scheduled for next Thursday after 1 so I will just plan the whole day off to go to knitting and lunch! Last night DH went to buy more cookies, Rocky Road this time to try, uggh. He didn't like them as well as the Oatmeal so I guess the work boys will benefit again I will also take one of the banana breads, I made one with dried cranberries, to my brothers. See which one DH wants to keep Tonight will be LO penne bake to clear some things from the fridge, I may still end up freezing a big square for another time. The weekend of the vintage hop I bought a tiny crocheted basket with some little wooden eggs in it. It's been on the table tray with some other Easter decorations. This morning I hear a noise in the kitchen. Scout is "hiding" the eggs. The little basket was on the floor, one egg was under the edge of the cupboard, one was in the top of the puzzle box. He makes me crazy but sure is a funny guy. Now he's asleep in the chewy box as his work is done. I have lunch packed and included 3 Thin Mints that I tracked. Had mostly 0 pt breakfast and chicken black bean bowl for lunch, so bringing my own treat will keep me out of the other junk at work.....hopefully!! Guess I better get moving. I'll check in later if I remember have a great Friyay all. Jan Amy Thanks for starting us. The pictures from the garden were so beautiful I guess I didn't realize you were so close to the mountain scenery. Will you just hold on to the daffodil bulbs or put them in a pot or something for this year? Sounds like most of the Oscare movies are pretty "heavy" material, except for Barbie and the Holdovers. Will be interesting to see the results. They are talking rain overnight with possible turning to snow. Yuck, hope it's gone or minimal for driving tomorrow. Hope you can get in your walk before the raindrops. Are you on countdown til your trip? Mailed our passports yesterday, see how long they take. Cindy yay for front teeth and now you will take extra care of them Sorry the blood draw got messed up. I think after Murphy,Liz and your posts about your brother, I just got that felling like I need to go down and visit now. His 74th birthday will be on April 1, and I figure every time we can get together is a good idea. I really hope he will make some time to come up to the cabin this summer for a longer amount of time. It's funny how people sometimes just want to overshare. I get those at the tax office a lot. I think people are just so desperate for human connection, and not just superficial chatter. A symptom of our current society I think. GG Ha ha I laughed about the tax appt. That was Al's magic, he was like the all powerful Oz. NO one went in to see him. I enter all the figures, ask all the questions, he crossed the T's and dotted the I's, signed his name and I checked out the customer and took the $$. That's how we can run an appt. every 1/2 hour. If the return was really complex business info, sometimes Al would come out and clarify some info, but if you let someone in the office, you couldn't get rid of them. Sounds like your appt was the tax man wanted to talk. I can't believe almost 2 hours, they must charge a fortune. Our average returns run $95-$185. Seldom doesn' someone pay the top end or more, you need a lot of business, K-1, stock sales etc. Glad you got it done at least. Sorry about the lack of energy. I take my thyroid meds but don't feel they help much with energy. I'm going to try some more B-12 over the counter. Too bad for Jack, right before baseball season. Hope he heals fast. Waving hi to all. Time to go punch the time clock. |
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Post by cathygeha on Mar 8, 2024 16:32:18 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 8 = (166.2) [day two - glad it was not higher as sometimes the second day after a splurge can be higher than the day after]
Took the booties in to be repaired and it will cost five dollars per pair or per heel...not sure which but think per pair so okay for ten dollar shoes. Hope they stay on as they should for awhile. I am going to a potluck on the 19th and am taking an Irish Flag Salad since the theme is Irish food. It is NOT Irish but the colors of the flag and uses seasonal vegetables and will be easy to transport. Also going to a baking event the week after that and the theme is yeast breads with many making Easter breads. I am not sure what I will bake...will see and perhaps make individual size breads for people to take home because...heating the oven to make one loaf of bread seems a bit of a waste.
I am thinking of all of you and wishing you the best with something fun to look forward to this weekend, too!
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Post by WWVicki on Mar 8, 2024 18:08:22 GMT
Quick post. Talked to DS today. Jack dislocated his kneecap, which is much better than his knee! Once it was back in place, the pain was gone. Both his parents wanted him to stay home, but he insisted on going to school. He will see an orthopedic dr on Monday, and schedule an MRI. Bad timing for the 9th grade team. The roster comes out today.
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Post by murphy1288 on Mar 8, 2024 18:36:09 GMT
Hi all and happy Friday! I just wanted to do a quick fly-by to let you know I'm still here. So busy with helping with DB. I've been staying with them the last few days and usually take the night shift so DSIL can get some rest. He alternates between a paralyzing anxiety and an inability to sleep. Night before last was the anxiety and constantly reassuring him that I was there to fight off any bad guys. Last night was the restlessness and I didn't get any sleep. I came home and will take care of some things around here. Plan to go back on Monday to accompany them to a doctor's appointment where he will have a mobility assessment. This will be the first step in possibly being approved for a lift chair and a hospital bed. Both of those things would help so much. It's just hard to get him to be cooperative at times. For instance, yesterday he decided that he wanted to be sponged off with alcohol. This is while he is buried under 3 blankets. I tried to convince him that an alcohol rub down is something that is used when someone has a high fever and it would make him very cold. He kept insisting that I didn't know everything and that maybe his body's response would be different. It was like trying to convince someone that they have to deal with gravity and they can't float away just because they "might respond differently". Just so tough. I spent a lot of time with DSIL on the phone with the insurance companies and the doctor's offices trying to set up these assessments. And I'm doing this with very little in my tank due to lack of sleep. He stays in a recliner all the time and requires max assist to stand to be able to go to the bathroom. Praying that things will start to improve in terms of assistance.
I had taken Scout to Tyrine so she would take care of him while I was gone. I messaged her today when I got back to the house and she said that she is concerned because he has lost weight. Remember that he is considered a permanent foster so I'm not worried about big vet bills but we have to decide what to do. First I'm going to be doubling his food every day and depending on what that shows we'll start with lab work. I will go get him in the morning.
I'm trying to keep things going to take care of myself every day. It's tough but I know I can't give from an empty tank. Please forgive me for not being consistent with posting or even personals. I'm praying that I can find a rhythm for my soul in the days to come. Love you all!
Murphy
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Post by WWVicki on Mar 8, 2024 20:16:14 GMT
He made the team! Even injured! Grandma is so happy!
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Post by tatermom on Mar 8, 2024 23:07:00 GMT
Hi girls. SO glad to be home, it's cold, rainy and I just want to sit on the couch under the blankets. Not too crazy today but had to deliver bad news to a few folks. Most take it OK, they know they didn't have enough taxes held our or couldn't predict a death and then transfer of funds they owe on. Just one of the more unpleasant parts of the job because you never know how they will react. Going to see how the overnight rain/snow plays out and then decide when we will head down to the Chicago area. No big plans down there, just visit, do some more knitting, explore a few stores maybe. DH is meeting the car guy at the local Jewel grocery by my brothers at 10 Sunday AM. That worked out well so I don't even have to go with if we decide to stay longer and go to breakfast or ? with DB. Just hope everyone remembers to set the clock ahead to meet up on time. Hope you all have a nice Friday evening. Will check in tomorrow before we head out. Jan Murphy Sounds like you have been very busy and in a very difficult situation. I'm sure you DSIL is forever grateful that you can help out, she can get some sleep and you both can advocate for more care. Sorry Scout is maybe affected by your absence and hope he gains some weight back. I could give him some tips I'm sure,, just eat all the candy at work!! Hugs to you. take care of yourself and rest while you can. Vicki Yay for Jack making the team. Hope he lets himself totally get healed up before trying too much out on the field. Do you feel any more energized today? I am really dragging but I think it's just the hours worked. I missed my 60 hours this week by 6 minutes Still will be a nice paycheck. Cathy Were your groups all as social and having get togethers' before Covid? They sure have some fun things planned. Hope the boots turn out and can be used for at least a few years. Amy See where they are saying you are going to get some pretty big rain storms in the next few days. Are any of these near you? What book is keeping you awake these days? Hi to all. |
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Post by cindy on Mar 9, 2024 4:26:34 GMT
Hi All!
Storms all night and for off and on during the day. I did get my blood work done, so yay me! More tired than I want to accept but heading to bed. Will chat tomorrow.
Hugs to all, Cindy
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Post by flower on Mar 9, 2024 4:40:45 GMT
Hi friends! Went to the last of the showers, baby this time. Stayed AF. Still miss it, why?! Dumb, dumb, dumb. It was a slower day at work, some fair in the gym. It was nice because I’m not sure if I’m getting sick.
Murphy, thinking of you and praying for you and your family ( including Scout!)
Jan, safe travels!
Gg, yay Jack!!!!
Amy, your pictures were so nice on Facebook.
Cindy, so happy you got your two front teeth, your two front teeth (I’m singing the Christmas song!) and got your blood drawn today. They’re pretty strict on appointment times, jeez.
Good night all!
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Post by cathygeha on Mar 9, 2024 12:11:24 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 9 = (166.2) [day three]
My husband picked the shoes up - they look nicer than when brought home from the store. Not sure how much he paid but think probably five dollars per pair to have heel caps put on. Lunch was a one pot meal with rice, garbanzo beans, leftover chicken, zucchini, tomato paste, onions, garlic, and 7-spice mix. Dinner will be leftovers made into soup with something else...sandwich or fish patties or something.
The AWC (American Women's Club) is mostly in the Beirut area and when the fee for membership was over 100 dollars per year and I rarely made it to the meetings...it wasn't worth it even if they were doing things. The membership fee is now 20 dollars, you pick and choose what you want to do, and pay as you go to various activities. I am giving it a one year trial to see if it is worth it to me. The potluck group has someone collecting recipes, sending them out, then expecting people to use the recipes she has found to try out and bring to the monthly potlucks that are limited to only a few people per event...first come...first to be allowed to attend. I am on the list BUT have a feeling the options she has for recipes are not what I want to make OR that I won't be able to find the ingredients, have to substitute, etc. I can't see going out to buy imported maple syrup to make salad dressing or trying to find orange sweet potatoes for a salad when I can make a salad using what is available in my garden and local shops without having to buy imported things. So...will see what I will take. I am planning to take an Irish Flag Salad with pears, spinach, oranges, and hazelnuts that has a vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, lemon, and honey maybe adding in some avocado and hazelnuts and feta cheese...we will see. I don't HAVE to play by her rules, right? The group has always been active, less so during the Covid-19 lockdown, and different now than when it was in the past. I've been in and out of the club for over forty years so...it is interesting. Also, they have added the option of allowing a certain percentage of non-US citizens to join and that is first come each year so someone could be in one year and out the next...not sure how I feel about that, either.
I hope you all are having a fun weekend!
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Had a good, busy day. A lot of crazy but getting closer to the end each day. DS called last night on his way to work, was very upbeat, felt really good about the interview, now to hear some good news. They make them wait almost 3 weeks or more. I just will hate it if his bubble is burst again. At this point though, the plan is they are moving down to Miami regardless next Jan. or when their lease is up. GF is going to start her clinicals there so that's the plan. He'd get a job in one of the U hospitals and apply again if needed. That kid does not give up!! Just got a call from my Dr's office that she's going to have me go do a blood test to check for that darn shrimp allergy. I conveniently scheduled for next Thursday after 1 so I will just plan the whole day off to go to knitting and lunch! Last night DH went to buy more cookies, Rocky Road this time to try, uggh. He didn't like them as well as the Oatmeal so I guess the work boys will benefit again 
