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Post by cindy on Mar 13, 2024 12:24:35 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 13, 2024 12:25:08 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 cindy on Mar 13, 2024 12:25:30 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 13, 2024 12:28:08 GMT
Good Morning!
Put the trash barrel out to the curb and there was a chill in the air. With that said, it is suppose to go to eighty today with wind.
That should be fun for the electrician working on outside lights. Fingers crossed it is an easy job.
Be back in a while.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day!
Hugs, Cindy
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Post by tatermom on Mar 13, 2024 12:47:14 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: 2 One or more vegetable daily: 2 Dryuary AF: 73 Dampuary AIM: Sauced ANIM: Fitbit Goal/burned: 2,000/2,278 JUST JOURNAL! HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY Move Accountability: Step goal 7500: 6,199 steps, 9/11 hours, 85 PU, 5 floors, stretches Sleep Accountability: 7 hours, 81 sleep, 78 stress, Nutrition Accountability: 31/23 points 23 weeklies yogurt, fruit, chicken bean bowl, pretzel thins, teddy grahams, hershey kisses, pork stir fry, cookie, banana bread, Carb Load Fitbit Macros: 1,700 calories, 56% Carbs, 19% fat, 25 protein. 78 left cal over Happiness Accountability: 5 feeling happy Habit Accountability: Exercise bar. 1/4. did tiny habits, morning journal, quiet time, tracking it all Check in Daily Accountability: 5 I'm here!! Time Management Accountability: 4 Worked, made dinner, couch time, lazy evening What did you do for yourself today? 4 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: 200.6 at WW 198.8 at home this morning!!!! March 17 weigh in: March 24 weigh in: Final Weigh March 31: Good morning all. Happy Hump Day! I think I will take my home weight and go from there  ha ha. Just enjoying my morning couch and coffee time. Wednesday's are nice as I don't go anywhere before work and I feel like I get myself in a good place before I go. I can pack my lunch, make a good breakfast, clean up and not feel rushed. The goal today is no junk at work. The good thing is no one has replaced the MMs, peanut butter pretzels, chocolates etc. We'll see how long that lasts with the rush coming on. There are still chips, granola bars and trail mix. Still says it may get up to 60 today so will try to get some steps after work. Then we are supposed to get rain again and colder temps for awhile. I am looking forward to tomorrow, knitting, lunch, maybe even a pedi after my allergy testing in the afternoon. Mental health day. I feel like I haven't worked on my knitting or any projects for awhile. I just feel so wiped out when I get home I just want to scroll and watch TV. And even that is awful, just been watching a lot of college basketball. Guess I better get moving, need to see what's available in the freezer for dinner. Hope you all have a great day. Jan Cindy Glad the Dr visits are over for awhile. Sorry the RA and OA are still doing their thing. Hope the electrician can solve the problem, glad DS is there to help explain and make sure the work gets done. I'm picturing DH outside in the driveway today with the hose or ?? to make sure the woodpeckers stay away. Hope the Celtics won for you, they have been doing really well. Cathy Glad you can still get together with friends tomorrow. Are you having nice weather now? Waving hi. |
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Post by amyj on Mar 13, 2024 14:22:15 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: 72 oz
One or more fruit daily: Y
One or more vegetable daily: Y
AF: (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 6427; ANIM: 1 (021221)
AIM: N
ANIM: N
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2170/2342
JUST JOURNAL!
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Move Accountability: 4, 14,800+ steps, 250 steps 8/8 hours, walked at the lake, Home Depot, working in the yard, laps in the basement, counter pushups and stretches
Sleep Accountability: 3, slept well, 7 hours, Fitbit score 86, stress management 76
Nutrition Accountability: 3, 24/23, 33 weeklies left, blue dot, English muffin with jelly
Happiness Accountability: 3, enjoyed the day, watched UpTV movie, 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, walked, worked outside planting bulbs, couch time, finished New Orleans Saints tissue box cover, started Patriots ornament
What did you do for yourself today? Reading, stitched, couch time, time outside
Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote: “I’m still learning.” ―Michelangelo
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: 169.8
March 17 weigh in:
March 24 weigh in:
Final Weigh March 31:
2024 Goals:
11,000 steps each day: 71/72
At least 7 hours sleep: 37/72
Lift weights twice/week: Wk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Blue dots: 63/72
Starting weight: 179.8
Get to the 160's: March 10, 2024
150's:
DH & I drove to the lake to walk yesterday morning. There was a school field trip there, so lots of happy, screaming kids. Saw some ducks nesting near the water. We stopped at Home Depot to buy bird seed, garden soil, and some pansies to zhuzh up the planters. I dead headed the pansies I planted in the fall, they look healthy but aren't blooming, so I wanted a little something something to enjoy. I planted the pansies, some celery I had rooted, daffodil bulbs from Gibbs, gladiolus and stargazer lilies. The weather was pretty much perfect for working outside. The cilantro plant is getting really tall, I may need to make some salsa. I was going to plant the rhubarb too, but ran out of gas (my motivation failed me, LOL). I watered the new plants then had some couch time and napped a bit. We had leftover steak and eggs for dinner. I was in bed by a little after 11:30 and slept pretty well.
It's sunny this morning, starting out a little warmer in the low 40's, heading to the 70's. My buns hurt from working in the yard, or maybe from yoga. We did some different poses this week. I think we're going to scalp the yard today and cut down the grass plants. Hopefully I can get the rhubarb in the ground and the blister on my palm from digging holes for the bulbs doesn't break.
Vicki- Yay for the thumbs up from your GYN, being done with pap tests, sorting and wrapping change. You say there's nothing going on but you sound pretty busy to me.
Carole- Sorry you've been sick. Hope you feel better soon and get back to working out.
Jan- WTG steps 9/11, PU, stretches, blue dot, AF, scale down at home, taking your lunch to work and skipping the birthday cake. Yay for not having anywhere to go besides work. Sorry yesterday felt like a long day and the woodpecker issue.
Cindy- Thanks for getting us started. Glad you didn't lose your post. Sorry about the long trip to Dallas, glad you were able to keep your appointment. I would have been anxious to get home too. GL with the electrician, glad DS is there to deal with him. What's DS doing for work? Hope the lawn guy shows up soon. The birds are busy on the feeders this morning and keeping Sookie entertained. Besides judging me yesterday, they were actually flying into the windows, which hasn't happened so far today.
Cathy- Sorry the internet has been difficult. Enjoy getting together with friends.
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Post by amyj on Mar 13, 2024 14:27:41 GMT
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Post by amyj on Mar 13, 2024 14:28:12 GMT
M-W Word of the Day
cacophony
noun | ka-KAH-fuh-nee
What It Means
A cacophony is a mixture of loud and usually harsh unpleasant sounds. Cacophony can also refer to an incongruous or chaotic mixture.
// The sounds of shouting added to the cacophony on the streets.
// A cacophony of aromas wafted through the air.
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Post by amyj on Mar 13, 2024 14:43:58 GMT
From Hungry Girl:
Having an All-or-Nothing Attitude
Ditch those perfectionist ways—they cause you to give up the second you have a slip! And that happens all too frequently when you set unreasonable expectations for yourself. Newsflash: You’re not perfect. No one is. Don’t let the inevitable break from perfection cause you to throw in the towel OR cause you to tell yourself you’ll start making smart food choices again next week, next month, etc.
Instead…
There’s nothing wrong with setting goals and guidelines, but have a little grace for yourself when things don’t go according to plan. Life happens! Just get right back on the healthy-eating bandwagon at your next opportunity. And take a minute to evaluate your goals. Are they truly attainable, or are you setting yourself up for failure? Aim for improvement rather than perfection. If it’s been a while since you’ve routinely exercised, start with two days a week, not six. If a full diet overhaul sounds daunting, start by eating more fruits & veggies and limiting starchy carbs and sugary snacks. For more on this subject, read about Hungry Girl’s 80/20 philosophy.
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Post by WWVicki on Mar 13, 2024 20:35:59 GMT
Hi girls. I slept until 9:30 this morning and when I woke up, I felt like I was drugged. I didn’t feel awake until about 11:30. DH wanted to take a walk, so I got dressed because I didn’t go to line dance and wanted some activity. I didn’t take a nap yesterday either! I checked my Fitbit. I went up to bed around 11. But Fitbit said I didn’t fall asleep until 1:30, and I had a bunch of red marks until about 5. It also showed I was in deep sleep when I woke, so that’s probably why I was so groggy. It also said I only got about 6 hours of sleep. 🤷🏼‍♀️ It’s a beautiful day here and I’ve spent most of the afternoon out on the porch in the sunshine. Love it! Here’s my story from yesterday. I looked out the window and saw something go in the barn. DS had called DH and he came up as soon as he was done. It was a BIG groundhog! It took us awhile to find him and we were able to chase him out. That sucker ran past me going as fast as his little legs would go! He sounded so heavy in the gravel. Hey, I give him credit for running. I don’t know that I could, even if my life depended on it! But it was funny. Country living!
Cindy: I’m glad you were able to make your appointment. I can’t even imagine driving in traffic like that! Jack got a brace that bends more and is able to put weight on it. He’s walking without crutches at home, but still uses them at school. His MRI was authorized, so that’s the next step. Thanks for asking!
Jan: I attended my WW meeting today outside on my porch. I was glad it was about sleep. I really didn’t learn anything new, except not to worry about not sleeping well. That just makes it worse!I was up .4 today, probably because of all the crackers, etc, that I ate last night. I only bought them because DH wanted them, and then he decided he didn’t want them. Grr. Rylee is coming Friday night, so hopefully she likes them! I guess I could always take them to church for the kids too. I guess it’s usually on the weekends I feel like a slug. I know I shouldn’t compare myself!
Amy: What age group were the kids? Were they walking the trail too? I see all you do, and I feel lazy. Like I said to Jan, I know better than to compare myself!
Time to make dinner, and then I’m off to choir. I didn’t go last week, because I was too tired. A good nights sleep makes all the difference! Maybe tonight! 🤞
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Post by tatermom on Mar 13, 2024 22:24:02 GMT
Hi all. Got home around 4 and haven't done much. Read the paper we get weekly, threw out most of the mail and now just watching the news. Biden was here in Wisconsin today so see what they have to say. Had a pretty good day at work, stayed busy and not too many treats It was the boss' birthday so had one of the homemade sugar cookies that were there. A good thing is there was a yummy cake in the fridge, for the grandson who works there birthday. His mom made it special for him, kind of like a chocolate eclair. It was thawing and never made it out of the fridge while I was there!! I know I would have had a piece I don't work tomorrow so maybe by Friday it will be gone. I'm already thinking tomorrow if I go to lunch with the knitting ladies that we are going to have pie for Pi 3.14 day. Will just plan for it and work around it. No big plans for this evening. Looking forward to my day tomorrow. Hope you all have a great evening. Jan Amy Like the info from Hungry Girl. I'm really trying to not get to that who cares attitude when I've blown a meal or had a treat. It's all about the long haul I figure. Sounds like you got a lot of yard work done, did the grass get done today? You taught me a new word, zhush! Love it. When they bring kids on a field trip do you know if there is a purpose? Nature study? Just for a walk? I was looking at your numbers, yay for being down 10# so far and being back in the 160's. My Fitbit has gone crazy today, I've tried to reset, see what happens overnight. On the computer it's right but on my phone I have apparently been active for 1,011 zone minutes. I guess I've been running since yesterday or ?? Yesterday's cake was pistachio, not as hard for me to pass up, sure I wouldn't have done as well today. GG Glad you could enjoy the sunshine on the porch and also attend a meeting. Funny about the ground hog, glad you got him out of the barn. Sorry about the cookies, hope Rylee eats them all up. I have at least been taking the extras that DH buys to work. Have fun at choir. Hope you get some more sleep tonight, it really does make a difference. I will say I always sleep well. I like it all quiet and dark, I was surprised at the meeting when we were talking about sleep habits how many people leave the tv on, or play music. I never bring my phone upstairs and we've never had a tv in the bedroom. |
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Post by flower on Mar 13, 2024 23:46:17 GMT
Hi friends! I went to work today, nice to be with the girls. Did take a nap when I got home. Still haven’t worked out.
Jan, I need my fan on to sleep, no tv or music. When Alexis was younger and had surgery or something and I’d sleep with her, she needs the tv on to sleep…ugh! Your pictures on Facebook were fun! Looked like a good time! DH would be beside himself if there was a woodpecker—I can’t imagine what he’d do!!
Amy, I bet the kids were so happy to be out of school!! You sound like a master gardener/farmer!
Cindy, I hope the electrician appointment went well.
Cathy, have fun at cards tomorrow!
Liz, how are you and Elyse?
Hi Murphy, gg!!
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ha ha. Just enjoying my morning couch and coffee time. Wednesday's are nice as I don't go anywhere before work and I feel like I get myself in a good place before I go. I can pack my lunch, make a good breakfast, clean up and not feel rushed. The goal today is no junk at work. The good thing is no one has replaced the MMs, peanut butter pretzels, chocolates etc. We'll see how long that lasts with the rush coming on. There are still chips, granola bars and trail mix. Still says it may get up to 60 today so will try to get some steps after work. Then we are supposed to get rain again and colder temps for awhile. I am looking forward to tomorrow, knitting, lunch, maybe even a pedi after my allergy testing in the afternoon. Mental health day. I feel like I haven't worked on my knitting or any projects for awhile. I just feel so wiped out when I get home I just want to scroll and watch TV. And even that is awful, just been watching a lot of college basketball. Guess I better get moving, need to see what's available in the freezer for dinner. Hope you all have a great day. Jan
