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Post by amyj on Apr 15, 2024 11:22:45 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 Apr 15, 2024 11:23:15 GMT
New Challenge: CARING April 1 - May 31
āYour body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care" - Buddha
This challenge is about caring about and for yourself. So often we get caught up in taking care of everyone else that we donāt give ourselves the care we need. Or we give up caring about ourselves. A variety of reasons and for no reason, it just happens. The hard part is to recognize it and once you do, it is hard to explain because very few want to acknowledge it. You get kudos for taking care of others, not so much for taking of yourself. Not caring about yourself can leave an emptiness that you may try to fill with food and alcohol. The emptiness remains, just stuffed down. We want and need more for ourselves. So letās begin!
Treat yourself the way youād treat someone you love.
Love yourself first and the rest will follow.
Focus on health and well being
So how do you begin to care about yourself?
Eating fruits and vegetables sounds like a plan. So does drinking water!!
Walking up a flight of stairs without gasping for breath. Your heart will thank you.
If you donāt want to be AF then restrict the amount and limit the days you will allow yourself a drink. But remember if 10 is not enough, one is too many.
Start with baby steps. Making too many changes at once can be discouraging so start small. Have you been slacking on flossing
daily? Then start making it a ritual. Do you drink soda for energy? Start cutting back by one.
Treat yourself to something you enjoy. Buying the store brand face cream will sit on the counter. If you have a favorite, budget it in as a necessityā¦.better than buying alcohol! Maybe getting a manicure or pedicure is important to you yet you deny it for yourself. Ask yourself why.
Make a list of indulgences that arenāt food or alcohol and start sprinkling them into your life.
Ask for what you need. Too many times we get into a funk and we donāt ask for help. You are loved and we want to help each other.
Curb all the justification. Sometimes you just have to do something because you want to do it. You donāt have to explain yourself!
Think of your successesā¦.add three things that went well today to your daily journal. What?? you arenāt journaling? Journaling is caring!
LET THE CARING BEGIN!!
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Post by amyj on Apr 15, 2024 11:24:09 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 ā low fat (1%) or fat-free ā 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
Start weight, April 1:
April 8:
April 15:
April 22:
April 29:
May 6:
May 13:
May 20:
May 27:
End of Challenge, May 31:
Great Success!
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Post by amyj on Apr 15, 2024 11:56:43 GMT
Out the door in 2024!
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 ā low fat (1%) or fat-free ā 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: 56 oz
One or more fruit daily: Y
One or more vegetable daily: Y
AF: (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 6461; ANIM: 1 (021221)
AIM: N
ANIM: N
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2170/2315
JUST JOURNAL!
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Move Accountability: 5, 15,600+ steps, 250 steps 8/8 hours, walked at Six Flags, laps in basement, counter pushups, stretches
Sleep Accountability: 2, trouble falling asleep, <4.5 hours, Fitbit score 81, stress management 82
Nutrition Accountability: 4, 20/23, 30 weeklies left, blue dot, soft pretzel
Happiness Accountability: 3, enjoyed the day with family, Six Flags fun, 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, Six Flags, couch time, stitched on Santa #3, posted photos on FB
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: āMagic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen.ā āJohann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Start weight, April 1: 168.8
April 8: 168
April 15: 167.8
April 22:
April 29:
May 6:
May 13:
May 20:
May 27:
End of Challenge, May 31:
2024 Goals:
11,000 steps each day: 102/105
At least 7 hours sleep: 51/105
Lift weights twice/week: Wk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13:only once, 14, 15
Blue dots: 94/105
Starting weight: 179.8
Get to the 160's: March 10, 2024
150s:
We headed to Six Flags around 11 yesterday morning, meeting DS there. It wasn't as crowded as I feared when we got there, the lines for the rides were short. But it got busier as the day went along. And it was hot, in the 80's. We had fun though. Before we left we bought a couple of soft pretzels to share. We got home around 4pm, I showered and put my jammies on. DH made us omelettes for dinner. I was in bed by midnight, very tired, but had trouble falling asleep. After tossing and turning for a while, I took a Benadryl, ate a banana and read for a while. I finally fell asleep around 2:30, according to Fitbit. Up earlier than usual this morning to take DD to her PCP.
It's another clear, sunny day, heading to the 80's again. Hopefully I get some stuff done outside today. I see a hummingbird in the crepe myrtle outside my window. I need to put out fresh nectar today.
Liz- Yay for some quiet days at home. Glad you enjoyed the lobster salad, DSIL is stepping up more, DH not complaining as much. WTG tracking, AIM, planning to exercise. We have community garage sales in the spring and in the fall. It's a big community and it's a challenge to hit all the streets with garage sale signs in one day. I usually stock up on books but only found 2 worth buying.
Carole- WTG for the 25-mile bike ride, yay for beautiful weather. Hope DB & family are enjoying Delray Beach. It's Delray Affair weekend, a huge arts and crafts festival, with hundreds on booths, live entertainment, food, and big crowds. It's the 62nd year for it. It started out as the Gladiolus Festival and they used to sell big bunches of freshly cut gladiolus, but that stopped several years ago.
Cindy- Have you tried the Ativan? DD never liked how it made her feel. Hope it passes soon and you don't have frequent bouts of it. Sorry your knee is still messed up, the septic alarm light still on. Yay for the A/C being fixed. Wishing you a good week.
Cathy- WTG checking in with your sister for accountability. Sorry about your cold.
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Post by amyj on Apr 15, 2024 12:02:01 GMT
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Post by amyj on Apr 15, 2024 12:03:29 GMT
M-W Word of the Day
furlong
noun | FER-lawng
What It Means
A furlong is a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about 201 meters), and is used chiefly in horse racing.
// To win the Kentucky Derby, a Thoroughbred must run 10 furlongs, or one and 1/4 miles.
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Post by tatermom on Apr 15, 2024 12:45:55 GMT
"I look to 2024 with a renewed commitment to Progressā āOut the Door in 2024ā NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY Drink more water: daily goal 70: 75 oz One or more fruit daily: 2 One or more vegetable daily: 3 Dryuary AF: 105 Fitbit Goal/burned: 2,000/2,467 JUST JOURNAL! HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY Move Accountability: Step goal 7500: 6,820 steps, 11/11 hours, 95 PU, 10 floors, stretches, toe touches moving bark mulch Sleep Accountability: 7 hours, 86 sleep, 81 stress, Nutrition Accountability: 26/23 pts, -8 weeklies, tortilla fritatta, 1/2 ham sand, fritos, cheese, 2 cookies! burrito Fitbit Macros: 1,610 calories, 46% Carbs, 34% fat, 20% protein. 357 left Happiness Accountability: 5 feeling happy Habit Accountability: Exercise bar 0/4 moved and spread mulch, Check in Daily Accountability: 5 I'm here!! Time Management Accountability: 4 grocery shop, Lowes for bark, looked for flowers at walmart and Menards, put puzzle away, finished book What did you do for yourself today? 4 TV time, read Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote. āA beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset" Unknown CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 4/1/24: 198 officially at WW this morning ļæ¼ April 8: 197.8 April 15: April 22: April 29: May 6: May 13: May 20: May 27: End of Challenge, May 31: Good morning all. Another beautiful day starting here. Feels good to have my morning time and not feel rushed about getting ready for work. I will go in when I'm cleaned up, had breakfast and get it all together  Probably have a lot to file this morning and it should be busy with people coming in to pick up their taxes. Afterwards I'll go back to Menards to pick up a few flowers for the front pots. When we got bark at lowes yesterday, 20 bags, they had almost no flowers, and mostly already in planters. I just want packs to plant myself. After we barked the front bed I went back out to look for things at Walmart, nothing, and then Menards. There were so many people there, no carts, I just decided to go back today when it will be better. They have some hanging baskets on sale and 6 packs of annuals. Felt like I should have gotten an AP bar and some credit for dumping and spreading bark, guess I take too many rest breaks to be considered exercise, ha ha. Will try to use up the rest of the bags we got on the raised bed today and then possible get another load while it's $2 a bag. Seems like they always run out of the brown so need to take advantage while we can. No other plans. Going to make this a no sugar day and try to have some roll overs before WI tomorrow. We had a lot of things to go through in the fridge, eat them up or clean them out. Now that it's warmer I havent' been eating my chili so need to freeze a big bowl before I let it go bad. Better get moving. Thinking of DS and wondering if he's trying to maneuver around Boston with the Marathon today. Have a great Monday Tax day all Jan Amy Sounds like a fun afternoon at 6 flags. Guess DH decided to go Sounds like you had a long, busy day. I was thinking of going around checking out the little free libraries today and see what books are there. I have a big enough stack but you never know what you might find. Glad you at least got a couple from the garage sales. Hope all goes well at the Dr with DD. Thanks for starting us. Liz Sounds like you have a plan. When your determination kicks in, you know what you can do. yay for treating yourself to the lobster salad and tossing the bun. Glad DSIL is helping out more and DH is getting out on his own so you can have some time. Will the afghan be for you or will you gift it to someone? We went to Chicago for the big art fair and then spent the night at my cousin's out in the burbs. Was good to see them and I was amazed how chatty DH was and didn't freak out too much about their big dog Carole That was a long bike ride. Do you do bike paths or ride on the road? Are you counting down to the end or work? How long do you have to go? GG Looks like a really fun time celebrating DH birthday with all the family. I couldn't believe how grown up Jack looked! Yikes. The teen age years! What's on your plan this week? Cathy Great idea to check in with your sister. I little friendly competition, or even just accountability will get you back where you want to be soon. Sorry about the cold. Cindy Hope you can lay low until you are feeling better and the meds help some. Glad the AC is fixed before the hot weather shows up. You can only do one thing at time and a positive attitude certainly can't hurt. Hope the septic guys can come out and get the next thing fixed. Find a nice place to sit and watch the birds. Hugs Waving hi. |
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Post by WWVicki on Apr 15, 2024 23:05:19 GMT
Hi girls. It has been a beautiful day here today! And I even feel like I accomplished some things! Iām feeling good again, and I even have a plan for the weekend! DD, Rylee, and I are having a girls trip to visit my momās sister. Sheās the last one left and is 92. The cool part is that she will have nieces there from all 3 of her sisters. Plus her 3 daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters! It will be fun and so good to see all my cousins! Most I havenāt seen since Moms funeral. I did a WW zoom today, and it really motivated me. Thereās no reason I canāt save up some points to splurge on when weāre up there! My goal is to try to have rollovers every day this week, or to at least not use any more weeklies. Plus I want to make better choices while Iām there. My big splurge will be on frozen custard and my aunts cookies! I havenāt been caring when I go over my points, and last week was up 2 pounds. I know if I want the scale to go down, I have to make some changes. But I have a plan and we all know that helps!
DS just called and said that Jack was a designated hitter today and hit 3 grounders as well as a triple! Yes, proud grandma!
Amy: How fun to go to Six Flags. DH didnāt look that happy in the one picture! š Iām starting now to talk about our vacation. I think heās starting to look forward to it. Are you getting excited about yours?
Jan: Youāre almost done! And I love that you seem more relaxed too! Iāve read this last month how you were planning your meals etc, and just couldnāt get the mindset. Then today something just clicked! Good luck at your meeting tomorrow! Yes, Jack is definitely a young man! I do love how sweet and caring he is with Rylee! She likes to cuddle with him at church too!
Liz: 2 days is plenty watching the kids. It also depends on how you sleep,the night before too! Weāre not as young as we used to be! Iām glad DSIL is doing better as a father!
Cindy: I hope you feel better soon and the meds help! Youāre allowed to rest!
Cathy: I was looking at a map and Lebanon is really close to Israel!
Carole: Glad you had a good day yesterday!
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Post by flower on Apr 16, 2024 0:43:08 GMT
Hi! I just want to check in. My stomach is a bit upset, Iām sure itās from eating so badly. Have a good night!
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Post by cathygeha on Apr 16, 2024 7:54:12 GMT
Start weight, April 1: 165.2 April 8: 165 April 15: 166 April 22: April 29: May 6: May 13: May 20: May 27: End of Challenge, May 31: April 16: 166 [day two]
Cold is a bit better but I now sound like a bass singer or fog horn. At least I was able to breathe so could sleep last night. I have leftovers for lunch, will avoid people so I don't expose them to the virus, and will read-review today.
I managed to fill out the FBAR/FATCA forms and submitted them to the IRS, filled out the forms online through a business that said it was free then wanted to have 100 dollars to submit the forms though I did the work and have no taxes to pay. Since I have till June 15 to pay, will do the forms myself and if I can't submit online will send registered mail through the post office.
VICKI: Yep...Israel and Lebanon share a border. It is close and so is Syria. There has been conflict at times here but we are safe where we are.
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Probably have a lot to file this morning and it should be busy with people coming in to pick up their taxes. Afterwards I'll go back to Menards to pick up a few flowers for the front pots. When we got bark at lowes yesterday, 20 bags, they had almost no flowers, and mostly already in planters. I just want packs to plant myself. After we barked the front bed I went back out to look for things at Walmart, nothing, and then Menards. There were so many people there, no carts, I just decided to go back today when it will be better. They have some hanging baskets on sale and 6 packs of annuals. Felt like I should have gotten an AP bar and some credit for dumping and spreading bark, guess I take too many rest breaks to be considered exercise, ha ha. Will try to use up the rest of the bags we got on the raised bed today and then possible get another load while it's $2 a bag. Seems like they always run out of the brown so need to take advantage while we can. No other plans. Going to make this a no sugar day and try to have some roll overs before WI tomorrow. We had a lot of things to go through in the fridge, eat them up or clean them out. Now that it's warmer I havent' been eating my chili so need to freeze a big bowl before I let it go bad. Better get moving. Thinking of DS and wondering if he's trying to maneuver around Boston with the Marathon today. Have a great Monday Tax day all 
