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Post by amyj on Apr 18, 2024 13:23:45 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 18, 2024 13:24:24 GMT
New Challenge: CARING April 1 - May 31
“Your 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 don’t 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 let’s begin!
Treat yourself the way you’d 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 don’t 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 necessity….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 aren’t 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 don’t 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 don’t have to explain yourself!
Think of your successes….add three things that went well today to your daily journal. What?? you aren’t journaling? Journaling is caring!
LET THE CARING BEGIN!!
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Post by amyj on Apr 18, 2024 13:24:45 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
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 18, 2024 14:02:03 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 – 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: 56 oz
One or more fruit daily: Y
One or more vegetable daily: Y
AF: (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 6464; ANIM: 1 (021221)
AIM: N
ANIM: N
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2170/2341
JUST JOURNAL!
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Move Accountability: 4, 13,600+ steps, 250 steps 8/8 hours, walked the neighborhood, yard work, laps in basement, counter pushups, stretches
Sleep Accountability: 2, trouble falling asleep, <6 hours, Fitbit score 78, stress management 79
Nutrition Accountability: 3, 24/23, 35 weeklies left, blue dot, mac & cheese, ice cream, sweet and salty bar
Happiness Accountability: 3, enjoyed the day, time outside, 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, yard work, couch time, stitched together and stuffed Santa #2
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: “People who wonder if the glass is half empty or full miss the point. The glass is refillable.” —Unknown
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: 105/108
At least 7 hours sleep: 53/108
Lift weights twice/week: Wk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13:only once, 14, 15
Blue dots: 97/108
Starting weight: 179.8
Get to the 160's: March 10, 2024
150s:
DH & I took the golf cart to the top of the hill yesterday morning to walk. We had a nice breeze for a part of it. When we got back I puttered outside, weeding, planting another tomato plant the neighbor gave me, some dahlias, planted zinnia, cosmos, and sunflower seeds. It was overcast and breezy so I pushed myself to get all of the back weeded. When I was done I had a shower and a bit of couch time then it was time to take DD for her dentist appointment, then a haircut. I waited in the car, it sprinkled off and on. DH grilled chicken, mushroom caps and pineapple for dinner and made mac and cheese. Also had some steamed broccoli. After dinner I watched a Netflix movie and stitched the front and back of Santa #2. I have to stuff these with Polyfil as I go, so it takes a bit longer. I stayed up a bit late to finish it, then went up to take a bath, read. When I got drowsy and turned out the light, I saw weeds instead of falling asleep, so I read a bit more. Finally drifted off about 2:30.
It's bright and sunny today, nothing on the agenda. I slept in, so already missed my first hour of steps. I need to get a weight workout in today if I'm going to get 2 done this week.
Jan- WTG steps 10/11, PU, stretches, blue dot, rollovers, AF, scale moving down. The Snickers protein bars are 6 points, but are pretty big, so I could eat half. For 6 points I would rather have a Nature Valley Sweet & Salty bar, although smaller and not as much protein.
Vicki- Yay for feeling good, scale down, in control of eating, haircut, Bible study, lunch with friend. Enjoy Jack's game. The only new thing I've bought for the trip besides the floppy hat are some sleep masks. I'm really hoping I can sleep on the plane. We take off around 7pm and it will be 8am London time when we arrive. I still haven't shaved my legs this spring, so no shorts yet, LOL.
Cindy- So glad the trip to and from Dallas and the infusion went well and you had a good talk with the RA doc.
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Post by amyj on Apr 18, 2024 14:04:56 GMT
Borrowed from Helen:  |
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Post by amyj on Apr 18, 2024 14:05:26 GMT
M-W Word of the Day
circumlocution
noun | ser-kum-loh-KYOO-shun
What It Means
Circumlocution refers to the use of many words to say something that could be said more clearly and directly with fewer words. Usually encountered in formal speech and writing, circumlocution can also refer to speech that is intentionally evasive.
// The judge coughed and pointed to her watch, clearly impatient with the attorney's tiresome circumlocutions in defense of his client.
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Post by tatermom on Apr 18, 2024 17:35:26 GMT
"I look to 2024 with a renewed commitment to Progress” “Out the Door in 2024” NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY Drink more water: daily goal 70: 50 oz One or more fruit daily: 3 One or more vegetable daily: 3 Sober Spring AF: 109 Fitbit Goal/burned: 2,000/2,305 JUST JOURNAL! HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY Move Accountability: Step goal 7500: 8587 steps, 11/11 hours, 55 PU, 10 floors, stretches, toe touches, treadmill at the Y, laps, AP Sleep Accountability: 7 hours, 85 sleep, 90 stress, crazy dreams Nutrition Accountability: 35/23 pts, 26 weeklies, egg salad sand. Applesauce with cherries, banana, protein bar, chicken stir fry LO, cookie, cheeseburger and fries, avocado Fitbit Macros: 1,631 calories, 37% Carbs, 40 % fat, 23 % protein. 174 left Happiness Accountability: 5 feeling happy, thinking about vacation, glad to be done with work, Habit Accountability: Exercise bar 3/4. AP. Morning routine, drinking more water, tracking Check in Daily Accountability: 5 I'm here!! Time Management Accountability: 4 Went to Y, Aldi’s, picked up new glasses, stopped and made hair appt, cast on socks, knit on sweater, met with Diana about cat care. What did you do for yourself today? 4 TV time, puzzle, knitting, Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote. “A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset" Unknown CHALLENGE START WEIGHT 4/1/24: 198 officially at WW this morning  April 8: 197.8 April 15: 197.5. at home this morning. April 22: April 29: May 6: May 13: May 20: May 27: End of Challenge, May 31: Good morning all. Had a good day yesterday, lots of things checked off my list. Today will be busy and fun too. Will head off to knitting after breakfast. Then lunch with the ladies. I walked in to a new to me salon yesterday to get a cut and color appt and was surprised they had an opening today at 1:15. See what I get but been wanting to get a new do for a long time. Sis is supposed to show up around 3 so if I’m not done she said she’d just snoop some of the local stores for a bit. Then I need to plan something for dinner with her. I also got my new glasses yesterday after I’d been to the Y. Took me a bit to get used to the new prescription but doing better now and can actually see! Knit for a bit at home and cast on a new sock so I’d have another project to take with me to knitting this morning. Diana came by a bit after 5 to go over some cat care info and I’ll have her over again before our trip to give her a key and to hang out with the kitties for a bit. Only Finn was in when she came yesterday so hasn’t met Scout. I’m sure it will be fine. This morning started out with a nice pink sunrise but it is already clouding up. They are talking some rain this morning but then clearing later today. Hope sis doesn’t get a messy drive down. She won’t leave til afternoon as the Ferrier is coming for her horses at some point this morning. Tomorrow we are planning to take a field trip up to Steven’s Point, about an hour away. Going to Herschners, a big craft store up their. They do an on line mail business of all things craft and yarn, their warehouse, outlet store is attached and I’ve never been. Some of the ladies from knitting go up a couple times a year to check out the bargains. See what we find, and then probably a lunch out up there too. Guess I better get moving if this is all going to get done today  . Just going to make some oatmeal with fruit for breakfast and try to keep my points down for today. Have a great day all. Jan Cindy. Sorry you are feeling down, so hard when your body doesn’t do what you think it should do. Hugs. GG. You sound so good!! Yay for a nice day, getting to do all the things you wanted and not feeling yucky anymore. I just did the treadmill and walked some laps at the Y, but needed to start somewhere. Felt good just to go. Yay for the scale going back down. Hope your nice sunny weather comes back soon. I have not taken shorts out yet either but I did get to wear some capris the other day when we were doing bark and it was warmer. OF course the kids around here are already in tank tops, little midriff things and shorts. Enjoy Jack’s game, hope he got to play for you. Our trip is going all the way to California and Yosemite for camping. Then decide if we’ll continue north to visit good friends in Oregon or if we’ll just be ready to come home. I’d hate to get out there and so close to friends but we’ll see. Amy Glad you got to sleep in a bit. I had my usual crazy dreams about teaching and having no supplies. I am also always at a new to me school and I don't know where the office is, or how to get back to my classroom. Crazy brains! Glad you got all the back weeding done tho and got a Santa done. I made good progress on my sweater today at knitting. Your dinner sounds good. I am totally stumped about what to make tonight for Sis being over. Hope to have a vision, maybe while I'm getting my hair done. Came home between lunch/hair appt to drop off my knitting, clean up in the kitchen a bit, talk to DH about dinner ideas Now time to head back to the salon. Hope you have all had a good day. Jan |
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Post by cindy on Apr 19, 2024 1:46:21 GMT
Hi All!
On an interesting note....as I was making coffee this morning I realized there was a female mourning dove nesting in one of my planting pots. I have a Radio Flyer planting station. So there are pots there. There is also lots of twigs about and at some point she nested. She finally went off to eat this evening and there are at least two eggs in the nest. She is back in the nest at the moment. Now I'm worried for them. Other than a hawk there aren't predators about except humans...but seriously, I want them to survive. There are definitely at least two male doves about in the feeding area. They usually feed in the morning. The feeders are empty at the moment and I might try to fill them from seed that is stored in the garage. As my brother tells me....you get too attached to "nature". This from a man who had six rescue cats and a rescue dog.
So I did open a bag in the garage and fill the feeders. The male cardinals were about, Momma mourning dove is back in her nest. I put food nearby. Any advice appreciated unless you agree with my brother, lol.
Jan, hope you post a photos of your new "do. I never made it to the salon to cut my hair...been about two years now...and finally did my own cutting of the ends. Took a bit off effort but looks fairly good. I've never put highlights or color in my hair. Hope you are having a wonderful time with your sister and a wonderful dinner was prepared. We had steak quesadillas tonight. I hadn't realized your trip was to California with camping in Yosemite. So close to where your friends are...do you think they could meet you half way? Is your cat sitter staying at your house or coming and going? Will she let Finn and Scout outside and wait till they come in? Curious mind wants to know! Not that it is my business.
Amy, I will make sure I can start the board while you are away. I'm not sure why I've been sleeping in....actually I do but whatever....will miss you but want you to concentrate on having the most wonderful time. Send a message when you can. DSs and DD count before us! I laughed, sorry!, about seeing weeds as you fell asleep. It is funny how stuff creeps into our minds. I haven't worn shorts outside the house either due to my legs...it was 83 today so guess I need to get back to grooming!
Vicki, hope you had a wonderful day! Enjoy Jack's game and glad that so many good things are happening for you! Will you get the grandkids more during the summer months?
Hi Liz, Cathy, Carole and Murphy!
I went out to lunch with my friend whose husband is not doing well. They are making decisions about end of life care. Her daughter wants to do a renewal of vows. My friend's husband was her daughter's father for most of her life. The daughter and husband had a civil ceremony and she would like her Dad to walk her down the aisle. So lunch was some crying and sharing.
DS took a fall last night...wolf spider alert! He tried to catch himself but hit the stairway....his ribs cage is hurting and right side is bruised looking. He has a friend coming over tomorrow. He is a broken bird. His girlfriend he has been with for six years is off of parole (yup, drug conviction) and now that he has supported her through this, she doesn't need him. DS never liked the woman, felt she was a user but his friend wouldn't hear of it. Mongolian ground beef...easy to make....is on the menu. I know his friend likes it so easy to make. I know he will help DS with whatever needs to be done. I'm just glad to stay home. I want my kitchen clean, especially the floor!
I called my RA doctor's office this morning so she could send a whatever to my PC to administer a shot if needed. I don't know what is going to take to make my knee feel better. It is better but not normal. Trying to stand up from the booth at lunch time was difficult. Icing it now.
Anyone watching Shogun? Really enjoying it. Watched Baby Reindeer and it was a difficult series to watch. It retells the true story of the stalking and harassment of Richard Gadd. He stars in the series. I need more basketball!
Hope everyone had a wonderful day!
Hugs, Cindy
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Post by flower on Apr 19, 2024 2:15:40 GMT
Hi friends! Alexis told Jeff about her cat, Rowan. He doesn’t want him here, he has very valid points. But he acts like a toddler before he comes to his senses. She will keep him, unless Tyler’s allergies go bonkers. Supposedly in her room but we’ll see as time goes by. Juno spent the night in her room last night and didn’t get him or the cat litter! Your comments about why you’re not wearing shorts had me giggling!! I think only 23.5 days of work left! I’ll try for personals this weekend. Thinking of you all. It’s my mom’s 87th (heavenly ) tomorrow These past months have been harder without her, not sure why. Love you! Good night!
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. Just going to make some oatmeal with fruit for breakfast and try to keep my points down for today. Have a great day all. Jan
