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Post by murphy1288 on Aug 5, 2024 10:18:53 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 murphy1288 on Aug 5, 2024 10:19:20 GMT
Labor of Love
NEW CHALLENGE
July 5 through September 2
The word labor implies a specific task or effort, many times painful or arduous. A labor of love is doing something because you really want to, not because of any monetary reward you might get for it even though it involves hard work.
This challenge is all about a labor of love, reminding yourself to love yourself so it becomes your norm.
How often do we do something for someone else because it makes them happy and in turn makes us happy. But as the saying goes “how can you love someone else if you can’t love yourself”.
There are many ways we don’t show ourselves love. We are harder on ourselves than on anyone else. We go over and over “why did I drink too much” and the ever popular "if I lost weight I would be so much happier”. We are not showing ourselves love by overeating and over drinking, we are doing the opposite. To start, give yourself grace and tell yourself yesterday is done, tomorrow isn’t here, so let’s deal with the present.
We worry about so many things, things we have no control over. Resilience, happiness and freedom comes from knowing what to care about and what to not let us get bogged down. Let go of things that do not work for you, help you, or encourage you. It is hard! You want to be a good person but be good to yourself first. Send out positivity but give yourself positivity.
We all have bad days, nothing goes right, nasty people out and about, stress levels are over the top and you have no control. This can be true in many ways but your control is to step away, love yourself.
Journal it, put it down on paper, and then let it go.
So each morning give yourself an affirmation. Here are some suggestions:
#1. I am worthy.
#2. I am enough.
#3. I am beautiful inside and out.
#4. Even my “flaws” have good and helpful aspects.
#5. I love and approve of myself.
#6. I am delighted with who I am.
#7. I fully approve of who I am, even as I better myself.
#8. I approve of myself and love myself completely.
#9. I am happy in my own skin and in my own circumstances.
#10. I am surrounded by love.
#11. I am treasured for who I really am.
#12. I am worthy of happiness and love.
#13. I enjoy my own company as I get in touch with my true self.
#14. I am at peace and happy when I’m alone.
It may sound like Stuart Smiley but go with it!
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Post by murphy1288 on Aug 5, 2024 10:19:47 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 products – 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 July 5:
July 12:
July 19:
July 26:
August 2:
August 9:
August 16:
August 23:
August 30:
Yay we have done great! September 2
Celebrate! Final weigh in:
Great success!
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Post by murphy1288 on Aug 5, 2024 10:31:35 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 products – 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: Yep!
Dairy:
Healthy Oils:
AF: 9
AIM:
ANIM:
Exercise goal:
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Journal:
Move Accountability:
Sleep Accountability: Finally sleeping well again
Nutrition Accountability: Better yesterday and I have a big order of healthy stuff to pick ups today
Happiness Accountability: Happy and grateful to be here
Habit Accountability:
Check in Daily Accountability: I'm here
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 July 5:
July 12:
July 19:
July 26:
August 5: 159.6
August 9:
August 16:
August 23:
August 30:
Yay we have done great! September 2
Celebrate! Final weigh in:
Great success!
Good morning sisters. It would take a book to catch you up but here is the short version. Friday July 26 I really and truly hit my rock bottom. I knew I could not sober up by myself so I called my sister and she and my brother in law came to get me and take me to their home. I detoxed several days there and just came home yesterday. Shortly after I got there, my brother in law's 98 year old mother was admitted to the hospital and he was spending lots of time with her so it was just my sister and me at the house with no car. What started out pretty horrible turned into a really good visit. I had planned to stay 2 weeks but they really needed to spend time at the hospital. What's different this time? No more secrets! I have spoken by phone with several friends and told them the whole truth about my alcoholism. Without fail, all have forgiven and pledged their support and they are following through. They have all been calling and texting and I'm pretty overwhelmed with the love and support. I will start CR this Thursday night. I worked yesterday on laundry and starting to get organized for the week. I have isolated waaaaaay too long and that stops now! I didn't have my computer with me which is why I didn't check in here. I still have a ways to go before I "forgive" myself but I can say that I'm at peace and for that I am supremely grateful. Thank each of you for continuing to love me! I'M BACK!! LOL
Murphy
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Post by amyj on Aug 5, 2024 12:50:28 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 products – 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: 48/75 oz goal
One or more fruit daily: Y
One or more vegetable daily: Y
Dairy: Y
Healthy Oils: Y
AF: (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 6563
AIM: 0
ANIM: 1 (021221)
Fitbit Goal/burned: 2170/2056
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
Journal: Y
Move Accountability: 4, 12,000+ steps, 250 steps 8/8 hours, walked the nature trail, yard work, counter PU, wall stretches
Sleep Accountability: 2, trouble falling asleep, <6 hours, Fitbit score 84, stress management 84
Nutrition Accountability: 3, protein shake, protein bar, protein chips, chile rellenos casserole, pork chop, baked potato, homemade ice cream
MacrosFirst: Protein: 118/137 (35%), Carbs: 116/100 (34%), Fiber: 18gm, Net Carbs: 98, Fat: 41/45 (31%), Calories: 1351/1353, 2 under, gold star, happy with protein %
Happiness Accountability: 3, enjoyed the day, watched Olympics, stitched, read before bed
Habit Accountability: 3, more water than Diet Coke
Check in Daily Accountability: 3, I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: 3, walked, watered and fertilized, weeded, stitched, couch time
What did you do for yourself today? reading, time outside, stitching
Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or motivational quote: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” ―Albert Einstein
July 12: 158.6
July 19: 158
July 26: 157.6
August 2: 156.4
August 9:
August 16:
August 23:
August 30:
Yay we have done great! September 2
Celebrate! Final weigh in:
Great success!
2024 Goals:
11,000 steps each day: 202/223
At least 7 hours sleep: 103/223
Lift weights twice/week: Wk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13:only once, 14, 15, 16, 17:only once, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Starting weight: 179.8
Get to the 160's: March 10, 2024
150s: June 24, 2024
140s:
DH & I took the golf cart to the nature trail to walk yesterday morning so that there would be some shade. Lots of folks walking dogs. When we got back I hauled out the hose and the Miracle Grow sprayer to water and fertilize the garden and flower beds. It's difficult dragging the hose around and hot sweaty work. I didn't get to the flower bed on the east side of the house, too tired, light-headed and at that time of the day there's no shade at all on the east side. Will try to get to it earlier in the day today. I picked tomatoes, green beans, and peppers. Then I came in, soaked in the bathtub, read, had lunch and couch time. DH grilled pork chops and green beans for dinner and we split a baked potato. I had a cone with some of the homemade butter pecan ice cream. After dinner I watched the Olympics and stitched on a Philadelphia Eagles ornament. I was in bed by 11:30, but tossed and turned for over an hour, so turned the light on and read some more.
It's another sunny day, heading to the low 90's. Today is my retirement anniversary, 4 years have gone by fast!
Jan- WTG steps, PU, stretches, AP, blue dot, AF 200 days!!!, scale creeping down. Hope your errands went well. It's probably a good thing that sis decided against getting the horse. Starting the board is as simple as copying and pasting. I think the pool closes in September and that will be the end of water aerobics for the year. Today will be the first day without the lifeguards as they don't have coverage during the weekdays now that the kids have gone back to school. No word on Blue. I'll ask the neighbor if I happen to catch her outside.
Cindy- Hope today is a better day.
Cathy- Yay for the scale coming down, being motivated in your tracking, lots of figs to eat. Glad you were able to talk to your son and granddaughters. Have fun at the pool party. Sorry about the electric cuts, glad the water supply is improved.
Murphy- Thanks for getting us started. It's so good to have you back! I remember detoxing well, it's rough. Glad you were with your sister and ended up having a good visit and are getting a lot of love and support. Hope all goes well with the MIL.
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Post by amyj on Aug 5, 2024 12:55:19 GMT
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Post by amyj on Aug 5, 2024 12:55:57 GMT
M-W Word of the Day
hoopla
noun | HOO-plah
What It Means
Hoopla refers to talk or writing that is designed to get people excited about or interested in something, often with the implication that the person using the word does not find the thing exciting or interesting.
// Marvin didn’t understand all of the hoopla surrounding the new frozen yogurt shop in his neighborhood.
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Post by tatermom on Aug 5, 2024 14:39:22 GMT
I look to 2024 with a renewed commitment to Progress” “Out the Door in 2024” NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY Drink more water: daily goal 70: 80 oz One or more fruit daily: 3 One or more vegetable daily: 2 Sober Spring AF: 201 AIM: 16 Fitbit Goal/burned: 2,000/2,316 JUST JOURNAL! HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY Move Accountability: Step goal 8,500: 8,479 steps, 11/11 hours, 40 PU, 7 floors, stretched, walked store, Sleep Accountability: 7 hours, 80 sleep, 82 stress, resting, HR 72 slept better Nutrition Accountability: 34/23 -3 weeklies, eggs salmon omelette, banana, pineapple, FF cottage cheese, 1/4 bagel, BLT, chips, blueberry coffee cake Fitbit Macros: calorie goal @1500/1,633 cal 46% carbs, 193g, 32% fat, 58g, 22% protein 90g, fiber 13g, 67 over Happiness Accountability: 4 feeling happy Habit Accountability: Exercise bar 0/4. Morning routine, tracking, Check in Daily Accountability: 5 I'm here!! Time Management Accountability: 4 Baked cake, froze corn off cob, cleaned kitchen, errands to Fleet Farm and Joanne's, Finished book, TV time, knit, What did you do for yourself today? 4.journal, got BOT, knit, read, talked to BFF, DB, Please post a NSV (non-scale victory), LSP (little sign of progress), PA (positive affirmation) or quote: "I am saying "yes" to all the things that serve my health and journey today" Start weight July 5: 194.6 cabin July 12: 194 July 19: 194.8 193.8 at cabin today July 23: 192.4 Now to hold on  August 2: (194.8) at home. 193.1 this morning August 9: August 16: August 23: August 30: Yay we have done great! September 2 Good morning all. Just finished my breakfast and talking myself into going to the Y  Not sure I'll get in the water but need to walk and get an AP bar. Looks like rain outside so better to just commit and go get it done. Then I want to snoop the thrift store and get a few things at the grocery. Got my morning chores done yesterday and then just plopped on the couch. At least the overcast skies have cooled things down a bit and I feel like I can be out and about more. Dh made up some rice yesterday and we will make some kind of shrimp stir fry with it today. Probably not wise to have soy sauce or the sodium bomb the day before WI but it is what it is. I know it's a blip. Talked to my friend who is coming out for the class reunion in September. She still needs plane tickets but I think we've agreed to stay at a hotel and not at my cousins just to make things easier for all. A friend from town had also offered us a place to stay but I'd rather we can come and go as we please and not worry about bothering others. Also my brother confirmed that he can come up to the cabin next Monday for a few days. It will be good to have him. He will just never quit work and doesn't take enough time for himself, (my opinion). He's 74, still plays the drums 3-4 nights a week at night clubs, so weird hours. Then when school is on he substitute teaches some days. I think he feels he can't pass up the $$ but I'm pretty sure my crazy DSIL, who just turned 68, still won't take her SS, which would lighten their load a ton. Guess that's not my circus. Guess I better get moving. Have a happy Monday all. Jan Amy Hope you have fun at the pool this morning. I'll take my suit to the Y and then decide if I want to change and get wet Glad you are still getting so much produce from the garden. Sad face about Blue, hope you hear some good news soon. Happy retirement anniversary, it does seem to go so fast. And when you're so busy you wonder how did I also work and get anything done yay for high protein day. I just can't get my 100g if I don't have a drink or bar. I could have drank more shake yesterday but then my calories would be so far over. It's a balancing act. I think I'm going to buy some liquid egg whites to add to scrambles etc to have less calories but more protein. I still think it's crazy that the kids are already going back to school!! Murphy So good to see you. Glad you are finding a very positive path forward. Glad your family and friends are being so supportive and I think we also have to learn to lose the shame factor when we have a fail. Being perfect is hard, and that idea of it will never happen again is a big burden to carry. Guess that's why we say One day at a time, that I can manage. I've had slips this year, I've also made choices to drink, but I need to focus on the days I have not and be proud of that. Hugs to you. Cathy Glad your DD got home and you got to talk to family. Enjoy your pool party. Our neighbor in California used to bring us over figs from his tree, just so much better fresh. Cindy Hope today and this new week are kind to you and you feel up to checking in. We miss you. Any GF drama over the weekend? How's you friend holding up? Are you getting any storm effects? Carole Thinking of you. Stay safe. GG What are your plans for the week? When do the Gk's start school there? Will check in later. |
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Post by flower on Aug 6, 2024 0:34:50 GMT
Hi friends! We survived our first tropical storm! It was interesting but I’m ready for nice weather! We’re having a good time! So nice to just hang as a family. It’s been a week— I found out my gym is going to close. Supposedly the landlord was being ridiculous with the renewal of the lease. We all think the (new) owner was just too lazy to run 2 gyms. (He also has a Cross Kicks Fitness in another town) My Hyrox coach and friend announced she’s opening up a gym Sept 1! Even closer to my house! She and another couple are all owners. I was so upset when we had to leave the pavilion but this gym was great. So I’m going into this with this gym is going to be even better. The new place is really small, I guess. It’ll work out though.
Amy, how’s Bill doing? Happy retirement anniversary!!
Jan, does your DSIL work? I took my pension from United Airlines already. What did you end up doing at the Y?!
Cindy, I’m so sorry to hear about your friends DH. She’s lucky to have you as a friend.
Murphy, we missed you so much! So happy to see you here!!
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Post by cindy on Aug 6, 2024 0:35:10 GMT
Hi All!
Monitoring the news since I have friends with their grandkids in military service in the Middle East. Not happy about the stock market.
My friend is staying crazy busy which means she will crash. The memorial service is on the 24th and all have been requested to wear camo since her husband was a big hunter. Since I'm in a very tired mood I'll say I have never had to spend money on specific clothes to dress for a funeral. Thinking will get something that can be used for working in the yard.
We have had a lot of major accidents around the area. Two semis smashed into each other. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt but took two hours to open the highway. The overpass bridge is being taken down and that is closing an area at night though it always starts earlier and stays closed later in the AM. Tomorrow the highway I usually travels is closed between counties. I know back routes but the construction is causing all sorts of problems and people are just frustrated. Just glad that I don't have to drive to Dallas.
I tried to get down on my knee yesterday....was determined...was stupid. Anyway I got down but twisted my knee because I "panicked". No harm other than back to icing. Got the job done I wanted to do and was able to get up slowly but okay. I'm thinking of stitching a thick pad together with velcro bands so I can just cushion the knee. I know gardening knees pads are sold but I want a really thick cushion.
Murphy, welcome back!!! Stay with us! Hugs and love!
Amy, I hope there is good news about Blue. Happy retirement anniversary! Hoses can be very tiring! We had to attached three hoses together to reach some of the plantings. Yay for continuing the downward trend!
Jan, I'm guessing that there is no word on the "ring". I need to go back and read rather than skim. Glad you had a wonderful time with family. We always found it easier to stay in a hotel instead of with friends. Find any good deals at the thrift shop? Glad your brother will be able to come up to the cabin.
Carole, thinking about you while watching the news. Stay safe, hugs!
Cathy, I know you and your DH know what you are doing and you are on my mind and wishing you safe vibes.
Vicki, I need to catch up with your posts. Hope all is going smoothly with DD's new house and the sale of current house. Will Rylee have to change schools?
Hi Liz!
Update on F/G. DS is about ready to just stop the friendship. She keeps angling to come over but from past experience she won't go home. So when he doesn't respond to her texts she sends sad face emojis. Eventually he feels badly and asks her what is happening and she just responds I'm sad. About what? Just sad. He got her to go to a doctor and she got a prescription for an antidepressant and then got her to ask her doctor for a therapist and she is going but she is just sad. DS has tried to be supportive but it is draining. We'll see. She had therapy today.
Not sure what tomorrow will bring. Putting vim and vigor on my list!
Wishing everyone a wonderful evening!
Hugs, Cindy
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Post by cathygeha on Aug 6, 2024 8:52:56 GMT
Start weight July 5: 167.6 July 12: 171.6 July 19: 171 July 26:172 August 2: 171.2 August 9: August 16: August 23: August 30: Yay we have done great! September 2 Starting weight: 167.6 and today's weight <169.6> [possibly two meals of beans and rice was too much beans and rice?]
We talked to our daughter yesterday. She donated 42 pounds of produce to their local food bank and kept some for herself with more being produced daily. I put the bucket under the sink and unscrewed the plastic drain pipes from sink to exit and Mounah ran water through them to clear them out so now the kitchen sink should be okay for awhile. Tomorrow Rosalie and I will go to the pool party and on Thursday we will be in Tripoli for cards at Lina's if all stays as it is now and there is just tension without action.
MURPHY: Glad to see you posting again and wish you success as you move forward embracing sobriety.
AMY: Your garden keeps on giving. Do you preserve or freeze any of the bounty?
JAN: How nice to know your brother is coming to the cabin and you will have time with him.
CAROL: Sorry your gym is closing. Your attitude, though, is great. Better that the owners start small and grow over time than start big and lose everything.
CINDY: I just checked my investment and it dropped...stock markets are long term investments and I am glad mine is diversified. M sister has some cute cammo capris or slacks...you can wear them with anything and they come in a variety of colors. You wouldn't have to wear ALL camouflage. I wonder if a hat would suffice, even? That said...some of the outfits my sister puts together with the slacks she has are really cute. Thank you for sending "safe vibes" - they are appreciated. My husband is a worrier and always has one ear next to the radio so always aware though sometimes his mind becomes overactive and he wants to err WAY on the side of caution. Just had a thought...could you wear an animal print scarf with all black? You could be the prey instead of the hunter.
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Not sure I'll get in the water but need to walk and get an AP bar. Looks like rain outside so better to just commit and go get it done. Then I want to snoop the thrift store and get a few things at the grocery. Got my morning chores done yesterday and then just plopped on the couch. At least the overcast skies have cooled things down a bit and I feel like I can be out and about more. Dh made up some rice yesterday and we will make some kind of shrimp stir fry with it today. Probably not wise to have soy sauce or the sodium bomb the day before WI but it is what it is. I know it's a blip. Talked to my friend who is coming out for the class reunion in September. She still needs plane tickets but I think we've agreed to stay at a hotel and not at my cousins just to make things easier for all. A friend from town had also offered us a place to stay but I'd rather we can come and go as we please and not worry about bothering others. Also my brother confirmed that he can come up to the cabin next Monday for a few days. It will be good to have him. He will just never quit work and doesn't take enough time for himself, (my opinion). He's 74, still plays the drums 3-4 nights a week at night clubs, so weird hours. Then when school is on he substitute teaches some days. I think he feels he can't pass up the $$ but I'm pretty sure my crazy DSIL, who just turned 68, still won't take her SS, which would lighten their load a ton. Guess that's not my circus. Guess I better get moving. Have a happy Monday all. Jan
