365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
Mashedpotatoes said:
Eleven said:
I need to reduce drinking to one night a week for dietary reasons. Some guidance from you old hands would be appreciated:
1. Is once a week realistic, or would it be easier to sack it entirely? I drank 4 nights a week before, but not heavily.
2. Mrs. Eleven is annoyed that I am stopping because she likes a drink and doesn't like to drink alone. Aside from trying to breed some more baby Elevens what could we replace alcohol with?
Answer to Q2 = sex perhaps1. Is once a week realistic, or would it be easier to sack it entirely? I drank 4 nights a week before, but not heavily.
2. Mrs. Eleven is annoyed that I am stopping because she likes a drink and doesn't like to drink alone. Aside from trying to breed some more baby Elevens what could we replace alcohol with?
Garlick said:
Just back from my first dry Le Mans, before that I spent a weekend at a friends house with 10 others who were all drinking and that was easy too. Yesterday was at a corporate event in the sun and passed that too.
Three months and one week in. Can't see me going back now.
Congratulations.Three months and one week in. Can't see me going back now.
I think everyone who quits gets a milestone event, be it a wedding, Christmas, stag do or whatever. Whether you get through it by gritting your teeth, or fly through and have as much, or more fun, I found feeling of positivity afterwards is brilliant - the "I can do it" confirmation. I would say Le Mans is a reasonably sizeable hurdle to clear. After all, there aren't many tomato-juice mountains.
For those wondering about whether to limit the drinking to one day a week or give up entirely, personally, I'd go the whole hog, but then that's because I need a black and white rule. Any middle ground and I end up bending the rules and then I'm never clear if I'm being successful. I think it's very personal, but be honest and if you find making the one day a week into a real binge, it's probably not a brilliant plan. Although trying for children brings it's own peculiar stresses anyway, making such a big change as stopping drinking (and don't kid yourself it's not a big change - culturally it's enormous - people look at you like you have leprosy), is a very personal challenge. This means trying to buddy up can either work brilliantly, or be a cause of friction between you as one is successful and the other not, one nags and the other feels scolded. It might be that having one day on for your other half is the right thing and quitting completely works for you.
And just in case you're wondering why I'm whittering on, I'm on day 856, lost 20kg, ended a relationship that was beyond saving, started a relationship that is brilliant, got a promotion, then another one and now have an Audi A6 because I'm going to need the extra seats... But most importantly, show me another way to save 20kg on a Caterham and have MORE money in your pocket...
I had a single can of beer last night. Didn't really want it, but it was there in the fridge, and I was feeling pretty miserable.
It was nice, very sweet and light, although precious little in the way of alcohol I think.
The downside is that I awoke at 03:30, as always used to be the case when I was drinking. Nowadays I can easily go to 05:30 or 06:00, so I'm probably not going to try that again.
On the other hand, I really struggle to be in a big group of people that are drinking when I'm not, I get really stressed/anxious, so tend to avoid the situation instead. I probably need to work at it to overcome the psychological issues though, rather than trying to keep out of the way.
It was nice, very sweet and light, although precious little in the way of alcohol I think.
The downside is that I awoke at 03:30, as always used to be the case when I was drinking. Nowadays I can easily go to 05:30 or 06:00, so I'm probably not going to try that again.
On the other hand, I really struggle to be in a big group of people that are drinking when I'm not, I get really stressed/anxious, so tend to avoid the situation instead. I probably need to work at it to overcome the psychological issues though, rather than trying to keep out of the way.
Eleven said:
Mashedpotatoes said:
Eleven said:
I need to reduce drinking to one night a week for dietary reasons. Some guidance from you old hands would be appreciated:
1. Is once a week realistic, or would it be easier to sack it entirely? I drank 4 nights a week before, but not heavily.
2. Mrs. Eleven is annoyed that I am stopping because she likes a drink and doesn't like to drink alone. Aside from trying to breed some more baby Elevens what could we replace alcohol with?
Answer to Q2 = sex perhaps1. Is once a week realistic, or would it be easier to sack it entirely? I drank 4 nights a week before, but not heavily.
2. Mrs. Eleven is annoyed that I am stopping because she likes a drink and doesn't like to drink alone. Aside from trying to breed some more baby Elevens what could we replace alcohol with?
How do you mean 'replace alcohol' ? Just do what you do when you drink but don't drink!!
Super Slo Mo said:
I had a single can of beer last night. Didn't really want it, but it was there in the fridge, and I was feeling pretty miserable.
It was nice, very sweet and light, although precious little in the way of alcohol I think.
The downside is that I awoke at 03:30, as always used to be the case when I was drinking. Nowadays I can easily go to 05:30 or 06:00, so I'm probably not going to try that again.
On the other hand, I really struggle to be in a big group of people that are drinking when I'm not, I get really stressed/anxious, so tend to avoid the situation instead. I probably need to work at it to overcome the psychological issues though, rather than trying to keep out of the way.
A lot is psychological but also there is reality. They may be sat round just talking utter rubbish that isn't interesting to a sober person.It was nice, very sweet and light, although precious little in the way of alcohol I think.
The downside is that I awoke at 03:30, as always used to be the case when I was drinking. Nowadays I can easily go to 05:30 or 06:00, so I'm probably not going to try that again.
On the other hand, I really struggle to be in a big group of people that are drinking when I'm not, I get really stressed/anxious, so tend to avoid the situation instead. I probably need to work at it to overcome the psychological issues though, rather than trying to keep out of the way.
Mashedpotatoes said:
funinhounslow said:
Mashedpotatoes said:
Not good at all im back to my old tricks. Just got back from the shop with a six pack. This going cold turkey is proving very hard. Any tips?
Read Allen Carr's "Easy Way to Control Alcohol" - its about a fiver and you can get through it in a couple of evenings.I haven't touched a drop since reading it about 18 months ago. Haven't even been tempted.
And I was a regular drinker i.e. couple of pints/glasses of wine most nights, with the odd session thrown in. Stopped overnight aged 46, I would never have believed it could be so straightforward.
Smitters said:
Congratulations.
I think everyone who quits gets a milestone event, be it a wedding, Christmas, stag do or whatever. Whether you get through it by gritting your teeth, or fly through and have as much, or more fun, I found feeling of positivity afterwards is brilliant - the "I can do it" confirmation. I would say Le Mans is a reasonably sizeable hurdle to clear. After all, there aren't many tomato-juice mountains.
For those wondering about whether to limit the drinking to one day a week or give up entirely, personally, I'd go the whole hog, but then that's because I need a black and white rule. Any middle ground and I end up bending the rules and then I'm never clear if I'm being successful. I think it's very personal, but be honest and if you find making the one day a week into a real binge, it's probably not a brilliant plan. Although trying for children brings it's own peculiar stresses anyway, making such a big change as stopping drinking (and don't kid yourself it's not a big change - culturally it's enormous - people look at you like you have leprosy), is a very personal challenge. This means trying to buddy up can either work brilliantly, or be a cause of friction between you as one is successful and the other not, one nags and the other feels scolded. It might be that having one day on for your other half is the right thing and quitting completely works for you.
And just in case you're wondering why I'm whittering on, I'm on day 856, lost 20kg, ended a relationship that was beyond saving, started a relationship that is brilliant, got a promotion, then another one and now have an Audi A6 because I'm going to need the extra seats... But most importantly, show me another way to save 20kg on a Caterham and have MORE money in your pocket...
Great post.I think everyone who quits gets a milestone event, be it a wedding, Christmas, stag do or whatever. Whether you get through it by gritting your teeth, or fly through and have as much, or more fun, I found feeling of positivity afterwards is brilliant - the "I can do it" confirmation. I would say Le Mans is a reasonably sizeable hurdle to clear. After all, there aren't many tomato-juice mountains.
For those wondering about whether to limit the drinking to one day a week or give up entirely, personally, I'd go the whole hog, but then that's because I need a black and white rule. Any middle ground and I end up bending the rules and then I'm never clear if I'm being successful. I think it's very personal, but be honest and if you find making the one day a week into a real binge, it's probably not a brilliant plan. Although trying for children brings it's own peculiar stresses anyway, making such a big change as stopping drinking (and don't kid yourself it's not a big change - culturally it's enormous - people look at you like you have leprosy), is a very personal challenge. This means trying to buddy up can either work brilliantly, or be a cause of friction between you as one is successful and the other not, one nags and the other feels scolded. It might be that having one day on for your other half is the right thing and quitting completely works for you.
And just in case you're wondering why I'm whittering on, I'm on day 856, lost 20kg, ended a relationship that was beyond saving, started a relationship that is brilliant, got a promotion, then another one and now have an Audi A6 because I'm going to need the extra seats... But most importantly, show me another way to save 20kg on a Caterham and have MORE money in your pocket...
I just read this and thought of this thread:
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/sociali...
Many a true word...
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/sociali...
Many a true word...
grumbledoak said:
I just read this and thought of this thread:
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/sociali...
Many a true word...
When a potential employer asks for your hobbies, or what you do in your spare time? http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/sociali...
Many a true word...
soad said:
grumbledoak said:
I just read this and thought of this thread:
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/sociali...
Many a true word...
When a potential employer asks for your hobbies, or what you do in your spare time? http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/sociali...
Many a true word...
Afternoon all, having read this thread for many months I'm now going to start being alcohol free.
I'm not sure how long I'll do this for, certainly until the end of July, and then I'll see how I feel.
I'm not a heavy drinker, maybe a couple of drinks 3/4 times a week although I used to drink more in the past, mostly now it is just some wine or sake or chu-hi ( I'm in Japan ) with dinner with my wife.
I'm fairly fit due to cycling regularly and hiking a bit and playing tennis but would be happy to lose about 5kg and at 53yo my metabolism has definitely slowed down and my blood pressure has gone up a bit so stopping alcohol seems like it could benefit me in several ways.
I'm going to try and post here regularly through July and hopefully feel some benefits soon.
I'm not sure how long I'll do this for, certainly until the end of July, and then I'll see how I feel.
I'm not a heavy drinker, maybe a couple of drinks 3/4 times a week although I used to drink more in the past, mostly now it is just some wine or sake or chu-hi ( I'm in Japan ) with dinner with my wife.
I'm fairly fit due to cycling regularly and hiking a bit and playing tennis but would be happy to lose about 5kg and at 53yo my metabolism has definitely slowed down and my blood pressure has gone up a bit so stopping alcohol seems like it could benefit me in several ways.
I'm going to try and post here regularly through July and hopefully feel some benefits soon.
Since this weekend I'm off to stop drinking for a few months to see how I get on with it. I like a drink but recently even after just a few I've felt horrible. Completely drained, no motivation to do anything and the less said about the effect on my guts the better.
On Wednesday evening I drank 4 cans of that Strongbow with the citrus in it and until Saturday I was a mess. Muscle pain all over, breathless, a fierce headache and a metallic taste in my mouth. I've never felt like that before so I figure booze has started catching up with me now. Also a complete waste of the 4 days off I had from work which only comes round on my rota every 8 weeks so I'm a bit irritated I've wasted them too.
I'm aiming to go 3 months with no drinking which will be quite tough as there's a few birthdays coming up and other social occasions that normally lead to getting f
ked up.
On Wednesday evening I drank 4 cans of that Strongbow with the citrus in it and until Saturday I was a mess. Muscle pain all over, breathless, a fierce headache and a metallic taste in my mouth. I've never felt like that before so I figure booze has started catching up with me now. Also a complete waste of the 4 days off I had from work which only comes round on my rota every 8 weeks so I'm a bit irritated I've wasted them too.
I'm aiming to go 3 months with no drinking which will be quite tough as there's a few birthdays coming up and other social occasions that normally lead to getting f
ked up.This week was my first drink since Xmas day 2012. I've contributed on this thread a few times now, detailing my quitting of fags and booze on the same day.
Long story short is I got myself fit, mostly as a distraction from work and other things, and to build some self-esteem. A week ago I completed an Ironman 70.3, this was something I set myself a goal of once I got things into place. I'm quite happy with the achievement, but there's still a lot more I want to do. It almost feels like unfinished business.
Re the drink, I've had a few bottles of beer 3 or 4 nights since. I can see how it'd be fairly easy to slip back into a regular habit, so I think I'll make this week my last, kind of a one off treat week, then back to zero. It definitely helps me relax and I don't need and never have needed a lot to get me into a chilled-out state. That said, I do notice a difference in mood and tiredness now that I've had a few drinks again.
Long story short is I got myself fit, mostly as a distraction from work and other things, and to build some self-esteem. A week ago I completed an Ironman 70.3, this was something I set myself a goal of once I got things into place. I'm quite happy with the achievement, but there's still a lot more I want to do. It almost feels like unfinished business.
Re the drink, I've had a few bottles of beer 3 or 4 nights since. I can see how it'd be fairly easy to slip back into a regular habit, so I think I'll make this week my last, kind of a one off treat week, then back to zero. It definitely helps me relax and I don't need and never have needed a lot to get me into a chilled-out state. That said, I do notice a difference in mood and tiredness now that I've had a few drinks again.
thenortherner said:
This week was my first drink since Xmas day 2012. I've contributed on this thread a few times now, detailing my quitting of fags and booze on the same day.
Long story short is I got myself fit, mostly as a distraction from work and other things, and to build some self-esteem. A week ago I completed an Ironman 70.3, this was something I set myself a goal of once I got things into place. I'm quite happy with the achievement, but there's still a lot more I want to do. It almost feels like unfinished business.
Re the drink, I've had a few bottles of beer 3 or 4 nights since. I can see how it'd be fairly easy to slip back into a regular habit, so I think I'll make this week my last, kind of a one off treat week, then back to zero. It definitely helps me relax and I don't need and never have needed a lot to get me into a chilled-out state. That said, I do notice a difference in mood and tiredness now that I've had a few drinks again.
So you've been off booze since 2012 and then in the past week youve drunk 4 nights? What happened?Long story short is I got myself fit, mostly as a distraction from work and other things, and to build some self-esteem. A week ago I completed an Ironman 70.3, this was something I set myself a goal of once I got things into place. I'm quite happy with the achievement, but there's still a lot more I want to do. It almost feels like unfinished business.
Re the drink, I've had a few bottles of beer 3 or 4 nights since. I can see how it'd be fairly easy to slip back into a regular habit, so I think I'll make this week my last, kind of a one off treat week, then back to zero. It definitely helps me relax and I don't need and never have needed a lot to get me into a chilled-out state. That said, I do notice a difference in mood and tiredness now that I've had a few drinks again.
jonah35 said:
thenortherner said:
This week was my first drink since Xmas day 2012. I've contributed on this thread a few times now, detailing my quitting of fags and booze on the same day.
Long story short is I got myself fit, mostly as a distraction from work and other things, and to build some self-esteem. A week ago I completed an Ironman 70.3, this was something I set myself a goal of once I got things into place. I'm quite happy with the achievement, but there's still a lot more I want to do. It almost feels like unfinished business.
Re the drink, I've had a few bottles of beer 3 or 4 nights since. I can see how it'd be fairly easy to slip back into a regular habit, so I think I'll make this week my last, kind of a one off treat week, then back to zero. It definitely helps me relax and I don't need and never have needed a lot to get me into a chilled-out state. That said, I do notice a difference in mood and tiredness now that I've had a few drinks again.
So you've been off booze since 2012 and then in the past week youve drunk 4 nights? What happened?Long story short is I got myself fit, mostly as a distraction from work and other things, and to build some self-esteem. A week ago I completed an Ironman 70.3, this was something I set myself a goal of once I got things into place. I'm quite happy with the achievement, but there's still a lot more I want to do. It almost feels like unfinished business.
Re the drink, I've had a few bottles of beer 3 or 4 nights since. I can see how it'd be fairly easy to slip back into a regular habit, so I think I'll make this week my last, kind of a one off treat week, then back to zero. It definitely helps me relax and I don't need and never have needed a lot to get me into a chilled-out state. That said, I do notice a difference in mood and tiredness now that I've had a few drinks again.
I've a week off work, I've worked hard, the weather's warm and I like the taste of Staropraman. I've only had the equivalent of 1.5 pints each time I've drank, maybe 2 pints at most.
I could / can / will drop it just as easily as I did the first time around and the chances are I will once this week's up.
I train for around 10 hours a week, either running, cycling or swimming. i don't smoke. I'm careful with what I eat, so an off week as I'd promised myself I can let myself off with.
Wilf61 said:
Hi Northener
Good for you on doing the Ironman, must have been hard, and personally I see nothing wrong with you having a little break for a week and then getting back into your training for your next event.
Thank you - though it was 'only' the 70 mile middle distance Ironman. Good for you on doing the Ironman, must have been hard, and personally I see nothing wrong with you having a little break for a week and then getting back into your training for your next event.
You're right, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. But even after drinking such a short while the impact is noticeable. Moods are different, I'm sleeping in more, and what's bothering me is that I keep habitually reaching for beers each evening which was the problem in the first place. On top of that it's a load more calories I don't want. My physique is leaps and bounds better than it was before and I'm going to keep it that way.
And so after I'm done watching the TDF kick off in Leeds this weekend I'm officially dry again.
I did it first time around without any real effort so can't see it being any different this time around.
thenortherner said:
Thank you - though it was 'only' the 70 mile middle distance Ironman.
You're right, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. But even after drinking such a short while the impact is noticeable. Moods are different, I'm sleeping in more, and what's bothering me is that I keep habitually reaching for beers each evening which was the problem in the first place. On top of that it's a load more calories I don't want. My physique is leaps and bounds better than it was before and I'm going to keep it that way.
And so after I'm done watching the TDF kick off in Leeds this weekend I'm officially dry again.
I did it first time around without any real effort so can't see it being any different this time around.
'Only the 70 mile' hahaha good for you !!You're right, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. But even after drinking such a short while the impact is noticeable. Moods are different, I'm sleeping in more, and what's bothering me is that I keep habitually reaching for beers each evening which was the problem in the first place. On top of that it's a load more calories I don't want. My physique is leaps and bounds better than it was before and I'm going to keep it that way.
And so after I'm done watching the TDF kick off in Leeds this weekend I'm officially dry again.
I did it first time around without any real effort so can't see it being any different this time around.
It sounds like stopping alcohol again won't be too difficult for you and then you can get into training for your next event.
I'm aiming to do 160km and 4,000m climbing on my bike with a friend in the mountains where I live later this year so I'm sure a reduction in calories from alcohol will help my fitness and weight before we attempt the ride.
My wife announced this morning that she would like to stop alcohol for a while as well (she drinks about 3 glasses of wine a week ) so that might make it easier for me.
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