Day 79: June 18, 2024
What are My Thoughts Today?
Today's lesson on The Path was about how to deal with sugar cravings. Haha, I know I sound like the Alcohol-Free beverage salesperson, but I haven't felt a big craving for extra sugar because all the AF drinks I have been consuming do contain some sugar... But the calorie content is still less than half than wine or beer! Alcohol alone contains so many calories – it's practically impossible to drink as many calories via the AF versions versus the full-proof stuff!
Last night, for example, my husband made fajitas and I had an Alcohol-Free margarita (by Bar Diver), and just was delicious 😋 and only 90 calories! For comparison, most dark and amber beers have between 150 and 200 calories, and a glass of wine is around 150 calories. I think my AF margarita had something like 10 grams of sugar, which of course is significant, but it's not nearly as much as a slice of chocolate lava cake.
Speaking of dessert, I also keep a lot of Dove Dark Chocolate Promises around the house because they are only 40 calories per square and only have 4 grams of sugar, but they taste quite decadent. So usually at night I will have a couple of those, without a ton of extra calories and zero guilt. Although it hasn't been dramatic, I have already lost some weight. That's not a main motivator, but I think it is indicative of traveling in the right direction. I was drinking a lot of empty calories per week!
Personally I support the idea of giving ourselves grace and just focusing on not drinking at the beginning, and not worrying about a complete lifestyle turnaround all at once. Since it has been 25 days AF for me, I am starting to naturally notice cravings (usually because I am tired or hungry) – and instead of drinking alcohol, I can take action like eating a granola bar, drinking a glass water or going to bed early. But at the beginning of this journey, 100% of my energy went to not drinking, which felt great because I was noticing results.
As I go further down The Path I have a feeling I will make more and more lifestyle changes, but I want them to be from a place of joy and not dread. That's why liminal thinking (like using Byron Katie's Four Questions) is so powerful... I can start to unpack my subconscious beliefs around other behaviors that aren't serving me. Then I am not trying to change my behavior by using 100% willpower – I can leverage my beliefs, which will give me extra conviction and motivation.
AF Days Since May 23, 2024: 26
My Why: To have freedom from addictions, to create more space in my life, to honor my body / mind / spirit, to feel vibrant and empowered in my daily life, and to make my corner of the world a better, more peaceful, more loving & more beautiful place.
What's One Awesome Thing that Happened Yesterday because I Chose Not to Drink?
I discovered a new alcohol free beverage that I really liked! It's called the Bar Diver Mocktail Margarita, which is a sparkling beverage made with agave nectar so it really did taste similar to a margarita but it did not have alcohol. They are not cheap, so it's more of a special occasion thing. I just purchased one bottle to try it out, but I'm glad I did!
Daily Affirmations:
1) I choose to live Alcohol-Free.
2) I respect and honor myself.
3) I am worthy of love and care.
4) I give myself patience to heal.
5) I maintain healthy boundaries.
6) I have compassion for others.
7) I create beauty all around me.
