congrats on the AF days!

Thank you, Jaba, MinneMom, Reboot, and Zontar for your support!

I had 11 alcohol free days in a row. I extended my 10 day cleanse by one day. I finished week 22 with 5 drinks and 5 alcohol free days.

Halloween has always been a heavy drinking day for me and I did really well yesterday. I turned down invitations to parties and had friends here to pass out candy and have dinner. I held onto my drink so there was no "topping off" by other people. From 6PM to 11PM, I had three drinks. I feel really great about that, but I know that if I had gone to parties, my previous behavior would have reared its ugly head. I also think that having just completed a cleanse helped me stay on the straight and narrow.

Reboot, I had to smile about your liquid diet. There are many types of cleanses. The one I did this time was a Dr. Hyman 10 day cleanse. http://www.doctoroz.com/article/10-day- ... -one-sheet . Basically, it is a whole foods diet where lots of nutrient dense foods are eaten. Dairy, soy, alcohol, sugar, legumes, caffeine, and processed foods of any type are not allowed. If you drink caffeine each day, withdrawing from that can be a pain, but other than that, it is pretty easy. You are never hungry. Obviously, for us, the alcohol is an issue. I have to say, though, that when I am cleansing I have made a commitment, so avoiding alcohol is much easier for me than if I try to have a single alcohol free day while not cleansing. After the cleanse is finished I feel so energetic, light, and good, both physically and spiritually. If you want to give it a try I would be happy to answer questions, and provide recipes and support. Ten days is great but if that seems like too much, you could try for five days. Or two or one. Even one day of healthy eating is great.

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Deena, as you know, I am in awe of you, both for doing the cleanse and for being 11 days AF !! I would love to give it a shot but really feel actual fear at the thought of being AF for 10 days ! The most I have been AF for is 4 and they were no problem - but because I would have to be, I might balk at that - if you follow ? I might go to your link and see what it looks like .... I would miss my decaf milky coffee with honey first thing though ! Then I always have a caffeinated soda ! But that is my caffeine for the day....

I am so happy to read of your progress with Nal - it really is helping you which is great!! Loved reading about your Halloween this year!

Hugs, Maggie x

Good for you Deena. Your progress on Halloween night is something to be very proud of!! And I am sure that the cleanse made you feel wonderful.

keep up the good work.!!

XOXO Newlife

Maggie, I don't think you should do anything that brings you fear. If you ever decide you want to give it a try, even for a few days, I am here to support you.

My numbers have gone up a bit after the cleanse but not too much. Overall I am pleased with my progress. I have not hidden alcohol or snuck a drink in ages and that feels good. Sadly, once I have a few drinks under my belt in a party situation, I seem to still want to continue to drink. Watching a football game on Sunday with a group of people was tough. I had three drinks pretty quickly and then I just continued to pour drinks without counting. I did not get drunk or out of control, but it was more alcohol than I have had at one sitting in a long time. I am sure part of it is just old habits dying hard. I am a little concerned about Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays. I had hoped to have reached the point where I could just take or leave alcohol by now but that hasn't happened. I will use moderation management techniques such as not having my first glass of wine on Thanksgiving until we sit down to dinner and keeping control of my glass so that others aren't refilling it and hope for the best.

Deena - you are still not that far in - please try not to worry - I AM worrying - BUT you should not yet .... really ! You will get there ...

Hugs, Maggie x

Here's what I have for you Dee...

(((((HUGS))))) Keep on keeping on. You're having great success in the "every day" drinking aspect of your life. Let the Nal continue working on your receptors and before long, you're going to be ab;e to "take or leave" al under ANY circumstances! You're doing great!

MinneMom

Deena I think you are doing really well. I am worried about the holidays in a way too. BUT I am also trying to see it as a huge opportunity to prove to myself that I really am different. Didn't do so well on Halloween but things have been GREAT since then for me.

You will do fine!! xoxo Newlife