Strategies

[sad in beijing]

For moderating.
Some of them we all know.

But please add yours to the list, I'm always picking up new tips from these boards..

1.EAT !!!

[tea]

Strategies

2. I tell myself that I will be getting an unexpected visitor this evening, who I certainly do NOT want to see me drinking........ also helps with doing the dishes and generally tidying up - lol.

Lx

[ducky]

Strategies

great thread sad,

I will take notes!

With respect to social events, I do better if I decide ahead of time what and how much I will drink, e.g., two glasses of wine. Otherwise I get swept up and let my glass be topped off and before you know it ...

If I am planning to have a drink or two at home, I try to have dinner first, get all my chores done, then relax. That way I have food in my stomach and it is later so I am not as tempted to go overboard.

OK, need lots more tips here!

[Mad Mummy]

Strategies

Sounds stupid - but it works!

Hi love the tips so far - here's one of mine which sounds really silly but.....

Put the glass down! I tend to sit and hold my glass so can be sip sip sipping and before you know it it's gone etc etc. So now I consciously make myself put it down and it works - definitely slows me down.

Happy Easter everyone. :wd:

[bald headed old guy]

Strategies

Love the tips so far!
I don't have any to add, but I'm going to keep checking back to see what else I can learn!
BHOG

[Beaches]

Strategies

Kudzu
GABA
L Glut
Water

[greeneyes]

Strategies

My new plan as you know .... gym w/ trainer who is a nutritionist as well. Insists I eat 5 times as day. I won't have TIME to drink. And he hammers me over the drink. Looks me straight in the eye and keeps asking as I dodge until I tell him. We agreed that I would not lie. Horridness. But, when I sought another path to replace old habits, the universe sent this guy to me. He holds me accountable in a nonjudgemental way. Said stop screwing with my protien synthesis. It was encouraging and humbling at the same time. So .... my vote is EAT! And drink healthy beverages.

[myra]

Strategies

well clearly I don't have a lot to add here. But, the times I have been successful with moderation have been the times I have been very mindful with drinking. That is been very aware of the tiny sips, putting the glass down, having water between drinks, remembering how stoopit I am when drunk, and starting out on a very full stomach.

[Ask For Help]

Strategies

Have a weekly plan

Have a weekly plan for # of days you will drink or # of drinks/week.

Use the drink tracker to keep yourself honest.

I try to limit drinking days to 3/week . . . love to rack up to AF days on the drink tracker.

[flyinhigh]

Strategies

I like this thread and will keep checking to take notes...I like the advice already given too!
My plan to MOD has been a difficult one, though I have found a very simple, wonderful support. My child and partner, whom both do not drink or smoke, are my inspiration. When I MOD, I do not stink of AL or CIG! SO therefore, I can get KISSES!!!
They find it funny how "lovey" I have become, for they do not know of my MOD plans! But they do enjoy the kissing as well do I!!!! The kisses are a simple way to remind me of my true desire to be less dependent on AL and their simple kiss is a grounding moment for me.
So my advice is KISS, KISS and keep on KISSING!!!
oh....sometime alone in the bathroom, I also KISS the mirror.....

[Ask For Help]

Strategies

Stock the house with alternatives for AF days

O'Douls, Soda water and Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice . . . so if you feel you "want" a drink you can "treat" yourself but still meet your goals on your AF days

[Waves 2]

Strategies

When out:

Make a plan

Eat first

Sip the Al

Gulp the water

Keep your hands busy-away from the glass.

Smile and look confident.

( helps for me)

When in:

Keep busy

[KAT20]

Strategies

Hello all, I missed this thread before and I think its a great idea. I'm taking lots of notes. I have recently tried AF wine by Sutter Home. Alot of my trouble is the ritual of pouring a glass and sitting with. I tell myself when I get a urge I go for that first and sometimes the urge will pass after the first glass as the alcohol is not there to bring by will power down. Someone else here suggested Cranberry juice and soda. Pretty good as well. I buy the pure stuff as I am not a sweet drink person and the pure stuff is tart. With alittle sugar free sweetener and lime juice its not bad.

[LVT25]

Strategies

Thanks for bringing this thread back, I don't know how I missed it the first time--maybe we can keep it going. Lots of great strategies so far.

Water between AL drinks helps, (I usually forget, but it helps):H

[Leyla]

Strategies

Don't drink alone.