Diet Coke

Do u have any diabetes issues VQ, I think your effects have gone on a long time, should you consult a dr, have blood sugar check perhaps, not being alarmist but a months should be enough to settle a bit more.

My body is still complaining. I'm having a range of stomach issues and the cravings are still there but I haven't died yet. I keep reminding myself of that when the cravings get really strong lol.

Well done Meno it must have been hard but YOU did it.

I was offered a cocktail recently I refused as alcohol in the day makes me sleepy. I was then offered a non alcoholic cocktail which was delicious, as follows.

Elderflower cordial
Lemonade
Mint
Slice of lemon
Lots of ice
I add water as I want it less sweet

Keep going and VQ

Made it, phew!! Come on VQ here's to our first month, how do we celebrate?!

Keep at it Menopaws. Social events are always the hardest. The car is a great idea. No one encourages a driver to drink.

I'm am lifted by the positive things I am experiencing in my earlier post and this is outweighing the cravings to have a lovely glass of wine or whisky, I have a family BBQ tonight but I'm insisting on taking the car when I would have usually walked so I feel that will be my excuse and have big Sunday lunch tomorrow, the weekends are def the hardest so will be glad to get to Monday, Tuesday is my one month!

Oh I do hope so Menopaws. How have you been this week?

Well done VQ sounds like you have turned a corner and three weeks is very nearly a month, you will understand!

Ride those waves vq (humming theme tune to Hawaii 5-0 for support)

Well done for getting the better of the cigarettes, vq. Show that diet coke who's boss!

Three weeks today since my last Diet Coke. The thirst and hunger attacks are still happening but not so often nor so strong. The cravings are still bad but I haven't given in. If it's like giving up smoking I'll need to get to at least 6 weeks before the cravings reduce. I gave up smoking 30 years ago and there are times still when I could kill for a cig. Fortunately the cravings are few and far between and don't last for long. I think it is evidence of my addictive personality. I knew people who gave up but still have the odd cig on nights out then don't bother again. Wouldn't work for me like that. Pete Townsend said that he was hooked on heroin from the first time he took it. I totally understand where he was coming from.

Meno and VQ I admire you so much for what you are doing.

I recognise in a small way the urge to drink I get it when I am preparing the supper and my idea of bliss is to have a drink whilst reading my book whilst the supper cooks away. But the problem is that bliss does not last I often get a headache later in the evening, alcohol then makes me crave chocolate.

I feel sick if I drink more then a large glass of wine, so I am lucky in a way that my body stops me over indulging.

Keep going girls you are doing a great job.

Not wishing to show off but I just want to point out the benefits I have experienced since stopping alcohol, just in case it helps others take the plunge. I sleep really well, my skin is heaps better, more energy, less anxiety, lower heart rate. I feel more interesting and calm and I remember things now. I feel more confident and I have lost weight, yippee. I also have a lot less hot flushes, double yippee!
I cannot believe I had the other side of the above and lived with them for so long, I feel ashamed and pretty stupid really and yes I probably sound a bit smug. Believe me that is not the intention, I guess it is another 'stage' and I won't keep on I promise, I just find it interesting. I can focus on other things instead of thinking about the next drink and my day is longer because I am awake in the evening.
I know it's only three weeks and I have done diets etc for years and I recognise the stages of withdrawal enough to not presume this is it. There is a lot of social stuff to get through but if I have a drink I will admit it and see how it affects me, until then I will push on. VQ you ok?

I learnt today that resisting craving is called "urge surfing". So surf those urges!

Half way through the third week and like Menopaws I'm in the danger zone. I remember from when I gave up smoking that this is the point where you start to think 'just once won't do any harm' but it will. The cravings are still really bad but the thirst has eased most of the time.

menopaws as you discovered, cravings pass, so next time you have one, you know what to do (keep busy). Your family will be even prouder of you. Very sorry to read about your grandson.

vq (and others in case of interest) I'm involved in a Kings College medical research study related to blood sugar. I have just completed the first phase (keeping a food diary for a week). Next I go in having fasted and eat and drink stuff over a period of 3 hours whilst they take blood intermittently after each snack. I'll ask the lovely young doctors there about DC and sweeteners ... just out of interest. Hope you're winning too vq.

I recently watched a documentary that did research on the difference there was on your system when taking sweeteners and or sugar

It was found that actually sweeteners raised blood sugar levels MORE than ordinary sugar

I was so taken a back by this

All so can say is you lot are being strong to start on this and I wish you well in trying to get on the right side of this.

Well done, Menopaws!

Yesterday I nearly fell, Sunday afternoon, husband away until Monday night, me and dog relaxing in the garden and two bottles of wine in the house. Half an hour of talking to myself...just one glass would be nice...don't be silly...no one will know....gransnet will...but it's Sunday....one glass will lead to two bottles etc etc. Anyway I had a pint of ginger cordial with sparkly water and decided to cook the meal for my husbands return to keep busy and thankfully it passed, I had another pint of water and felt so full of liquid I didn't think about it again. Phew, lovely walk this morning with a clear head and conscience. Are you still ok VQ?

Thank you all. It's lovely to have all this support.

I've tried other drinks but nothing tastes right so I'm sticking to coffee and water. I keep the water in the fridge with makes it taste better for some reason. I'm still feeling positive about this and I'm definitely saving money. DH worked out that I was spending about £50 a month on the stuff. Oddly I don't have a spare £50 in my purse

Go, VQ and MP! Well done+++

Love that you're "holding hands".

Brilliant VQ , I had a craving day yest but got through it and fine today. Your withdrawal sounds awful and I really admire you, I'm three days ahead of you and it def seems that the more time you get under your belt the more likely u are to stick to it. I knew I would have to admit failing to gn and that put me off!

You are doing well VQ. It's a difficult thing to break and you should be proud of yourself.
I keep checking see if you have done an update so I can catch up.
Have you found an alternative refreshing drink ..tonic water with lemon and lime maybe.