Stopping Alcohol => Good Side Effects
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 217
Stopping Alcohol => Good Side Effects
Hi SR,
I was at work today (8 days so far) and I noticed my signature was really pretty. I mean it has changed from last week! I remember that it used to be nice, but my writing was becoming really crappy. That's amazing....
Also my husband said my face is more youthful after only a week.
Looking forward to discovering more positive changes!
************************************************** ***
Does anyone else notice some nice unexpected benefits from recovery? :ghug3
I was at work today (8 days so far) and I noticed my signature was really pretty. I mean it has changed from last week! I remember that it used to be nice, but my writing was becoming really crappy. That's amazing....
Also my husband said my face is more youthful after only a week.
Looking forward to discovering more positive changes!
************************************************** ***
Does anyone else notice some nice unexpected benefits from recovery? :ghug3
On my way....
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 326
Awesome idea for a thread!!
I've noticed my hands have quit shaking in the mornings!
I'm very happy about that because that was one symptom I really became frightened over, I knew I was really becoming physically addicted to alcohol. Scary!
I've noticed my hands have quit shaking in the mornings!
I'm very happy about that because that was one symptom I really became frightened over, I knew I was really becoming physically addicted to alcohol. Scary!
everything is already ok
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia
Posts: 19,789
No feeling so sick I cant move see hear or think.
Feeling ok to bursting out with song dance and joy each morning
Basically feeling ok about me and no longer like a piece of poop on a plate
Feeling ok to bursting out with song dance and joy each morning
Basically feeling ok about me and no longer like a piece of poop on a plate
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Sober Recovery
Posts: 233
Yes, despite the fact that I know how bad alcohol is for me I still drank.
This link has some interesting benefits of not drinking. I remember studying all of these effects some odd years ago. This is short though and definitely worth reading for anyone who needs a boost of encouragement.
I can't post links yet so ill post it. Credit goes to skwigg . com / id54 . html **Note: I am a guy... but all of these effects that she refers to about women apply to men just as well!!
Alcohol & Exercise
Daily alcohol consumption will slow or stop your results. The drawbacks are probably going to far outweigh any health benefits. Your liver can't metabolize alcohol and fat at the same time. It will always get rid of the toxic substance (alcohol) first. That means that as long as there's alcohol in your system you won't be burning any body fat. If you have one or two drinks, you might stall your fat loss for a few hours. If you have quite a few drinks, it might be as long as four days before you're metabolizing fat again.
Drinking also dehydrates you, raises cortisol levels (goodbye muscles), raises estrogen levels (hello hips), lowers inhibitions (pizza anyone?). Combine that with the fact that alcohol promotes abdominal fat storage (of all places!) and it's really not worth it, not even on free day, not if you're serious about making a major transformation.
I personally don't drink alcohol at all. I'm way too freaky about my definition and nothing will wreck your abs faster. I know several women who have a few drinks once a week and they've still achieved their goals. I know other women who if they have even one drink a week can't lose that puffy lower belly or see any definition in their abs. Just how negative the impact is probably depends on your goals, age, activity level, metabolism, and a zillion other things.
If wine with dinner is part of your lifestyle, and you're not in any particular hurry to have abs like a cheese grater, you might experiment a little. See if you can have a glass of wine a few times a week and still be making progress. If it's really slow going, keep cutting back the number of drinks until you're satisfied with the level of your results. Of course, if you're wanting to radically transform yourself for a Body for Life challenge, or a tropical vacation, or a big date with a little black dress, forget the alcohol. It's the enemy.
This link has some interesting benefits of not drinking. I remember studying all of these effects some odd years ago. This is short though and definitely worth reading for anyone who needs a boost of encouragement.
I can't post links yet so ill post it. Credit goes to skwigg . com / id54 . html **Note: I am a guy... but all of these effects that she refers to about women apply to men just as well!!
Alcohol & Exercise
Daily alcohol consumption will slow or stop your results. The drawbacks are probably going to far outweigh any health benefits. Your liver can't metabolize alcohol and fat at the same time. It will always get rid of the toxic substance (alcohol) first. That means that as long as there's alcohol in your system you won't be burning any body fat. If you have one or two drinks, you might stall your fat loss for a few hours. If you have quite a few drinks, it might be as long as four days before you're metabolizing fat again.
Drinking also dehydrates you, raises cortisol levels (goodbye muscles), raises estrogen levels (hello hips), lowers inhibitions (pizza anyone?). Combine that with the fact that alcohol promotes abdominal fat storage (of all places!) and it's really not worth it, not even on free day, not if you're serious about making a major transformation.
I personally don't drink alcohol at all. I'm way too freaky about my definition and nothing will wreck your abs faster. I know several women who have a few drinks once a week and they've still achieved their goals. I know other women who if they have even one drink a week can't lose that puffy lower belly or see any definition in their abs. Just how negative the impact is probably depends on your goals, age, activity level, metabolism, and a zillion other things.
If wine with dinner is part of your lifestyle, and you're not in any particular hurry to have abs like a cheese grater, you might experiment a little. See if you can have a glass of wine a few times a week and still be making progress. If it's really slow going, keep cutting back the number of drinks until you're satisfied with the level of your results. Of course, if you're wanting to radically transform yourself for a Body for Life challenge, or a tropical vacation, or a big date with a little black dress, forget the alcohol. It's the enemy.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 471
My complexion is clearer, I wake up guilt-free and feeling good, I'm happier (which was a shock to me--couldn't stop humming today), I'm a better mother, and for the first time in 6 years I feel proud of myself. 
Nights are still a little hard for me, but it's worth it to wake up feeling clear-headed. Good to be sober!
Nights are still a little hard for me, but it's worth it to wake up feeling clear-headed. Good to be sober!
SoberOutlook
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,089
My ADD is significantly reduced. I'm starting to focus and have logical streaming thoughts and conversations without bouncing all over the place. I still go into rooms and wonder why, but each day my mind is getting sharper.
Guest
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 245
More than anything else I have noticed my memory improving significantly.
For quitting smoking, there are lots of "this happens after 30 days, this happens after 60 days, this happens after 90 days, this happens after 1 year" type time lines to illustrate what happens to your body once you quit. I haven't seen one for alcohol...does something like this exist?
For quitting smoking, there are lots of "this happens after 30 days, this happens after 60 days, this happens after 90 days, this happens after 1 year" type time lines to illustrate what happens to your body once you quit. I haven't seen one for alcohol...does something like this exist?
SoberOutlook
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,089
BillStJames:
I'd be interested in "what to expect" as well. The Promises can be found in AAs big book in chapter 6. It is the closest thing I've seen, and it is accurate, as I've experienced during previous sober times in my life. What is says, though, is that the changes occur sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. I see my alcoholism as a soul sickness, as well as a physical and mental problem. I have healed most rapidly when I have humbled myself, and dealt with my shame before God. Why I keep repeating the cycle throughout life is what baffles me...
I'd be interested in "what to expect" as well. The Promises can be found in AAs big book in chapter 6. It is the closest thing I've seen, and it is accurate, as I've experienced during previous sober times in my life. What is says, though, is that the changes occur sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. I see my alcoholism as a soul sickness, as well as a physical and mental problem. I have healed most rapidly when I have humbled myself, and dealt with my shame before God. Why I keep repeating the cycle throughout life is what baffles me...
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 889
Good topic. It's funny you bring it up. I was taking my son to school today and I was drinking a gatoraid this morning. As I took a drink I remember the fury I used to have to drink gatoraid in the mornings when I was hungover. Today I was simply drinking it because I wanted to, not because I have to.
I would say the best change since stopping drinking is how I don't constantly live in shame or guilt. When drinking I was always waiting for the "other shoe to drop". Always looking over my shoulder. Today, I don't do that. There are also physical changes, way less bloated, not constantly belching (holding back puking) in the morning, eating better, etc...
It gets better. Keep up the good work!!!
I would say the best change since stopping drinking is how I don't constantly live in shame or guilt. When drinking I was always waiting for the "other shoe to drop". Always looking over my shoulder. Today, I don't do that. There are also physical changes, way less bloated, not constantly belching (holding back puking) in the morning, eating better, etc...
It gets better. Keep up the good work!!!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: michigan
Posts: 109
I too slept with contacts in more times than I can remember. And I definitely feel and look better because I'm not waking up after a bender craving greasy fatty food and a a gallon of soda. It's amazing all the good things that come along with sobriety.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 232
Originally Posted by nogard 
No feeling so sick I cant move see hear or think.
Feeling ok to bursting out with song dance and joy each morning
Basically feeling ok about me and no longer like a piece of poop on a plate
Feeling ok to bursting out with song dance and joy each morning
Basically feeling ok about me and no longer like a piece of poop on a plate
That whole post just made me feel giddy
Thanks!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 232
Originally Posted by Germanos
Yes, despite the fact that I know how bad alcohol is for me I still drank.
This link has some interesting benefits of not drinking. I remember studying all of these effects some odd years ago. This is short though and definitely worth reading for anyone who needs a boost of encouragement.
I can't post links yet so ill post it. Credit goes to skwigg . com / id54 . html **Note: I am a guy... but all of these effects that she refers to about women apply to men just as well!!
Alcohol & Exercise
Daily alcohol consumption will slow or stop your results. The drawbacks are probably going to far outweigh any health benefits. Your liver can't metabolize alcohol and fat at the same time. It will always get rid of the toxic substance (alcohol) first. That means that as long as there's alcohol in your system you won't be burning any body fat. If you have one or two drinks, you might stall your fat loss for a few hours. If you have quite a few drinks, it might be as long as four days before you're metabolizing fat again.
Drinking also dehydrates you, raises cortisol levels (goodbye muscles), raises estrogen levels (hello hips), lowers inhibitions (pizza anyone?). Combine that with the fact that alcohol promotes abdominal fat storage (of all places!) and it's really not worth it, not even on free day, not if you're serious about making a major transformation.
I personally don't drink alcohol at all. I'm way too freaky about my definition and nothing will wreck your abs faster. I know several women who have a few drinks once a week and they've still achieved their goals. I know other women who if they have even one drink a week can't lose that puffy lower belly or see any definition in their abs. Just how negative the impact is probably depends on your goals, age, activity level, metabolism, and a zillion other things.
If wine with dinner is part of your lifestyle, and you're not in any particular hurry to have abs like a cheese grater, you might experiment a little. See if you can have a glass of wine a few times a week and still be making progress. If it's really slow going, keep cutting back the number of drinks until you're satisfied with the level of your results. Of course, if you're wanting to radically transform yourself for a Body for Life challenge, or a tropical vacation, or a big date with a little black dress, forget the alcohol. It's the enemy.
This link has some interesting benefits of not drinking. I remember studying all of these effects some odd years ago. This is short though and definitely worth reading for anyone who needs a boost of encouragement.
I can't post links yet so ill post it. Credit goes to skwigg . com / id54 . html **Note: I am a guy... but all of these effects that she refers to about women apply to men just as well!!
Alcohol & Exercise
Daily alcohol consumption will slow or stop your results. The drawbacks are probably going to far outweigh any health benefits. Your liver can't metabolize alcohol and fat at the same time. It will always get rid of the toxic substance (alcohol) first. That means that as long as there's alcohol in your system you won't be burning any body fat. If you have one or two drinks, you might stall your fat loss for a few hours. If you have quite a few drinks, it might be as long as four days before you're metabolizing fat again.
Drinking also dehydrates you, raises cortisol levels (goodbye muscles), raises estrogen levels (hello hips), lowers inhibitions (pizza anyone?). Combine that with the fact that alcohol promotes abdominal fat storage (of all places!) and it's really not worth it, not even on free day, not if you're serious about making a major transformation.
I personally don't drink alcohol at all. I'm way too freaky about my definition and nothing will wreck your abs faster. I know several women who have a few drinks once a week and they've still achieved their goals. I know other women who if they have even one drink a week can't lose that puffy lower belly or see any definition in their abs. Just how negative the impact is probably depends on your goals, age, activity level, metabolism, and a zillion other things.
If wine with dinner is part of your lifestyle, and you're not in any particular hurry to have abs like a cheese grater, you might experiment a little. See if you can have a glass of wine a few times a week and still be making progress. If it's really slow going, keep cutting back the number of drinks until you're satisfied with the level of your results. Of course, if you're wanting to radically transform yourself for a Body for Life challenge, or a tropical vacation, or a big date with a little black dress, forget the alcohol. It's the enemy.
Fabuloso...
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Sober Recovery
Posts: 233
Yes, closetextrovert... congrats! I can't wait to get my strength back. When I was 14 I idolized Bruce Lee, and started working out hardcore everyday. I miss all of the strength and not being self conscious of not wearing a shirt.. Buh now I'm a blob of crap I see good things in my near future though.
I see good things in my near future though.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,759
My brain functions well now. My memory works again. I sleep like a baby and wake up rested and (usually) feeling good. I no longer hate myself and wish I were dead.
I take better care of myself and my dogs and we all show it.
My memory works again. I sleep like a baby and wake up rested and (usually) feeling good. I no longer hate myself and wish I were dead.
I take better care of myself and my dogs and we all show it. 
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