Ever since I found out 4 drinks was a binge I've been trying to cut back. I do struggle with this and miss my 2-3 glasses of wine at night if I don't have them. The more I try cut back, the more I see I must of had a problem with alcohol. It's still a work in progress.

Not to worry, I can take the attacks - although they were completely uncalled for in my opinion also. So now I'm in Phase 3 and I have had the occasional wine here and there. It's pretty interesting how my taste buds have changed and how my body reacts. Once glass is enough and if I have a second, I'm very tipsy. My husband says at least I'm cheaper now I like my expensive dry reds so basically cutting back almost paid for this diet on a weekly basis!

I'm sure a lot more people struggle with this than are willing to admit it. They are just afraid of the backlash.

In hindsight, I see that those 2 glasses did make a difference in how I slept, how I woke up and my energy level. I'm hoping that by hitting the reset button I can easily stay to that 1 glass now as I do believe in the health benefits of a glass of red.

Keep me posted on your journey and if you need encouragement, I'll give it

I'm certainly in control - I'm simply curious as to others thoughts/views/challenges, etc.

I find the topic interesting because it seems very black and white - and it's not.

I'm yet another 2 glasses of wine per day chick (we should probably start a Winos group!)

I acquired the habit of drinking after work 40 years ago and it certainly contributed to a steady weight gain. As my weight increased, I could tolerate more alcohol without feeling impaired or suffering from hangovers. I knew that it was dangerous with the medication that I was taking but I habitually consumed gin & diet tonic during "happy hour" AND wine for dinner.

I'm lucky that I was able to stop the gin habit cold-turkey earlier this year (I was also able to stop smoking, cold-turkey, about 20 years ago) but I feel for people who can't. No one deserves to be criticized for actions that are beyond their control, including an addiction to food. Most of us are on these boards because we are (or were) guilty of that.

As for the wine, I did cut back to 2 glasses per day but an expensive dry red with dinner is still a pleasure that I am willing to compensate for. I am mindful of the cost in terms of both $ and calories so I'm motivated to keep things to within limits. So far my weight loss has been fairly steady. I also have a plan to cut down to 1 glass with dinner if that should change.

I'm convinced that the best method of weight loss is to find a plan that you can stick to for life. Feeling deprived only reinforces the thought that weight control is temporary and once at goal, you can go back to being "normal" again. I know I have to add my glass (or two) of wine into my plan. It means that I have to compensate (more exercise, less food) but it is all about accepting the consequences.

I'll get off my soap-box now...