January 2015 - No Alcohol Challenge!

And while I'm on a roll with 'how to lose friends and alienate people'....what is it with people who never or rarely drink joining this challenge? If you NEVER drink anyway or only have a glass of wine a few times a year then giving up alcohol for January is not a challenge for you. You may think you are being supportive but you are not...what you are doing is being smug and mocking those of us who really need/want to do this. A challenge is something that is difficult and needs determination to accomplish....so maybe a different challenge would be better for those of you who can take or leave the booze.....no chocolate/cake/cheese/whatever your weakness is.

I know I sound a little serious and strict about this whole challenge but that's because I need to do this....my drinking has been getting gradually worse for years and it got to the stage where every stressful day saw me opening the wine....and that was often 5 or 6 days a week. Then December 2014 was a right off with barely an alcohol free day....so my husband and I decided we needed the whole of January off to re-set, give our livers a well needed break and develop a healthier attitude towards drinking.

I've been trying to lose weight for years and booze has always been my downfall....and I've used every excuse in the book to let myself off the hook for being overweight and for my bad habits. But, January 1st was a fresh start for me and I am serious about losing weight and a big part of that is this month off the booze.

So, take my comments anyway you wish but if you are not serious about this challenge or if you really don't need to do it then do the rest of us a favour and let us get on with it.

Thank you, notcorky!!!! I was beginning to feel like the big bad wolf.....but I had a feeling that some people may feel the same about this challenge as I do.....and I just needed to say something.

Well done on your 17 days....I'm on day 21 and that's my longest dry period (other than during my pregnancies) for years and years....maybe even most of my adult life.

I have recently quit drinking. I have chosen to quit for many reasons, but weight loss was/is a big motivator. I was a daily drinker. And had been for many years. Only a couple of drinks a day....but every day. Vodka and water and Mio was my favorite, because it's so low in calories. However, after one drink, I was a little bit less accountable. After 2 drinks, I didn't have an accountable bone in my body. I haven't had a drink in 2and 1/2 weeks and I feel great. AND...with only a small amount of exercise and staying within my calories... I've dropped 5 lbs. Good luck to everyone!!

PS... looking for new friends with similar goals. Feel free to add me.

TavistockToad wrote: »

I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying it, but I always find it rather alarming when people cannot manage a month without drinking.

I agree....and that's why I am doing this. I don't want to be the type of person who can't go without booze for a month....but the fact is that I was that person. I like red wine...in fact, I love it! But, I don't want to slip into alcoholism then have to join AA and give up for life simply because I can't go a month/week/day without it. It's a slippery slope. And that's why I'm being so strict with myself....and maybe I've been a bit harsh on those who have slipped up.

Yup, lets do this!!!

Day 19 here! Love my red wine too, this has been a big challenge for me, I drink every weekend as well. I have lost a few lbs and I know it's because of the drinking for the most part. Great job everyone!!

22 days here. I've found no alcoholic beer to be a good replacement some weekends. Becks blue is the best if you're in the UK. It's weird what alcohol can connote to you... Just one sip of something that TASTES like beer (but isn't) and my body reacts like "oh, so I can relax now?" It's weird.

Doing a vegan January too so there's a double challenge!

Day 23: Friday - the hardest day! This is our 4th alcohol free Friday. Good Luck everyone!

I rarely drink alcohol now and I'm still having a hard time losing weight... I need a month free of sweets and bread more like it.

I am generally a wow it's been a hard day at work ill will have 1,2,3 large glasses of wine girl, but this yr I decided one to stay in and not go out partying New Year's Eve which resulted in me not drinking at all and then have just carried on, I have more energy for the gym more money in my purse and a massive feeling of pride in myself.

JohnH71 wrote: »

Day 18 for me, and my third Friday. Still getting my mates texting me photo's of the guest beer at my local pub, but I'm not tempted. I don't think I've been this long without any beer whatsoever since I started drinking the stuff ~ I've had periods where I've cut down to a few pints a week, but never total abstinence. I'm seriously considering extending it a bit.

Ha ha literally just got a text off my friends who have gone away for the weekend with a bottle of wine in the pic. I sent one back of some paracetamol and happy hangover.

I have 3 teenage boys & work hard. I REALLY enjoy being able to come home from stressful days, send boys off, put my feet up and enjoy my cocktail hr! I do however know this does effect my weight loss

Well, another weekend is almost over and again I found myself with a glass of pinot grigio in my hand after supper last night. Still an improvement.. I nursed it all night and it was budgeted for in my calorie allowance. I am trying not to feel guilty about it but reality is if I can do it forever it is not going to work. I cannot and will not go without indulging in a glass of wine every once in a while..
Here is to another week....

It struck me today that we are almost to the end! It has really flown by, and I've actually enjoyed it! Don't get me wrong, I'm totally gonna have a glass of wine on February 1st, but I'm so happy (and kind of proud of me!) that we've done this for a whole month!

The end of the tunnel is in sight just 6 more days so well done everyone who has stuck to it