My Month Off The Ale

[Ousetunes]

Decided a week ago that January 2007 would be a good month to abstain from one of my favourite pastimes: Drinking.

 

It isn't the first time I've done this; I managed it in 2000 and again a couple of years back. Thus, if I manage it again, it'll be the third Dry Month I've had since February 1986 when I ventured into the York Hotel, Broomhill for the very first time. From then on, there was no looking back; the pub played (and still does) a most central part of my life.

 

It's not that I go out an awful lot these days, but usually the family gets to a pub or two at the weekend and even if we don't, there's usually beers in the fridge. My average intake of beer a week would be about 20 pints but this can be as much as 30. It depends.

 

I've so far managed a week off. No problems although you notice it most at the weekends. Saturday night, actually, from when I get home from work at 4.15, it's usually a chilled bottle from the fridge and that continues till bedtime. So it was just a little bit tricky eating a curry without a beer at hand. And gosh, aren't Sundays long days?!

 

Will I manage it? Is anyone out there doing the same thing? Am I being sensible or plain boring?! I am looking forward to next week when I'll feel the benefits. My liver dries out and I can actually feel it feeling different in my body.

 

Personally I'm already feeling better, sleeping better and I look a bit healthier (although the added exercise regime might have more to do with that). I should also be about £400 better off by the end of the month but I doubt whether I'll see any of it.

 

What do you think, folks?

[BasilRathbon]

It's something I'm tempted to do myself, but whilever there's beer in the fridge and an excellent off-licence up the road, the temptation's too great.

[cloudybay]

I gave up sex in 1867..................men these days !

[muddycoffee]

I did the same thing a few years ago. Spent the whole of January dry, and refused to go into a pub for a whole month. Some of my friends thought I was a bit selfish my refusing to join them in the pub, but I realise that now It was them being selfish refusing to spend time with me sober.

 

I remember losing a bit of weight and not being as broke as I usually am at the end of January.

To be perfectly honest I usually drink a little less in January as a matter of course, by way of detoxing a little after the festivities of December.

 

I would say that my main problem these days is binge drinking. I would rather not go to the pub at all if I can only have a couple of pints. I normally drink so fast that 10 minute pints are my MO.

[georgiegirl]

So far I have lasted 5 days and am feeling good. I haven't been dieting or exercising yet but have lost 4 pounds in weight from cutting out the booze alone!

[D2J]

£400 a month on booze?!? That is quite a bit of alcohol you consume there mate.

 

Friday 5th Jan was the first drink I had since 22nd Dec. I can go for weeks, even months with alcohol and don't drink tea or coffee at all.

 

Keep up the good work mate After 2 months you can afford a nice holiday

[Clare85]

Good for you, but I don't see the point unless you abuse alcohol.

 

My friend gave up same time, but guaranteed he'll be asking me out this weekend.

[muddycoffee]

So far I have lasted 5 days and am feeling good. I haven't been dieting or exercising yet but have lost 4 pounds in weight from cutting out the booze alone!

 

 

Hi Georgiegirl,

Welcome to sheffield forum,

 

I have thought about this a lot in the past, and from my own experience, I think that many people owe much of their beer bellies to the amount of extra food they consume after drinking.

 

I have known a few people who are really obese, and despite drinking alot, the real difference is they all go to the chippy, the chinese or the curry house after they have been out for a drinking session. I am convinced that the appetite that the booze gives for these extra meals are the real culprit.

 

I also know some people who are massive drinkers, who spend the whole of the weekend in the pub, but the difference is they haven't got in the habit of eating too much, and they are extremely skinny.

[Ousetunes]

Just to add that that £400 figure is a general 'going out' figure which includes the wife and kids. As I've mentioned before, we tend to eat out a lot (too much) so it's easy to spend this kind of money a month.

 

Muddycoffee makes a valid point. I've known people who've spent practically their lives in the pub. Some had huge beer bellies but you always got the one that was as thin as a stick.

 

Incredibly, all those who spring to mind are in fact dead, none of them seeing much beyond 50 (I kid you not). That's why the Rising Sun in Nethegreen is so quiet!!

[mikeG]

Ousetunes and Muddycoffee,

 

Interesting points. I was going to have a dry January. I emphasise the word 'was'. However, it was the pub quiz last night and sitting there for 3 hours drinking draught coke at £2.30 a pint goes very much against the grain.

So I had 5 pints of Bass red label instead. Very nice too.

I probably won't have another until next Monday, as, like Muddy, I'm useless at having 'just a couple'. If I can't drink until I've had enough, I have nowt.

 

The York Hotel Ousetunes. In the early 60's I moved from Crosspool to Fulwood and for a few months, on a Friday night I used to bus it from Fulwood to Broomhill and call in the York for a pint of Stones. Then I'd get the bus up to the Sportsman in Crosspool. Walk home later. Old mate of mine Mick Twigg, goes in the York. Age 63, balding grey hair, 5ft 10 ish.

If you see him, tell him not to forget Chester races on May 9th.

 

So this year I aim to have 5 dry days every week. I also aim to make sure I enjoy the 2 wet days.