Dry January - anyone doing this?

I have yet to find an alcoholic drink that tastes better than a cup of tea, so no need for cutting out the booze.
I AM trying to lose weight, by eating sensibly, but this cold, miserable weather erodes my willpower. Seeing hot cross buns in Asda already didn't help, either. I couldn't resist buying some! How many calories are there in 6 buns + butter? Maybe I should sign up for CrumblessJanuary!

What have "social things" to do with not drinking alcohol?

Yes I started on dec 31st the first time forever I haven’t drank on New Years Eve! I am on holiday too so more of s challenge as we are out for dinner every night. I downloaded the app DRINK LESS on my phone 6 months ago and it’s so good to help you cut down.. my plan is dry January... dry February and do on. I’m not a big drinker but it creeps up and I have decided to see if I can kick the habit.

mbon1 I can enjoy social occasions with or without alcohol. Too much alcohol is not healthy I agree but I think if you can just have one or two glasses on a special occasion.. generally no harm done.

My resolutions do not start until 1st Feb because we still have a house full of Xmas goodies, chocolates, wine etc etc. No good trying to give up stuff when it’s staring you in the face and saying yum yum drink me. It will be gone by Feb and we don’t buy alcohol on a regular basis so dry Feb for me will be better.

Reminds me of 'Twelfth Night':-

'Dost thou think because thou art virtuous
There shall be no more cakes and ale?'

Cakes and ale for me!

I did the 'Sober for October' Macmillan fund raiser, a couple of years ago and found it really hard. Much harder than I imagined it would be! However, after the first 2 weeks or so it did get easier and when the 1st November came, I sat looking at a nice glass of cold Stella in the pub and honestly I didn't actually fancy it! I can't face January without the odd glass of red or a cold Peroni with a curry, but I am trying to limit drinks to just the weekend. Good luck to anyone who is attempting 'Dry January'.

The secret is not to give up anything completely and thus torture yourself ..but to be very aware of when something is taking over as a crutch.
So with diets just cut back don’t deny...same with alcohol.. try the 4:3 approach for both..it’s not easy but better than abstinence..which makes the craving stronger in my opinion. Be honest with yourself why you are doing it.. I love wine ..I have a dependance on it as it’s a instant release from all my problems.. but I Dont want to become a functioning alcoholic. My partner gets v defensive when. I suggest all of the above..and that’s a bad sign ..mind you he’s being treated for prostate cancer so that gives you different outlook on life.. cheers( it’s Saturday !)

Every month for me is 'dry' i just dont drink. Oh, apart for one small glass of sherry onXmas Eve whilst watching the carols on tv.That is only 'cos it is a tradition. So boring i know but i really dont want to take the chance that i might enjoy it and become addicted to it.

I am having a cake, biscuit and sweet free January instead

Sorry I meant to add, my strategy was to buy THE most expensive soft drinks. M&S do some sparkling juice in rather exotic fruit flavours in a wine type bottle with a cork! Non alcoholic of course, but it still felt like a treat. Sadly I didnt ever manage to find anything decent to drink when we went out eating or at the pub that wasnt sickly sweet. I ended up drinking lime and soda mostly, but after a couple of those you just feel awash with liquid and slightly queasy!

Barmeyoldbat - That sounds far more doable!

I'm doing the opposite. I am normally mainly teetotal with the very occasional sip of Porter if I find any. This year though, I received 15 bottles of various Porters and they'll go off if I don't drink them in January.

This is the time of year I struggle to stay cheery sooo No! I have a few lovely bottles my favourite liqueur ( Christmas gifts). These will sustain me until spring arrives

There may have been a time when it might have been a good idea but, these days, I can take or leave alcohol. I do know some people who are doing it but they are still working and their social lives are more hectic than mine.
I had a glass of champagne on Thursday with my posh restaurant afternoon tea. I enjoyed it and felt no guilt whatsoever.

I am perfectly happy with Adam's Ale when driving or if I don't fancy a glass of wine. But a fab sauvignon is as welcome as a great chocolate or delicious piece of fruit when you are looking to spoil yourself. A little of what you fany does you good! ?

Not having a dry January but a bread-free one! My daughter did it for a months and lost 8.3 cms from her circumference.

At my age, 95, there are few pleasures left and I enjoy my glass of Guiness with my lunch and drop of wine with my dinner so amcertainly not giving them up.

Not doing a dry January as my birthday is in the middle of the month, but am planning a dry Lent !

Good for you Bijou. "A little bit of what you fancy does you good"!
My 103 year old aunt has a glass of wine every night at 8pm and often offers me a sherry at mid day ?

I am planning to do Flabuary, Starch and Cakepril...

Can’t be done as I am still drinking the contents of my fabulous gib advent calendar ?

It may sound daft, but a nutritionist advised me to have sparkling water with squeezed lime and a slice, as a replacement drink. It worked very well for me as it ‘feels’ like a proper drink, no sugar, and actually quite good for you. Give it a try! I’ve got a cup of tea tonight though as I’ve just overdone it on birthday cake!!

Piitcity -that made me laugh outloud and startle the cat !

Going to attempt it for the first time, Susied. OH has done dry months before and always amazed me with his willpower! We started our dry month on Jan 2nd but today we both seem to be starting with colds, a nice hot toddy would have gone down a treat!