I can now say that I have succeeded in a major New Year's Resolution. I have managed from the 2nd January to now, the 2nd February, without drinking any alcohol. Other than some white wine going into some casseroles I've made in the month, a drop of alcohol has not touched my lips. It's been J20s with friends rather than cider, and at the two events I've been to - a book signing and a bike opening - I've opted for the non-alcoholic options and stuck to it.
So what are my thoughts on being alcohol free for a month? Well I'm sure it's done me some good but I don't appear to have lost any weight. I think the biggest thing I have noticed is the fallacy about the cost of non-alcoholic drink. A J20 at the SU bar where I work sells the drink at £1.60 for a bottle, which comes in at just under half a pint. They sell pints for c. £2.40 which makes J20s considerably more expensive and, because they are easier to drink, don't last half as long. One of the bar staff - thanks Josh - did once make me a Bradford Sunrise using cranberry juice, orange juice and Grenadine which was larger and cheaper but this is a luxury not always available.
Also, non-alcoholic drinks are boring. There must be a fun way to spice up these drinks. J20s are hardly the J-Lo of juices and even non-alcoholic cocktails are bland.
Elsewhere from drink I've started cooking more using my slow cooker and that's meant much tastier meals, and I've been consciously eating more fruit and vegetables and making my own lunch rather than buying it at work, which has helped the bank balance, but it does mean getting up earlier in the morning to prep and, alongside shopping, it all adds up, and when living on your own it can be, paradoxically, more expensive to eat healthily as you have to buy the same variety of things no matter the portion size. But I've enjoyed cooking different things.
Overall I wouldn't say I feel any healthier or more energetic but hopefully the absence of alcohol and takeaways has done me some good. And though I do miss a pint with friends or a nice sherry or glass of wine before sunday dinner, I've not found myself craving alcohol; I was never a big drinker anyway.
I'm going to continue being alcohol-free for a while anyway, see how it goes. I think I've proven that I have the will-power, lets see if it equates to being healthier.
Positive of not drinking alcohol
Better for my health
Clearer mind
No chance of drunk texting
Negatives of drinking alcohol
It's more expensive for soft drinks
Soft drinks are boring
Conversation doesn't flow quite as well
Saturday 2 February 2013
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