I've given up alcohol for January and ......

[sandyballs]

.... I'm full of cold, very spotty, I have greasy lank hair and I feel like pooh . I'm even more convinced that a couple of glasses of good wine a night keeps the bugs away and boosts your immune system.

Just thought I'd share this with you

[unicorn]

you have my sympathies...

I think my body is in shock.. as I haven't had a drink for 6 days now, which is quite unheard of for me!

I am told it does get better.

Here's hoping!

[NomDePlume]

or you may just be detoxifying, sandyballs.

[Piffle]

I gave up in xmas night after a horrid drinking session that has put me off all drink since.
I feel fabulous and watching the excess pounds drop off

[Dinosaur]

I'm having a week off. Couldn't possibly manage a whole month!

Drink loads and loads and loads of filtered water, to speed up the detox process.

That reminds me...

[yoyo]

Do any of you who have given up rather than cut down on alcohol wonder how you'll be when you start drinking again? I read an article by Tracy Emin over Christmas and she said that after stopping for X weeks (can't remember exact number) she binge drank when she started again. I just wondered if it is like other things, eg. when I give up chocolate for a few weeks I find it really hard not to stuff myself with the stuff afterwards.
BTW I am not suggesting that any of you will drink in Emin-like proportions!

[Easy]

Why on earth have you given up alcohol when the weather is cold and the evenings are miserable?

I agree that a glass of wine each day would probably help you feel better.

And guess what, The Times says this whole 'detox' thing is bunkum. And I agree with them.

I shall have my usual glass of red once ds is tucked up tonight.

[blueteddy]

Message withdrawn

[Piffle]

I went to pub with dp on saturday had half a pint of Guinness
he had 3 pints of lager
I simply could not muster the desire for it
I used to drink 2-3 cans of Stella every night or half bottle of wine and was known to get through a bottle on my won on the odd occasion
I had cut down to wine and soda in October November but seriously considered my self to have a drinkign problem a habit rather than an addiction.
Health got me thinking really. liver cirrhosis rates up etc. Not good....

[sandyballs]

Interesting. I won't go back to drinking every night - will limit it to weekends only. I just think life is a bit more enjoyable with wine, but when I said that to DH at the weekend he practically accused of being an alcoholic
in a jokey sort of way. He is also off it for a month but doesn't seem to be taking it seriously -he waved a chilled bottle of pinot at me last night, trying to tempt me , but he didn't succeed!

[Piffle]

easy the same Times that put the GI detox blast diet in the Sunday edition yesterday is it?

[Caligula]

D'you know I think Easy's argument has won me over. She's convinced me I ought to open a bottle of red tonight.

Who says there's no point trying to persuade people who have already made up their minds?

[sandyballs]

Mmmm, a nice glass of red wine .... fire on .... feet up ...... yesterday's newspapers

[Easy]

I am known for my persuasive powers Caligula

[HRHQueenOfQuelNoel]

It wasn't just The Times - it was in lots of the papers, and on the news too that detox is a load of bunkum

[puddle]

Well I've given up for January - and have almost done a week. I feel a lot better but it did take a few days. I think if you can stick to one glass a night you're ok. The problem I had was it became more like three glasses and more often than not.

I am staying off it this month and when I start again will limit to weekends.

[Albert]

I did this last year - gave up for 1 month then only drank at the weekends. I lost 2kgs and felt fantastic. A year on I drink a glass of wine most nights, haven't put the weight back on but don't feel quite so energetic.

[Beetrootfultoyourself]

i have given up alcohol too ands have been fighting a cold. You will feel better soon

[Beetrootfultoyourself]

How is everyuone doing? I am fine, a box of wine delivered today and was not tempted int he least.

[CountessDracula]

I feel fine! Am sitting looking at a rack heaving with fine wines and am not tempted (oh well ok I am but am not giving in )

[melrose]

I had given up too, but DH gone to crickt ER on sky+ and a new series of the OC at 9.....where 's that bloody corkscrew.....

[Piffle]

I still feel fab, not tempted at all, have lost the drive to drink
Am seeing my belly melting away is really quite worthwhile by product of tee totalling!
Had one pint of Guinness when out t'other night, enjoyed first half of it....

[Beetrootfultoyourself]

wish my tummy was melting away

[zoech]

I've given up for 2 weeks, 4 days in so far. The best thing for me is I sleep really well, far better than when I've been drinking. Can't wait for that celebratory glass a week on Friday....

[unicorn]

I am not really missing it, amazing really as I was drinking every night.

Didn't even succumb when dh opened a bottle of red- in front of me can you believe!?!

Have lost a few pounds so thats an incentive too.

Good luck everyone, keep at it.