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Original poster

Giving up alcohol for vanity?

403 replies

VanityWitch · 04/12/2020 09:24

So, I'm thinking of going teetotal, yes, for my health, but mainly because I am terribly vain and my skin is crap at the moment and my sleep quality is also crap. I don't drink much, as in, I tend to only drink at weekends plus one week night, so Friday, Saturday and Sunday or Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, for example. Usually one or two glasses of wine. Not bucketfuls, but not thimbles either! So I guess that is a bottle of wine a week?

I'm sure by MN standards this makes me either a raging alcoholic or a puritanical stick in the mud, but you know.

Anyway, I'm planning to quit as an experiment, to see if I glow!

Is anyone thinking of doing similar? Would anyone like to join me on here to document our journey to glowage?

OP posts:
Rollergirl11 · 06/12/2020 10:14

I gave up the evil alcohol almost 4 years ago after being really ill with an infection in my gallbladder. The doctors said I should not drink alcohol for 3 to 6 months to give my body a chance to recover. After the 6 months I just carried on with it. It is honestly the best thing that I have ever done. I lost weight. My skin is bright, clear and younger looking. I sleep well. But most importantly I no longer have the anxiety or the angst that I experienced daily when I was regularly drinking. It is incredibly liberating not having to think about booze in any way shape or form and frees up a lot of headspace to concentrate on healthier and more rewarding past times. When all of the crutches you use are stripped away you can finally see the real you, if that makes sense. Can’t recommend more!

Good luck!

Oh, one thing I think I that really helps is to find “your drink”. I discovered that I really like ginger beer. The fieryness of the ginger is quite a good substitute for spirits. When I’m on nights out or on holiday or whatever or just fancy a “drink” I will often have apple juice and ginger beer with lime. Could almost be mistaken for a vodka. I also tend to drink virgin mojito’s or other mocktaiks when I’m out with others. Most if the time people just assume that I’m drinking as you can’t tell.

Rollergirl11 · 06/12/2020 10:19

There is a lot of stigma attached to people that DON’T drink. People are wary if you’re not drinking on a night out and there’s the implication that you’re no fun if you’re not drinking. It’s probably one of the trickier aspects of giving up the booze, the expectation from others to have a drink!

Smellbellina · 06/12/2020 10:21

I have been slowly pondering over just this for a couple of weeks now. Had a couple of vodka and oranges last night so this is my day 1.
Let the glow begin!

ProfessorInkling · 06/12/2020 10:31

What timing for this thread to appear, have been pondering the same. I used to drink white wine, and when lockdown started I was drinking a glass or two every night. I was able to go back to weeeknds only/maybe a drink in the week, switched to red as slightly better for me (IBD) but actually now I kind of feel fed up with it. I want to wake up with more energy, maybe even exercise at the weekends, and generally just feel better. I should eat a strict diet for my IBD symptoms but I often let that go because I figure I’m drinking wine so what’s the point in restricting other things. I’d like to sleep better.

I’m sure I will drink over Christmas though, what about you OP and others? I dunno, maybe by then the idea won’t appeal.

Original poster
VanityWitch · 06/12/2020 10:57

I'm not planning to drink over Christmas, but I'm lucky that I don't have anyone boozy coming this year. We are only having one guest, who doesn't really drink. Dh isn't likely to drink until the kids are in bed, so there won't be much temptation.

OP posts:
TheHoundsofLove · 06/12/2020 11:08

I‘m thinking about this too. I never drink in the week, but do end up having half a bottle of red wine Friday, Saturday and Sunday...and maybe the odd cocktail too. The main thing for me is that I don’t sleep brilliantly anyway, but definitely notice my sleep is even worse on the nights that I do drink. I will definitely do dry January as have done it the past couple of years and really felt better for it, but am considering carrying it on afterwards... I can’t imagine myself never drinking again, especially as I do love a good red wine with a meal, but definitely think that every weekend is too much! When I’ve done dry January before, I‘ve really noticed how much brighter my skin and eyes look, so that’s a big motivator too!

Separatedandabitsad · 06/12/2020 11:18

Yeah I’ll do Dry January too. I’ll be drinking a bit over Christmas. I did Dry September this year to reduce stress and I’ll admit I didn’t notice any dramatic changes & the acne rages on but I’ve a feeling it’d take longer than a month to see the difference for me.

Original poster
VanityWitch · 06/12/2020 11:35

Found this for inspiration!

www.hipsobriety.com/home/2017/8/20/yes-alcohol-is-making-you-look-like-shit

Obviously, that is quite one sided, and I know before and after photos can be misleading, but still.

I am giving it a minimum of 6 months. It just seems like a good length of time to get out of the habit and to see any benefits or major drawbacks. Obviously, I'm hoping for more benefits and zero drawbacks but you know. 6 months isn't the end of the world. I've done it before with pregnancies. Even if I find there aren't any great benefits, it won't hurt to try it for that length of time.

OP posts:
Separatedandabitsad · 06/12/2020 11:37

Yeah I’d say 6 months is what’s needed. I honestly didn’t notice any difference after over a month ... but I know others do. Increasing water at the same time will help.

I commend you for giving it up over Christmas. Not a chance I’ll manage that but January for sure! Grin

FPS123 · 06/12/2020 11:39

I don’t think it’s vain to want to look healthy. Go for it! And let us know how you get on.

Original poster
VanityWitch · 06/12/2020 11:43

@FPS123

I don’t think it’s vain to want to look healthy. Go for it! And let us know how you get on.
Will do Xmas Grin! Consider me your sobriety guinea pig!
OP posts:
lentilsforlunch · 06/12/2020 11:58

As a former teetotaller who has been drinking a little since wfh (one glass a night) I can definitely confirm I look worse for it...

Original poster
VanityWitch · 06/12/2020 12:06

It is a bit unfair I think. I can think of people who drink a lot and still look amazing.

I was also just pondering how, while I don't drink an awful lot, I feel as if I have to consciously limit myself. It isn't like food, where I automatically feel full and, (usually, unless it is a real treat meal), stop eating. It's the opposite with wine. I have one glass and I have to really forced myself not to have another. So, I don't think that is really moderating is it? It's drinking less, but not because I don't want to have that second glass. There are proper alcoholics in my extended family, so maybe I do have that genetic predisposition.

OP posts:
Separatedandabitsad · 06/12/2020 12:37

I have alcoholics in my extended family top. I imagine most people do. If you were only drinking one bottle of wine per week I wouldn’t worry too much @VanityWitch

Separatedandabitsad · 06/12/2020 12:37

**too

Original poster
VanityWitch · 06/12/2020 12:38

True!

OP posts:
Ynwa12345 · 06/12/2020 16:41

Thanks for the welcome @VanityWitch! I found it soooo hard when DH drinks which is why I ended up succumbing! I know tho it's no excuse as I have done it before so can do it again! Saying that i normally work sundays and didn't today so we went for a pub lunch and of course wine was shared... I was so full and bloated after eating a massive roast and pudding I thought what was the point of drinking! My DH has come home and.opened a bottle of wine... I'm not having any don't feel like it!!! But the sleep oh the sleep I want it back don't know why. I'm finding it so hard not to drink... I'm thinking should I join the gym etc but with school. Hols coming up don't see the point but I'm thinking I would love to be addicted to exercise instead !!!

Original poster
VanityWitch · 06/12/2020 16:51

Oh yes, I wish I was as enthusiastic about exercise as I am about food and drink! Oh well. I'm thinking of starting C25K (again). I started during the last lockdown and keep meaning go back to it. They do say that when heavy drinkers quit, they sometimes get a big burst of energy. I don't know if that will happen to a not so heavy drinker though...

OP posts:
Separatedandabitsad · 06/12/2020 16:58

C25K has a lot of positive reviews. The endorphin rush from running must be something else (or so I’ve heard Grin)

soberfabulous · 06/12/2020 17:01

Do it OP! I'm almost three years no booze and it is incredible the effect on my face. Deflated, even skin tone, years younger.

Yes I did nail the sugar a bit at the start and still do sometimes. But I'm thinner and in better shape than before as I no longer ever have a hangover and so can exercise more.

Also that liquid poison (ethanol) isn't going into the system which helps a lot Smile

Separatedandabitsad · 06/12/2020 17:04

Good for you @soberfabulous Smile

Ynwa12345 · 06/12/2020 17:34

Well done at @soberfabulous. I've downloaded the naked mind but just can't bring myself to read I'm not sure why!!!!

Separatedandabitsad · 06/12/2020 17:36

@Ynwa12345

I’m the same! I’m just not ready yet

Original poster
VanityWitch · 06/12/2020 17:45

My kindle has broken sadly. Maybe I'll buy a paperback if anyone can recommend!

@soberfabulous well done to you and everyone else on this thread who has given up / is in the process of giving up the booze!

OP posts:
formerbabe · 06/12/2020 17:49

I don't drink...not entirely tee total...I probably have a couple of glasses of wine a year. Last time I had a drink was in August on holiday. I'm quite fat...I'm am eater more than a drinker! I'm 40 next year...I don't think I look it. I know women much younger than me who enjoy a drink and their skin looks older than mine.