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I stopped drinking for about 8 weeks last year and it seemed to have absolutely no benefits from a health, energy or mind set perspective. Actually just took away one of the small pleasures in life -from both the 'buzz' and the social side.
Maybe that is just because I don't drink that much anyway - only really on a Friday and Saturday evening.
I stopped drinking for about 8 weeks last year and it seemed to have absolutely no benefits from a health, energy or mind set perspective.
Yes, I did that when we were trying to conceive some 17 years ago – I didn't touch a drop for about a year. I didn't lose weight, my skin looked no better, I didn't sleep any better, and I didn't feel any better in any way, shape or form. However, I do acknowledge that I need to cut down on my present consumption 😐
But I don't sleep any better or feel any more energised!
Same here, I was advised not to drink while I am on Amitriptyline for neuropathic pain, so I stopped.
I was expecting some difference but no--what's annoying though is the drug makes me thirsty!
The booze substitute for me is to have a glass of Tesco's apple juice and ginger mixed with slimline tonic water, the latter gives a drier sensation so less sweet, I did try Leffe zero but it was too full of sugar and Guinness zero is good but a whole can has me up all night needing the loo :-/ the joys of getting old!
Before I stopped, I was getting through a bottle of scotch every two weeks or so, I'd have a drop every night. I don't miss it.
You weren't drinking enough 17 years ago. I hit 18 months sober at the end of June. I don't even think about having a drink now, which is very different to wanting one for pretty much any reason before I stopped. Good day? Drink. Bad day? Drink. It all seems so ridiculous now.
Aaand I have just had a large case of Guinness 0.0 delivered 🙂
I stopped drinking for about 8 weeks last year and it seemed to have absolutely no benefits from a health, energy or mind set perspective. Actually just took away one of the small pleasures in life -from both the 'buzz' and the social side.
Maybe that is just because I don't drink that much anyway - only really on a Friday and Saturday evening.
Never post sensible stuff like that on the Dry January thread. You'll be accused of coming across all arrogant and stuff.
Aye, indeed !
I did Dry January last year, ended up being dry Feb & March too. I lost 8Kg over that time which is quite embarrassing as I didn't really change anything else diet or exercise-wise.
People say Dry January is a waste of time if you aren't fully quitting, but for me at least it *really* made me consider my relationship with alcohol. I absolutely don't need to buy a couple of fancy Belgian beers just because it's Friday. Turns out the park run or a Saturday ride are very easy to get up for!
@elray89 I have to agree with that. Ok, it's only been a couple of weeks for me, but not drinking at the weekends and/or having a cheeky beer in the evening by the fire has really forced me to realise how much it impacts my training, sleep and general fitness.
I might not continue past january, but I might and I very much will have a changed perspective on my relationship with beer.
Btw, I have not done a weight-in yet, but I was able to train for six days last week without feeling shattered and I for sure feel like I am losing weight.
@elray89 I have to agree with that. Ok, it's only been a couple of weeks for me, but not drinking at the weekends and/or having a cheeky beer in the evening by the fire has really forced me to realise how much it impacts my training, sleep and general fitness.
I might not continue past january, but I might and I very much will have a changed perspective on my relationship with beer.
Btw, I have not done a weight-in yet, but I was able to train for six days last week without feeling shattered and I for sure feel like I am losing weight.
WRT weight loss - I was actually quite amazed. I'm not even 40 yet and I was starting to look a bit "middle age spread" which has thankfully reversed. Feel way fitter these days, and actually make progress in training. My wife says my skin looks better as well, and my eyes are more blue?! (can't say I pay attention to that myself).
I've been DryAnuary with my last drink on the 2nd with family we'd not seen for a while. It was a biggish session, so starting on the 3rd was welcome.
Since starting my HRV and sleep quality have improved noticeably, and TrainerRoad workouts have suddenly become easier.
I did Jan - March last year, and noticed the sleep and HRV improvements, but not the easier TR sessions.
I'll keep it going longer this year. I like a beer (or two) but waking up much clearer headed in something that is actually a great feeling, and easier TR sessions mean I might manage a couple of bucket list rides come the summer.
I do find the LA beer a bit of a nawse, so it's tonic water for me mostly if i want something as an occassion. I did get some Days 0.0% over the weekend, and that was pretty good.
Good thread resurrection 😁. I had planned to do it again this year, but a lot of life crap got in the way, so starting it this week !
I've been DryAnuary with my last drink on the 2nd with family we'd not seen for a while. It was a biggish session, so starting on the 3rd was welcome.
Since starting my HRV and sleep quality have improved noticeably, and TrainerRoad workouts have suddenly become easier.
I did Jan - March last year, and noticed the sleep and HRV improvements, but not the easier TR sessions.
I'll keep it going longer this year. I like a beer (or two) but waking up much clearer headed in something that is actually a great feeling, and easier TR sessions mean I might manage a couple of bucket list rides come the summer.
I do find the LA beer a bit of a nawse, so it's tonic water for me mostly if i want something as an occassion. I did get some Days 0.0% over the weekend, and that was pretty good.
I'm in the same boat. If I am not drinking I just drink fizzy water or something...NA beers always feel a bit empty. I don't even like the Guinness one that much.
But - apparently Days Lager is made from scratch as a NA drink, rather than a stripped out regular beer. I think it's really nice and tastes pretty unique.