https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:01:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2338739 Sat, 16 Sep 2023 01:16:31 +0000 DonnaF 2338739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been an interesting read. I didn’t know about the link between alcohol and peri menopause and migraines. A poll of my women’s group revealed that a number of them can no longer tolerate alcohol. We’ve been meeting for lunch versus dinner, so the absence of wine as a beverage choice wasn’t really apparent. I’m a light/moderate drinker and don’t get red and have never been in situations where I have been pressured to drink. Lucky I guess. Plus, I know quite a few folks who are recovering alcoholics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2338531 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:49:32 +0000 Helena 2338531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, that's it ... once I found an "adult" drink to enjoy that didn't have alcohol, that was the end of alcohol ... I like the experience but not the effect of alcoholic drinks so it was a net gain for me! Hooray for choices! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2337996 Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:29:48 +0000 Jenn 2337996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a little late to the party, but I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your article, Helena.&nbsp;</p> <p>Kevin and I rarely drink anymore because of various medications and we've begun exploring the world of alcohol alternatives. There's so much out there now! There's even a non-alcoholic bottle shop near us. For me, a lot of the allure of drinking comes from the interesting flavor combinations, and the rise of mocktails has opened up so many options! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2336102 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:39:30 +0000 marija 2336102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, I did the same almost 9 months ago. &nbsp;I was having so many hot flashes, not sleeping, cranky… ugh. &nbsp;And then I realized that I was annoyed ALL.THE.TIME. &nbsp;Annoyed with everyone! &nbsp;And when one is annoyed, well, they become annoying themselves. &nbsp;I was never much of a drinker, and then during Covid I drank more and more. It was slow, but a fast change. &nbsp;Anyway, I’m done with that. &nbsp; So, my sleep is great now and no more hot flashes! &nbsp;(I’ve also started exercising - weight lifting!). I have way more energy and I’m much happier. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for sharing your story. It’s always nice to know I am not alone. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2336100 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 23:45:13 +0000 judy 2336100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh good for you!&nbsp; I read and enjoyed your article too.&nbsp; Very well said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>In the last year, I've switched to be more alcohol free.&nbsp; Now I buy the NA beers from Athletic Brewing company and also the Guinness.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I've had migraines also and what made the most difference to not having them was to give up caffeine completely.&nbsp; I resisted doing it for years!&nbsp; I loved my black tea.&nbsp; But in the last 8? years since going strictly herbal (and yes it's boring), no decaf, no green tea, absolutely zero caffeine, it has really helped.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2336085 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:21:34 +0000 Cardiff girl 2336085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Helena and RobinF for your supportive comments.This chat has made me feel better about being a lightweight drinker! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2336077 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:51:13 +0000 Style Fan 2336077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, Helena!&nbsp; I stopped drinking alcohol about ten years ago.&nbsp; I occasionally have a glass of red wine about three times a year if it is an outstanding wine.&nbsp; I drank about three to four glasses of wine a week but wanted to see if it impacted my migraines.&nbsp; Stopping didn't make any difference.&nbsp; But I didn't see a reason to start again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2336013 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:43:09 +0000 RobinF 2336013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the suggestions! I will give them a try!</p> <p>CG, that is a terrible thing that they said to you! Maybe you were making them feel guilty :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335948 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 01:08:09 +0000 Helena 2335948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CG that story makes me angry on your behalf! That IS so insensitive ... And also I suspect that person might be projecting :/ Good on you for being firm!! I'm the same as you, I never drank when I was driving because I was always too much of a lightweight and afraid I would be blurry headed even with one. Infuriating! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335923 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:10:49 +0000 Cardiff girl 2335923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you Helena,l enjoyed your article.The British drinking culture is alive and well l am afraid.l do drink but very ,very lightly.I.e a glass of wine maybe twice a month.more than a glass does not agree with me now l am older.Therefore l usually drive if hubs and me go out.l have been asked ,in front of everyone ,at a friends diner if the reason l don’t drink(?well l do but l was driving)was that l had previous problems with alcohol .l really did not know how to respond to this as it was so insensitive on so many levels What if l had had problems with alcohol?I said that l didn’t and l was driving but the person in question obviously didn’t believe me and persisted in pushing for a “confession”.People over here really don’t like it if you don’t drink and by drink l mean drink to excess.l have also had people pushing quite hard to get me to drink even when it’s been quite clear that lam driving as apparently “one won’t hurt”.well l prefer not to drink at all if l am driving thank you very much and l think it’s bordering on&nbsp;<br />criminal to try and get drivers to drink,We still have a long way to go before not drinking is seen as a valid choice although l think that my daughters generation are a lot more accepting of people choosing not to drink so maybe the change will come with them.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335915 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:28:26 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LJP&nbsp;</b>I have to do other meal tweaks too, not just cutting out alcohol.&nbsp; If I don't cut it out though the tweaks don't make any difference.&nbsp; So in order to lose I have to cut it out otherwise the tweaks are a waste of time.&nbsp; For me this is how it is, I am sure it is different for everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335910 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:02:25 +0000 Helena 2335910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I've gained weight :/</p> <p>Thanks everyone for the positivity! Much appreciated. Lovely to hear so many people making conscious choices about this issue, whether they involve some drinking, or none, or flipping between the two as makes sense!</p> <p>Robin, have you tried kombucha? I also really love Gruvi drysecco (tastes more like a dry cider than prosecco, which I was initially disappointed with until I realized it was bloody delicious!) About 50 cals a bottle I think, so not none, but far less than a glass of wine, and looks pretty in the glass! Tost white tea bev is also quite good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335908 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:55:09 +0000 LJP 2335908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Full disclosure - I didn’t lose an ounce when I quit last fall for about 4 months . Not an ounce . I was so ticked off about that ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335903 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:55:20 +0000 RobinF 2335903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you! It isn't easy to fight social norms but can be very worth it. </p> <p>I love a glass of wine but recently decided to cut back - weight being one reason - because it just felt like too much. I had gone from an occasional glass, to one every night after work and on the weekends too. I think it was my mental signal that it was time to relax, but I got too reliant on it. I am back to a few glasses a week which I am much more comfortable with. I was surprised that I don't miss it that much and actually enjoy my less frequent glasses more as a result. But&nbsp;I still would like to find something like it but preferably non-alcoholic and non-caloric that I can relax with at the end of the day. Soda and other fizzy drinks don't cut it for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335898 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:30:19 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing Helena.&nbsp; Like&nbsp;<b>SarahD8&nbsp;</b>if I want to be my ideal weight there is no place for alcohol.&nbsp; Summers here are very sociable, outdoor restaurants and bars everywhere and everyone always has either a beer or wine glass in hand (tourists)!&nbsp; But I was alcohol free for a number of years and with it came the ideal weight which had eluded me most of my life.&nbsp; Then I slipped in a little wine again and boom the weight came back.&nbsp; As of 1 September, when our tourist season dies down, I am back to alcohol free for sure.&nbsp; I also feel more happy mood wise when I don't indulge.&nbsp; I am a natural extrovert and by no means need a drink to chat to anyone so for me it is just a pointless unhealthy habit.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335866 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:19:50 +0000 Anonymous 2335866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA- tried Athletic's amber beer yesterday and liked it more than the All Out (dark). Definitely passable as real beer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free/page/2#post-2335858 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:06:31 +0000 pirouette 2335858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree Helena Irish people don’t care if you’re drinking alcohol or not. I know we have a terrible reputation for drink but the reality is loads of us don’t drink at all or else very little. My husband doesn’t drink and my 30 year old son rarely drinks. I enjoy a glass of wine when I’m in a restaurant but I have never drank beer or spirits. I don’t judge anyone else’s choices and have some friends who love a drink and others who don’t drink at all.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335853 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:39:09 +0000 anchie 2335853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! Stop drinking alcohol was my new year resolution for 2019 and I never looked back. Best decision ever. But 5 years in and I am still getting alcohol related presents like wine bottles and hard liquor wich completely baffles me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335839 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 02:39:14 +0000 Echo 2335839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you for making the right decision for you and your well-being!</p> <p>I grew up in Wisconsin and went to the UW-Madison... which, if one knows anything about the states, really should say it all. Statistically, half of the top 20 drunkest cities in the US are in Wisconsin.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://vinepair.com/booze-news/7-of-the-10-drunkest-cities-in-america-are-all-in-one-state/">https://vinepair.com/booze-new.....one-state/</a></p> <p>So, I was a heavy drinker for many years without even realizing I was a heavy drinker, as that's the culture. It is common here for people to go out to dinner and have two drinks while they're waiting for a table, two or three with dinner, and then have a dessert drink. That doesn't even count how often people go out for a "nightcap" after dinner. In other states, the idea of consuming five drinks or more while out for dinner would be ridiculous, but it is the norm here.&nbsp;</p> <p>But Dh and I went low carb several years ago, and I dropped a lot of weight. Limiting alcohol intake was a big part of that. Now, Dh and I have cocktails while on vacation or at special dinners out (like for an anniversary), and that's it.&nbsp;</p> <p>As Lisa said, alcohol is a sleep disruptor. And since I have mostly abstained, I have found that my mood, attitude, and overall health has improved. So bravo to you for doing the best thing for yourself, regardless of the social judgement that sometimes accompanies those choices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335838 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 02:23:56 +0000 SarahD8 2335838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, Helena! I’m glad this has been such a positive change for you.</p> <p>I recently cut way back on drinking. The main driver I am ashamed to admit was vanity: I wanted to lose weight (speaking of perimenopause) and once I saw the numbers it was clear that the amount of alcohol I was consuming was not going to fit in the calorie budget.</p> <p>It turned out that making this change almost entirely eliminated my hot flashes. And has helped improve my blood sugar regulation too.</p> <p>I enjoy the taste of alcohol and also the buzz, but the last few times I’ve had a drink it has given me a massive headache. So I may be on the way to being a very occasional drinker, which I definitely would not have expected a few months ago. We shall see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335823 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:29:12 +0000 Helena 2335823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, what you're describing sounds like exactly how it should be ... Different choices, no stress! X</p> <p>It really has been a confidence boost! I think because I had to stand in a decision knowing some (not many, but a few important ones) were judging me and just doing it anyways. A good exercise for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335821 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:04:43 +0000 Sal 2335821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations Helena!&nbsp; It sounds like this has been an empowering decision for you and led to confidence across your life.&nbsp; Well done!</p> <p>My older son (21) has never drunk alcohol and has always been happy and confident in his choice.&nbsp; My 18 year old son (18 is the age here) does drink alcohol.</p> <p>In our family and social gatherings there are always some not drinking - for a whole variety of reasons.&nbsp; I do know a few women who have found the combination with perimenopause or menopause and drinking to be awful which has led to them stopping drinking.</p> <p>I drink a variety of alcoholic beverages moderately as does Jon.&nbsp; I usually have kombucha, ginger beer and soda water on hand as non alcoholic options for myself or guests and sometimes juice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335819 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:51:41 +0000 Helena 2335819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cat2, I work with that site as full disclosure (hence why my article is on there obviously!!!) but don't make any money off views or clicks or anything like that - don't want you to think I'm n<br /> trying to promote it or anything like that. But it is a great resource and has links to lots of online stores and brands for yummy options </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335815 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:18:34 +0000 cat2 2335815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena: Congratulations! That is a real accomplishment. I quit after reading one too many articles about the effect of alcohol consumption on dementia rates. I am still figuring out good alternatives; the site you linked to will be really helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335812 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:07:33 +0000 rachylou 2335812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A real pub is less bar and more like an old fashioned coffee house where you could get a glass of wine, but with more substantial food. You just go and hang. That’s the way it was in England when I was there, off in the country side. Altho, bored people can get crazy… there was a legendary water fight in the local pub… lolol… ;)</p> <p>Anyways, the US doesn’t really have pubs. Someone here did a comic and was on the radio recently, mourning the loss of our coffee houses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335805 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 21:14:49 +0000 Helena 2335805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A lot of Irish Canadian culture is alcohol-centric ... I think that's pretty lazy though, and a triumph of marketing by the beer companies *thumbs down* I was raised going to ceilis and musical events, etc. where a lot of people didn't drink at all or very much, and it definitely wasn't the purpose of the event, so I always associated Irish culture with music and dancing rather than beer! That said, I love pubs .. I will happily sit in one and chat for hours if the atmosphere is good.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335803 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 21:11:45 +0000 Helena 2335803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, I do have to say some of those toxic elements of mom culture I have avoided ... thank God! My friends and are are pretty honest and have all seen each others messy homes I think once one person breaks the seal, it creates a safe space for everyone else too ... but if no one does, everyone tries to put a good image forward because every one else is! Luckily for me, I am not good at images - wysiwyg - I am a happy mess and I'm fine with it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335802 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 21:11:42 +0000 rachylou 2335802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. Not in the pub, but trying to set off and go to one… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335801 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 21:04:57 +0000 rachylou 2335801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Way off tangent, but as a Catholic, Irish AMERICAN drinking culture is interesting to me. Drinking and tee-totalling, which can be very fierce. I’ve been on my share of pub crawls whence the two sides meet and confront each other.</p> <p>Tbh, re mummy wine culture etc… that’s probably reason #506 why I’m not married with kids… it does take a village to raise a child, but the village scares me. I remember the ‘wall-to-wall carpet wars’ of the 80s… people get very serious about this stuff. I can’t keep up. I’m struggling with door handles for my patio doors and getting an electrician to come rewire a closet ceiling fixture. I do not joke. No one can come to my house! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2-years-alcohol-free#post-2335797 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:35:11 +0000 Helena 2335797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, another interesting cultural note - in Ireland, which has been given such a stereotype about being a drinking country, no one cared a jot that DH and I weren't partaking ... once we were good for a chat and a singsong, I don't think anyone even noticed! Admittedly that's my family, not a representation of the country ... but with 140 family members gathered, it's not the worst sample either! </p>