insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 23 - January 2017 | Page 35

FOOD+DRINK

HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH

‘DRY JANUARY’
During Pretty-Drunk December, doing Dry January sounds like the ideal way for both your body
and your wallet to recover from festive overindulgence. “It’s only 31 days,” you’ll cry, “just think
of the money I’ll save, the pounds I’ll lose, and how energised I’ll feel come Feb!” Given that
January has a whopping five weekends to survive, booze free, however, it’s not always as easy as
it sounds. Here’s some top tips to help you get through. BY POLLY HUMPHRIS

DON’T HIBERNATE

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KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

The worst thing you can possibly do is
become a hermit in your own home and
attempt to hibernate for the entire month.
Make it your mission to get up and make
the most of your hangover-free weekends
and mornings – plan activities you would
never normally get around to that happen
at times you would never usually be awake
at. Brunch is a great idea too, just be careful
to invite fellow non-drinkers, so you’re not
tempted by a tipple.

Replace visiting your old friend alcohol with
seeing actual people that you care about.
Arrange to go and see that old friend you’ve
been meaning to visit, make more time for
your parents, or book a weekend away with
your partner (providing he or she is on the
wagon too). A romantic city break is a great
idea as it’ll remove you from any pressure
to go to the pub with your friends. If you’re
strong as an ox and can handle the pub
without a pint or Prosecco in hand, it isn’t
utterly out of the question. Non-alcoholic
drinks do exist, believe it or not.

A frozen margarita made with tequila can
contain up to 700 calories; read it and weep
non-Dry Januaryers – that’s more than
a Big Mac burger. A pint of lager has 180
calories, which is more than a small slice
of cake; and a large glass of white wine
contains upwards of 220 calories – the
equivalent of 44g bar of chocolate. Calculate
exactly how many calories you will save
by ditching the booze and you’ll be both
shocked at how many you consumed over
Christmas, and then delighted at how many
you’ll save this month.

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