Share this Post
There’s a meme going around about how “January is going to make sure you feel all 31 of her days”… and I couldn’t relate more. (Why didn’t I do Dry February with only 29 days to suffer through?!)
That said, I tackled Dry January for the first time—along with Whole30 which, in addition to alcohol, eliminated carbs, dairy, sugar and legumes—though I’ll admit I was pretty lenient on the sugar aspect—and, well, it was a roller coaster.
Like many, I ended 2023 eating my weight in cookies and drinking at holiday parties and other social events that typify the year’s end. And, so, I personally thought a nice cleanse would be refreshing. I also liked the idea of taking on a challenge—and, at first, I was definitely riding that high.
Luckily January was a pretty tame month for me. The first couple weeks I had few social engagements, so it was easy to hunker down and stick to my dry diet without any temptation—save the food-focused TikToks and Instagram posts I was constantly being teased with.
The second weekend in, I even went to Charlotte for a friend’s birthday celebration and managed to go out to dinner and drinks without breaking. I also DD’d for the first time ever (!) and actually thoroughly enjoyed being sober and people-watching at the bar. (Admittedly I almost cracked when I had to take my friends through the Taco Bell drive-thru at 2am. … What I would’ve given for a Crunchwrap Supreme!)
I will say I got pretty bored, especially on the weekends. I’m a “go out with friends and try new bars and restaurants” girl at heart, so I was grappling with what on earth people who don’t drink do in their free time. (For me, it was mostly watching Gilmore Girls and movies—and going to the gym.)
Naturally, I discovered Raleigh’s plethora of NA options at bars—and tried out the city’s first dry bar!—so I still was able to go out and socialize over spirit-free bevys. I have a newfound love for Phony Negronis. And Umbrella Dry Bar’s complementary zero-proof shots really saved my sanity. I 10/10 will return to keep trying all the delish bevs on the menu, with the Leo Sour being my personal fave at the moment.
Devil’s Foot Beverage Company x Burial Beer Co. NA Negroni at Whiskey Kitchen
Despite those NA bevs scratching the temporary itch, by the last week of my Whole30/Dry January journey, I’ll admit I was pretty over the whole thing. My social calendar geared back up, and I felt I was missing out by not trying a cocktail at a new bar I visited (hey, Wolfe & Porter—I’ll be back in February!), or not partaking during our annual Best Bars Awards Party—which is literally devoted to celebrating bars!
Ultimately, though, the break was really nice. Physically, mentally and emotionally I needed the 31 days free from booze and bad food. I can’t say I was brimming with energy (your girl needs her carbs!), but I definitely felt more clear-minded and conscious of all the decisions I was making when it came to consuming. NTM I was incredibly proud of myself for setting a goal and sticking to it. But the best part of the whole month, of course, was not waking up hungover. Now, time for me to grab a cocktail and cheers to that!
Related Articles
Share this Post
Comments
I’m proud of you, lady! Well done.