Why I WON'T be having a dry January thank you very much

Are you taking part in the now annual trend of 'Dry January'? Thousands of us are, apparently. After a boozy indulgent Christmas party season everyone is giving up alcohol in January.

Now I know many do this for charity - well done. I shall never stand in the way of charity efforts. But not since sponsored silences at school have I heard of people raising money by giving something up en masse. And I think you'll find most of the people who've ditched booze this month aren't raising a penny for anyone (except themselves with all that beer money they'll save).

Take moustaches - you grow one. Running - you train and get fit. Giving up is the new 'doing', and I'm afraid I think Dry January is a bad idea and actually leads most people into the less well known ‘Wet February'. And I'm not talking about the current weather crisis.

Talking of the bleak weather, this is a month - in my book - that we should be able to turn to a glass of wine or a G&T for solace.

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I felt so sorry for a friend who, when she texted to ask us all out for her birthday this weekend, had to put 'and if anyone tells me they are having  a dry January, they can get lost!' She and several other friends come up against a swarm of non-boozers who want to be sober in January.

Why does it annoy me so much? Well, the thing is, I think this is just showing off. And it's silly. January is a time when you need a glass of something red, white or gin and tonnicy more than EVER. Dark nights - in fact, a polar ice storm apocalypse on our doorstep and you want to give up wine?! How very silly!

This month has included a trip to Birmingham to see my sister. As an avid fan of the Jagerbomb, there was no way, I thought, relieved, she would be on a dry January. however, we did both say how well we were looking - both of us have been on exercise missions since the month began. I just see that as another reason why I don't have to give up booze. An hour of spin a couple of times a week means a good night in the pub at the weekend, guilt free.

Giving up altogether seems like fakery to me. Everyone who does so will, inevitably, on the first weekend of February, be sliding back into a boozy way of life. So what was the point of them giving up? This is binge drinking in the extreme if you ask me. One whole month off in-between two very heavy months of drinking (yes, I'm pointing a finger at you half term skiing warm wine drinking holiday makers and boozy Valentiners).

You can pretend that your dry January turns you and your liver into saints, but I believe otherwise.
Zoe Harcombe is an obesity expert (zoeharcombe.com) and told me: "I don't think that  'Dry January' is a great idea. The evidence is that moderate drinking is better than either abstinence or excessive drinking.

It is better, therefore, to drink in a 'continental' way all the time, rather than drinking like Brits one month and then not drinking like monks the next!

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“Stress is a major cause of disease and a glass of wine while cooking, or a couple with dinner, can be wonderful 'medicine' to counter the stresses of daily life. Enjoy these pleasures appropriately all the time - rather than having an all or nothing mentality.'

If you don't go on and cut down in February, you've just had a small reprieve.

I think moderation is the key here. Am I drinking a la Christmas Day, sherry at noon, port by 8pm? Course not, I'm back at work and the gym. But am I missing out on a glass of fizz with a bestie next Saturday, or indeed the first office drinks of the year? No way!

And while I may carry my hangovers angrily while you wake up clear-headed, I shall have the last laugh when you are suffering more than ever in Feb as your body tries to get used to the effects of alcohol again. Dry January? Keep your glass as wet as the weather, I say.