Dry January Meets The Food Party! | The Food Party! | Laura Stec | Almanac Online |

Local Blogs

The Food Party!

By Laura Stec

E-mail Laura Stec

About this blog: I've been attracted to food for good and bad reasons for many years. From eating disorder to east coast culinary school, food has been my passion, profession & nemesis. I've been a sugar addict, a 17-year vegetarian, a food and en...  (More)

View all posts from Laura Stec

Dry January Meets The Food Party!

Uploaded: Dec 27, 2021

Happy New Year Food Partiers! I hope you’re awash in good food and drink, celebrating the art of the dinner party with friends, and enjoying a personal feeling of good health that comes from eating high-vibe foods of the earth.

On celebration flip-side, you realize of course that all good parties must come to end. For better awareness of self and habits.

For cleansing of the spirit.

With this vitality in mind, how about tossing around the idea of joining The Food Party! for next month’s journey together into the world of non-alcoholic drinks and awareness?


Frothy Pomegranate Sparkler

I’m certainly enjoying my holiday hot toddies, but the idea I’ll be imbibing soon in the hottie, sans toddy, requires some mind prep. And kitchen prep. Maybe yours too?


Steamed Chamomile Turmeric Latte

Dry January Meets the Food Party!
Jan 3 – Jan 31, 2022 (show up and leave whenever you want)

Come for the recipes… stay for the mental support.


Tamarind and Tonic

Here’s what happened last year:

Dry January 2021 – Join Us!

Dry January Last Week? LOL

Alcohol – Upper or Downer?

-photos by LSIC

Local Journalism.
What is it worth to you?

Comments

Posted by Shtwo, a resident of Santa Rita (Los Altos),
on Dec 28, 2021 at 11:01 am

Shtwo is a registered user.

Recipes please!


Posted by Joel, a resident of Barron Park,
on Dec 28, 2021 at 11:02 am

Joel is a registered user.

Just finishing up a December non-bender.
Lots of probiotic ginger berry kombucha. Needed the edibles to remain credible.
Went to bars a lot less frequently; but was able to have a alcohol free Xmas party.
Looking forward to 20 Tutu (may he test in peace for all the joy and peace he created for South Africa and beyond)
Hugs, Joel


Posted by sequoiadean, a resident of Los Altos,
on Dec 28, 2021 at 4:45 pm

sequoiadean is a registered user.

We're with you for dry January, Laura!


Posted by Jesse Erhardt, a resident of Menlo Park,
on Dec 29, 2021 at 2:13 pm

Jesse Erhardt is a registered user.

Is non-alcoholic beer OK?

The % of actual alcohol by volume is neglible as one would need to consume 24-12 oz. bottles to equal one atypical 4% domestic beer like Coors or Budweiser.

My kids have been bugging me to let them partake in this particular beverage and I don't see any major problem with allowing them to do so, providing they only have 1-2 at best.


Posted by Debbie Graham, a resident of Woodside,
on Dec 29, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Debbie Graham is a registered user.

We let our kids (10-12) drink St. Pauli Girl non-alcoholic beer with no adverse ramifications.

It's preferable to sugary soda pop which can contribute to obesity and tooth decay.

There's just one basic rule: They can only drink the non-alcoholic brew and Dad's Heineken is off limits.


Posted by Maria Crosetti, a resident of another community,
on Dec 29, 2021 at 3:35 pm

Maria Crosetti is a registered user.

Being old school Italian, we grew up drinking wine as early as six.

As parents, we allowed our children to have a glass of wine with dinner and they didn't grow up to be alcoholics or problem drinkers.

It is a longstanding cultural practice combined with parental responsibility.

Unlike the United States, in Italy and France, AA is practically non-existent and primarily reserved for those (i.e. expatriates from abroad)) who exercise minimal self-control and restraint when it comes to enjoying vino.


Posted by Laura Stec, a Almanac Online blogger,
on Dec 29, 2021 at 3:43 pm

Laura Stec is a registered user.

@Maria, I agree, I grew up the same way and think that led to a life of moderation para mi. We fast for many reasons - to stop and look is to learn. We want both, not either or.

@shtwo - well, you'll just have to come back in January!


Posted by AMRW, a resident of another community,
on Dec 29, 2021 at 5:01 pm

AMRW is a registered user.

Maria,
Addiction and "minimal self control and restraint" are not the same thing. Substance abuse and the roots of addiction are much more nuanced than just self control and restraint.


Posted by Laura Stec, a Almanac Online blogger,
on Dec 29, 2021 at 6:42 pm

Laura Stec is a registered user.

@sequoiadean Glad you are in!

And to everyone, Get your nonalcoholic drink recipes ready! Whatever our age, we are all looking for comforting libations that do not have alcohol and added/high sugar.

That "give a child a nonAl beer question is an interesting one.


Posted by John Bosco, a resident of Palo Alto Hills,
on Dec 30, 2021 at 7:52 am

John Bosco is a registered user.

“Substance abuse and the roots of addiction are much more nuanced than just self control and restraint."

* The lack of self-control and restraint are oftentimes the tell-tale signs of a substance abuser which is why they give out those sobriety coins at AA meetings...to celebrate self-control and restraint.

I have been that route and to blame family genetics or social environment is a cop-out.

I don't think kids should start drinking too early and to encourage it is a sign of poor parenting.

Serving them non-alcoholic beer is probably OK because one cannot get intoxicated from it.




Posted by Penny Williams, a resident of Portola Valley,
on Dec 30, 2021 at 11:44 am

Penny Williams is a registered user.

Thank you for promoting a non-alcoholic holiday season. As Jack Mormons, we ordinarily abstain from partaking in alcoholic beverages with the exception of Easter Sunday as Jesus offered wine to his disciples at the Last Supper.

Recreational alcohol use (and abuse) is best reserved for those who cannot deal with the challenges of everyday life and the same applies to chronic drug abusers.

We will pray for these lost souls who lack a personal sense of direction.


Posted by AMRW, a resident of another community,
on Dec 30, 2021 at 7:02 pm

AMRW is a registered user.

Penny,
Your judgement towards people who drink alcohol is unfortunate. Plenty of drinkers have a sense of direction and are not lost souls. Does Jesus have anything to say about judging others?


Posted by Giselle Lancaster, a resident of Los Altos,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 10:19 am

Giselle Lancaster is a registered user.

Recreational alcohol use and knowing one's limitations is paramount to ensuring a safe and functioning society.

Those who cannot handle alcohol properly should seek treatment or in the case of an alcohol-related felony, be imprisoned for an indeterminant period of time in a state penitentiary.

>"Plenty of drinkers have a sense of direction and are not lost souls."

^Chronic alcoholics would most certainly fall into the category cited above as the majority of them have lost control of their lives.

It is one thing to enjoy alcohol in moderation and another to be an ongoing menace to society.

As far as Jesus is concerned...though he allegedly turned water to wine at a wedding reception, he most certainly was not endorsing public intoxication or drunkenly operating a camel or donkey during the drive/ride home.

And with Uber and taxis readily available today, there is absolutely no excuse for driving a motor vehicle at anytime while under the influence of ethyl alcohol.

- A MADD advocate wishing everyone a safe and sober New Year.


Posted by Giselle Lancaster, a resident of Los Altos,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 10:23 am

Giselle Lancaster is a registered user.

Correction:

>"Plenty of drinkers have a sense of direction and are not lost souls."

^Chronic alcoholics would most certainly NOT fall into the category cited above as the majority of them have lost control of their lives.


Posted by Bella Davis, a resident of another community,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 1:26 pm

Bella Davis is a registered user.

>> Plenty of drinkers have a sense of direction and are not lost souls. Does Jesus have anything to say about judging others?

One does not need alcohol to see the light unless they are utterly confused or disgruntled with life itself.

Enjoying a glass of wine or beer is one thing...to polish off a bottle of whisky in one sitting or over a period of a day should raise a red flag if one has any sense.

Unfortunately most alcoholics lack common sense.


Posted by Todd, a resident of Portola Valley: Westridge,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 1:29 pm

Todd is a registered user.

Thanks for sharing! I really appreciated it


Posted by Todd, a resident of Portola Valley: Westridge,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 1:30 pm

Todd is a registered user.

I like this one too - Web Link


Posted by Barry Beckham, a resident of Menlo Park,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 1:35 pm

Barry Beckham is a registered user.

A non-alcoholic New Year is a good way to start 2022. Thanks for posting.

The ones who feel they have to drink in order to get by are either in denial of their problem or alcoholics pure and simple.

There is a difference between wanting a drink and needing one.

Feel sorry for those 'in need'.


Posted by Jim Rivers, a resident of another community,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Jim Rivers is a registered user.

Chronic alcoholics often tend towards physical violence and/or verbal abuse.

They are best avoided and only make life miserable for others because as one poster noted, they often "lack direction and are lost souls."

And nobody wants to live or be like that unless they meet the above criteria.


Posted by AMRW, a resident of another community,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 3:07 pm

AMRW is a registered user.

This really devolved into shaming and blaming people with the disease of alcohlism. That's unfortunate to see. It's about to be 2022, let's show some empathy and grace.


Posted by Laura Stec, a Almanac Online blogger,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 3:36 pm

Laura Stec is a registered user.

Shaming and blaming is OUT at The Food Party! for 2022. We are aiming for "inspiring" everyone. :)


Posted by Priscilla Hayden, a resident of Menlo Park,
on Dec 31, 2021 at 3:44 pm

Priscilla Hayden is a registered user.

Any alcoholic beverage that incorporates a mixer (e.g. fruit juices, Coca-Cola, tonic, club soda etc.) can easily be prepared as 'virgin' and to overindulge on the alcohol content shows a real lack of restraint and common sense.

Moderation is the key while an excess is potentially problematic.

We eliminated distilled spirits as part of our 2020 New Year's resolution and are not suffering any withdrawal symptoms or want.

Old habits can be hard to break but willpower and a genuine desire to abstain can work wonders.

We still enjoy an occasional beer or glass of wine but do not go overboard like countless chronic alcoholics who cannot refrain from their overindulgences.

It is not about blaming or shaming anyone but rather an ongoing sense of pity for those who willingly (or unwillingly) allow alcohol to control their lives.

People were not born or nursed as infants with a bottle of liquor...it is an acquired affliction that one must take personal responsibility for regardless of one's genetics and/or environment.




















Posted by Roger Decker, a resident of Crescent Park,
on Jan 1, 2022 at 12:29 pm

Roger Decker is a registered user.

Laura said it best, "a life of moderation para mi."

Unfortunately there are countless others who cannot abide by this common sense perspective and we have chosen not to associate with these types of individuals whether it be in a public or private gathering.

In some ways, the pandemic was a blessing by allowing us to further distance ourselves over the holidays from obnoxious & drunken relatives who boorishly expound their unappreciated and unwanted views on politics, religion, and sexual practices.

The flight closures were a blessing in disguise!



Posted by Larry Burke, a resident of Mountain View,
on Jan 2, 2022 at 2:42 pm

Larry Burke is a registered user.

> "...the pandemic was a blessing by allowing us to further distance ourselves over the holidays from obnoxious & drunken relatives..."

^ we dodged that bullet too. as far as blaming/shaming problem drinkers, this issue is their own private cross to bear as
any resolution must come from within. the key is not to make other people's lives miserable due to one's own personal problems and addictions by taking personal responsibility.


Posted by Lisa Murphy, a resident of Atherton: Lindenwood,
on Jan 3, 2022 at 6:35 am

Lisa Murphy is a registered user.

Great blog, I love coming here. I also got very good information. I missed this blog. Thanks for sharing.


Posted by Robert Tyree, a resident of Old Palo Alto,
on Jan 3, 2022 at 10:58 am

Robert Tyree is a registered user.

According to medical experts, heavy drinking is defined as being over 14 drinks per week for men and over 8 drinks per week for women.

That amounts to either two drinks a day max for men and about one drink a day for women.

Most regular drinkers exceed that amount and suffer no adverse consequences.

My daily ration is a pint of beer at lunch time with a sandwich and two glasses of wine at dinner.

Consuming this amount of alcohol (according to the so-called experts) defines me as a problem drinker because I consume 21 drinks per week on the average (7+ spread out over 7 days).

Hogwash!


Follow this blogger.
Sign up to be notified of new posts by this blogger.

Email:

SUBMIT

Post a comment

Sorry, but further commenting on this topic has been closed.

Stay informed.

Get the day's top headlines from Almanac Online sent to your inbox in the Express newsletter.

Backhaus in Burlingame finally opens for the holiday rush
By The Peninsula Foodist | 0 comments | 3,014 views

Burning just one "old style" light bulb can cost $150 or more per year
By Sherry Listgarten | 12 comments | 2,922 views

My Holiday Wish List for Menlo Park
By Dana Hendrickson | 1 comment | 2,916 views

Fun Things to Do Around the Bay This Holiday – Peninsula Edition
By Laura Stec | 8 comments | 2,664 views

Banning the public from PA City Hall
By Diana Diamond | 25 comments | 2,101 views

 

Support local families in need

Your contribution to the Holiday Fund will go directly to nonprofits supporting local families and children in need. Last year, Almanac readers and foundations contributed over $300,000.

DONATE