FebFast 2012 is a nationwide health and charity event which encourages people to give up alcohol during February, while raising money to support young people with alcohol or drug-related problems.
The money raised will be given to four charities from the four main centres around the country, including Hamilton's CareNZ Waikato, which is an addiction treatment and recovery organisation.
Giving up wine has been a challenge for Sabin-Hyde, a nurse at Tauranga Hospital. She said it was "habit" to get home from work and enjoy a couple of glasses of pinot gris in summer, or pinot noir in winter, while preparing dinner.
In the weekends, she'd indulge even more.
She signed up for FebFast last year and felt so good afterwards, she decided to do it again this year.
Since ditching her daily tipple, she's been sleeping better and has more energy. She even abstained during a Valentine's Day dinner with her husband Stefan.
"We went out for dinner at Somerset Cottage on Valentine's Day and I had water. I thought 'blimey, this isn't like me at all."'
She plans to quit drinking on weekdays altogether, and come March, will only enjoy wine on weekends.
This year, 44 ladies from Configure Express are supporting the New Zealand Drug Foundation's annual FebFast, and expect to raise over $500.
About 700 people around New Zealand have given up alcohol for all of February to raise money for FebFast.
The benefits of shunning alcohol
Save money
Lose weight
Sleep better
Feel more alert
Focus on goals of healthy eating and regular exercise
Cut back or cut out cigarettes
Think about the role of alcohol in our lives
Support young people who are struggling with alcohol or drug issues.
Source: www.febfast.org.nz
