Health reporter Charlotte Dobson is giving up alcohol for Go Sober 2014. Here is her weekly update

IT’S Day 17 of my Go Sober Challenge and I have finally found something positive to say about this ridiculous exercise.

Normally at this point in the month I am marooned between pay days.

Cans of soup are rationed over two days, the car runs on a £5 refill and fresh air, and nights out on the tiles are out of the question.

But when I logged on to check my bank balance yesterday, with the usual wince, I was amazed to see I actually had enough money to see me through the month.

Not only can I afford to eat but I might buy something as a treat – like the £20 blender in Tesco I have had my eye on.

I can actually afford the family trip to France this weekend!

But wait...France.

Sacré bleu! That means I have to go to the Holy Land of red wine and NOT TOUCH A DROP.

This is the ultimate test.

I'll have Euros burning a hole in my pocket with no booze to spend it on.

Oh Abstinence, you’re a cruel mistress. I’ll have to spend all of my new found money on cheese and pastries.

And then I can’t even say sobriety is good for reducing your calorie intake.

Oh well. Bring forth Le Fromage.