Summer of the mocktail!

DEB SILVER FITNESS AND NUTRITION COACH

We have heard of dry January.  January 1 rolls around and the challenge of going alcohol free for the month is set. The main goal is to help people reset their relationship with alcohol. Now Dry July is here. Going alcohol free in July to raise money for those affected by cancer. This fundraiser was started in 2008 in Australia by three guys hoping to raise money for a tv for their local hospital’s waiting room and since then has inspired more then 200 000 Aussies to go dry and raising more then 49 million for people affected by cancer and funding several other projects.  Nice job Australia!!
Ever wonder the side effects of quitting alcohol. I can tell you 5 of them from personal experience.
Please note, no one who is a heavy drinker should ever give up alcohol ‘cold turkey’. 
​Contact a recovery group or your local addictions center to find help. 

Weight loss may occur
Alcohol is loaded with calories and empty carbs. A standard glass of wine (5 ounces) can contain about 130 calories, and a serving of beer (12 ounces) nearly 330 calories. 330 calories is basically a meal for most of us.  You are also more likely to make unhealthy food choices when drinking.  Also Studies have shown that people who binged on alcohol at least once a month over the course of one year were 41% more likely to become overweight after a 5-year period.  (Bingeing, for women, is more than four glasses of alcohol in one sitting.)

Your skin might ‘glow’
Alcohol dehydrates our skin causing our pores and wrinkles to become more visible. When we drink it causes our insides to become inflamed and this will quickly show up on the skin in the form of redness, breakouts and puffiness. When people stop drinking, they get more calories from foods; this tends to improve their vitamin intake, which can also make their skin appear healthier, younger and have that glow.

Better immune system
If you are a regular drinker, you may notice that you catch colds and flus more often. Alcohol can suppress your immune system, which might hinder your ability to fight off an illness. I know personally, since not drinking I have barely had a stuffy nose.

Better sleeps
Yes, a drink before bed can help you fall asleep faster, but alcohol actually disrupts the most restorative phase of sleep that occurs later in the night. When your body is supposed to be repairing and building, it is too busy dealing with the alcohol effects in your system.

You gain confidence to make other healthy changes in your lifestyle
One you start feeling the amazing mornings of no brain fog and the spare time in the evenings not filled with drinking, you want to fill it with other activities. Activities such as exercise, healthy cooking and eating, maybe taking a course, or picking up a new hobby.

​Cheers to that!
Don’t forget to sign up for my free Mocktails recipe book. Twelve delicious recipes to get you through the summer like a rock star!

​If you are interested in filling that extra time with some workouts or looking for some help on your nutrition to shed those extra alcohol pounds check out my packages or contact me for a chat about your goals. 

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​my Summer Mocktail Mix Book!