Stop Drinking Alcohol for Better Weight Loss

This year has been pivotal in my pursuit of a leaner, stronger, more energized body.  The secret? Giving up wine for longer periods of time than I normally would. I’ve gone over 200+ days this year without alcohol and was even successful on two vacations with the family.  You may think I’m crazy but for my personality, it works really well to give me the edge I’m always looking for in my health journey.

There was actually a time in my life when my husband came to me and said he was worried because I was drinking almost every night.  It was becoming a really bad habit and I needed a change. That was a hard thing to hear and honestly, pretty scary. I was slipping into feeling like it was part of who I was and simply what I did.

Being home with two small kiddos at the time and pressure with growing my online health and fitness coaching business may have had something to do with it but either way, coping with alcohol did not leave me at my best.  I thank God that season seems like a lifetime behind me but I still must watch and set up safeguards around my health.

When I look at all the things I truly want in life it comes down to giving up momentary pleasures for long term gains.  I like to celebrate with treats and drinks and also do what I want to do when I want to do it. That was a theme in my life until I realized the scale kept going up and I wasn’t happier..I was unfulfilled.

Learning now that structure, disciplined behaviors and simply showing up when it’s not always convenient is the essence of success in my weight loss, business and overall life goals. I workout when I’d rather stick a fork in my eye. I say no to late night snacking, drinking and Netflix binging because I remember my fitness goals and clients who are counting on me.  I live by an integrity that my talk is also my walk.

Here are some pro’s I’ve personally experienced by taking time away from the drinkie-poo’s:

-I can actually get and maintain a strong, lean core

-better sleep

-less anxiety (way less)

-less bloat

-saving money

-more energy and life in my body, especially during my workouts

Here are some con’s:

-bloat all over and my clothes feeling tight

-broken sleep

-2-3 days to feel 100% again

-dragging my entire workout

-food cravings

-puffy face and eyes

-fine lines showing from dehydrated skin

-less motivation and energy

-HIGH anxiety if I’m drinking every few days

As I type this, I am starting to wonder why I would ever have a drink again, geez.  What I do know is saying no forever isn’t realistic but I also know that these big chunks throughout the year have served me well and I’ll continue in this trend.

I was really nervous the first time I did longer than two weeks of no wine.  Here are some ways I’ve learned to cope.

The first week and weekend are the hardest but after a couple weeks, I was fine without it.  It’s so weird how you can go without something and then come to a place where you are so indifferent that you can take it or leave it.  That’s what happens. I will say in Palm Springs this year, the wind was just right and I felt an overwhelming urge to have a glass. Luckily I had all my fellow 80 Day Obsession girls (the workout we were all doing at the time) rooting for me so I refused to let them down.  It just goes to show how powerful our online accountability groups can be.

I make this lemon-ginger water recipe and keep it in the fridge:

• Juice from two lemons
• Pinch of cayenne to taste
• 2-3 drops of vanilla liquid stevia https://amzn.to/2EgZiKm
• 1-2 one inch chunks of peeled ginger to taste
• I blended all ingredients with one cup of water and then strain off the ginger pulp with a fine mesh strainer.
• I mix with a gallon of water and pre-fill my 32 oz Hydro Flask for the day! https://amzn.to/2L91Trf

I love little tricks of the trade like this lemon ginger water recipe. I would have never known about this if it wasn’t for my fit community.

I always have my favorite Zevia Cream Soda sparkling water on hand and low sugar Kombucha ( the label needs to have 6 grams of sugar or less on it). I even put kombucha in my wine glass if I want to be fancy.

I also carry this tea in my purse when I’m out and about. https://amzn.to/2QogzZI  I order a cup of hot water and use this as my treat drink instead of wine.  I also love sparkling water with lots of lemon, I enjoy my meal perfectly with that.

The most important part for me is being better than I was yesterday.  I’m far from perfect but I have also learned that the secret to success in life is found in our daily habits.  What I do now not only serves me now, but when I’m in my 60’s. It’s like eye cream…you don’t always see the benefits until they start to compound over time.  With my esthetics background, I’m a firm believer in eye cream!!

I also like to remember that every time I say no to something that doesn’t serve my goals or priorities, I trust myself a little more and gain more confidence and even more of an edge.

I hope this helps you!!  We are in this together and please reach out if you’re ready to jump into a fun fitness or health challenge!!!  I’m your girl!!!