Why Giving Up Alcohol (Sort Of) Was a Game-Changer

March 15, 2023

We’re diving into something we kind of started talking about over a bottle of wine… ironic, right? Whether you're just getting started with fitness or you're marathon-level committed, how alcohol fits into your wellness journey is something worth exploring.

From Beginner to Pro: Meet the Two Ends of the Fitness Spectrum

Caleigh: Just starting out—first 5-pound dumbbells, first protein shake, and almost ran a 5k.
Sarah: Total pro—runs, racewalks marathons, and has a dozen open protein tubs in her pantry.

Whether you’re Team Caleigh or Team Sarah, there's one question we’re all asking…

What Is Dry January, Anyway?

Dry January is a growing health trend where people voluntarily give up alcohol for the entire month of January. It usually follows the indulgent holiday season—and if we’re being honest, for many of us, that indulgence starts at Halloween and runs straight through New Year's

So, Do We Do Dry January?

Not officially.
We still had a bottle of wine open while discussing it.
But hey, February is a shorter month...

Are There Really Health Benefits to Going Dry?

✅ Yes, there are some legitimate benefits:

Improved liver function
Better sleep
Clearer skin
More energy
Weight loss (depending on your usual intake)

But let’s be real—it depends on how much and how often you drink. For some, cutting back even a little can create noticeable changes.

One Woman's Journey: From Twisted Teas to High Noons

Sarah shared her personal shift in beverage choices when she realized her weekends were sabotaging her weekday health habits.

The Calorie Breakdown:

Twisted Tea: ~194 calories per bottle
High Noon: ~100 calories per can
✅ That’s nearly half the calories, plus less sugar.

"I’d do great all week with my workouts and nutrition—then the weekend would be a total free-for-all," she admitted. Switching drinks helped her stay more aligned with her goals.

What About Bloody Marys?

Tired of High Noons, Sarah gave Bloody Marys a shot—but the store was out of mix. The universe told her to make it from scratch… but she found the mix on her second lap down the aisle and went with it. Classic move.

Bloody Marys can be a better choice if made fresh with healthy ingredients, but most store-bought mixes are loaded with sodium and additives. So, it’s a "better-ish" option if you’re mindful.

Cutting Alcohol and Seeing Results

Here’s what happened when Sarah cut out the sugary drinks:

She noticed real progress in her fitness.
She cut out hundreds (even thousands) of calories.
She stayed more consistent with her goals—without quitting alcohol entirely.

“Once I ditched the Twisted Teas, I started seeing the results I was working for.”

Everyone Has Their Own Relationship with Alcohol

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about alignment.

Some people thrive with zero alcohol.
Others need to moderate for health reasons.
And some just want to find a better balance.

Your fitness, your body, your goals—your rules.

Key Takeaways

Dry January can be a great reset—but it’s not the only option.
Cutting back on sugary drinks can improve health without total restriction.
Switching from high-calorie alcohol to lighter options (like vodka seltzers) can lead to measurable results.
Everyone’s journey is different—find what works for you.

Final Thought:

You don't have to commit to Dry January to start making better choices. Whether it’s switching to lighter drinks, skipping a few weekend indulgences, or just being more intentional—small changes can make a big difference.

Cheers to figuring out what works for you—fitness, fun, and all!

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