My First Month of Detox
Everybody loves the holiday season. After all, what’s there not to like; we get to spend quality time with our family, celebrate, drink a lot of good wine and eat lots of delicious food. Christmas and New Year are usually the holidays when we forget about a healthy lifestyle and opt to indulge in cocktails, drinks and other not-so-healthy things. I had a fantastic time and when January swung by, I knew I had to get my body back to where it was, so I started a 3 month no alcohol challenge with my friend so I can detoxify and start feeling fresh, re-energised and healthy.
Dry January
January detox or Dry January refers to avoiding alcohol for a whole month. January is a difficult month to most people. You spent most of your money during Christmas holidays, weather’s getting colder/hotter (depending which country you live in), you feel exhausted and all you can do is to moan or complain. It’s recommended to use this time effectively by detoxifying your body.
You probably already know a bunch of people who have already opted to avoid alcohol this month. In case you need more encouragement or good reasons why you should do the same, below are all the amazing benefits you’ll get by staying away from booze. As I don’t like to do things half heartedly, I’m jumping straight into a Dry Quarter more so than a Dry January! Here are some of the changes I have noticed thus far;
Glowing skin
Alcohol is, along with sun and cigarettes, a major enemy to our skin. Excessive consumption of alcohol can make our skin appear dry, flaky, and rough. Avoiding alcohol gives you spot free, radiant, and smooth skin.
Weight management
If losing weight was one of your New Year’s resolutions, then you’ll love this benefit of avoiding alcohol. Due to the fact that alcohol is high in calories, it aids to weight gain. Also, alcohol doesn’t make you feel full which is why you tend to eat more when you drink. Staying away from booze can definitely help with your weight loss endeavour. (I’m down 3kg so far!)
Stronger nails
Excessive consumption of alcohol can make your nails become weak and brittle. When you don’t drink alcohol, your nails will be stronger and healthier… another good reason to say no to booze.
More energy
The more alcohol you drink today, the less energy you have the next day – it’s just how our body function when alcohol is in the system. Not to mention, one would usually wake up the next day after a boozy night with a bad headache. Not fun at all! Dry January can increase your energy levels, and you’ll be more productive with your life. Plus, if you do work out at the gym, you will notice that you do perform better and get better gains!
Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with heightened risk for many diseases and it also jeopardizes your liver. Doctors always point out that while having a drink from time to time does no harm, excessive alcohol intake can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing.
Bottom line
January detox can do wonders for your health and beauty as well. Avoiding alcohol will make your skin look better, hair shinier, improve your overall health and wellbeing at the same time. You can also pair alcohol abstinence with junk food, and you’re going to feel AMAZING without these. Your body will thank you for it.
