Some thought-provoking, perhaps controversial words promoted by the Dry July Foundation in honour of their annual campaign, “Dry July”.
For those unaware, Dry July is the brainchild of three mates, Brett, Kenny and Phil, who decided over a beer in their local that a break from their favourite tipple was needed.
They coined the term and decided to use their alcohol absence to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.
After they eclipsed their $3000 target, raising over $250,000 for their local hospital, they decided to campaign the cause annually and Dry July was born.
The Dry July Foundation said, “since 2008, Dry July has inspired more than 250,000 Aussies to go dry, raising $60 million for people affected by cancer, and funding projects at more than 80 cancer organisations across Australia.”
Its core purpose is relevant to everyone impacted by the effects of one of Australia’s largest killers.
The cause highlights a real need to promote the benefits of reduced alcohol intakes.
As a nutritionist and keen advocate for everything in moderation, I not only echo these sentiments but encourage people to partake in the campaign to whatever degree is possible.
If you can go a month alcohol-free then kudos to you, you will reap the health rewards.
Tips to help you ban the booze
Creating a good support network is always beneficial.
Make your friends, colleagues and family aware that you’re partaking in the initiative.
You can thrive off preparation or succeed with an ‘all or nothing’ approach.
Deciding which method works best for you is crucial to success.
Adapt your routine and plan ahead. Make it impossible to be available for those after-work drinks and take an Esky with your own non-alcoholic beverages to a barbecue.
Ditching the drink
Alcohol impedes judgment.
Reduction or eradication of alcohol leads to better reaction time, logical thoughts and thought retention.
Alcohol also impacts on our ability to maintain and lose weight.
Did you know there is almost twice the amount of energy/calories per gram in alcohol compared to their carbohydrate counterparts?
That’s almost twice the energy needed to burn off a glass of wine as two slices of toast.
Sleep, too, is drastically impacted on after consumption of alcohol.
It can disrupt the two most important parts of our sleep: Slow wave sleep, which is the part that physically refreshes us the most, and REM sleep, which is the part that helps us learn and remember.
– Danielle Wilcock
Instagram: @mindbodynutrition_
