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The Benefits of Going Booze-Free + A Few Tips to Help You Do It!


By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

Making the decision to live an alcohol-free life comes with an array of benefits, both physically and mentally. Here, Tara Hurster, a psychologist and founder of The TARA Clinic, and Bridget Foliaki-Davis, a nutritionist and founder of Bridget’s Healthy Kitchen, share their expertise on the transformative effects of cutting out alcohol
 
Plus, they offer practical tips on how to make this lifestyle change easy and enjoyable:
 
Alcohol and physical health: a sobering reality 

Both experts agree that alcohol wreaks havoc on multiple aspects of your health. 
 
The Benefits of Going Booze-Free + A Few Tips to Help You Do It!

"Alcohol is calorie dense, often laden with sugar and can disrupt your glucose metabolism,” Bridget says. "Regular indulgence will make it a lot harder for someone to lose or manage their weight.”

Tara also highlights that alcohol affects how your body prioritises its energy:

"Our brain and body will prioritise life-saving actions over anything else. So, when it needs to focus on filtering alcohol and other pollutants out of our body, the energy required to do that gets pulled from other places.” This is why people who drink heavily often appear tired or have dull skin, as the body isn’t focusing on cell rejuvenation but on detoxifying.

Bridget underscores the importance of gut health in this process. "Alcohol causes inflammation - which can affect how your liver functions and therefore your gut health”, she says. "By eliminating alcohol, you allow your gut to heal, which can lead to improvements in mood, weight management and skin texture.”

How too much bubbly can affect your brain
 
The Benefits of Going Booze-Free + A Few Tips to Help You Do It!

Beyond the physical, both Tara and Bridget agree that reducing or removing alcohol from your diet can improve mental health and cognitive function.

"Alcohol, like drugs and pollutants, is a poison. When the body realises there is a poison inside our system it works hard to filter it out,” says Tara. "That means that when you drink alcohol you are actually increasing your experience of anxiety and stress due to the process the body needs to go through to filter it out.” While alcohol may seem to offer temporary relaxation, this comes at the cost of long-term emotional well-being.

"High doses of alcohol have been shown to significantly reduce the quality of REM sleep in the first half of the night,” adds Bridget. Chronic alcohol use can impair your memory, concentration and decision-making. It has also been linked to some more serious conditions such as alcohol-related dementia. "By removing alcohol from your life, you free up mental clarity and sharpness that alcohol typically suppresses,” she adds.

Easy tips to go alcohol-free 

The Benefits of Going Booze-Free + A Few Tips to Help You Do It!
 
The first step to reducing or quitting alcohol is to recognise the patterns that support your drinking habits. Tara recommends tracking your behaviour. "This is where you write down your intention to have a drink before you pour a glass, accept one from a friend, or order one at the bar.” This awareness helps you take control of your actions rather than mindlessly consuming alcohol.

Bridget offers similar advice, suggesting that you identify the situations where you’re most likely to drink and develop a plan. "Tell your friends in advance that you are not drinking and you hope for their support,” she says. 

Additionally, both experts emphasise the importance of replacing alcohol with healthier alternatives. 

For Tara, this includes exercise, while Bridget recommends sipping on non-alcoholic drinks such as soda water with a bit of juice to stay hydrated, help curb cravings and boost your energy levels.
 
The Benefits of Going Booze-Free + A Few Tips to Help You Do It!

Fortunately, a growing number of Aussie brands have also joined the no-booze bash, offering excellent alcohol-free alternatives. 

Dr Christina Delay, Co-Founder of Altina Drinks (an award-winning range of alcohol-free wines), highlights the broader cultural redirection, saying: "The rise of the sober-curious movement reflects a shift towards wellness and authenticity. More people are embracing alcohol-free options because they want to stay present, connected and aligned with their values.”

Similarly, Andy Miller, CEO of Heaps Normal, says: "Our journey started with a vision to offer mindful drinkers an option that doesn’t feel preachy but still delivers on taste and experience. Our Quiet XPA was the only non-alcoholic beer on the GABS Hottest 100 list last year, proving that people crave a fun, quality product."

Frances Chnaider, founder of Awesome Source, adds: "We created Awesome Source alcohol-free G&T after struggling to find a drink that wasn’t sugary or chemical-tasting. Our drinks are beautifully crafted and deliver a genuine, sophisticated taste for those who want to enjoy a 'gin-like' experience without the alcohol."
 
The Benefits of Going Booze-Free + A Few Tips to Help You Do It!

Finally, Alana Cauchi, Brand Manager of Australian Beer Co., reveals that its, Son of A Nun Zero Alcohol was created to cater to the increasing consumer demand for 'better-for-you' beverages and the belief that nobody should be left out from having a toast with mates. "This aligns with the broader trend of Australians seeking healthier lifestyle choices and moderating their alcohol consumption," she says. 

Beyond booze-free replacements, Tara notes the importance of self-care practices. "For me, a massage and facial are great Living Room Level self-care practices,’ she says.  Alternatively, if you’re looking to support your body during this transition, Bridget suggests supplements like milk thistle to assist with liver detoxification and advises consulting a health care professional for personalised nutrition advice.

Ultimately, the key to successfully transitioning to a low or no-alcohol lifestyle is understanding your personal triggers, making conscious decisions and embracing healthy alternatives. The good news is that there are a number of delicious alternatives available to make it easier than ever before.

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