Curiosity about the sober life has been trending and for good reason. I jumped on this bandwagon in mid-January because I have been having gut health issues and wanted to see if it would help. As we all know, alcohol is extremely inflammatory and drinking it makes it hard for the liver to do its job, so for liver health and gut health purposes, which is essential for hormone health, I thought I would give it a try. Additionally, the 90-day preconception period is important for egg and sperm quality, so eating healthy and limiting alcohol during this time is also very valuable. Not saying we’re TTC yet, but I want to make sure my body is set up for success when the time comes.

OK now that my longwinded overview is out of the way, here’s the tea. First, when I say mostly sober, what do I mean? Well, I will try a sip of my husband’s drinks when he orders, but I mostly drink lemon water or mocktails when we go out to eat. I did have a glass of prosecco on our anniversary in May - it was a celebratory moment, so I cherished that (as seen in the picture above - the almost empty glass!). I was also on a bachelorette party last month and while I did not drink at all most of the days, on the last day, I did have a glass of “Paradise Punch” because I wanted to try it lounging by the pool. I mean does that not sound enticing? Other than that, I have not been consuming alcohol.

Depending on who I am with, when asked if I want a drink, I will respond with a simple “No thanks” or “I’ll pass” I’m good for now.” Other times, I’ll share why I am doing it, but the social aspect is what worried me in the beginning and after some time, that is no longer a concern for me. I miss a glass of wine or a dirty martini now and again, but not enough to go back to drinking fully.

Benefits I’m Noticing

• I have way more energy

• I feel focused and have less brain fog during the work week

• I do not miss a hangover at all (I mean who would?) - especially during the Bach party I was at. It was nice to wake up and be able to do all the things we had planned

• I feel like I am overall in a better mood and my anxiety feels less aggressive

• I have less stomach pain, but I am honestly still working on my SIBO diagnosis and bloating issues, so the main reason I tried it is not the reason I am sticking with it at this point

Alch Alternatives

When I go out to eat, I usually look to see if they have mocktails, but if not, I pick a drink that looks good and ask them to make it non-alchoholic. I try to avoid drinks that have too much sugar, so I am usually the pain at the table asking all the questions. Who cares - be the pain, get what you want :) Mint, cucumber, lemon and seltzer combos are fun, good for your gut and make you feel like your partaking in the social aspect of drinking too.

At home, I’ve tried Kin Euphorics (really good, I love the pineapple flavor), Drink Poppi (good for the gut too!), and Recess. I also like Kombucha and have recently been making adrenal “cocktails” (more on that soon, but it is a drink for your adrenal health, not a cocktail at all). Put any of these in a wine or fancy glass to elevate your experience.

Thoughts on the sober lifestyle? What questions do you have? Message me/comment on @courtney.devanna and let me know!