Terms like “sober-curious,” “mindful drinking,” or the newly coined “zebra-striping” are gaining traction. Why do we feel the need to stop drinking alcohol and—more importantly—what happens when we do?
The reasons for embracing "Enero-cero" (our very own Spanish take on Dry January!) are often the same: “The holidays have left me feeling like a sponge saturated with alcohol,” “I feel bloated,” “I don’t like the sluggishness and brain fog after a weekend out,” and so on. Taking a month off alcohol helps us discover our true relationship with drinking. For wine lovers, the situation can be even trickier—wine is part of their identity, their routine, and even their profession. And yet, more and more people are taking the plunge, choosing to pause and experiment to truly understand their connection with wine.
If you’re still not convinced about what a break from alcohol can reveal, keep reading to hear from those who’ve already taken the challenge:
- I didn’t realize how much I relied on my beer, gin and tonic, and glass of wine.
That’s right. There’s an “alcohol autopilot” in play: we drink to celebrate, to relax, to socialize, to watch football, when we’re sad, when we’re excited... And discovering that we can do all of that without alcohol is liberating—it’s a superpower! Dry January helps us reflect and question habits we’ve normalized. - My digestion is better.
Makes sense. Our bodies aren’t great at processing alcohol, and our gut microbiota even less so. Add sulfites or sugar into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a science-class volcano. Just one month without alcohol is enough to feel the difference and feel lighter. - I sleep better.
That glass of wine may help you fall asleep, but it actually worsens sleep quality. Alcohol consumption induces deep sleep at the beginning of the sleep cycle, but as the night goes on, overall sleep quality deteriorates due to a reduction in slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) and REM sleep rebound. You can read the study here. - I perform better—physically and mentally.
This one was predictable after the last two points: your body thanks you, and quality sleep helps you make better decisions regarding exercise and nutrition. It becomes easier to take care of yourself on all levels—you’re more alert, more relaxed, and experience fewer ups and downs. - Every year, I feel sexier being alcohol-free for a month.
We’re no longer seen as boring weirdos. Now we spark curiosity and even a little envy. No more hiding! According to a recent UK study, alcohol consumption is declining across all age groups under 55. The drop is especially pronounced among Gen Z (ages 15-24). Read more about it here.
And as a bonus, here’s a personal take:
Bars and restaurants aren’t ready for us.
I’m tired of drinking sparkling water. A celiac who doesn´t drink feels feel misunderstood and left out. We’re the hospitality industry’s blind spot—and its biggest opportunity. If you’re unsure, talk to me, and I’ll open your eyes to the world of NoLo (no- and low-alcohol beverages). After spending two days training with Club Soda in London and dedicating countless hours to research and tastings, I’m ready to bring these drinks to the restaurant industry. Soon, we’ll be kicking off the beverage training for the Plant-Based Diploma at Le Cordon Bleu Madrid.
And there’s much more to come when a wine expert becomes a Health Coach!
