As you'll already know, this February is all about going #FreeFrom and exploring new eating and drinking habits. Well, today is a big one because we're challenging you to go free from alcohol for Week 3 of our #FreeFromFeb campaign.
Of course, cutting out the booze always gets a pretty bad rep, too often being labelled as boring and pointless, but there are plenty of amazing- and often unknown- benefits that come with going free from alcohol. From easy mocktail recipes to splitting the facts from fiction, we’ve got everything you’ll need to help you go #FreeFrom alcohol this February.What are the benefits of going free from alcohol?
Whether you’ve decided to go cold turkey on the booze or you’re just cutting down, going #FreeFrom alcohol has so many benefits for your physical and mental health. According to a study carried out by the University of Sussex, people who ditch the drink for 31 days are more likely to give up alcohol for good (1)! From feeling fresher to dropping a dress size, the possibilities that come with going #FreeFrom alcohol are endless, let’s check them out...
Catch some Zzzs
We’ve all been there, a heavy night on the drink and suddenly you’re tossing and turning, waking up throughout the night, desperate for a drink of water. Even though drinking can help you fall into a deep sleep almost instantly, alcohol does interrupt the quality of your sleep.
By falling into a heavy sleep straight away, your body will be missing out on the vital stages of dozing which can mean that you have a less restorative sleep throughout the night (2). According to a study carried out by Alcohol Concern UK, 71% of people found they had a more restful night’s sleep after cutting out the booze, while 67% said they had more energy (2).
Rethinking your mindset
Stepping away from boozy nights can be a helpful way to assess and change your relationship with alcohol. After spending time away from drinking, you might realise that you’re too dependent on alcohol to have a ‘good time’. Taking a break to go #FreeFrom is the perfect way to reshape your mindset and see how you feel without alcohol.
Benefit your body
Alongside the obvious benefits, there are actually plenty of other amazing effects of cutting out alcohol. In a study carried out by Dr Mehta, there were clear, tangible benefits on the body. On average, Dr Mehta saw a weight loss of around 2kg, a decrease in blood pressure of 5% and an improvement in diabetes risk of about 30%- now if that doesn’t make you want to put down your drink, we don’t know what will (3)!
Achieving something
If you’re taking part in #FreeFromFeb, by the time the end of the month comes around, you’ll feel wonderful for just achieving something. Sometimes, this overwhelming feeling of achievement can even outweigh all the other benefits!
Can I lose weight from going #FreeFrom alcohol?
It’s no secret that all of our favourite tipples are very high in calories. On average, a glass of wine is around 160 calories while a beer is around 208 calories. But something many people don’t realise, is that drinking can alter your eating habits. Always starving the day after a drinking session? That’s because alcohol can actually impact the cells in our brain that regulate hunger- no wonder we’re always craving a kebab (4)!
Instead of drinking empty calories, switching to low calorie alternatives can be a great way to get back to feeling healthy. Aside from looking fabulous, losing weight and toning up is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing.
Need a little extra help losing weight? Why not try one of our easy-to-follow diet plans, perfect for anyone in need of a helping hand! Choose between our 800 or 1200 calorie plans for a more calorie-controlled plan to help you get back on track. Alternatively, try out intermittent fasting with our 5:2 plan or simply keep up the healthy work with our Maintain plan.
So, you’ve committed to going #FreeFrom alcohol, now what?
Staying on track throughout the week can be tricky, especially if you’re not treating yourself to plenty of tasty alcohol alternatives. That’s why we’re offering 30% off all our favourite exante alcohol alternatives for this week only!Yep, that's right, we're offering you a chance to get your hands on our low calorie, vitamin-enriched BURST range. Intrigued? Let's find out more...
BURST Mocktail Cans
Are you a fan of canned alcoholic beverages? Look no further than our convenient, ready-to-drink Mocktail Cans. Choose between fruity Strawberry Daiquiri or tropical-inspired Pina Colada for a zero fat, zero sugar alcohol alternative. At just 4 calories per can, these sparkling multivitamin health drinks are the ultimate way to shake up your January!
BURST Sachets
If you’re a fan of our BURST Cans, then you’ll love our BURST Sachets. Made with all the same goodness but formulated without the fizz in smaller stick sachets, our BURST drinks come in a range of 10 tasty flavours. Just like the ready-to-drink cans, BURST Sachets come enriched with multivitamin 3-in-1 benefits. This multivitamin blend includes Iron and Vitamin B12 supporting energy & focus, Zinc supporting hair and skin and Manganese, Vitamin C and Choline to support your metabolism*.
Have a little more time on your hands? Why not try out one of our tasty mocktail recipes below!
Virgin Mojito (Serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp sugar
- small bunch mint
- 3 limes, juiced
- soda water
How to make:
- Muddle the mint leaves with the sugar at the bottom of two tall glasses
- Add the lime juice to each glass, top with soda water, stir and enjoy!
Virgin Negroni
Ingredients:
- ½ grapefruit (approx 125g)
- 1 slice orange
- 125g caster sugar
- 3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- pinch coriander seeds
- ice
- 25ml white grape juice
- 1 slice orange (optional)
How to make:
- Chop the grapefruit into small chunks and place into a saucepan along with the orange slice, sugar, 125ml of water and the cardamom and coriander.
- Simmer the mixture for about 5 mins, using the back of a wooden spoon to crush the fruit pieces.
- Once the fruit has softened, take it off the heat and leave to cool.
- Once the syrup mixture has cooled, strain it, discard the spices and fruit.
- Fill your favourite glass with ice and pour in 25ml of the syrup, the grape juice and 25ml cold water.
- Stir, garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!
For more recipes for cocktail classics minus the alcohol click here
We hope you’re feeling inspired to go #FreeFrom alcohol this February! Remember, we love hearing all about your progress. Whether it’s a massive weight loss, a new recipe or even just a new resolution, we want to hear it! Stay in touch via our Instagram and Facebook where we shout about new products and all things exante. Need some extra support? Why not join our Facebook Closed Group to share tips, tricks and inspiration with the rest of the exante family!- Full article: Temporary abstinence during Dry January: predictors of success; impact on well-being and self-efficacy (tandfonline.com)
- The benefits of a dry january | Health Matters | BMI Healthcare | BMI Healthcare
- Dry January: What are the benefits and drawbacks? | BBC Good Food
- Study reveals how alcohol shifts brain into ‘starvation mode’ – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
* Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, and skin. Iron and Vitamin B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
