No Alcohol? No Problem!

I know some of you might have partaken in a no-alcohol challenge to start the new year. If you did, are you feeling pretty good? 

The truth is that alcohol can be great! But, it can also be not so great - for various reasons - but let’s just review the basic health and wellness factors for now. 

Alcohol has sugar. Alcohol has calories. Alcohol has additives. It puts extra strain on your liver and kidneys to digest, process, and flush it all out. 

One common misconception is that clear alcohol is somehow better for you. Sure, a vodka soda may have fewer calories than a mojito, but it still has calories. It still has sugar. It will probably still make you feel bloated and swollen. Alcohol can also negatively affect sleep cycles, energy levels, digestion, and more. Not to mention, who likes having a hangover? Prolonged headache? Being dehydrated? No one! 

If you have goals around weight loss, increased energy, better sleep, and just overall improved wellness - you might want to consider taking a break or decreasing how much alcohol you consume. That’s for you to know and for you to decide, but from my experience, limited alcohol or taking a break from alcohol consumption really helps me cleanse and feel refreshed. 

But, what do I drink if I want to celebrate? Or relax? Good question! 

Limiting alcohol can be tricky because it is often so closely tied with certain rituals, traditions, habits, patterns, and social events. Having a go-to non-alcoholic drink, ordering a mocktail, or just getting a yummy blended smoothie can help to just get a glass in your hand and curb the desire to opt for something containing alcohol. 

I personally like opting for tea, which I find is a nice way to treat yourself  - especially at home. Instead of reaching for that after-work glass of wine, you can try substituting a drink made with tea. For example, prep some tasty iced tea in advance, pull out of the fridge when you get home, and mix with a little sparkling water for a refreshing beverage - free of alcohol. Instead of popping super sugary bubbly, you can opt for something like this to fill in while still feeling festive. 

Or even just steep a pot of fragrant tea, which is perfect for chillier winter months anyway!

Tea Sparrow has some amazing blends. One of my favorites for a festive or celebratory drink is their Strawberry Champagne, with a hint of pineapple this blend is super refreshing, zesty, and fun. So perfect for any Valentine’s Day celebration - especially with some sparkle to stand in for champagne. 

I also love Tea Sparrow’s  Organic Hawaii Cocktail, a blend of pineapple, mango, and papaya - a solid substitute for a tropical fruit flavored cocktail. 

Tea Sparrow will keep you loaded up with new teas, especially through their monthly delivery program. Having so many amazing tea options on hand and at the ready makes it easy for me to opt for a healthy choice either at home or on the go!

What’s your favorite, fun, festive non-alcoholic beverage? Share with me on Instagram - I would love to know!