5 Women Share What It Was Like to Totally Give Up Booze for ‘Dry January’

“I’ve done Dry January since 2010. The first year was a struggle—I was single and living in Los Angeles, and it was a wake-up call to see how much my social life revolved around alcohol. I realized saying yes to every social event had become the equivalent of saying yes to alcohol. So I told everyone what I was doing, and that alleviated peer pressure and held me accountable. I still went out with friends, but learned to socialize without alcohol. Now I can swing by birthday parties or work functions and not automatically grab a drink when it’s offered. My mood improved, my sleep patterns were more regular, my skin cleared up, and I felt more hydrated. Weight loss came, too—the first year I lost 10 pounds, and now I lose around five each time I do it. Over the last three years, I also folded in a clean-eating Whole 30-ish regimen and cut out carbs, preservatives, and sugar. It’s absolutely changed the way I eat—and drink—throughout the year.” —Tessa Gatz, Chicago, 34, marketing, branding and communications professional for non-profits and higher education

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