01/13/2025
Day 13 of Dry January or Day 1 again?
If you’re like me, Dry January might have startred out a little wet, and that’s okay.
This morning, I realized I had two choices: give up entirely or take a step back, set realistic goals, and work on regaining healthy habits that can last all year long.
To truly achieve our goals, it helps to reflect on what motivates us in the first place—our “why.” It may feel like a cliché, but knowing where we are now is essential to guiding where we want to go. For me, the “why” is recognizing that drinking has become a habit that negatively affects my health. Social drinking, in particular, can impact overall health and productivity. A few too many glasses of wine can leave you feeling too tired to hit the gym or make healthy choices the next day. Alcohol can also disrupt gut health, leading to increased cravings for carbs and processed foods. Over time, drinking more than the recommended limit—one drink per day for women or two for men—can increase the risk of serious health issues, including cancer, liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Consuming four or more drinks at once poses an even greater risk. It’s also helpful to keep in mind what a standard serving actually is: 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer, which is often much smaller than what we’re served at restaurants or social gatherings. Recognizing these facts can empower us to make healthier choices and take control of our well-being.
One fascinating aspect we’re seeing in studies and with our patients is how GLP-1 medications can impact alcohol consumption. Many patients using these medications report a significant decrease in alcohol intake, particularly in episodes of overconsumption. While the exact mechanism isn’t entirely clear, it seems to stem from a reduced desire to drink and an increased feeling of fullness when alcohol is consumed. Additionally, some patients experience discomfort or nausea when drinking, which naturally discourages the habit.
We view this effect as highly beneficial for several reasons.
Reduced alcohol consumption contributes to improved overall health, including a lower risk of heart disease and other alcohol-related conditions.
Patients often report feeling better physically and emotionally, which motivates them to adopt healthier eating and exercise habits.
This empowerment to avoid alcohol is transformative, and we repeatedly see success stories involving reduced food and alcohol intake leading to better health outcomes.
For many patients who have struggled to achieve these changes on their own, it has been genuinely life-changing. Personally, one of the most rewarding aspects of working with patients on GLP-1 medications is witnessing them feel successful for the first time as they become the healthiest version of themselves. It’s truly inspiring to be a part of their journey.
Why do I need a Dry January 2.0? Let me share a little about my journey. In 2023, I used Semaglutide consistently for almost five months, and during that time, something surprising happened—my evening habit of a glass or two of wine just… disappeared. I’d pour a glass and forget about it or not even open the bottle. Who was I? 😂 In all seriousness, it turned out to be one of the most impactful changes I’ve ever made for my health.
While on the medication, I was drinking and eating less, and I noticed my cravings for processed foods and mindless snacks were gone too. This shift made it so much easier to focus on a whole-food diet and to exercise more regularly than I ever had before. Once I reached a place where I felt confident and comfortable in my skin, I stopped the medication but carried on with the healthy habits—mostly.
Like everyone, there are seasons (or stressors) that can throw me off track, and yes, summer, winter, spring, and fall all have their temptations! During those times, I’ve found that a short, low-dose course of Semaglutide can help me reset and get back on track. Even without the medications, it has been easier to reset those habits and there is a kind of “muscle memory” awareness around cravings and mindless consumption.
This January, I’m reframing “Dry January” as a daily commitment to choices that make me feel good—both physically and mentally. And if I slip up one day, it doesn’t mean I can’t try again tomorrow. However I choose to approach this journey, on my own or with the help of glp1 support, I’ll be proud of taking steps toward better health. After all, I only have so many Januarys ahead of me. 💛
Happy to New Year!
Ginger
