Trying a period of sobriety can be incredibly empowering. Avoidance of alcohol for 30 days (ie. “Dry January”) can give you a sense of achievement and not to mention the physical health benefits- improved sleep, weight loss, better blood sugar control, decreased blood pressure, and more radiant skin. This study found that regular drinkers who gave up alcohol for just one month were found to have a rapid decrease in certain chemical messengers in the blood that are associated with cancer progression. And this University of Sussex study revealed the following findings of Dry January:

• 71% participants noted improved sleep
• 67% participants experienced increased energy
• 58% participants reported weight loss
• 54% participants noted better skin

So what should you drink for the 30 days?

Water– Aim for 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water. So if you weight 150 lbs, you need 75 ounces water daily.

Tea– Look for for liver-supportive or “detox” teas that include dandelion root, burdock, and milk thistle.

I get it though. Water and tea can get boring, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. Here are my favorite mocktails:

Zyn Curcumin Drinks– My favorite is the Lemon Ginger flavor. These drinks contain 200 mg curcumin (turmeric extract) AND black pepper for enhanced curcumin absorption. Curcumin protects against heavy metal- induced liver damage, acts as a liver protective, is anti-inflammatory, inflammation modulating, and even increases glutathione (our most potent antioxidant).

I like to “doctor it up” with apple cider vinegar and seltzer in this Lemon Ginger Mocktail recipe:

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 1 bottle of Zyn Lemon Ginger Curcumin drink
• 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 12 ounce can lemon seltzer water

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in a fancy cocktail glass. Serve over ice.

Other favorite mocktails:

Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Vinegar Sparkling Beverages

Shrub mixed with seltzer (a shrub is a drinking vinegar). I like Siren Shrub, a local company. Found at Outpost and Beans and Barley.

Kombucha- A fermented tea beverage. My favorite is GT’s Gingerade.

Sweet ‘N Tangy Energizing Tonic Recipe (aka “Poor Man’s Kombucha”)

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.