Are You Sober Curious? Learn Why This Trend Is Growing December 12, 2024 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to skip that glass of wine with dinner or pass on drinks at a holiday gathering? You are not alone. Trends like Sober October and Dry January are gaining momentum as more people join the “sober curious” movement. What Does It Mean to Be Sober Curious? The sober curious movement is about re-evaluating your relationship with alcohol. It encourages people to think about how drinking impacts their health and happiness and to try taking breaks from alcohol. “Being sober curious isn’t about making a lifelong decision to never drink again,” said Lauren Burns, a registered dietitian at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. “It’s about discovering what life might be like without alcohol and making thoughtful choices about your drinking habits.” For many people, alcohol is a key part of social events and a common way to unwind and manage stress. The sober curious journey encourages people to be mindful about drinking choices, instead of just sticking to old habits or social expectations. Being Sober Curious Has Its Benefits Embracing a sober curious lifestyle offers a range of benefits beyond just rethinking your relationship with alcohol. “Exploring sobriety can open doors to a richer and more healthful life,” said Burns. “People who take a break from alcohol often report feeling mentally clearer, having more energy, and enjoying better sleep, along with an overall boost in their health and well-being.” Cutting out alcohol frees up your liver to work on more important things, like regulating your energy metabolism. Taking a break from alcohol can significantly improve serum lipids (like triglycerides) and reduces your risk of developing fatty liver. According to Burns, ethanol, a main ingredient in alcoholic beverages, is considered a macronutrient. Ethanol is produced when yeast ferments the sugars in fruits, vegetables and grains. It has the potential to be used for energy. “Many people dislike the sugar found in alcohol, but often overlook the energy density of ethanol itself which boasts roughly 7 kcal per gram, as compared to 4 kcal per gram in sugar,” said Burns. “If you are closely monitoring your energy intake for any reason, considering alcohol’s contribution will be an important factor.” Plus, skipping drinks means you will save money that would otherwise be spent on bar tabs, restaurant tabs and event drinks. Start Your Journey To start, Burns advised taking some time for self-reflection. “Take a moment to evaluate your current drinking habits, why you drink, how it impacts your health and relationships, and what motivates you to make a change,” said Burns. Start with goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Let your small, achievable goals work toward your larger vision for your health and lifestyle. “Connecting with sober curious communities, local or online, can also provide support and encouragement,” said Burns. Alcohol-Free Alternatives Being sober curious often means finding alternatives to alcohol. “People rarely follow through with behavior change if they are focusing on what they cannot have,” said Burns. “Instead, consider what you might add to your palate versus what you’re taking away.” Burns recommended exploring a range of beverage options to discover what suits your taste. Here are some ideas to consider: Mocktails: These creative, non-alcoholic cocktails can be as delicious as their alcoholic counterparts. Experiment with seasonal berries or garden fresh herbs for a nutrient dense refreshing beverage. For a delicious and easy recipe, check out this refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail recipe. Non-Alcoholic Wines & Beers: Breweries and wineries are increasingly offering non-alcoholic options that capture the spirit of traditional beverages without alcohol. Sparkling Waters: Refreshing and bubbly, sparkling water can be a great substitute for a cocktail. Hot or Iced Tea: A versatile choice with many flavors that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Lemonade: A wonderful way to enjoy a sweet, tangy drink without alcohol. Arnold Palmer, anyone? Kombucha: This fermented tea has a tangy flavor and is a healthy option with its probiotics that help with digestion. Burns noted that Kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol leftover from the fermentation process. If you are looking for 100% abstention, look for kombucha that has had the alcohol removed. Learn more about the sober curious movement. Concerned about potentially drinking too much? Recognize these key signs.
