‘Tis the season to…. Abstain! We know it and we’re ready! Is your body crying out for a detox? Ours is! After weeks of indulgence, many people use January as an excuse to cleanse by staying away from alcohol, fatty and sugary foods and making health a priority.
Non-alcoholic drink alternatives to liven up Dry Jan
Being healthy doesn’t mean we can’t socialise. So when it’s a birthday or a post-Christmas get-together, what do we order at the bar? Non-alcoholic drink options are plentiful. A month off the booze doesn’t mean missing out. Here are Quattro’s ideas for delicious alternatives to alcohol.
Nothing is as fresh and satisfying as a glass of cold water. Fizzy or still? Lemon or cucumber? Add your favourite fruit or herbs to your glass, stay hydrated and enjoy the pure, clean taste.
Smoothies are easy to make, they are fresh and zesty, healthy and versatile. Add yogurt, oats, peanut butter, any kind of fruit or veg and blitz. You can also keep them in the fridge or freezer so a big batch can last a few days.
Mocktails mean more parties! All that money spent on your sparkly dress or glitzy shirt, you may as well give it another outing or two. Many of the same delicious combinations can be made without the booze. Lime and mint in a non-alcoholic Mojito is a great start, or go for a White Russian without the vodka – it’s a treat.
Why not glow up your coffee order? Those gingerbread lattes should still be around well into January. A hug in a mug does the trick. A toasty hot chocolate with oat milk, a dusting of cinnamon or a dollop of delicious whipped cream is a non-alcoholic indulgence of the highest order.
What does Dry January mean to you?
Dry January brings endless physical and mental health benefits. From better sleep to weight loss, saving money and increasing energy, it’s worth the self-control.
But making changes isn’t always easy. Start by identifying your goals. Are you trying to lose weight or save money? Do you simply want to feel better or give your body a detox? Or is there a bigger motivation driving your resolve, for example maybe you feel your general alcohol consumption is too high and you want to put the brakes on before it gets out of control. Personalising your goals makes them easier to stick to.
Food for thought
What are the perfect foods to accompany a non-alcoholic tipple? Eating a tasty meal without a beer or a glass of wine is a good discipline and an excellent opportunity to do some mindful eating. We say go for a load of protein, from fresh fish and chicken to leafy veg and cheese galore. Keep it fresh, light and locally sourced if possible. That way you’ll be supporting farmers and growers, and eating the highest quality food around.
Dry January can feel daunting but you can do it, with a little discipline and planning. Good luck!