I became calmer and made better decisions.
My work productivity soared.
More opportunities – like an ESPN audition to host SportsCenter – came my way. When it did, I had clarity and energy to win the gig and host SportsCenter for two years.
When I reached the personal milestone of one year without drinking, I found myself back in Austin at South by Southwest. I went to a pub, ordered a Budweiser, and put it to my mouth.
I had every intention of drinking that beer. But something stopped me from taking a sip. I paused and thought about it for a minute.
I decided that all the pros of not drinking outnumbered the cons. So I said to myself, “I’ll just keep going.”
So I did. I put the Budweiser down and haven’t picked up a drink since.
I’m 20lbs (9kg) lighter today than I was when I started my 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge. I’m 38lbs (17kg) lighter than when I was at my heaviest.
Drinking kept fat around my waist. Stopping drinking eliminated it. This is likely due to three main things:
1. Alcohol contains a lot of empty calories.
2. Drinking makes you eat a lot more food, especially junk like fries and desserts.
3. Quitting drinking gives you the energy to be more active.
You don't need to quit drinking entirely like I did. But my story clearly shows some of the positive benefits of even a 30-day break from alcohol.
Feel better, look better, lose weight, save money and have better relationships.
Now, that’s a cocktail.