who’s joining me on Febfast this year? (a great IQS thing to do*)
If you’re currently quitting sugar* – or if you’re not, but would like to do SOMETHING to get your health back on flowing tracks – you’ll like this poke up the bum I’m about to give you:
join me in ditching alcohol in February
Yes, just one month. Actually, 29 days this year. Which is exactly enough time for your liver to regrouprefocus, that bloating to go, your skin to clear and your focus to get sharp.
image via 'break out'
For the past few years I’ve done FebFast. I’m now the patron of the national charity, which challenges people to send their grog on a holiday to raise money to help young Australians overcome alcohol, drug and mental health problems. Find out more here.
My job as patron is to get you on board to abstain from drinking for the month. For your health. For your esteem. For your wallet. For the good of our community. For making a difference.
If you’re keen to join my team, and quit booze, click the button below.
Type in “sarahw” as the password.
Then you’ll need to contact all your mates to sponsor you. For the past three years Team Sarah Wilson has topped the fundraising ladder (and already we’re perched up there!).
Or you can choose to just sponsor me, here.
Just kick in what you can afford.
If you’re currently on the see-saw of ‘should I/shouldn’t I’, let’s see if this helps:
- Eliminating alcohol from your diet is a quick way to lose weight. One beer is the caloric equivalent of a meat pie. Two glasses of champagne is one fifth of your recommended energy intake for a day. Ouch!
- If you have an autoimmune disease, or any health concerns, alcohol makes things way worse. It’s highly acidic stuff, and disease can only be cured when we alkalise our systems. Less acid and we heal faster. Having a month out will really give your body a chance to heal.
- I believe in rest. Pausing. We go so fast, so hard, we get stuck in ruts. To pause, to take time out from anything gives our bodies and psyches a chance to recalibrate. Breaking a drinking habit (however strong or weak) refreshes…so that when you have your first drink in March, you choose it and you enjoy it and things feel new.
- Just doing something different, seeing what you’re capable of when you don’t revert to a “drink after work” or a “night at the pub” is special. It gets you creative, alive to yourself and your friends and partner.
* And if you’re quitting sugar: Wine, spirits, champagne and beer ARE low in fructose (it’s the sugars that ferment to become alcohol). However, the toll on your liver is HEAVY and while you’re detoxing sugar, it’s VERY much worth assisting your liver as much as possible.
Also, some research shows the metabolism of ethanol (fermented sugar) is much the same as the metabolism of fructose…that fermented or otherwise it causes the same damage.
Join my team or sponsor me here:
I’d love for all you health practitioners and experts to join too… FebFast are always after new voices to use for promotion and media opportunities. Post your names and URLs in the comments below!
Just registered! I’ve been needing to a month off for waaaaayyy too long now…
Thanks for the push Sarah, ill be trying to bring a few friends along for the journey
x
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I joined Sarah’s team last year and wasn’t sure I’d last the distance, but 28 days flew by very quickly. A great cause to support indeed.
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My friend has given up booze for the whole of 2012 take a look at his youtube vid – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRTXPlGdEn4
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Already done and done
This is my second year doing febfast. I work for one of the Charities involved and I’m lucky enough to see where the money goes. Very worthwhile cause!
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Hi Sarah,
I’ll definitely be doing Febfast this year and agree wholeheartedly with the benefits you’ve listed here! I’m not what you would call a big drinker but used to find myself having a glass of wine or two with dinner three or four nights per week.
Doing Febfast last year was such an EYE OPENING experience. Within two weeks my skin had cleared, my face looked fresher, eyes brighter. I had numerous compliments on my glowing skin. I didn’t need as much sleep! I was waking feeling refreshed on up to 3 hours less sleep! I capitalised on this by using the extra time in my day to do the things that made me FEEL GOOD!
My head was clearer and as a result of the whole experience I am so much more MINDFUL of my alcohol consumption now and certainly drink less than I used to. I had no idea of the impact that my seemingly moderate alcohol intake had on my wellbeing!
I’ve even started tapering my alcohol consumption in the lead up to Feb…and I’m already feeling great!
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This is a ‘no-brainer’ for me, thanks for the opportunity to join the team Sarah. I have been alcohol free since 27 Dec and plan to continue at least until my birthday in mid March.
This cause is one close to my heart so happy to supoort and contibute.
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Great idea, however I generally go month to month without alcohol anyway unless it is New Year’s or a special birthday. I love a glass of bubbly, but I definitely don’t have to have a drink to have fun. I also find that as soon as I try to give up something for a period of time it becomes a focus point and I want it more (reverse psychology!) so I’ll support the cause but I won’t sign up.
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Hi dudes,
I am in the IQS bandwagon, and also committed to giving up booze for 2012 also.
I am allowing myself seven “days off” for the year, but other than that indeed to remain alcohol free for a year.
I’m doing this more as an experiment than anything else. I’m turning 30 in six weeks, and feel like I am really at a point where my body is telling me it just.doesn’t.like.alcohol.at.all.
I am also trying to lose weight and I know the last thing I need in my body is energy-depleting, nutrient deficient, motivation sapping, empty grog calories.
What is the date today? 13th January? So I am 13 days alcohol and sugar free. I have already lost 3.5 kilos and am aiming for 30 (or thereabouts) within 12-18 months. So I feel like already the no sugar, no alcohol combination is having a significant effect. Even my husband has said I have a sparkle in my eyes.
I am feeling energized and positive. I am excited at the idea of more positive changes to follow.
So I encourage those who are considering an alcohol free February to go for it!
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January 13th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Hey Peckingbird,
Awesome work! Keep us posted, won’t you?
x
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February 1st, 2012 at 9:34 am
Good luck, I admire it you giving up for so long. I will try for Feb but that’s it
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Commitment posted, buttons all pressed. Hope it spurs me on to better efforts with sugar. Just as well this week was be kind and gentle in getting it together. I don’t have it together! But tomorrow is a new day to weave a thread in to the pattern I am looking for. Lisa
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Ah! I wish we had this in the states! Doesn’t look like I can join the team, but I ‘spose I don’t have to be an Australian resident to donate! Then I’ll just have my own febfast, and be a teammate in spirit!
I think this is such a great idea and cause!
Thanks for this, Sarah!
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A little off topic maybe, but I drink Kombucha, which I think has fermented sugar. I was under the impression that the yeast uses the sugar for energy. After this post I’m questioning if the fermentation of the sugar in this supposed healthy drink is too close to alcohol for comfort? Possibly even UNHEALTHY?
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Great idea! I also had an iqs question. Does anyone know about coconut palm sugar? I can’t seem to find anything about the fructose content but have read that even some diabetics are able to use it in cooking/baking. Could it be another sugar alternative, even maybe just occasionally, not for daily use?
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4WD+POLO+PORTSEA = SARAH WANKER
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Great stuff Sarah and fantastic to read everyone’s comments and see your determination to complete next month’s febfast.
If you need any support in your efforts to go grog free at any stage in the next seven or so weeks don’t hesitate to write us an email (info@febfast.org.au) or post something on our Twitter or facebook pages (or, of course, to get in touch with Sarah).
Good luck everyone!
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January 16th, 2012 at 5:52 am
I’m thinking about joining the team, but not sure if it’s permitted for Australians living overseas? If someone can clarify that would be lovely.
Thanks very much!
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February 1st, 2012 at 9:30 am
I’m OS as well but still going to do it just using the parents address.
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I don’t normally comment, but seriously dude. Stop trolling and find a life.
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I’ve registered! I’ve been hestitating even though I’ve not been drinking much these last 6 months or so due to IVF (unsuccessful) so thought i should continue and support a great cause. Alcohol has been a constant and not very supportive friend for my adult life, so looking forward just saying no.
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[...] * Little reminder: it’s your last day to register for Febfast. Go on. Do it. Here. [...]
I don’t drink at all, so I am going to sponsor your team Sarah, and I am going to take the opportunity to do 29 days of no coffee, and hoping to apply the principles of giving each other encouragement on here to that purpose..
Good Luck everyone!
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Hi, does anyone have the password for Sarah’s team, I’ve finally talked myself into it but can’t find the password to join
. Thanks
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Oops, don’t worry didn’t see it above
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I have completed one week grog free and only just registered in Sarah’s team. I thought it might be too late to register but it went through. So now I’m official!
Here’s cheers to more mineral water….
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