07/20/2026
I still enjoy an occasional drink but not nearly to the extent that I used to.
I was the woman who poured a glass of wine after work to “relieve stress.”
I was also the woman who felt like a drink was part of having fun on the weekends.
The truth is, alcohol has become deeply tied to how we celebrate, relax, and socialize. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that as long as you recognize that you want the drink, not that you need it.
Here’s something to consider:
If you’re working hard toward your health goals, eating well, exercising consistently, getting your steps in and you’re still not seeing the progress you want, alcohol may be the thing holding you back.
Alcohol can:
✨ Disrupt sleep quality
✨ Increase cravings and overeating
✨ Slow recovery from workouts
✨ Make weight loss more challenging
✨ Contribute to increased belly fat
And if you’re in perimenopause or menopause, alcohol can make symptoms even worse by contributing to:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Poor sleep
Anxiety
Mood swings
I’m not saying you have to give it up forever. But if you’re serious about feeling your best, try cutting back for a few weeks and pay attention to how your body responds.
You may be surprised by what changes when alcohol is no longer in the driver’s seat.
Have you noticed a difference in how alcohol affects your body now compared to your 20s or 30s?