Several people who have made living a healthier lifestyle a new year’s resolution are participating in Dry January – laying off alcohol for the month of January. But here in Louisiana, with Carnival in full swing, that’s understandably a tad difficult. That’s where Ochsner Health’s Alcohol Free for 40 Days Challenge comes in. Allie Foreman, a nutrition specialist with Ochsner Eat Fit Baton Rouge, says think of it as a second chance.
“It’s like another reset, if anybody hasn’t kept up with Dry January, or wants to get a late start during Lent season,” Foreman said.
Foreman says the challenge starts Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on February 18th, and runs through Easter. She says people who have participated in previous years have really seen the results.
“We do labs and close-up pictures of people’s faces, just to see the changes that happens over 40 days of
non-drinking. And it’s incredible, the energy levels that people say they have, the better focus, the better sleep,” Foreman explained.
Foreman says the Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge is also meant to demonstrate that you can actually enjoy yourself without drinking alcohol.
“There is this worry, I think, that some people feel that alcohol is a necessity in social settings, especially in today’s world and society as well,” Foreman said.
If you’d like to participate, it only costs $59, and you get metrics and support valued at more than $450. For more information, go to alcoholfreefor40.com.