As Mardi Gras festivities wind down, it’s not unusual to crave a season of rejuvenation, an opportunity to recharge, reset and refresh. If you’re contemplating what this might look like for your life, we encourage you to consider doing a little self-experiment with us, one that can transform how you feel, look and live.
This year marks the 10th annual Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge presented by Ochsner Eat Fit. The premise of the challenge is simple yet impactful: Abstain from alcohol for 40 days to gain a better understanding of its impact and influence on your body and mind.
Over the past few years, the concept of ‘zero-proofing’ has gained momentum, from the ‘sober-curious’ crowd to those who decide to forgo alcohol altogether. And there’s a growing body of research to support this trend. Alcohol is linked to a host of negative effects, including elevated cancer risk, heightened anxiety, higher blood pressure and inflammation, which can wreak havoc on our gut health and more.
The challenge details
For a sign-up fee of $49 (over $400 in value), you’ll receive comprehensive pre- and post-challenge metrics including laboratory tests, body composition analysis, weight, blood pressure and before-and-after photos. These metrics are taken at both the beginning and the end of the 40-day period, providing a clear picture of the changes your body experiences when you hit pause on alcohol consumption. Register at AlcoholFreeFor40.com by midnight on March 2nd to participate.
On March 6th, Ochsner Eat Fit will host kick-off events in six cities across Louisiana, where participants can get their pre-challenge labs and metrics.
Support every step of the way
We know change isn’t easy, so we don’t expect you to do it alone. Participants share resources, camaraderie and accountability through the Alcohol Free for 40 Facebook group. In addition to collaborating with local restaurants to offer zero proof Eat Fit cocktails, our team hosts Mindful Mondays to help participants start each week on a positive note.
What’s in it for you?
Over the years, our team has observed firsthand the transformative impact this challenge has had on thousands of participants. They consistently report better energy, improved sleep, greater productivity and enhanced mood – most notably, handling stress and anxiety markedly better. Within a week, many notice brighter skin, clearer eyes and reduced cravings. By the end of the challenge, the changes in whole-body wellness can be remarkable, including improvements in blood pressure, body composition and lab markers for inflammation, liver health, cholesterol and more.
Understanding alcohol’s deeper impact on mental health
It’s paradoxical. Alcohol is often used as a stress reliever, yet it exacerbates our body’s stress response, leading to increased anxiety over time. The Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge offers a break from this cycle, providing clarity and reducing anxiety. Many participants discover they handle stress better and feel a newfound sense of calm.
To replace old habits, we encourage finding new, healthy behaviors such as walking or joining a fitness class and experimenting with delicious zero-proof beverage options.
Why it’s worth a try
If you’ve ever wondered just how alcohol is impacting your health, this challenge is your chance to find out. It’s not about never drinking again; it’s about understanding your relationship with alcohol and making informed choices moving forward.
Join us and see for yourself the difference 40 days can make. For more details and to register, visit AlcoholFreeFor40.com.
JOIN THE ALCOHOL FREE FOR 40 CHALLENGE
Sunday, March 2: Deadline to sign up
Thursday, March 6: Kickoff events with pre-challenge metrics in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Covington, Monroe and Shreveport
Thursday, April 17: Wrap-up events with post-challenge metrics
Visit AlcoholFreeFor40.com for details about event locations, times and to schedule your labs.
Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, is a registered dietitian with Ochsner Health and founder of Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonprofit initiative. For more wellness content, tune in to Molly’s podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition, and follow @MollykimballRD and @EatFitOchsner on social media.