This Is What Happens When You Give Up Alcohol For 2 Weeks

Beer, wine, whiskey, margaritas… regardless of your drink of choice, too much is sure to make you regret it in the morning. If you drink alcohol, you’re probably familiar with the next day symptoms. A headache, nausea, dizziness, dehydration, exhaustion, even aches and pains can result from a night of boozing. It’s pretty common knowledge that too much alcohol can make you sick. But did you know that even those two glasses of wine you have before bed can effect you the next day? Alcohol has the ability to drastically alter both your mind and your body.

Here’s what would happen if you ditched the drinks for two weeks:

1. You’ll Lose Weight

A 2012 study found that the average American adult consumes 100 calories a day from beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages. The same study revealed that close to 20% of men and 6% of women consume more than 300 calories a day from alcohol. That glass of wine or bottle of beer might look innocent, but those extra calories are sure to add up. Consuming 100 calories more than you burn each day can end up leading to a weight gain of 10 pounds over a year!

Fruity drinks and cocktails range from anywhere between 200-700 calories each! They’re also loaded with sugar, which can cause weight gain, make you sick and affect your mood. Then there’s the greasy food you reach for when you realize you may have had too much to drink. Giving up alcohol will allow you to skip all of those extra calories, and you’ll most likely lose a few pounds in the process.

2. You’ll Have More Energy

You might think you’re drinking a glass of wine before bed to help you sleep, but alcohol has negative effects on your sleep patterns. When you go to bed with alcohol in your system, it disrupts your deep sleep stages. The next morning, you wake up feeling tired and drained. That disruptive night’s sleep can cause drowsiness and poor concentration the next day. Giving up alcohol will allow you to sleep better, give you more energy and help you focus.

3. You’ll Be In A Better Mood

Alcohol is linked to depression, because it changes the way your body deals with stress. You might reach for a drink to help you relax, or because you’re frustrated, hurt or angry. Either way, alcohol can end up prolonging feelings of anxiety, depression and sadness. Giving up alcohol allows the body to regulate feelings and emotions without any interference. You’ll be able to handle feelings of stress and anxiety more efficiently, before they become a problem.

4. Your Bank Account Will Thank You

Have you ever checked your bank account after a night of drinking and cringed? Whether you stock your own fridge or meet friends at happy hour, buying alcohol can put a huge dent in your wallet. It’s an expensive habit to keep. Making the decision to give up alcohol can save you boatloads of money. Your bank account will grow and you’ll be happy with the extra cash.

5. You Skin Will Glow

Alcohol dehydrates your entire body, including your skin. Drinking can dry out your skin, leaving it dull and pale. Your liver also suffers. Overloading your body with sugar and chemicals from alcohol impedes your liver’s ability to filter your blood. Giving up alcohol will allow your liver to work properly to remove harmful substances from your blood. Your body will be able to absorb nutrients and your skin will look healthy once again.