Ep 21 Rethinking Holiday Drinking – Why We Drink and How to Pause with Freedom

As holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, the pressure to drink can feel inescapable—from family toasts to festive eggnog. In this simple, reflective episode, we explore why we reach for that glass during gatherings (social myths, emotional pulls, and FOMO) and gentle ways to take a mindful alcohol break when you're ready—no guilt, no rules, just freedom. Drawing from Annie Grace's This Naked Mind for mindset shifts, plus science on alcohol's effects, host Cheryl Hall shares how to choose presence over habit. Perfect for anyone undieting their relationship with drinking this season.

Resources The Drinking Freedom Guide

• Free downloadable PDF with practical tools for navigating holiday drinking without guilt—checklists, permission slips, and AF recipes adapted for the season.
• Download here.
• Use it for your next gathering: Focus on one principle like body check-ins to build confidence.

Annie Grace References (This Naked Mind)

Annie Grace's work flips alcohol myths using neuroscience and mindset, showing how subconscious beliefs drive habits. Her book and podcast emphasize that change comes from awareness, not willpower—perfect for undieting drinking.

• Book: This Naked Mind: Discover How to Live a Life Free of Alcohol by Annie Grace (2015).
• Podcast: The This Naked Mind Podcast (hosted by Annie Grace).

Scientific Research Studies

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023, August 17). Alcohol facts and statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

National Library of Medicine. (2024, July 15). Alcohol. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/alcohol.html

Woods, S. A., Davies, A. P., & Jackson, S. E. (2023). Alcohol consumption and sleep quality: A community-based study. JAMA Network Open, 6(2), Article e2253293. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.53293

Journal Prompt

Reflect on your holidays: "Why do I reach for a drink during gatherings (e.g., stress, tradition)? What would a mindful pause feel like for me—more joy, less fog?" Journal for 5 minutes and notice what comes up. Feel free to share any insights in the comments unDIETING101.com/blog/

Alcohol-Free (AF) Explorations

Make breaks festive without missing out:

• Brands to Try: Athletic Brewing Co. (NA IPAs like Run Wild—great for toasts); Seedlip (botanical spirits for mocktails); Ghia (herbal aperitifs); Curious Elixirs (pre-mixed AF cocktails).
• Where to Find: Grocery stores (e.g., Whole Foods, Target), Total Wine, or online at athleticbrewing.com or seedlipdrinks.com.
• Simple Recipe Idea: Holiday Cranberry Spritzer – 4 oz cranberry juice + 4 oz sparkling water + rosemary sprig. Hydrate with cucumber-mint water between sips.

Connect with Us

• Website: undieting101.com – More episodes, blog, and coaching info.
• Social: Instagram @undieting101
• Email: [e-mail] for questions.
• Call to Action: Loved this? Rate 5 stars, write a review, and share with a friend navigating holiday drinking. Tag me in your "mindful sip" moments! Subscribe for more on undieting food, body, and freedom.

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.