Pause and make another healthy choice

Some do it all at once. A lock on the drinks cabinet? Then get rid of those cigarettes. Or put on the sneakers. And eat healthier. Anna and Anita don't limit their new lifestyle to just an alcohol break.

Anna (56): On January 4 I started both Dry January and a sugar-free life. I still take breaks to this day and I still stick to my sugar free diet. I have been working from home since March last year and the kilos started flying. I moved too little and I ate and drank to my heart's content.

Last year I also participated in IkPas. I stopped drinking for a hundred days. After that, the terraces were allowed to open for a while and I enjoyed that immensely. I also let the reins loose a bit afterwards. Last December I went all out one more time, because I knew that from January I would stop drinking again. The first days of January I used everything we had at home. To really start with the break and the sugar-free diet from January 4th.

The result is that I am fifteen kilos lighter in two months. Isn't that incredible? I am comfortable in my own skin. Be fitter than ever. Need to go to the toilet less often and sleep better. My evenings last longer, because drinking alcohol often made me feel a bit drowsy. And now I watch Jinek, because later in the evening I also feel fit and clear.

I still have great difficulty with a certain craving moment. I prefer to drink a nice glass of wine while cooking. And so I don't do that anymore. But the desire does not diminish. So every time I cook, I yell, "So, now a glass of wine." Because that has to come out. My family then knows: oh, that's what she's working on now. Then I get a hug or they lure me out of the kitchen so that I don't think about it anymore."

Anita (52): “I was a real social drinker. I drank at the weekend, when there were visitors, I met friends, birthdays ... well, it was soon fun. At a certain point you have to conclude that you will soon be drinking for the majority of the week.

A few years ago I took steps towards a new lifestyle. My sister had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She said very firmly to me: 'That cancer will go out of my body and then you have to lose those excess kilos'. I had struggled with my weight for years, so I took up the challenge. I lost over 15 kilos and more importantly: my sister got better.

Then I got what was presumably corona. And my father too. Although we were both untested at the time. We lost him to heart failure. I was awakened even further. What do I really want, I asked myself? I want a healthy body that works well and can last a long time. I want that. So I decided to participate in IkPas. Last year I already participated, but not as consciously as this time.

At the same time, I staged another challenge. I also wanted to move more. So I started walking. The target is 1000 km per year. But I am now, in March, at more than 300 km. I will be able to achieve that goal. I walk twice a day. And that feels wonderful.

When the 40 day challenge is ready, I will grant myself two jokers per month. I can bet a joker if I feel like a drink. But it must be really worth it. Something tasty in combination with good company. I really hope I don't use those jokers every month, but we'll see."