Archives – Ablis CBD

By Parker Moessner

As we enter the new year, many people are making new year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle—like taking a hiatus from drinking. Of course, you probably aren’t planning to quit drinking forever, but a “dry month” can offer several enticing benefits…and don’t worry, there are alcohol alternatives you can use to help you through.

Keep reading for tips and ideas on how to stop drinking alcohol for one month (or more!).

What is Dry January or a Dry Month?

This is when you choose to remove alcohol from your life for a month, whether you have a drink around the house once a week or drink every day. It’s an opportunity to change your relationship with alcohol; A short-term commitment that’s a bit less daunting and easier to accomplish.

What are the Benefits?

Alcohol can be great in small quantities, but many times we can find ourselves caught in a cycle of binge-drinking.

Of course, drinking too frequently can cause damage to your liver and can impact your sleep schedule or the day after you drink (hello, hangover). If you aren’t careful, it’s easy for drinking to begin controlling your life and become addictive.

You may notice that after you quit drinking, not only will your sleeping habits improve…your skin can clear up, your emotions can become more stable. These are just a few of the benefits that can occur when you stop drinking.

After you quit drinking for a month, you may also find that you lose a few pounds or plateau at a healthier weight. There’s also a high chance that cutting down your alcohol intake will help with your mental health, easing anxiety, lightening depression, and helping with your overall mental disposition.

Taking a break from drinks can help reduce cardiovascular risk, and increase your ability to remember certain things, as well as your ability to think quickly and solve problems on the spot.

If you’re considering taking a “dry month”, we’re here to help with a few tips to encourage you to stick with your commitment.

Tips for Sticking With It

Find a different activity to fill your time.

When I want to take my mind off of something, I find that taking part in a new experience can be a huge help. Instead of sitting home and drinking, why not go out and try doing something active?

I live in Bend, OR, and there are plenty of active things to do around here. I’d suggest picking up cross-country skiing, or, if you’ve never skied before, take a few classes at HooDoo. They even have ski biking classes if you want to try something truly unique.

The thing is, alcohol makes you feel “good”, so finding a replacement activity should make you feel good afterward, too. Working out always makes me feel accomplished and rewarded, but you might feel this way after painting something new or writing a short story. Whatever it is that makes you feel good and accomplished, replace alcohol with that activity.

Keep a journal of your experience.

As you go through your month without drinking, write down how you’re feeling every day. It can be as simple as “I slept really well last night and had more dreams than I’m used to.”

When you keep a written log of how your month without drinking made you feel, you can look back on your progress throughout the month and potentially throughout the year. Anytime you feel like you might need a dry month, look back at your journal and remember the changes you experienced during this time.

Use the buddy system.

Do you have a friend who’s willing to take a dry month with you? It’s always a bit easier to stick with your commitment when you have someone holding you accountable, or if you’re holding someone else accountable.

Be honest with your buddy. Set up a system that ensures they won’t judge you for mistakes, but they will help you stick with your promise to have a “dry month”.

One way to add a little fun into the mix is to offer a prize, or a pool of money, for whoever goes without drinking the longest (or whoever has the least amount of drinks the whole month). Even if it’s a little prize, like a six-pack of their favorite beer, having a prize at the end of the month can make it easier to stay strong and avoid drinking in order to “beat” your buddy and win the prize…even if it’s just bragging rights.

Choose a few alcohol alternatives.

If you’re used to drinking frequently, it’s helpful to find something else tasty to sip on during your month-long break from alcohol. Ablis CBD has incredibly tasty beverages that can help you unwind and find your zen after a long day.

Ablis Beverages — Often find yourself reaching for a cocktail? Try Ablis CBD cranberry blood orange water, lemon water, or a strawberry mojito shot. Discover all Ablis’ beverage options HERE.

Ablis MCT Oil Options —If none of these options sound appealing to you, don’t worry. We have MCT Oil that you can add to smoothies, tea, or coffee! Check it out HERE.

Remember that if you slip up, it isn’t the end.

The hardest part of taking a dry month is not giving up on your commitment. Even if you decide to take a Dry Month hiatus and enjoy a drink, don’t let it be an excuse to give up on the whole month.

It sounds silly, but have your drink, and think of the Chumbawumba song Tubthumper. “I get knocked down, but I get up again”. ROCK that song, and remind yourself why you’ve decided to take your dry month.

Get back up, and continue on your journey with a dry month.

Signs That You’re Ready for a “Dry Month”

It may feel normal to drink frequently throughout the week, but if you’re drinking every day or even more than three times a week, you may want to consider taking a break.

Again, this break doesn’t have to be forever—but a hiatus from alcohol won’t hurt. In fact, it can help!

Keep an eye out if you’re the only one reaching for a drink when you’re out with your friends or significant other. If everyone else is passing while you’re craving the buzz, you might need to take a step back and reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying beer, wine, or cocktails. You just want to make sure that it’s not taking over your life! In my opinion, everything in moderation is the best policy. Grab an Ablis CBD drink to curb your craving, or head to the slopes to get your mind off of it.

However you decide to tackle your dry month…We’re cheering you on at Ablis CBD!

The cautionary headlines are everywhere – is sparkling water good for you? Bad for you? Should we be worried that this millennial fave is killing us all?

I’m kidding. It’s truly not that serious.

Allow me to explain some of the fear and ease any anxiety you have about your favorite fizzy drinks.

The Myths About Sparkling Water

Acidity is a term that seems to freak people out.

Most of the claims about sparkling water have to do with conditions surrounding acidity and the damage it can potentially cause.

These issues include bone density loss, tooth decay, and heart health concerns (i.e. inflammation and plaque build-up on the arteries). Pretty serious stuff!

After many clinical studies and research, basically all of these myths have been debunked.

The issue was that early studies were basing these claims on carbonated sodas. As it turns out, sugar combined with carbonation was the real culprit for enamel erosion, bone loss, and inflammation issues.

Once the CO2 was separated from the sugar, (most likely excessive) additives, and preservatives, it was quickly realized that carbonation is actually not the bad kind of acidic.

Simply put, the touch of acidity is what gives carbonated beverages like sparkling water that satisfying bite in every sip. Although it is slightly acidic with a pH of between 3 and 4, drinking carbonated water doesn’t affect the alkaline levels in your body at all.

Many believe that, because of the acidity, sparkling water is less hydrating than flat water. But with stable alkaline levels and healthy water retention shown in several studies conducted on the subject, we now know this to be incorrect information.

Simply put, sparkling water is just as hydrating as flat water and has not been proven to cause tooth decay, bone density loss, or heart issues.

So, Are There Any Benefits?

A few, potentially!

Sparkling water is said to activate and strengthen the muscles in the throat used to swallow. Fun fact, both mustard and sparkling water stimulate the nerve endings which have been known to decrease that need to persistently clear your throat.

It has also been reported to settle upset stomachs, ease indigestion, and help with constipation.

The bubbles have been reported to give a sense of fullness that flat water simply can’t, and is said to aid in weight management by keeping you fuller longer and prevent excessive snacking.

However, some have reported uncomfortable bloating.

We’re all different, folks. Experiences may vary!

One controlled study showed a decrease in bad cholesterol and an increase in good cholesterol after consuming sparkling water. That same study also showed a decrease in inflammation and blood sugar levels.

Some research in animals has led scientists to believe that carbonated water could potentially improve bone health, with very little evidence to the contrary. In one study, hens showed signs of stronger leg bones after carbonated water was added to their diet.

More research and clinical studies are needed to determine if these benefits are truly benefits, but the data so far is pretty compelling.

So, what exactly is sparkling water?

In short, it is pressurized carbon dioxide that has been forced into cold, flat water, creating a magical bubbly consistency.

Bottom line, it’s carbonated water.

Sparkling, Soda, Club, Fizzy, Seltzer … is There a Difference?

Yes and no.

They’re all just different forms of carbonated water with some variation in mineral content.

This is dependent on where the water was sourced, if it is distilled, and if mineral compounds (like sodium or sulfur) are added for taste.

Distilled water typically removes a lot of that natural mineral content (the ones we, at Ablis, try to keep in our beverages).

Mineral profiles will vary between the different types, but overall these beverages are in the same family.

Are all sparkling waters created equally?

Nope! Like most things, some are going to be better than others.

Some sparkling water beverages contain added sodium, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.

Like I said earlier, distilled waters are stripped of a lot of those minerals that make sparkling water better (in my humble opinion).

With Ablis, you get nothing but the super hydrating benefits of traditional – not distilled – sparkling water with natural flavors and, of course, CBD.

What Sets Ablis Apart from the Rest?

We use the bare minimum for maximum taste.

Ablis is lucky enough to have access to one of the most exceptional water sources in Oregon at our doorstep.

Using a local source is beneficial to us in many ways, but you can’t beat the quality and taste.

It also allows us to keep our business entirely local, which is something that has been important to Ablis since its infancy.

Our water is not distilled, so it stays true to its glorious, original form.

Not to mention, our beverages are infused with high quality, hemp derived CBD, so they’re instantly cooler than most.

Our flavors have been carefully chosen by yours truly, using all natural essences and very little added sugar (if any). We offer some pretty unique flavors in comparison to most sparkling water brands, such as Cranberry Blood Orange and Strawberry Mojito.

We pride ourselves on promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle. We don’t put any ingredients in our products that will slow you down. Just the opposite, in fact.

Ablis beverages offer a super-hydrating sparkling water experience and are a delicious way to add CBD to your lifestyle.

What’s the Verdict?

There is still a lot to be learned about sparkling water and its effects on your body.

However, to make any of these negative health claims even remotely true, one would have to really stretch the facts. With the existing studies, it’s clear these claims have no basis in reality.

My advice? Just try it and see how you feel!

Bloated and burpy? Not for you. Thirst quenched and taste buds happy? It’s the one!

Never fear. You’re not damaging your heart, your teeth, your bones, your pH level, or your cholesterol.

You’re just drinking harmless, little bubbles.