Dry February - Expat Adventures

Some people in Europe marked the start of the new year with a “dry January,” but not the Belgians. Why choose January to abandon imbibing in your favorite brew when you can choose a month with only 28 days?

beer, glass, drink — That great Belgian beer is on hold. February is Tournée Minérale!

It’s not a surprise. Belgium has the best beer in the world. So, it’s no surprise that they chose the shortest month of the year for Tournée Minérale. It’s a month without alcohol. Although we’ve given up so much in the past year, after all the lockdown snacking in front of the tv, a month with fewer calories seems like a good idea to me. And it’s healthy.

Here are five reasons why:

#1 – Discover More Energy

Alcohol makes you drowsy. It’s a narcotic, and it takes energy for your body to break it down. Give your liver a rest!

#2 – Sleep Better

So, you think a brandy nightcap or other alcoholic beverage is a good idea. Mais non! You may fall asleep faster, but you will not get the deep sleep you need. Drinking at night results in shorter, more restless sleep.

Take the hundreds of dollars spent on alcohol during the year and use it for a trip or a special treat for you or the family.

#3 – Save Money

Take the hundreds of dollars spent on alcohol during the year and use it for a trip or a special treat for you or the family.

Alcohol is empty calories. There is no nutritional value, and a few minutes on your lips is forever on your hips, as they say. And most drinks contain tons of sugar, which bad for your health. A survey after the 2020 Tournée Minérale showed that participants continued to cut down on their alcohol consumption after the end of the promotion. And they are healthier!

#4 – Lose Weight

#5 – Look Healthier

Alcohol dehydrates you, and the biggest organ of your body — your skin — does not respond well. If you are dehydrated, your skill will look dull and wrinkles will appear. So, replace those alcoholic beverages with water or mocktails. Your liver will thank you.

Alcohol Calculator

Check out the handy Tournée Minérale Alcohol Calculator. While it’s just in French and Dutch, it’s easy to use and understand, regardless of your native language. And there’s always Google Translate. You may be surprised by your sugar intake!