For years, I drank 2-3 glasses of wine every night—before that, beers. It was my ritual, my unwind. But over 500 days ago, I quit. I’m damn proud of that, and I’m happier, stronger, and sharper at 49. As a creature of habit, I had to replace those drinks with new ones that fuel my body and keep me sober. Here’s what I sip now, why it works, and how you can swap old habits for bold ones.
Breaking the Booze Habit
Nightly wine was my crutch—2-3 glasses, numbing the day. Before that, it was beers. It wasn’t just social; it was routine. Quitting wasn’t easy. My 500+ days sober didn’t happen by willpower alone—I had to change what I poured. Frontiers in Psychiatry (2021) says sobriety boosts mental clarity and energy, and I feel it. My deadlifts hit 330 pounds, my muscle-ups are smoother, and I’m grinding metcons like a beast. But I needed drinks that fit my life—tasty, satisfying, and performance-ready.
My New Drink Lineup
Here’s what’s in my glass now:
Sodastream Sparkling Water: I use glass bottles, splash in fresh lime juice for zing. Sometimes, I add Cheribundi tart cherry juice—great for flavor and recovery. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2020) says tart cherry cuts muscle soreness, perfect for my 3000-calorie training days.
Zero-Calorie Sodas: Coke Zero or similar, no sugar, as a rare treat. Not daily, but it scratches the soda itch without derailing me.
Pellegrino Carbonated Water: Crisp, clean, fancy enough to feel special. Keeps me hydrated for 2-hour sessions, per Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2018).
Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer: At 0.5% ABV, it’s negligible—stoics might disagree, but I’m good with it. Tastes like a real brew, my go-to treat. Nutrients (2019) says it hydrates and has recovery-boosting polyphenols.
Good Earth Sweet & Spicy Tea: My bedtime ritual, caffeine-free, warm, and cozy. Sleep Medicine Reviews (2017) says herbal tea like this helps me sleep deeper, ready for tomorrow’s grind.
These aren’t just drinks—they’re my tools to stay sober, happy, and elite.
The Mindset Shift
Quitting booze was like repping heavy cleans—you don’t just muscle through; you need strategy. I’m a habit guy, so I swapped wine for sparkling water, beer for Athletic Brewing. My 500+ days sober taught me: replace, don’t erase. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about better fuel. At 49, I’m not chasing buzzes; I’m chasing titles. That mindset keeps me on track.
Hacks to Swap Your Habits
Want to ditch a habit—booze, soda, whatever—and fuel your performance? Here’s how I did it:
Find Your Swap: Pick a drink that feels like a treat. I love Sodastream with lime—fizzy, fresh, no guilt. Try Pellegrino with lemon for a vibe.
Add Recovery Boosts: Mix in Cheribundi tart cherry juice like me—10oz post-workout cuts soreness and tastes great.
Treat Without Temptation: Athletic Brewing or Coke Zero is my “cheat” without risk. Limit treats to 1-2 times a week to keep it special.
Build a Ritual: My Sweet & Spicy tea signals bedtime. Pick a drink for a daily moment—coffee, tea, whatever anchors you.
Sponsor Spotlight: Thirdzy Fuels Sobriety Sobriety’s tough, but recovery seals it. Thirdzy Rest and Recovery Collagen, with 10g protein, is my nightly ritual, supporting joints and sleep so I wake up ready to train. It’s part of my sober toolkit, keeping me strong and recovered. Grab it with code Jasonzzz at checkout—rest hard, live bold.
Coaching Takeaway: Habits Make the Champ
My five titles weren’t built on booze—they came from habits that fuel my best. Over 500 days sober, I swapped wine for water, beer for brews that lift me up. You don’t need to quit alcohol to rethink your drinks. Choose what powers your performance, not your past. That’s the EverBold way.
Your Move: Sip Smarter
Ready to fuel your bold? Try these:
Swap One Drink: Replace one daily drink (e.g., soda) with sparkling water this week—add lime like me.
Try a Recovery Sip: Post-workout, mix 2oz tart cherry juice with water for soreness relief.
Build a Ritual: Pick a bedtime drink—try Good Earth tea or Thirdzy… or both!
I’m sipping my way to Columbus, sober and strong. What’s your next bold step?
Stay Bold, Jason Grubb 5-Time CrossFit Games Masters Champ Bolder Athlete Founder
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