On December 8, 2024, I made a decision that would quietly but profoundly change my life — to go one full year without alcohol.

For me, drinking was mostly a social or weekend habit. But over time, I started noticing how much it was affecting both my physical and mental health. So, I decided to take a break. What started as an experiment has turned into one of the most impactful decisions I’ve made for my well-being.

When I look back at some of my favorite memories, food is almost always at the center. Not because of the recipes themselves, but because of the moments and people tied to them.

Too often, we think wellness has to be this unrelenting practice of moving our bodes in extreme ways, without excuses (lookin’ at you Jillian Michaels). On the contrary, living in the “sweet spot” requires finding balance, somewhere between “Just Do It” and “Wait for It”.