Taking the Plunge Into My 2021 Resolutions
By Nick Antonaccio
At the dawn of 2020, I suggested several resolutions for the new year to my readers. One was to abstain from all alcoholic beverages for the month of January. And I decided to undertake this resolution myself.
Well, I made it through Dry January with nary a drop of wine, bourbon or single malt scotch. I didn’t succumb to a “Wet February,” but then came March and the entire world’s protocols, lifestyles and health concerns dramatically changed – including my wine habit. As the pandemic began to affect every phase of my professional and personal life, I found myself looking forward to wine with dinner, but more as stress relief than as an ethereal accompaniment to the meal.
Now, as 2021 unfolds, I’ve decided to renew my 2020 resolutions as presented in last year’s column.
Herewith, I reprise that column.
We’ve become polarized in many aspects of our social, political and even dietary viewpoints. In the new year, I recommend, and have personally resolved, to seek a more centrist viewpoint and demeanor in my inward and outward lifestyle, all with the goal of seeking a more balanced perspective on life.
I encourage you to join me in experimenting with changing select aspects of your personal life, whether you conduct yourself at either end of the social/political spectrum or closer to the center. It’s always beneficial to hit the reset button on occasion.
A few recommendations:
- Are you viewing and reading every news bulletin, e-mail, text and tweet as soon as they appear on your smartphone’s home screen banner? Experiment by spending one day a week (begin with one hour a day?) with your smartphone (or Apple Watch) at least 10 feet from your reach.
- Have you experimented with a Meatless Monday? If so, try a meatless week. Over the past two years I’ve witnessed an undercurrent of dietary change in our country. The western diet of the Baby Boomer generation (high levels of fat, sugar, processed foods) has slowly been rejected by younger generations. The Millennial and Generation Z population are shifting their diets to a more plant protein-based one, grounded in natural foods. Anecdotal evidence of this is the growing number of restaurant menus and food markets featuring prominently identified vegetarian and/or vegan dishes, produce or shelf items.
- Are you enjoying a glass of wine with meals most evenings? Try consistently abstaining from any alcohol for several days or a week. Or join the growing ranks of consumers experimenting with the concept of a Dry January (and/or March or any month(s) you select). Wine in moderation has always been my hallmark. For me, abstention for any prolonged period diminishes the joy and enhancement that a glass of wine brings to a meal. But I’ve noticed the growing trend of Dry January across multiple generations of adults.
This phenomenon began in Great Britain over 10 years ago and has gained popularity in the United States over the last three years. Health-conscious adults are abstaining from alcohol during this month in an effort to curb their consumption and seek a healthier diet.
Anecdotal results I’ve gleaned are all positive. In Britain, the University of Sussex has been tracking the results of those who practice Dry January. During and after the month-long abstention, they report a “host of health benefits, like improved sleep, more energy, and weight loss.”
How to cope with the temptation of alcohol during the month? I recommend a glass of sparkling water, in place of wine, in a stemmed wine glass. And be sure not to engage in an excessively “Wet February.”
The bottom line for me has always been moderation in consumption and drinking responsibly. Somewhere in these maxims lies a reasonable approach. As I’m at my desk penning this week’s column, I’ve convinced myself it is appropriate that I too join the ranks of teetotalers for the month of January. And perhaps even cut back on my animal protein and social media consumption.
Nick Antonaccio is a 45-year Pleasantville resident. For over 25 years, he has conducted wine tastings and lectures. Nick is a member and program director of the Wine Media Guild of wine journalists. He also offers personalized wine tastings and wine travel services. Nick’s credo: continuous experimenting results in instinctive behavior. You can reach him at nantonaccio@theexaminernews.com or on Twitter @sharingwine.
