Anna Lijphart has always considered herself quite “fit and healthy.”
But that changed dramatically during the pandemic when the added stress caused her to drink alcohol and binge eat more than ever.
“I was filled with self-hatred every day,” the 58-year-old told Daily Mail Australia.
“I’ve always prided myself on my fitness, but during Covid my alcohol consumption got out of control and so did my weight.”
As her weight increased, Anna made poor decisions every time she consumed alcohol and couldn’t seem to stop.
“After a glass of wine, I thought grabbing a bag of chips sounded like a great idea,” he said.
The travel guide, who is an avid hiker and mountain climber, said she began enjoying snacks, including ice cream and popsicles, and lots of bread.
She then reached a point where she was drinking more alcohol than water, which left her deeply dehydrated and miserable.
“I wasn’t conscious of drinking water throughout the day,” he explained.
Anna Lijphart has always considered herself quite “fit and healthy.” But that changed dramatically during the pandemic when the added stress caused her to drink alcohol and binge eat more than ever (photos taken 12 weeks apart).
She was also gradually gaining weight as a result of menopause, which slowed her metabolism, along with overeating and drinking during Covid.
Her weight peaked at 83 kg (184 lb) and she wore a size 14.
He knew he needed to overcome his bad drinking habits when he started having difficulty on one of his walks.
“One day I went for a walk and I felt very slowed down by my hangover,” she recalls.
Anna had stopped drinking twice before, so she thought she might get back into it.
However, she felt “disheartened” because she feared drinking again.
“I thought, ‘Of course I know I can leave it on my own, but I don’t think I can make it last,'” he said.
As he got into his car after the walk, he started searching for podcasts on how to quit alcohol.
He came across a podcast by James Swanwick, the Australian-American founder of Alcohol Free Lifestyle, a science-based program to help people change their relationship with alcohol.
“It really caught my attention,” he said.
As her weight increased, Anna made poor decisions whenever she consumed alcohol.
‘I spoke to a coach the next day and immediately signed up. “It has changed my life in so many immeasurable ways for the better.”
He made the decision to adopt a healthier diet and eliminate alcohol completely, not just for a few weeks.
‘I finally decided to follow a strict low-calorie, high-protein diet. “I followed the diet and lost weight in about three months,” he said.
Anna lost 13.5kg in 12 weeks without drinking.
‘I have created new routines and I don’t even feel like alcohol anymore. “I’ve learned to socialize without alcohol in a drunk culture,” he said.
‘I have learned to address my emotions rather than numb them. I have learned to set limits and enforce them.
“Quitting alcohol gave me focus, clarity, increased productivity, and pride in prioritizing health and well-being.”
Anna now weighs 70 kg (155 lbs) after going from a size 12-14 to a size 8-10.
“I lost the weight I wanted and I feel like myself again,” she said.
‘Returning to a healthy weight eliminated the self-loathing that had become part of every day. Now there is no longer a disconnect between my identity as a healthy, strong person and my external appearance.’
Anna was wearing sizes 12-14, after her weight reached 83 kilos.
Despite eating healthy, he never deprives himself of his favorite snacks.
‘It’s hard to be healthy all the time. Every once in a while I treat myself to ice cream, cake or cookies,” she said.
His favorite exercises include hiking and cycling, which he does regularly to stay in shape.
“On days I’m not hiking, I bike for 30 minutes on my Peloton and do free weights and core exercises,” he said.
“I try to walk or bike anywhere I can (e.g. to the grocery store).”
Reflecting on old photographs of herself, Anna said she feels happier and healthier than ever.
‘I am very, very happy. “The weight loss was huge for my self-esteem and self-confidence,” she said.
‘Every day I am grateful for the freedom, clarity, and intentionality gained by leaving alcohol in the rearview mirror. I look and feel better.’
Reflecting on old photographs of herself, Anna said she feels happier and healthier than ever.
Anna praises the program’s trainers for educating her on the “neuroscience behind the effects of alcohol on the body.”
“Surprise, it’s a toxic poison,” he said.
She was so inspired by what she learned about the damage alcohol causes to society that she partnered with four women from Alcohol Free Lifestyle to launch AWAKE, a nonprofit organization that promotes alcohol awareness.
If you’re trying to lose weight, Anna suggests the first step is to eliminate alcohol.
“Giving up alcohol seems like a necessity,” he said.
‘Besides the empty calories, it’s hard to be disciplined with alcohol in the mix. And alcohol is not just empty calories, it is a class 1 carcinogen and a neurotoxin that affects cognitive abilities.’
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is a toxic psychoactive substance that can cause dependence.
It has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the highest risk category along with asbestos, radiation and tobacco.
“It’s quite difficult to lose weight when your body is busy defending itself from the effects of alcohol,” Anna added.
