Anna Lijphart has always considered herself fairly ‘fit and healthy’.
But that changed drastically during the pandemic when the added stress saw her drinking alcohol and binge eating more than ever.
‘I was filled with self-loathing every day,’ the 58-year-old told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I’ve always prided myself on my fitness but during Covid my drinking spiralled out of control and so did my weight.’
As her weight escalated, Anna was making poor choices every time she had alcohol – and couldn’t seem to stop.
‘After a glass of wine, I thought having a bag of chips seemed like a fabulous idea,’ she said.
The travel guide, who’s an avid hiker and mountain climber, said she began indulging in snacks, including ice cream and lollies, and plenty of bread.
Then she reached a point where she was drinking more alcohol than she was water, leaving her deeply dehydrated and miserable.
‘I wasn’t conscious about drinking water throughout the day,’ she explained.
Anna Lijphart has always considered herself fairly ‘fit and healthy’. But that changed drastically during the pandemic when the added stress saw her drinking alcohol and binge eating more than ever (pictures taken 12 weeks apart)
She was also gradually gaining weight as a result of menopause, which slowed her metabolism, coupled with overeating and overdrinking during Covid.
Her weight peaked at 83kg (184 lbs) and she was wearing a size 14.
She knew she needed to overcome her bad drinking habits when she started struggling on one of her hikes.
‘One day, I went for a hike and really felt slowed down by my hangover,’ she recalled.
Anna had previously quit drinking twice so she thought she could do it again.
However, she felt ‘discouraged’ because she feared she would go back to drinking.
‘I thought, «Sure I know I can quit on my own, but I don’t feel I can make it last»,’ she said.
As she hopped into her car after the hike, she began looking up podcasts about quitting alcohol.
She stumbled across a podcast by James Swanwick, the Australian-American founder of Alcohol Free Lifestyle, a science-based program to help individuals change their relationship with alcohol.
‘It really spoke to me,’ she said.
As her weight escalated, Anna was making poor choices every time she had 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.’
She made the decision to adopt a healthier diet and eliminate alcohol entirely – not just for a few weeks.
‘I finally decided to go on a strict reduced-calorie high-protein diet. I stuck to the diet and lost the weight in about three months,’ she said.
Anna lost 13.5kg within 12 weeks of not drinking.
‘I’ve created new routines and don’t even crave alcohol any more. I’ve learned to socialise alcohol-free in a boozy culture,’ she said.
‘I’ve learned to address my emotions instead of numbing them out. I’ve learned to set boundaries and enforce them.
‘Going alcohol-free gave me focus, clarity, greater productivity and pride that I’m prioritising health and wellness.’
Anna now weighs 70kg (155 lbs) after going from a size 12-14 to a size 8-10.
‘I lost the weight I wanted to and feel like myself again,’ she said.
‘Getting back to a healthy weight removed the self-loathing that had become a part of every day. Now, there is no longer a disconnect between my identity as a healthy and strong person and what I look like on the outside.’
Anna was wearing sizes 12-14 – after her weight peaked at 83 kilos
Despite eating healthily, she never deprives herself of her favourite snacks.
‘It’s hard to be wholesome all the time. I’ll treat myself to ice cream, cake or cookies every now and then,’ she said.
Her favourite exercises include hiking and cycling, which she does regularly to stay in shape.
‘On days that I don’t hike, I cycle for 30 minutes on my Peloton and do some free weights and core workout,’ she said.
‘I try to walk or bike anywhere I can (e.g. to the grocery store).’
Reflecting back at old pictures of herself, Anna said she feels happier and healthier than ever.
‘I’m very, very happy. The weight loss was huge for my self-esteem and self-confidence,’ she said.
‘Every day, I’m grateful for the freedom, clarity and intentionality gained by leaving alcohol in my rear view mirror. I look and feel better.’
Reflecting back at old pictures of herself, Anna said she feels happier and healthier than ever
Anna praises the coaches in the program for educating her about the ‘neuroscience behind the effects of alcohol on the body’.
‘Surprise, it’s a toxic poison,’ she said.
She was so inspired by what she learned about the harm alcohol does to society that she teamed up with four women from Alcohol Free Lifestyle to launch AWAKE, a non-profit organisation that promotes awareness around alcohol.
If you are trying to lose weight, Anna suggests the first step is to eliminate alcohol.
‘Quitting alcohol feels like a necessity,’ she said.
‘Besides the empty calories, it’s hard to remain disciplined with alcohol in the mix. And alcohol isn’t just empty calories, it’s a class 1 carcinogen and a neurotoxin that affects your cognitive abilities.’
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive substance that can lead to dependence.
It has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the highest risk category alongside asbestos, radiation and tobacco.
‘It’s pretty hard to lose weight when your body is busy defending itself against the effects of alcohol,’ Anna added.
