Health Benefits of Dry January As the holidays end, some people give up alcohol for “Dry January.” Makes: 6 servings The month-long wellness challenge can serve as a reset after Ingredients overindulging during the holidays or an opportunity to reassess one’s 2 lbs. stew meat (cut into 1-inch relationship with alcohol. While a month of sobriety can seem cubes) overwhelming to some, it comes with some advantages. A brief break ¼ cup all-purpose flour from moderate to heavy alcohol consumption may offer the following Salt and pepper (optional, to taste) health-related benefits: 2 cups water • Better sleep 2 tsp. beef bouillon • Increased focus 1 garlic clove (finely chopped) 3 carrots (sliced) • Improved mood 3 potatoes (diced) • Boosted energy 1 onion (chopped) • Clearer complexion 1 celery stalk (sliced) Add optional herbs as desired: bay • Potential weight loss leaf, basil and oregano Alcohol can also contribute to various health conditions, such as high Preparations blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, heart disease and certain 1. Place meat in the slow cooker. cancers. As such, a period of sobriety can positively affect one’s well- 2. Mix the flour, salt and black being and overall health. If you have any questions or concerns about pepper in a medium bowl and your alcohol consumption, talk to a health care professional. pour over the meat. Stir to coat. 3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to mix. 4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or for 4-6 hours on high. 5. Stir the stew thoroughly before serving. If using a bay leaf, discard it before serving. Nutritional Information (per serving) Protecting Your Skin During Winter Total calories 275 Total fat 5 g Taking care of your skin the right way can be difficult. The task can Protein 30 g seem almost impossible to achieve when the temperature and Sodium 218 mg humidity levels drop. Dry skin may not seem like the most concerning Carbohydrate 28 g health problem, but not treating dry skin can result in itchiness, Dietary fiber 4 g cracked or painful skin, eczema and dermatitis. Saturated fat 2 g This winter, you should limit how much hot water your skin is exposed Total sugars 3 g to, as hot water rapidly dries out your skin. It can help to take shorter Source: MyPlate baths and showers and use a limited amount of soap. Additionally, it’s important to moisturize properly after bathing to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Lastly, a humidifier can help keep moisture in the air. Contact your doctor if you have any skin concerns. This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.