De Wind can imagine that it is sometimes quite difficult to say no to alcohol. “If you know you’re having a party or going out to dinner, it’s best to think about what you’re going to drink in advance.”
“Of course it’s good not to buy anything,” she continues. “But what is also very important is to think about what you are doing it for. If you manage to leave the alcohol for a month, you can be extra proud of yourself. That is really cool.”
Swarthof says he has a number of parties planned in January. She will miss her favorite drink. “I think the gin and tonic is a really nice drink. But you also have a very nice non-alcoholic gin. But yes, it also contains a lot of sugars. I also like a nice tonic with a lemon.”
She takes a sip of her very last glass of wine before the austere month begins. “Once I go for something, I will succeed. It is just as tough, but if you envision that you are doing it for a good cause, then it will work.”
In any case, there is no lack of confidence. “I’m enjoying it for a while now, then we’ll go at it in January,” Swarthof concludes.