My story is so similar to yours and 2 years sober now and WFPB, completely changed my life and I have to say, that’s about the time I stumbled upon your channel and you made my transition to a healthy life so much easier and relatable! Thanks so much for your story and videos ❤
Derek, you have been a huge inspiration to me. Haven't drank since July 2018, quit smoking weed in Nov 2019, and quit all THC/CBD products in April 2020. Been living the sober life for the past few years and its been amazing. Thanks for the positive inspiration Derek!
I can relate to the drinking so much. When I turned 31 in September, I wanted to change my life, so I quit everything! Smoking cigarettes/weed, drinking alcohol, porn. It was tough at the beginning, but now I'm 4 months in, and I feel fantastic! Of course I miss the old days where I drank with friends and had tons of fun, but now that I'm always sober, it's different, but I grew to like it. You have your weekends, especially the Saturday! You get up early, be productive, and feel rested, not hungover! If you have the idea of quitting something, remember that it will be hard, but stay with it, grow your will-power to resist the urge to do the activity, it will empower you!
God how I wish I would've addressed the difficult stuff early on and quit substance abuse when you did Derek in your 20s! Now, I'm 52 and finally turning things around -- 4 1/2 months sober, eating better and starting exercising and meditation as well. DON'T WAIT! Life moves quickly!
Thats awesome! Keep going. You'll definitely gain a lot of positive things for sure!..I turned my life around and havent drank for 2 years now. Stopped smoking 9 years ago too. NOW im changing my eating habits. I decided this week I would try more vegetarian home cooked meals. So far its day 6 and I just realised all my meals have been vegan lol So far so good hehe I just need to keep trying out different recipes hence why I found Simnetts channel. I loved his vegan sauces on one of his videos. But seriously, I'm a foodie and I LOVE big flavours mainly spicy Asian cuisines like Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodian food! Absolutely love the asian flavours and food but now I have to adjust and see how I can make vegan asian inspired meals and still feel some sort of satisfaction lol Anyway. All the best on your journey! You've got this!
Cody, that's amazing that you're doing it now, though! Some people might make the excuse that it's too late, but you didn't, so good on ya! I'm 46 and I'm still trying to conquer a food addiction and the obesity and other health problems it has caused, so I'm not that far behind you. We just have to keep going, right?
I have said this and I’ll say it again. You’ve made my life better. 2018-2019 I started my Vegan journey found your channel I was blown away. You’ve been a pillar in my life.
Agreed!! I’ve studied nutrition for over 35 years and Derek is spot on. He has also inspired me. You’re such a great asset Derek thank you for what you do.
for me i quit alcohol cold turkey for a few months and felt like a whole different person after only 2 weeks. i wasnt tired all the time, i wasnt groggy anymore, i could wake up at 6 am without issue to take my dog for a 1h walk before work. these few changes made it so worth while for me that i actually wanted to not drink at all during 2022, but in the end i drank maybe 4/5 times, which is an amazing improvement for me, considering my old drinking habits. but i got to admit, the morning after drinking i just asked myself the same question each time "and what was the point of that?". i no longer see any point in drinking, and thats one of the best things that happened to me in 2022. not much for some, a lot for me as 2022 was a shitty year in general, but hopefully this year will be better. happy new year everyone! thanks for the vid!!
Alcohol is maybe the only drug that when you tell people you *don't* use it, they assume you've got a problem. "I don't do cocaine" - Oh, that's good! "I don't shoot heroin" - Oh, happy to hear that! "I don't take meth" - Why would you?? "I don't drink" - Oh, I'm sorry - do you have a problem with it? 🤦♀ Thanks for the video Derek, you inspire a lot of people
Started making changes a week before Christmas. I hit the weights 3 times a day and eat more healthily. I feel great 💪👍🏻 P.s: I was an alcoholic & ive been sober 13 years.
You guys did so well recognising this problem so young. Took me until my mid 50's to realise the harm of daily alcohol use and the associated health issues (mental and physical) it created. Specific and measurable goals are really important to maintain focus. These daily goals really help me to get through the day without drinking and to ensure I partake in positive habits such as meditation, sports, healthy diet etc. I can tell you that a lot of my friends in my age group, 55-65, drink way too much, all are functioning and productive people but silently I would say dependent on alcohol. That daily bottle of wine becomes a crutch that is extremely difficult to live without, but it really can change things for the better, when you remove drinking from your life. Never too late to start..
4 year vegan anniversary today 🌱 I’m so glad you posted this! I have been feeling the exact same way about alcohol not really serving me, which is why I decided to do a “sober January.” HNY - wishing lots of health and happiness to all🎉
Congrats on 4 yrs, that's huge! Giving up alcohol improved my life immensely now I just gotta cut back on weed, not nearly as problematic but still a crutch. Best of luck to you going forward into the new year.
You are a legend period...despite channels here that have millions of views and subs by displaying alcohol/meat consumption as 'cool' and part of everyones life, you sincirely share your experience and debunk all this
Thanks for saying what you said about moderation not always working. I've had lots of problems bingeing food in the past. I've finally got it under control, but I have to eat whole foods plant based all the time. If I stray from that even once, I fall back into old habits. I'm constantly getting lectured by friends and family that I'm being to extreme and that I need moderation. I need to treat myself every now and again. They just don't get that it doesn't work that way for everyone. It's nice to hear that someone else feels the same way. Happy New Year!!
Yes. This is me too. I know it to be true, but I still “treat” myself every now and then and wonder why I then go into a binge cycle. I won’t stop trying though.
You and Crystal are actually an inspiration for me as happy non-drinkers! It is hard to find role models when it seems like everybody drinks. Happy New Year!
I can completely relate to this. I’m trying to quit drinking AGAIN! I turn 51 on Thursday and I should know by now I can’t do moderation. I appreciate this video so much. It’s very inspirational. Thank you.
I can't either... Before going vegan I tried vegetarian and couldn't do it. The same thing with alcohol. I have to 'finish' a 6 pack or a bottle of wine. I can't just have a sip.
Derek, Great story, thanks for sharing. I quit drinking, it will be 33 years ago in March. I was depressed, flabby and 32 years old. I started working out that first day, fortunately with a hugely buff and oh so patient Marine bodybuilder buddy. My energy and attitude changed and continues to do so. I'm currently 65, 8% body fat. I cycle daily, workout in an extravagantly fantasy gym and practice my yoga daily. Derek, many years after I quit I had a stroke, leftover from a head injury, I'd been hit by ANOTHER drunk driver. The yoga brought me back, those teachers and the practice saved my life. Addiction? Hell, cycling, gym and my daily asanas. Oh, well, a couple of lattes. I don't miss the booze. And btw, my peers from those long ago years are either dead or they look as if they died. BRAVO TO YOU and ALL YOUR FOLLOWERS! THANK YOU, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I also experience the multiple days of feeling crappy which is the main reason I don’t drink anymore. Feel much better all the time now, especially when cooking my own food & exercising 👍
Thank you so much for the pep talk, I needed it. I’ve had a series of injuries and barriers to maintaining my fitness and it has really sidelined me and makes me sad and frustrated. I’m learning that I need to start slow, really slow, and have patience with myself. That is SO hard because my mind is more enthusiastic than my body is currently capable. Wishing everyone in the Simnett Nutrition community a wonderful 2023!
Thank you Derek. I'm so hungover right now and feel terrible but you give me so much inspiration to finally change my habits for the better. Happy new year 2023 to all of you. Let's make this the best one ✨
I love your very first tip......think about what you're going to GAIN........not what you're going to lose, by changing habits..... Thank you for being so open and honest. I'm sure this video will help so many people.
I haven't watched yet but thanks for making this video. I asked you to make a video like this so it really means a lot to a lot of people like me in the same boat, and many of your viewers too I think. When I commented before someone clapped back something negative to my comment, but you said "You got this" and that meant a lot. Thanks again Derek
What an important video, and what a great way to start 2023. Wise words! And glad to hear that there's another Huberman Lab's fan out there in Canada Haha! Wishing you and Crystal a lot of health, joy and all the strength to face all 2023's challenges!
I would only drink a few times a year but I knew how badly it affected me so I gave it up over a year ago and it's a great choice I wish I did it sooner.
This is so inspiring! I've been alcohol-free for 7 months now, and it's been absolutely amazing. Never going back! If anyone is interested in changing their relationship with alcohol, I would highly recommend Annie Grace's work. She talks about how alcohol addiction happens because the alcohol itself is an addictive drug/substance. Addiction to alcohol is a natural progression, just like becoming addicted to cocaine with repeated use is a natural progression. It's been a game changer for me.
Happy New Year, and absolutely fantastic video! It was almost exactly 4 years ago today that I became a whole foods vegan, and that has overwhelmingly improved every aspect of my life. Your positivity and inspiration has tremendously helped me with that transition. Thank you.
Great vid bro thanks for sharing. I’ve been sober 8 years and vegan seven years. Never been healthier or happier. Same for me- when I was drinking I thought it would be the end of the world if I stopped. “The party was over” In my mind. I couldn’t see a way out. Boy was I wrong. I had help through a 12 step program which led me to meditation and Buddhist teachings. I now go to gym 5 days a week, yoga twice a week, hikes, bike rides, jumped out of a plane, surfing, can’t stop reading books. A life I have now I couldn’t have ever imagined. Anyone out there feeling the same, another life is possible. Reach out, you’re not alone. 🙏🏼
Five years vegan yesterday ✨ It was a New Years resolution that has transformed the way I live, think and operate in the world. Grateful. I can relate to your video incredibly. I partied heavily for years trying to fill a void, and find answers. It took me a long time to discover those answers were with me all along. Thanks for connecting with us in this way, for continuing to be vulnerable and share your light. Sending love from Australia ❤
Loved this video so much. Thank you! I’ve struggled with alcohol for the past 10 years. I’ve quit but then relapsed. It’s a struggle for me but I’m doing it.. this time I’m really trying to stay strong. Only 8 days sober this time around but it’s progress. I’ve also been vegan for 12 yrs!
Derek, Thank you for your blatantly honest truths on finding direction in my life. I'm 56, morbidly obese with multiple health problems & have have self-sabotaged since childhood. Hearing the struggles and path you have taken and your ultimate choices has given me the " lightbulb" moment. Victim no more -Survived to thriver!! 😉
I gave up drinking in 2021, and I can’t recommend it enough. I don’t miss it at all. As I got older feelings of shame and anxiety crept in when drinking no matter what I was doing. Ditching that has been such a game changer. Alcohol free beer and wine is so good I honestly haven’t missed it at all. Thanks for the blog! All the best for 2023!
I haven't watched yet but based on the title, I really need this (I used to be 100 lb for years but then after 2020 I gained 44 pounds). No one else sees anything wrong wit how I am, but I know how I currently feel, and I know how I felt when I was at my "peak" and I want to be there again.
thank you so much man. I am making a change today!!! I'm 23 and have been drinking heavily for years and...i've come to the end of the fun. It's not giving me those initial perks anymore, just harming me.
Great video! I’ve never been able to drink in moderation. It was like listening to my own story. I used a soda stream to make carbonated water when I craved a drink ❤️🙏🇨🇦 good luck everyone and happy New Years
Thanks for sharing your story. Saw this quote the other day..."The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb. Thanks for all your inspiration and plant based tips. I'm 63 (wife 62). We're predominately plant based - both working professionals and multi-sport endurance athletes (for fun). Really appreciate you!! Happy New Year!!
Thank you, brother. GREAT video. I stopped drinking 11-22-22 & now it’s time for cannabis to go. This video sets a tone. Looking forward to more energy & better health. Happy to have freedom from this time, money, health suck. Happy New Year, everyone. We got this!
Ive been doing well avoiding the reefer, it's the living with a roommate who drinks every single day that's only adding to my on again/off again relationship with alcohol. I'm definitely not drinking hard liquor anymore or even drinking daily, but I'm just realizing I need to let it go all the way. 🤔🤷🏾♀️🙄 I'm so glad I came across his channel on a day like today and your comment resonated with me as well. Hope all is well your way 👏🏾💯🤗
I find it funny that people call me strange for refusing to drink large amounts of beer and other alcohol with them. I live in one of the biggest beer drinking countries so everyone expects from you to drink a lot. Not to mention the peer pressure where they just expect you to go along with them. Luckily, I stopped caring about peer pressure and social expectations years ago. If it doesn't make me feel good and if I don't enjoy it, why on earth should I do it? I still have just one tiny beer here and there, every few months maybe, but when I really want it... 😊
Thank you for being vulnerable in sharing your story with us on a difficult life challenge that many of us either currently face or have faced. I can relate, have been sober for a month, and i have noticed that my natural vibe has elevated! 😊🙏🏼 Keep up the great work with the channel and have a happy new year!!
Thanks so much, Derek! It's amazing to know that you really turned your life around, like that, and I'm sure this video is helping followers of your channel who wouldn't otherwise go looking for this kind of thing. I struggle with addiction, too. My addiction is to food, which may not seem as destructive as alcohol, to some, but it affects my everyday reality and my health. I am 46, I have been overweight since I was 6 years old (childhood trauma + parents who were addicts), I have insulin resistance and a spinal condition, and my weight is hurting me, in a number of ways. I'm working to lose the weight and I'm about halfway to where I want to be (I started out at 295 and am now at 225), but it's been a long road, taking six years, so far, and there are still things that trip me up. A food addiction is really hard, because we need to eat, right? There are certain things that I cannot have in the house, like a box of cereal, bread (other than Ezekiel), ice cream, anything sugary, butter, and especially cheese. I'm Flexitarian and my diet is about 90% plants, but I do eat some animal products. Last night, however, I got a reminder of how bad my addiction to cheese is, in particular. I had some, before bed, and it caused so much inflammation for me that I had a really hard time sleeping, last night, and I feel pretty wrecked, today. I guess you could liken it to a hangover. I had a few different kinds of cheese on my grocery list for next month, but this morning I crossed them off, after watching this. It's just not worth it. I think if I'm craving something like bread and cheese, I'll have some avocado toast, instead, or some popcorn with nutritional yeast. It's generally easier for me to control myself with whole plant-based foods, so I'm going to lean into those, even further. Anyway, this is very timely for me and I'm grateful to have come across it. Thank you for your openness, vulnerability, and desire to help, from a place of having done the work (and continuing to do it), yourself. That is so powerful! Have you read the book "Atomic Habits", yet? It is about how to change our patterns (including addictive tendencies) and it's really powerful. I'm sure it's stuff that you are aware of, already, but you still might enjoy reading it. I just want to say that not everyone is going to support a person in changing their lives for the better. For example, my mom wanted me to be fat, she's a big part of the reason why I became and stayed obese, in the first place, and she did not support me in healing. So, I knew that if I wanted to heal (which I really do) and change my life for the better, that I had to let go of that relationship. Sometimes we do lose friends and family members and others that we had been close to. That can be incredibly painful. But, if we don't have ourselves, we really have nothing. And that's what addiction does. It robs us of ourselves and dampens our spirits, like you said. Changing and healing is worth it. I love what you said about how nobody regrets getting better or living cleanly. I'm going to hang onto that. Sorry that this is super long-winded. You definitely got me fired up, LOL. Blessings! - Claire
Terrific video, Derek. Loved hearing a little about you. Moderation doesn't exist in my world either. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing, has always been my motto. Luckily I stopped drinking, smoking and eating meat at 33. I've been vegan now for 3 years, and as you said, so sorry I didn't start the vegan journey years ago. Now, at 70 years old, I'm not on one medication and still going strong with no aches or pains, running a mile a day with my two 130 lb dogs and still fit into my size 0 jeans perfectly. I look back and feel it was all diet, exercise and mind set. Thank you for telling your viewers is can be done. I know it can! ! ! Wonderful work and you're in inspiration to us all. Have a fabulous new year.
This was the kick up the ass I needed. Fortunately, I never had a taste for alcohol or substances, but the excuses of putting off the tough stuff is definitely a weakness. Everything you said resonated. The kicker is I have heard it all before & I knew it was true. So what stopped me? Who knows? Myself I guess. But it's time to fix that. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I was an alcoholic... But God has given me the strength to become sober. It's been 4 months and I could never be more grateful. Thank you for sharing your story Derek! It's nice to know we aren't alone ☺️
correction, you still are an aalcoholic and you always will be, we have to be honest with ourselves. we know who we are. we just have to tell it not today alcohol
Thank you so much for sharing this! So many struggle with addiction and it is always an inspiration to see someone share their story. I have been sober for 11 years and off opioids for almost 5 years. It takes daily work to make those choices but my life is much better for it.
I wanted to share what worked for me. I had my last drink 1 year and 5 months ago. Thank God. If you juice 3 to 4 stalks of celery this will aid you significantly. I brought my juicer, celery , 1 plum tomatoe salt and a sliver of jalapeno to work, I'd juice 1 to 2 hours before my shift ended to keep from driving st8 to the state store when I got off. I was a heavy, daily drinker and found this to kill my cravings so I didn't have to white knuckle not getting drunk when I wanted to.This is a Aurvedic remedy i found on youtube and it works. I also used EFT (emotional freedom technique) and faster eft to help heal the root of my drinking . There are plenty of videos on youtube you can use as well as getting a practioner if you choose. You can get sober.
Dear Derek, it was an excellent video! Wise words that touched my heart. I am 44 years old and have been struggling with orthorexia and OCD for 29 years now. It has become a kind of my lifestyle .... Videos like yours help me a lot. Btw, I am a huge fan of Mr Huberman too! :-) I wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year! Michaela from Czech Republic.
Never been an "alcoholic" but there's never been a time where I wasn't drinking once a week until the last 3 months. Now when I drink I don't feel like it's adding to my life. I've been addicted to vaping since I was 16 and recently had a good run of 8 months nicotine free that I sadly broke. Today I'm deciding to cut alcohol, nicotine, weed and any other substance out of my life except for my much needed medication. I'm going to get back into running and meditating. I'm tired of my life being complete chaos dictated by my impulses. The hardest will be giving up junk food, but I'm slowly getting there
I also have an addictive personality, I used to be fit, healthy and strong. I never put on weight, Im now a good 20lbs overweight, with lack of strength and flexibility. I eat because Im bored, and along with an inactive lifestyle, this all adds up. Im hoping to start small with a daily basic Callanetics routine, that will help me feel better. Everyone else thinks because I look slim ish, I don’t have a problem, but I Dont like how I feel (or look). Hoping to re watch this and get motivated to get started.
Thank you for this Derek! Loving your videos right now!! I am dealing with high blood pressure right now and working on amping up my wellness. I don't normally drink much alcohol BUT I am working on cutting that, weening off caffeine and exercising more. Got some big goals right now. 😊
I LOVE this kind of content. Along with vegan grocery hauls--weird but they're so great--I really love to see HOW people made changes in their past to get to where they are today. I've been sober 17+ years so alcohol isn't my current problem. But I've also recently discovered ACA/ACoA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) and how that childhood has affected the adult I became. Even though I'm an all plant based eater now, I still struggle with indulging just way too much in that fun vegan junk food, distracting myself with TV and social media and using all that to keep me from getting up and moving my body. Thanks for you continued awesome example and sharing so much of yourself to help us improve ourselves. Happy new year!
Perfect! Really needed to hear this. I don’t think I had any idea that you were a drinker. I’m ready to get fit and healthy again but I keep going back to wine.
I'm revisiting this, because I'm really struggling with an online board game addiction. It doesn't take much money, but wow is it sucking a life of time and energy from my life! I have a business that I want to build and I'm struggling to create the time and space for it. I started seeing a new counselor, today, and she asked me what brought me to counseling. I didn't plan on "self-sabotage" being the first thing that popped out of my mouth, but that's what happened. I love your suggestion of retraining ours brains, by doing new healthier habits and essentially creating a new normal. BTW, are you familiar with the RU-vid channel HalfofCarla? She talks about how she lost 180 pounds by changing her mindset and following a plant-based diet. You might really like her. I watch both of you because you have changed your lives around and it inspires me to tackle my own demons. Thanks, again!
Great inspection words, love watching your videos and vegan recipes, It can be very hard to get out of them habits, best way is to just stop and just tell people I don’t drink, they call you boring but get used to after a while and you also might inspire them to do the same. Happy new healthy year🎊👍🏻
Excellent video and great tips! I'm realizing moderation doesn't serve me either. I read This Naked Mind and am now in the January 30 Day Live Alcohol Experient, run by the author. Perfect timing for me to find your video - thanks!!!
Best thing I ever did was stopping smoking but it is quite closely followed by stopping drinking. I used to be such a party animal, I reckon I drank and smoked so much I got through a lifetime's worth of consumption of both by the time I hit 35. Life is way better now, and it was only awkward for a short while, really. It doesn't take long for you to realise how brilliant the benefits are. Never thought you'd have been a party animal, too, Derek! What a revelation - and now look at you, so much energy, so fit and well looking... :-D
Happy New Year Derek and thank you for your story! As of today, I've been sober for 1575 days (4 years 3 months) and it's only changed my life for the better. I've lost weight, saved money, and gained the confidence in myself that I can accomplish hard things. At the time I quit I had friends making fun of me and now they tell me they wish they could quit like I did.
This was EXCELLENT and honest. Alcohol effects me the same way. Even in moderation I find that my body no longer feels good from it. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for this Derek, I feel that your insight and tips have come at the exact right time for me. Love your channel and always look forward to your upbeat and relatable videos ❤️
Thank you for this video! You are such an inspiration to so many people. I appreciate your honesty and listening to your journey. Also your tips for moving forward. Happy new year to you and Crystal!
Thank you so much Derek for this video. I have been struggling with alcohol for over 20 years and decided THIS year will be the end of it. I watch your videos all the time and to find out your life transformation made my heart fill with so much joy and motivation. Thank you and I appreciate all you do. ❤
What a great video, thanks Derek! There is great book The Naked mind that helped me to stop drinking back in 2020.. glad I did it before pandemic so I was not like most of people drinking even more seating at home all the time.. however, your video resonate with me so much since last year I thought I can start drinking casually, but I’m with you, just can’t do it this way.. I’m doing dry January now and thanks for this video, I think it will be dry 2023 😄 happy new year to you and Crystal 🎊
Thank you for sharing your story! I think the only other thing I would add to your suggestions is to not feel like you need to go full-tilt-boogie on making changes. If you want to go vegan, eat whole foods only, drink more water, etc., start with one thing and dial that in. I think a lot of people (me included!) want to do it all and that can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed and then they end up throwing in the towel on the whole shebang. For today? Drink more water (or whatever). We have to be kind to ourselves. We didn't get our bad habits all in one day. Why should we feel we can reverse them in a day? Thanks, as always, for your inspiration, Derek! Big love!
Heard this the other day and Thought” so true “ My addiction is sugar not alcohol but same applies . UESD TO BE MODERATION … NOT DEPRIVATION…BUT IF YOU CANT MODERATE …YOU ELIMINATE .
This. Is the exact motivation from the exact person I was hoping to hear it from, for working on my mental fitness goals for 2023. Thank you. Cheering you on, D-man! P.S. sobriety for me has been worth all tradeoffs (and yes, as you touch on, friend and pastime changes). 👊💪
