She Strengthens

The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Lifestyle

A Dangerous Game of Trade-Offs

I used to play a dangerous game with my body, sacrificing nutrition for a good time. I didn’t know it had a name – “drunkorexia” – but I lived it. By drastically cutting back on food calories, I could indulge in my favorite cocktails, maintaining a thin physique while still enjoying a nightlife. Those sugary drinks added up quickly, consuming over half of my daily 1800 calorie allowance. This toxic cycle dictated my eating habits, with entire days planned around drinking.

A Financial Burden

The worst part? It was expensive. I spent upwards of $300 weekly on booze and accompanying foods, like wings and fries, which I often regretted. Although I earned a good income, it was painful to think about what else I could’ve done with that money. The financial toll was significant, but it wasn’t the catalyst for change.

A Wake-Up Call

That came when I passed out at work, having starved myself all day to make room for a night of heavy drinking. It was a harsh realization: I was eating abnormally to accommodate my drinking habits. That’s when I knew I had a problem.

A Shift in Perspective

Since then, I’ve made significant changes to my lifestyle. I now drink infrequently and prioritize a healthy diet. The financial aspect has been the most surprising source of regret. I’ve come to realize that my previous lifestyle wasn’t unique; many people make similar trade-offs, especially in urban areas.

A Culture of Excess

Drinking is often seen as the only socially acceptable way to socialize, whether it’s with coworkers, friends, or on dates. This cultural pressure can lead to a downward spiral of spending, making it easy to justify excessive drinking as a necessary evil. But the truth is, our worst habits are often our most expensive ones.

Facing the Truth

It takes a jarring event, like a drained bank account or a startling self-realization, to confront the harm we’re causing ourselves. By examining our budgets and habits, we may uncover patterns we’d rather ignore. You might not be struggling with drunkorexia, but I’m willing to bet you’ll find something you want to change.