Dietitian Loses 10 Pounds in 150 Days by Tracking Drinks

Dezi Abeyta had all the healthy habits down except one. The registered dietitian and performance coach walked 10,000 steps daily, lifted weights, and ate well, but his nightly pandemic drinking habit was quietly undoing everything.

Like millions of Americans, Abeyta found himself reaching for more drinks when lockdowns turned his home into an office, gym, and bar all at once. Despite his expertise in mindful eating and coaching high performers, he needed help with his relationship with alcohol.

He turned to Sunnyside, a mindful drinking app that focuses on tracking and gentle accountability rather than going cold turkey. The approach clicked immediately. By logging each drink and setting weekly goals, Abeyta started seeing patterns he'd been ignoring.

The numbers told a powerful story. Over 150 days, he saved more than 10,000 empty calories and lost 10 pounds. His sleep quality improved, his workout recovery got better, and his energy levels soared.

But the physical changes were just the beginning. Tracking revealed something deeper: how often he used alcohol as a stress reliever after juggling work and family. With text support from Sunnyside's coaches, he found new ways to unwind that actually helped instead of creating next-day fog and anxiety.

The app's community challenges added accountability without pressure. Whether participating in Dry-ish January or the 50% Less Challenge, Abeyta felt supported rather than judged. The emphasis on progress over perfection made the journey sustainable.

His social life adapted too. Armed with strategies like ordering half shots, alternating drinks with water, and trying mocktails, he discovered he could still enjoy nights out without overindulging. Friends and family didn't think he was boring. Many asked how he did it.

Abeyta shared his experience on his podcast "Can't Believe I Made It," and listeners responded in droves. One former client joined a challenge during Dry-ish January and is now five months sober, reporting they're a more present parent and partner.

The Ripple Effect

What started as one person's quest for better sleep and weight loss has sparked dozens of conversations about mindful drinking. Abeyta's transformation showed that you don't need to quit entirely to see major improvements in physical health, mental clarity, and relationships. His clients and podcast listeners now have permission to examine their own habits without shame, knowing that small changes can create cascading benefits across every area of life.

Today, Abeyta continues tracking his drinks, not because he has to, but because awareness became its own reward.