So I'm @ day 35 (1 hr 36) Let's say for arguments sake 1 month. I briefly touched on this some posts ago-Where is my appetite? I figured-body adjusting to no alcohol, just a side-effect. I also touched on taking xanax, which I have gradually cut down on-not cold turkey because that's dangerous, but much less than before. I just weighed myself and it was shocking. Granted I don't eat breakfast, but I never did, even as a heavy drinker. Come dinnertime, I'm not hungry. I had a large coffee today. I have a fridge full of food, but I am not hungry. I'm gonna force something down, but why is this happening?
I will not use this forum as a personal blog-after I eat 15 minutes later I'll post on what I ate, how good or bad it was, etc. But this is a little troubling. Coffee and cigarettes is my diet. My point is, I should enjoy eating, not forcing something down to put calories in my body. Something different every day
My appetite took a little while to come back when I had stopped drinking. Mind you, I smoke, too, and nicotine is an appetite suppressant, which doesn't help. Try eating small amounts of food regularly and seeing what happens. Also, try out new foods and try to 'tempt' yourself with something nice or different.
And, congrats on day 35! You're doing so well.
Take care,
Carol
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To piggy-back Carol, coffee and cigarettes are both appetite supresants. I know this from lots of experience. In the morning I drink a lot of cofffee and a lot of cigarettes and I don't get hungry till evening. And for the xanex, very dangerous!! I went off of it and 3 days later had grand mal seizures!! Anyway congrats on 1 month!! keep up the good work! Keep coming back! Allison
Hi Steve, I struggled with my appetite too when I first got sober and then I was out shopping one day and found ready made pancakes in the supermarket. 30 seconds in the microwave. Love them. Ended up eating 8 at a time. No problem with appetite now.
No appetite for me either probably for a good 3-4 months. Eat what you can. Slow down on the coffee. Most importantly, my doctor said "Listen to your body." I'd suggest some vitamins till your appetite returns and maybe check in with your doc if it really concerns you.
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Congrats on your sobriety! It feels good doesnt it! I too smoke and drink coffee like water! But, find myself getting irritable if I dont eat! True, listen to your body. Maybe a bowl of cereal will give you some good calories but not be too overwhelming! Dont worry though, eventually food will taste so good to you! Trust me, I think Ive gained ten pounds in the last 10 months! lol
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All great advice. I found a bunch of old vcr tapes last night, so that kept me busy for a few hours and I just fell asleep. So now it's probably 36+ hours without eating and guess what I still have no urge to eat. The vitamins is how I think I'll start. I don't want to add Food Anonynous or Eaters Anonymous (if there is one-probably is) to my laundry list of problems. How about those protein shakes? That can't be bad for you. My brother was/is a workout freak and he might have some leftover. I'll give him a call. I do remember they tasted like a tire and someone's ass with a hint of vanilla. Beggars can't be choosers I guess.
Unless you are very weak from all this, exercise would probably help even if it is meager: long walk, pushups, etc...Along with what others have suggested, take a walk in the morning and that might help stimulate some hunger. I have 64 days without a drink and my appetite still fluctuates (sp?), ive been hungry as a bear and like the last few days, when i eat, i only desire to eat just enough, like a small sandwhich... I am notorious for getting poor sleep, but ive been told getting quality sleep also stabilizes appetite..Hope this helps!
when i was coming off the booze, all meals were cooked for me by a cheff in a rehab kitchen, so i could pick and choose the quantity i wanted. one of the foods that picked up peoples weight, rapidly after about 3 months was milk straight from a jug that came straight from the milked cows in the morning,but i think the average person is just lazy anyway when you get to 50 you will start looking after yourself more lol. after all, thats half way to 100, he, he, cheers peter.
Takes awhile for the blood sugar needs to re-adjust in the body, insulin levels to get back up to par, etc.... also takes awhile for the liver to clear out the toxins and garbage. No wonder we have no appetite early in recovery! We are walking toxic landfills. I don't think our survival instincts, like "eating" are in full healthy mode right away.
Easy does it, and try to make sure that what little you are eating is substantial and decent for you.
Take care.
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.