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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> H-A-L-T --> F-A-T!
Post Info TOPIC: H-A-L-T --> F-A-T!
TwelveSteps


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H-A-L-T --> F-A-T!
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Hi guys,

Let me start by saying that I just really need to vent -- but I full appreciate that gaining a few pounds is 100% worth the gift of sobriety!

Anyway, I find the AA advice to beware of "HALT" very effective... and while I can't always control the A-L-T, the H is pretty easy to control. And for some reason, now that I've stopped drinking, I find myself to be hungry a LOT more.

But it turns out the extra snacking I'm doing to keep hunger at bay adds up to (surprisingly) more calories than the two bottles of wine I used to consume every night, and I'm starting to gain weight. It doesn't help that I was previously a very light eater and neurotic about my weight. I'm trying not to get freaked out about it, but it's hard to not want to suddenly cut back my eating significantly... even though I am well aware that I often start craving a drink when I am hungry.

I just needed to get that off my chest and see if maybe others had experienced the same problem. Among the many other benefits of sobriety, I thought I might actually lose weight by not consuming all those empty alcohol calories!

GG

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Larry_H


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TwelveSteps

Alcohol is full of carbohydrates especially sugar.  When you stop drinking your body
craves the carbs and sugar.

Indulge yourself as this phase will pass after the withdrawal is finished.

I never heard a person end up in jail because of eating a candy bar.

Larry,
-----------------
I Didn't Sleep On My Lawn Last Night

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Reffner


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I had exactly the same problem for a few months after I quit. I first dropped a few pounds, as I had no desire to eat while I was detoxing. Once I got my appetite back, it came back WITH A VENGEANCE! LOL I gained almost 30 lbs in 2 months, and was starting to get a little freaked out, as I always had a problem keeping the weight on in the past. It eventually did even out for me, and I find that today I'm still hungry allot, but I crave healthier foods. Give it some time, and focus on your sobriety. I've learned that when I'm sober, most things have a way of working themselves out.

Brian

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Mike B.


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GG,
I agree with the above posts.  Many things will change with sobriety and recovery.  I to gained weight when first became sober.  I craved sugar especially at night.  Still do- to a lesser extent.   What I did was eventually started exercising and this really helped me stablize my weight and my mind.  Exercise can reduce weight, stress, anxiety and help you sleep better.  It also boost your self esteem, which we all need.  wink

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gonee


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Your body is currently adjusting to it's new phase. I ate so little when I used to drink liquor. My body was totally deprived of any good nutrition. You will find as you work the program of recovery you will adjust to a normal food intake. Do not let it worry you too much now. As Larry said , nobody went to jail for eating food. Just focus on your recovery only.

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Dave Harm


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HALT has saved my life. I do practice it and live by it. I too gained weight after I quit but that was easy. I was on a very liquid diet. I much rather have had alcohol then food. The day I quit drinking I weighed 145 pounds on my 6'4" frame, I was the walking dead.

Within three months I gained 50 pounds and felt so much better... then I just stayed there. For the last dozen years I hadn't gained a pound, nor lost any. For me it evened out and I found that comfortable place within me.

That is until I quit smoking on April 1st of this year... now I put on a new 15 pounds... lol

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TwelveSteps


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Thanks for the replies. I just discovered some leftover Halloween chocolates too, oh no! :)

GG

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Give me strength


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TwelveSteps wrote:


I just needed to get that off my chest and see if maybe others had experienced the same problem. Among the many other benefits of sobriety, I thought I might actually lose weight by not consuming all those empty alcohol calories!

GG


I thought the same thing!  I really crave sweets like I never did when I was drinking.  For now I am giving in to the cravings...giving up the alcohol is hard enough!  If only I could get my exercise program in gear to offset the sugar calories!  One day at a time, I/we will get there!

 



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AGO


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TwelveSteps wrote:

Thanks for the replies. I just discovered some leftover Halloween chocolates too, oh no! :)

GG



However healthy everyone sounds when it comes to chocolate resistance is futile wink

NSFW naughty language



 



-- Edited by AGO on Thursday 24th of June 2010 11:30:31 AM

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bikerbill


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Exactly the same for me but no-one get's busted for being fat and disorderly, or loses their licence for drving under the influence of a cream cake.

I put on about 3 stone (about 40 odd lb) in 6 months. Then I stabilised for 3 years. Then i went to weight watchers and learnt about healthy eating. So far lost 21lb in 12 weeks. And it's staying off.

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Pablomoses


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I actually had to do something physical to keep busy and active in the program my first year sober. I went to the gym, so I actually lost weight........I ate everything in site after working out. I work out so I can eat more!!
If your gaining weight I wouldn't sweat it.......being sober is well worth it...plus, the sugar cravings mentioned in some earlier posts are true.
Once you get to a plateau and level off........try my solution to weight problems---eat less, get more active----which can include working out----or just walking!!

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pinkchip


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I have lost about 60 pounds since sober...I was the type of drunk that wound up sitting on the floor raiding the fridge right before passing out. I never exercised...I smoked...

Hence, now I exercise, quit smoking...there is no way I can be fat, as active as I am. I don't do everything perfect and I am still a head case, but on the outside...recovery is looking good.

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TwelveSteps


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Unfortunately I've already been a life-long runner and gym fanatic, so I can't step up the efforts on that front... I work out in the mornings so I've at least tried to start adding a walk in the evenings. Thanks again for the replies!

And yes -- I'd rather be fat than drunk. :)

GG

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pinkchip


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Yah...first things first 12....spiritual growth is the priority right now right? Let's not worry about physical growth lol.

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MLB


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I eat a 5th of Little Debbie cakes a day....I'm hooked on them zebra cakes.

Since getting sober, I too have been crushing the sweets..Marble Slab Creamery's sweet cream shake gives littl debbie a run for her money.

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