Newly sober gaining weight

Janellew86

Hey, I'm a month and a half sober from alcohol. I've also been put on buspirone(buspar) to go along with my other mental health meds. Ive been eating a lot recently and drinking a lot of fluids. I also have to eat right before bed with my meds. Want to work on diet currently. I was last weighed at the dr as 264pounds. 5'8 female 38 y.o.

Alatariel75

Hey, congrats on the sobriety! That's awesome!

It's not unusual to gain some weight after quitting alcohol, as we tend to address some cravings with food, and also start eating more good food rather than empty alcohol calories.

I say baby steps and be very kind to yourself, you're already doing one kick-butt task you don't need to stress yourself with another.

Maybe find some tasty, comforting satisfying foods that are also lower in calories and have them on hand to reach for. Go for low or no calorie fluids.

And honestly, most importantly - prioritise the sobriety. If you have a craving and it's going to be soothed by something higher calorie but stop you reaching for something else, then do it. Fighting 2 battles at once is never ideal!

Janellew86

I've reduced my buspirone to see if that will help. I don't like the way it makes me feel.

Fursian

Congratulations on your freedom, Janellew86. 👍

Janellew86 wrote: »

Ive been eating a lot recently and drinking a lot of fluids.

I developed a sweet tooth. Or, the alcohol masked it, hard to say. With all the bottles of coke I got through along with alcohol, it’s quite possible that my body was throwing a protest. I’d like to just say that it’ll work itself out, but I won’t lie, it's going to take mindful effort and education.

Janellew86 wrote: »

I also have to eat right before bed with my meds.

If there’s no way to change the medication time to go along with an earlier meal, does the medication have to be taken with a full meal? In the event it has to be a full meal, having a lighter meal earlier on might be one way around it.

Janellew86 wrote: »

Want to work on diet currently.

Planning is critical, It’s good that it’s on your radar.

JessicaBorneman5699

Congratulations on sobriety. My only advice is to eat as many whole foods as possible and get moving. I suffer from depression and I recently started doing Zumba and Yoga. It is really helping me with my mental and physical health. I was afraid to go to a "class", but everyone is very nice and I look forward to seeing new friends that I am making.

totameafox

Hello Jane. Congrats on the sobriety and taking care of your mental health. What time of day you eat doesn't matter. How much you eat through out the day does. Don't stress too much. Just start making little changes. Like first, tracking what you eat without worry about the calories. You can then start making little changes to improve your habits. The longer you go the more you will learn.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/147555-speak-friend-and-enter