Drinking heavily for an extended period of time can have a lot of side effects on the body. Many people gain weight from all the empty calories in alcohol, especially when combined with late night pizza deliveries.
Some of us lose weight when drinking, and can be indicative of severe alcohol abuse. Whether you gain weight or lose it while drinking, alcoholism affects both types of people, and if you’re gaining weight in sobriety, it may help to explain why.
What Happens When You Stop Drinking?
Now that the booze has left the building, you may be feeling and looking better than you have in a long time.
Your skin is looking healthier, your eyes are brighter, and others may be noticing a certain glow about you.
Alcohol is a toxin, and now that you’re not poisoning yourself, your body is going through an adjustment period. Alcohol also converts to sugar in our bodies, and once we stop consuming it, our bodies crave it.
We may start eating chocolate, candy, cakes, and cookies. We may even tell ourselves that we deserve all these sweets, because, hey, we’re sober!
Gaining Weight
There’s nothing wrong with the occasional treat, but if you want to avoid gaining extra weight, try to eat a balanced diet.
Plus, your body really needs those nutrients from whole, unprocessed foods like:
- Vegetables
- Lean meats
- Fruits
- Whole grains
If you only replace the alcohol with candy bars, your body will feel it.
The more sugar you eat, the more your body will crave it.
Understanding Sugar
It is said that sugar is like a drug, so be cognizant of how much you consume, and try to limit it as much as you can.
It may be difficult in the beginning since your body is going through alcohol and sugar withdrawal, but if you can keep it under wraps, you’ll feel better.
If you’re gaining weight in sobriety because you lost a lot while drinking, this is a good sign that your body is beginning to hold onto nutrients.
Alcohol blocks the absorption of key vitamins and minerals, including Thiamin, and can also deter people from eating altogether.
Malnutrition and emaciation can result from alcohol abuse, and weight gain is the body’s response to finally getting the calories that it was missing.
More often than not, the body will balance itself out over time, and weight gain may not even be a concern later on.
If you are struggling with addiction, The Lakehouse Recovery Center can help. Your wellbeing is first and foremost, and this includes nutrition. We take a hybrid approach to helping clients get sober, with a focus on healing the mind, body, and the soul.
You don’t have to do this alone. We are available 24/7, toll-free at (877) SOBER | (877) 762-3707. Recovery is possible, and you can change your life today. Pick up the phone and call us.