Alcohol - Appetite Increase

[Baby_Sham]

For one reason or another I have had to knock alcohol on the head, but since doing so (I am still very early days) I have noticed a massive increase in appetite.
I would have thought it was the other way round, but does anyone know if this is 'normal'?

[rockyracoon]

I find alcohol to be an appetite suppressant so it's not surprising you want to eat more if you've given up. Was you drinking that much that it should make a difference?

[ummmm]

I find it an appetite suppressant as well...

Just think of all the calories you aren't drinking.

[EcclesCake]

I agree with alcohol suppressing the appetite.

Although there is a definite point in the drinking cycle when for some there is nothing they want more than a slab of cheese in between two slices of bread or a botulism burger or a greasy kebab.

Fortunately I have never reached that stage of intoxication.

[ummmm]

I think that only happens to binge drinkers. Skinful on a Saturday night and a burger on the way home.

[Baby_Sham]

I didn't really eat much when I was drinking. In fact, I would favour alcohol over a meal. I just seem constantly hungry now I'm trying to knock it on the head.
I'm not sure how much I was drinking in terms of calories, but it worked out at about, on average, 23.2 units, so enough to cause me a few 'issues'.

I'm wondering if it's the fact my body is used to so many calories that it could be craving them... if that's at all possible.

[rockyracoon]

I think it's your body demanding what it needs, eat and enjoy, you'll feel better for it.

[ummmm]

Depends what you were drinking.

[Baby_Sham]

Oh, I am! :-)

[Baby_Sham]

2 bottles of wine, 3 cans of beer. Same thing every night.

[rockyracoon]

That's a fair amount of booze to suppress an appetite, good on you for giving up. Your body is probably delighted it's getting grub over alcohol.

Good luck :0)

[murraymints]

ouch ! you are doing best to knock it on the head baby before you do yourself harm....good luck xx

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks. It's not plain sailing, but I just need to get past this first couple of weeks and I reckon I'll be fine.
It's for the greater good :-)

[ummmm]

Over what period of time? That's a hell of a lot of calories.

How long have you been off it? Are you sleeping?

[Baby_Sham]

Yes :-( Unfortunately it's just built up over time.
A mixture of boredom, loneliness, and habit I guess.

[rockyracoon]

It's easy to fall into Baby but at least you're doing something about it, your purse must be feeling a bit fuller.

[ummmm]

Go with the flow and eat when you're hungry. It'll soon level off.

[Baby_Sham]

Er, the wine has been the same amount for over a year now. The beers have just slowly crept in during the day, and mainly to take the edge off my anxiety.
It's been a viscous circle though, because I drink to get rid of my anxiety/panic attacks, but then when the alcohol wears off the next day it just comes back, so I'm constantly going round in circles.

This will sound ridiculous now, but I'm only on day two.
Last night was terrible. It took me ages to finally get to sleep, and then I woke up at 3am covered in sweat.
Got up to go to the bathroom and fainted, spent the rest of the night shaking and panicking.

I feel ok right now. It seems to be night times that are the worst.

Apparently the first 5-7 days are the toughies, but I think after that the chemicals have left your body/brain.

[EcclesCake]

Are you doing this on your own or is your partner offering you support?

[mccfluff]

it might be your body is used to the massive amount of sugar and its craving that, just take time to adjust

[ummmm]

It's going to take time but you will start sleeping better. Try not to be tempted to have a drink just to help you sleep.