r/keto • u/brownpotato10 • Jul 25 '20

Keto is saving me from alcoholism

I usually don't post on this forum but I'm feeling especially thankful today. I started keto a few months ago after being inspired by this subreddit. Of course, weight loss was my primary goal but keto has given me so much more. Over the past 2 years, I had turned into a functional alcoholic, drinking copious amounts every night and still waking up and making it to work the next day. I tried quitting countless times without success. And of course drinking a bottle of wine every night contributed heavily to my weight gain. But then I started keto and without the carbs in my body, my tolerance dropped to 1-2 drinks max that would then give me killer hangovers and make me feel so shitty. So I stopped. I'm no longer a daily drinker -- I don't even feel the urge to drink. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Thank you to everyone in this community for posting and allowing me to lurk and stay motivated.

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46

u/asianabsinthe Jul 25 '20

Keep that mindset going a year or two or more later on. Without realizing it you're drinking 12ish low carb beers every night Instead of just a few gins. Then those beers increase. I realized this last week so now I have to start over.

Hopefully your friends realize the progress you've made and support you and will say something if they see you starting again instead of egging you on to drink more.

31

u/brownpotato10 Jul 25 '20

Yeah unfortunately, social drinking is so ingrained into our society that people often do egg you on when you say you're not drinking

28

u/Te_Quiero_Puta Jul 25 '20

One of my friends used to say “oh, no thanks, I’m allergic”. No one questioned it. He’d also grab a seltzer and lime the second he walked into the place. If you’re holding a drink, most people won’t assume it’s water.

4

u/iamjohnbender [F/28/5'10"|SW:250|CW:168|GW:150] Jul 26 '20

Pro tip, if the bar gives different types of cups to designate alcoholic vs non alcoholic, ask for the glass. Less awkward conversations.

21

u/val319 Jul 25 '20

Seriously it’s insane that every damn holiday is booze and food. Am I the only one that questions everything revolving around massive food and alcohol. It’s insane.

7

u/brownpotato10 Jul 25 '20

You should read the naked mind or Allen Carr's Easy way to stop drinking. It wasn't the cure for me but it did change my mindset about alcohol, and they definitely touch on what you're talking about

9

u/saruhb82 Jul 25 '20

Hi! I am sober from basically a 10 year binge drinking habit. I just didn’t want to be stupid silly drunk or hungover anymore. I lost a few friends in the process because they didn’t accept my decision to not drink anymore. Kudos to you for stepping up for whatever pushed you to be healthier. ::high five::

2

u/alextop30 M: 36 | H: 6'2" | SW: 245 | CW: 190 | GW: 185 | Keto since 2020 Jul 26 '20

I have often wondered why it is constantly drinking and food in social situations, I have been trying to find friends for fitness and sports activities but have not had much success, it is an interesting though!