How can I stop alcohol from interfering with my weight loss?

It’s not that I don’t understand its effect on weight loss etc, but it has became a habit in the evenings. Where can we go to for group support?

Thank you for getting in touch and being brave enough to ask this question, well done. You are definitely not alone, it’s something that many people struggle with, and I get asked about a lot. Recognising it is a great first step for you to start tackling it.

As you say, you understand the effects on weight loss, such as:

  • extra calories
  • lowering our resolve
  • making us more hungry
  • affecting our mood the next day meaning we’re more likely to comfort eat

It is really important to remember that when we get into these kinds of unhelpful cycles, while there is a cause, it’s also just a habit, and the good news is that habits can be broken.

Do check out habit expert James Clear and his excellent book, Atomic Habits. https://jamesclear.com/

You could also consider my article on emotional eating as whilst it’s aimed at eating, the principles can apply equally well to drinking behaviours.

www.youronelife.co.uk/how-to-stop-eating-your-emotions/

Alcohol also has other negative effects on our health, and if it’s starting to become a physical dependency rather than an evening habit then you may need specialist help.

This is a good place to start, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/ and it will help you to find resources in your local area, including group support.

It’s really important to get on top of it if we want to be healthy in general, aside from how it affects our weight.

If you are looking for group support to manage your weight, then there are the face to face and online groups such as Slimming World or WW.

I also run my own online support group through my Accountability Club. It’s a lovely, very supportive and safe community and there are different levels according to what you need and your budget.

You are welcome to book a free 15 minute chat with me if you want to find out more about whether it could help you.