Close Menu
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ❤️ CONTENT
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERS✏️
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • 📰 PRESS 📺
    • THE SOBEES 🐝
    • CONTACT 📧
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS 🍺
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES 🍾
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS 🍸
    • READY TO DRINK 🥤
    • BEHIND THE BAR 🍋‍🟩
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS 🧠💪🏼
    • MENTAL HEALTH 🧠
    • RELATIONSHIPS 🤟🏽
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY 🖋️
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! 🗣️
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART 🛍️
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT ⁉️
    • COMING OUT SOBER 🏳️‍🌈
    • 🏆 CONTENT
    • ✂️CURATED CRAFTS🎨
    • FASHION 👠
    • SHOP 🛒
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION 💻
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT 📚
    • MOVIE REVIEWS 🍿
    • MUSIC 🎶
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND 🎙️
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST 🎧
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS 📺
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR 🗓️
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! 🧳
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO 🔮
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW 🧘🏻‍♀️
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE 🧬
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
Home - Will I Gain Weight When I Get Sober?
LIFESTYLE

Will I Gain Weight When I Get Sober?

Lane KennedyBy Lane KennedyJanuary 7, 20255 Mins Read
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Navigating Weight Changes in Sobriety: What to Expect and How to Manage It From Sobriety For Dummies by Lane Kennedy + Tamar Medford

You’re walking an alcohol-free life and navigating some sober days; you watch the scale teeter to new numbers, and then it changes again. The real question you have every day is, “Will I gain weight when I get sober?” The honest answer is that it’s possible. Let’s break this down so you know what to expect and how to handle any changes that come your way.

The Sweet Tooth Switcheroo

When you stop drinking, your body might start craving sugar. Here’s why: Alcohol is loaded with sugar, and when you cut it out, your body misses that quick energy boost. Ice cream, cookies, and chocolate suddenly become your new best friends. It’s like your body is a sugar detective, hunting down its next fix. But you can take charge of these cravings and reach for alternatives!

The Dopamine Dilemma

Why do you crave sweets? It’s all about dopamine, the feel-good hormone that plays a crucial role in how we experience pleasure and reward. When you consume alcohol, it triggers a flood of dopamine in your brain, giving you that euphoric, relaxed feeling. Now that you’ve removed alcohol from the equation, your body is hunting for a new source to get that same pleasurable hit. 

This is where sweets come into play. Sugary foods can temporarily boost your dopamine levels, mimicking the effects of alcohol and giving you that feel-good sensation. This is why you might suddenly find yourself eyeing the dessert menu or raiding your pantry for cookies and chocolate.

While indulging in sweets can provide short-term relief, it can also lead to unhealthy eating habits and potential weight gain. Consuming high amounts of sugar can create a cycle of cravings and crashes, making it harder to maintain a balanced diet and stable energy levels. 

Relying on sugar to boost your mood can impede your progress in adopting healthier coping mechanisms. Instead of turning to sweets, identify other activities that can naturally elevate your dopamine levels. Physical exercise, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with loved ones are excellent alternatives. Over time, these healthier habits will help recalibrate your brain’s reward system, reducing the intensity of sugar cravings and supporting overall well-being.

A Chance to Get Fit!

But here’s the silver lining: many people who become sober dive headfirst into a fitness routine. You might find yourself working out more, which is fantastic! However, be cautious not to overdo it. Overworking out can mess with your metabolism and eventually lead to weight gain. Balance is key.

Mindful Eating

Awareness is your best friend here. Notice what you’re craving and consider healthier alternatives. Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar, maybe try some fruit or a handful of nuts. Your body will thank you.

Here are some valuable alternatives to sweets that can satisfy your cravings without packing on the pounds:

  1. Fresh Fruit: Natural sugars in fruits like berries, apples, and oranges can give you that sweet fix without the added calories.
  2. Greek Yogurt with Honey: Rich in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt, topped with a drizzle of honey, can satiate your sweet tooth while providing essential nutrients.
  3. Dark Chocolate: If you must have chocolate, opt for dark chocolate. It’s lower in sugar and packed with antioxidants.
  4. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds can be a crunchy and satisfying alternative to sugary snacks.
  5. Smoothies: Blend some frozen fruits, a splash of almond milk, and a handful of spinach for a nutrient-dense, sweet treat.
  6. Dried Fruit: A handful of dried mangoes or apricots can be a compact and tasty snack, but be careful with portions as they can be calorie-dense.
  7. Homemade Energy Balls: Make your energy balls using oats, peanut butter, honey, and a bit of dark chocolate. These can be a fantastic, sweet, and healthy snack.
  8. Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with almond milk and a bit of vanilla extract. Let it sit overnight for a delicious and nutritious pudding.
  9. Frozen Grapes: Keep a bag of grapes in the freezer for a refreshing and sweet snack that’s easy to grab.
  10. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Carrots’ natural sweetness paired with protein-rich hummus can be a satisfying and healthy alternative.
A New Lifestyle Awaits

Sobriety offers a fantastic opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle. With increased energy, you can incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Walking, biking, online workout videos – the options are endless. Physical activity will help manage your weight and provide that much-needed dopamine boost in a healthy way.

Yes, you may gain weight when you get sober, but it’s manageable and temporary. You can create a balanced and fulfilling sober life by being mindful of your diet and incorporating regular exercise. Embrace the journey, stay active, and enjoy your new, healthier habits! You’ve got this!

Next time you’re craving, reach for one of those healthier alternatives, lace up your sneakers, and take a walk. Your body and mind will thank you.

Grab Your Copy of Sobriety For Dummies Here.


SOBER LIFESTYLE: Riding the sober lifestyle wave? You’re in good company! We’re on a mission to shatter the clichés around addiction, proving that sober is far from dull. We’re your go-to source for upbeat content that celebrates living life in high definition, sans alcohol. Our lifestyle section? Consider it your ultimate hub for all things sober-awesome. Because who says you need a drink to have a good time? Not us!


sobriety for dummies with tamar and lane

Grab Your Copy of Sobriety for Dummies now! Be sure to tune in to the Your Sober Now What? Podcast to hear an expansion on the themes discussed in SFD!

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

follow the sober curator on pinterest

Follow The Sober Curator on Pinterest

sobriety for dummies you're sober now what
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Lane Kennedy
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Lane Kennedy is today’s no-nonsense modern-day, Calm Maker. Not your ordinary Meditation + Mindfulness teacher. She is a holistic health practitioner, DNA nerd, and co-host of The Now What podcast and The Now What Society members area.

Related Posts

The Tiger by Gucci Demi Moore

The Substance — But Make It Gucci

October 19, 2025
HECK CANS NA Beer Portland OR

Sober Spotlight: Andy McMillan of Heck Brewing 

October 18, 2025
Hummingbird Heart Co. NA Bottle Shop Ashland OR

Sober Spotlight: Hummingbird Heart

October 11, 2025

Comments are closed.

The Wellspring by Thirsty for Wonder A Celtic Recovery Journey
Capsule Adventures Ryan Lee
The Sober Curator Podcast now streaming
Sober City Mobile App
SOBERSCRIBE AND GET ON THE LIST!
Sober Events at The Sober Curator
7 events found.
  • Week of October 20
  • Previous week
  • Next week
Notice
No events scheduled for October 20, 2025.
Notice
No events scheduled for October 21, 2025.
7:00 pm
BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading
October 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading

BigVision 309 Social Club 309 East 49th Street @ 2nd Ave, New York
$15.00
Ongoing
15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am PDT

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
$55.20
7:00 pm
Sober Dating + Comedy | Sober AF Bottle Shop Tacoma, WA
October 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Sober Dating + Comedy | Sober AF Bottle Shop Tacoma, WA

SOBER AF Bottle Shop Tacoma 5222 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma
$28.52
Ongoing
15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am PDT

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
$55.20
12:00 pm
Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference
October 24 @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference

Bodecker Foundation 2360 NW Quimby St., Portland
Free
3:00 pm
Speed Dating: Sober & In Recovery
October 24 @ 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

Speed Dating: Sober & In Recovery

Planted Cafe 333 Smith Street, Brooklyn
$40.00
+ 1 More
Ongoing
15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am PDT

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
$55.20
MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures
October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
See website
Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat
October 25 @ 9:00 am - November 1 @ 5:00 pm PDT

Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

$4000 – $5000
5:00 am
Shatterproof Walks to End Addiction Stigma
October 25 @ 5:00 am - 9:00 am PDT

Shatterproof Walks to End Addiction Stigma

Pier 76 Hudson River Park 408 12th Avenue, New York
11:00 am
Happy.Sober.Free: Madison Meet-Up
October 25 @ 11:00 am - 6:30 pm PDT

Happy.Sober.Free: Madison Meet-Up

Goodman Community Center - Iron Works 149 Waubesa Street, Madison
$111.00
Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference
October 25 @ 11:00 am - 9:00 pm PDT

Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference

Bodecker Foundation 2360 NW Quimby St., Portland
Free
+ 6 More
Ongoing
15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am PDT

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center 17740 Texas 16, Medina
$55.20
MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures
October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

Cusco, the Salktanay Trail, and Machu Picchu!
See website
Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat
October 25 @ 9:00 am - November 1 @ 5:00 pm PDT

Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

$4000 – $5000

Week of Events

Mon 20
Tue 21
Wed 22
Thu 23
Fri 24
Sat 25
Sun 26
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am PDT

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025 Join us for the 15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025! Where all clean and sober motorcycle riders can gather annually in the Tx Hill

$55.20
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm PDT

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures Our journey blends the culture and cuisine of Cusco with the legendary Salkantay Trail, culminating at the Incan masterpiece of Machu Picchu. Trek through shifting

See website
October 25 @ 9:00 am - November 1 @ 5:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

October 25 @ 9:00 am - November 1 @ 5:00 pm PDT

Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antiqua If you’re in recovery—whether newly sober or years into your journey—and ready to reconnect with your purpose, build meaningful connections, and embrace a life

$4000 – $5000
October 23 @ 2:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

15th Annual Texas Serenity Run 2025

October 25 @ 5:00 am - November 2 @ 2:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

MACHU PICCHU | Capsule Adventures

October 25 @ 9:00 am - November 1 @ 5:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat

October 22, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading
October 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading

BigVision Recovery Horror Film Reading Step into the shadows for a spine-chilling evening at the 309 Social Club. Join us for a live reading of In The Ghost Light, a recovery-themed

$15.00
October 23, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sober Dating + Comedy | Sober AF Bottle Shop Tacoma, WA
October 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Sober Dating + Comedy | Sober AF Bottle Shop Tacoma, WA

Sober Dating + Comedy | Sober AF Bottle Shop Tacoma, WA Sober speed dating comedy event, where sober singles can date other singles at a venue not centered around drinking!

$28.52
October 24, 2025 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference
October 24 @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference

Recovery in Practice - 2 Day Conference Recovery in Practice—a free two-day conference—will take place October 24-25, 2025, in NW Portland, uniting artists, authors, activists and researchers for workshops, panel

Free
October 24, 2025 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Speed Dating: Sober & In Recovery
October 24 @ 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

Speed Dating: Sober & In Recovery

Speed Dating: Sober & In Recovery Find Your Match! - A Dating & Social Series for Everyone! Different Themes every week. Different Vibes. One Community. Speed Dating: Sober / In

$40.00
October 24, 2025 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rocky Horror Picture Show Night at SOBER AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop
October 24 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT

Rocky Horror Picture Show Night at SOBER AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop

Rocky Horror Picture Show Night Time & Location Oct 24, 2025, 5:00 PM Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop, 5222 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA About the event

See website
+ 1 More
October 25, 2025 5:00 am - 9:00 am
Shatterproof Walks to End Addiction Stigma
October 25 @ 5:00 am - 9:00 am PDT

Shatterproof Walks to End Addiction Stigma

Shatterproof Walks to End Addiction Stigma Together, we walk to end addiction stigma and restore hope for those impacted by substance use disorder. Together, we can change attitudes and save

October 25, 2025 11:00 am - 6:30 pm
Happy.Sober.Free: Madison Meet-Up
October 25 @ 11:00 am - 6:30 pm PDT

Happy.Sober.Free: Madison Meet-Up

Happy.Sober.Free: Madison Meet-Up Join us for an epic sober and wellness event where we will gather, connect and have fun! The day will feature yoga, live music & much more!

$111.00
October 25, 2025 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference
October 25 @ 11:00 am - 9:00 pm PDT

Recovery in Practice – 2 Day Conference

Recovery in Practice - 2 Day Conference Recovery in Practice—a free two-day conference—will take place October 24-25, 2025, in NW Portland, uniting artists, authors, activists and researchers for workshops, panel

Free
+ 6 More
View Calendar
The Sober Curator
Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok YouTube Pinterest
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • LINKS DISCLAIMER
  • EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
  • TERMS OF SERVICE
  • REFUND POLICY
  • DON’T SELL MY INFO
  • DATA SUBJECT REQUEST FORM
  • CONTACT US
© 2025 The Sober Curator - Benefits of a Alcohol Free Lifestyle

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.