I have been lurking on 3FC for some time and recently started to post. I could join the over 50s, the Weight Watchers or several other forums. The choice leaves me indecisive.

I am 5'2" and in my 20 weighted in my 120s, in my 30s in the 130s. Due to a very public, traumatic break-up, I went up to the high 190s. I would yo-yo for years. Three years ago I FINALLY started to get my act together, and I went to 170 and stayed there until last winter when I went back to 180. joined WW online and went down to 162. I only did three months because I wrongly assumed I could do it on my own. I rejoined WW online in October at 175. I am now down to 165. One of my major problems in the past is that I crave alcohol when I am very hungry. Once I have 2 or 3 drinks, I overeat. I have been doing very well this time by having a WW ice cream bar or yogurt with fruit or crackers and cheese or almond butter when I get the urge to have a drink.

Does anyone else have this problem? I wish I had figured out years ago that I get the urge to have wine or light beer ONLY when I am hungry......

EasySpirit: you displayed impressive investigative skills realizing that hunger leads to drinking leads to overeating. I haven't had that exact situation, but I've been surprised how idiosyncratic and nuanced my triggers are. Most candy causes cravings, but I can eat dark chocolate like a sane person every day. White flour combined with butter in anything is remarkably triggering (I avoid biscuits, flour tortillas, and scones), but I can eat one scoop of ice cream in a cup at the dairy and feel satisfied without wanting more. The more of these things I figure out and act on, the easier this gets!

Hi easyspirit! Congrats on the weight loss! You know, you don't have to choose among boards to post on. You can post on all of them! I'm sure those support groups would all be happy to have you. As for the alcohol question, it's interesting. If you are very hungry, your blood sugar level is probably low. But what I don't get is why you get a craving for alcohol since alcohol causes your blood sugar to drop. That would explain why you overeat though. By eating, you are attempting to raise your blood sugar level. Maybe your body has made the connection that if your blood sugar level drops low enough, you'll eat, and that's why it directs you to alcohol. Of course, that's pure speculation!

Thanks for the responses. I am doing my best to eat every time I crave alcohol, and it is working so far.

Welcome! I found alcohol to be a trigger,too. I made the decision I'd rather be thinner than drink and have found my journey much easier without it. Good for you identifying it!

Best wishes!