Changing your relationship with alcohol can transform your life. Dr. Brooke Scheller’s journey and expertise provide valuable insights and practical tips for managing cravings and improving well-being through nutrition.

Changing Relationship with Alcohol

Changing your relationship with alcohol can be a transformative journey. Dr. Brooke Scheller, a doctor of Clinical Nutrition and founder of Functional Sobriety, knows this firsthand. After quitting drinking in 2021, she combined her personal experience with her professional expertise to help others make similar changes. Her new book, How to Eat to Change How You Drink, explores the significant impact alcohol has on our bodies and minds, offering practical advice on using food and nutrition to manage cravings and reduce alcohol intake.

The Whisper that Becomes a Scream

For many, it starts as a whisper: “Maybe I should quit drinking.” Over time, this whisper grows louder until it’s impossible to ignore. This was the case for Dr. Scheller. She began drinking as a teenager, and it became a significant part of her life throughout her 20s and early 30s.

The Gradual Increase

For Dr. Scheller, changing her relationship with alcohol was not spurred by a dramatic event. Instead, it was a gradual realization. She recalls how her drinking increased slowly over the years—from a few days a week to a daily habit. This gradual increase is common and often goes unnoticed until it becomes a significant problem.

The Internal Struggle

By June 2021, Dr. Scheller could no longer ignore the internal screams urging her to change her relationship with alcohol. Despite having a successful career, advanced degrees, and a stable home, she found herself drinking every day. The anxiety and depression that accompanied her drinking were exhausting, and she realized she needed to make a change.

Recognizing the Deception

Changing your relationship with alcohol involves recognizing how deceptive alcohol can be. Dr. Scheller describes alcohol as a snake oil salesman—promising relief and happiness but ultimately causing harm. This realization is crucial for many who struggle with alcohol. It’s easy to convince yourself that you drink just to relax or have fun, but over time, the negative effects become more apparent.

The Role of Nutrition

Dr. Scheller’s background in clinical nutrition provided her with unique insights into how alcohol affects the body. She explains that alcohol is a macronutrient, and its metabolism can significantly impact our nutritional status and overall health. Her book emphasizes the importance of understanding these effects and using nutrition to support sobriety.

Practical Tips for Managing Cravings

One of the key aspects of changing your relationship with alcohol is learning how to manage cravings. Dr. Scheller offers practical tips in her book, such as:

• Balanced Meals: Eating balanced meals can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing cravings for alcohol.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential, as dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger or cravings.
• Supplementation: Certain supplements can support brain health and reduce alcohol cravings. Dr. Scheller recommends consulting with a healthcare professional to determine the best options for you.

Addressing the Deeper Issues

Changing your relationship with alcohol also involves addressing the deeper issues that drive the desire to drink. Dr. Scheller explores the biochemical systems that contribute to alcohol dependence and offers strategies to address these underlying causes. Understanding why you drink can be a powerful tool in overcoming dependence.

Building a Support System

Scheller emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community, whether through sober communities, therapy, or supportive friends and family. Having a strong support system can make the journey to sobriety much more manageable.

A New Path Forward

Dr. Scheller’s journey to sobriety was about finding a new path forward. She encourages others to listen to their inner voice and recognize that there is a better way. Changing your relationship with alcohol can lead to improved physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Changing your relationship with alcohol is a challenging but rewarding journey. Dr. Brooke Scheller’s story and expertise provide valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to make a change. By understanding the impact of alcohol on your body and using nutrition to support sobriety, you can take control of your health and well-being. Remember, it’s never too late to start changing your relationship with alcohol and find a healthier, happier path forward.

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