Icecream--just what is the magic?

[BakingGirl]

And now for the trivial:

It's highly recommended that icecream helps. So what is it about icecream that's so special? And can it be any old flavour or only particular flavours work? And does it make any difference if it's low fat/ fat free or full-fat? And why icecream, why not, say, milkshakes or yoghurt? Why does it work? Is there something we don't know yet, or is this a conspiracy by Mr Ben & Mr Jerry, Mr Street & Mr Bulla, and Mr Wall and Mr Snugbury to increase sales of icecream?

So what is it about icecream?
Or is it just that we love it?


All theories, serious and speculative, will be devoured with gusto--and a sprinkling of chocolate sauce and nuts.

BakingGirl

[pathtohealth]

Ice cream in any flavor, made any way was a savior for me in the first 6 months of my quit! I do not eat it as much now, but if I felt the AV sneaking up on me I would not hesitate to indulge in the sweet taste of ice cream.

[bigsister987]

A glass of milk works just as well, but I guess it is the treat element that is the added extra benefit. Some of us used alcohol to treat ourselves and we can replace this with an ice cream treat. For some the sugar hit helps too, although for some reducing sugar in the diet can help reduce cravings overall.

[jujubee]

ice cream does not quench thirst...that's in your head

the treat factor for sure

then I think the combo of sugar and fat....I think that's why sherbert doesn't work. Lots of sugar fluctuations in the initial quit. We would be actaully better to white knuckle it and focus on a low carb/diabetic diet and cut out concentrated sweets all together because after a week we would not have sugar cravings at all(as we often interpret to be alcohol cravings) Also the fat feeds our satiety center in the brain.

[Lia~~]

It's the ultimate quit-comfort food and squelched the AV many times my first three months. I carried the habit on for well past its necessity-- after a year I switched to sorbet.

For me it's that feeling of indulgence, a little-bit naughty treat, and it brings up good feelings of being a kid again.
When I quit drinking I had not touched ice cream for YEARS (ice cream and beer do NOT mix). To rediscover it was like rediscovering something dear I lost-

[Dry_EE]

BakingGirl, I developed a HUGE sweet tooth after I quit. I think my body was used to and expecting a fast sugar rush near dinner (the alcohol) and I needed replace it with something else. I wouldn't worry about it for a couple months, just tell yourself you deserve it, and it's a whole lot better for you than continuing to drink.

Now, a far healthier habit I've developed early on is to take 2 pieces of fruit to work to have as a snack in the mid afternoon. Maybe 3pm. I found that my urge to pick up booze on the way home was really diminished if I wasn't hungry. So having something small to eat (and fruit is a bit sweet/sugary too) helped smooth out whatever blood sugar dip I normally had at that time. It's a really healthy habit to pick up, and it made a big difference in making it through my witching hour. Once I got dinner in me I was usually good for the night, and this snack helped me to avoid picking up booze or wine on the way home.

[greengirl32]

I like the picture of the kid eating ice cream. It makes me want to go out and get some mint chocolate chip RIGHT NOW!

[indigoiis]

mmm. sugar and fat. And protein!

I went from ice cream to ovaltine within a year... I still like a big glass of chocolate milk every once in awhile... especially after riding my bike!

[bigsister987]

I think it is important to get REAL ice cream with as few chemicals and junk as possible. Now you are not poisoning yourself with alcohol you should be treating your body as a temple. And even if it costs more, think of all the money you are saving on not buying alcohol!!

[Jenna_part2]

For me it's been oatmeal! I make myself a big bowl every night after the kids are in bed, with plenty of cinnamon and brown sugar.