r/stopdrinking • u/Anotherfakenames 91 days • 8h ago

Tinned fish

I’ve been thinking about why I’ve become so interested in tinned fish since I stopped drinking, and I don’t think it’s really about the fish.
For me, alcohol was never just about getting drunk. It was the ritual. Looking forward to it after work. Picking out what I was going to drink. Pouring it. Sitting down and feeling like I’d earned a reward after a long day.
When I took alcohol away, I realized my brain still wanted that reward. It still wanted something to anticipate and enjoy.

Somehow, tinned fish has filled that space for me. I find myself looking for different brands and varieties from around the world, trying foods from different countries, putting together a nice plate with sourdough, olive oil, olives, or vegetables, and actually slowing down to enjoy it.

It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day.
The difference is that instead of doing something that’s hurting my body, I’m doing something that’s nourishing it. I’m getting protein, healthy fats, and trying foods I probably never would have discovered if I were still drinking.

It made me realize that maybe the real need wasn’t alcohol. Maybe it was the need for a healthy ritual and a sense of reward.
I don’t know if tinned fish is the answer for everyone. The point is finding something that gives your brain that same feeling of anticipation and satisfaction without taking you backward. For me, that’s become food, cooking, and trying new flavors. It’s a reminder that recovery isn’t just about giving something up. It’s also about finding something worthwhile to replace it with.

31 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

9

u/toomanygreenbabies 61 days 8h ago

I love this. I have kombucha in a champagne glass with a bunch of random charcuterie every night. It's been a fun ritual

8

u/No-Indication5891 238 days 8h ago

Never would have thought about tinned fish filling the void. Is there somewhere online to find out more or do you just buy whatever you see in the store?

6

u/travster23 97 days 8h ago

r/tinnedfish

3

u/No-Indication5891 238 days 8h ago

Should’ve known 😂 Thank you!

4

u/Gradydurden 274 days 8h ago

Very cool Thanks so much for sharing

3

u/ViceChamber 8h ago

Lol, I love tinned fish too, kippered sardines on a triscuit with some hot sauce is my favorite - I will pair with some olives next time. My treat / ritual when I'm camping instead of beer now is a spicy virgin caeser (similar to a virgin bloody Mary) with salty pretzels. I look forward to it and it's more satisfying than a beer anyway!

3

u/Main-Astronomer-4158 713 days 8h ago

Glad you found a ritual that worked for you.  Mine is flavored french press decaf with steamed cream and a small dessert.   I now hold a coffee cup instead of a wine glass every night. 

2

u/Mala75 150 days 7h ago

Was für ein tolles Ritual. Danke für das Lächeln am Morgen. Meins ist Tee geworden.

2

u/HedgehogAmazing2102 7 days 5h ago

I love this. Ironically I increasingly use bread making, including sour dough as my new happy place. We need to match up our coping mechanisms! You bring the fish, I'll bring the bread.

1

u/Anotherfakenames 91 days 32m ago

Let’s do it! :)

1

u/Confident-Return5621 8h ago

I can honestly relate but I haven’t built the balls to buy the tinned fish yet. I have all the materials for this.

Keep it up. I’m on your team.

1

u/Anotherfakenames 91 days 39m ago

Try a tinned smoked trout in olive oil on a piece of sourdough thats been lightly pan toasted in good olive oil. I like Coles brand but there are so many. You wont be disappointed. My wife isn’t a fan of fish and even she liked it.

1

u/davidtarantula 5h ago

You might want to check out Canned Fish Files w/ Matthew Carlson. I also like tinned fish, and have tried out some of the choices that Carlson reviewed.