Especially for Newcomers

The only requirement for membership in GreySheeters Anonymous is the desire to stop eating compulsively. You do not have to fill out an enrollment form or pay a fee before you can start, and you do not have to order any special supplements or meal substitutes. Most of our short-form literature is available to download and print for free. 

Abstinent food is available at ordinary supermarkets, though you will notice that fresh proteins, fruits and vegetables cost more than the high-starch processed foods most of us eat before coming to GSA. 

Each group does ask for voluntary contributions to cover expenses like renting a meeting room or using a webconferencing service. Members who have had success in the program and are financially able to do so are encouraged to contribute, but never forced to.

The best place to start is by attending a GreySheeters Anonymous meeting. Our Find a Meeting page can tell you where the closest in-person meeting is and when the next telephone or video meeting takes place.

If you don’t know anyone in GSA, have never attended a Twelve Step meeting before, and want to get started immediately, call GSAWS at 832-856-1058 or email greysheet@greysheet.org and say you are looking for a sponsor. The Start-Up Sponsor coordinator will text you the first available Start Up Sponsor’s name and phone number.

Learn more on our Finding a Sponsor page.

The worst of the physical withdrawal (headaches, nausea, general malaise, and overpowering cravings) usually passes by the end of the first week. Emotional withdrawal (mood swings, emotional outbursts, irritability) may last a few weeks more. 

If you experience strong cravings over an extended period of time, double-check the labels of everything you are eating or drinking and talk to your sponsor.

In general, foods not listed on the GreySheet food plan are high in carbohydrates and/or sugars. Some foods not specifically listed are allowed if they are very similar to listed foods. For instance, the GreySheet Committee concluded that all red meat, white meat, and seafood are abstinent if prepared abstinently.

In some cases, though, we don’t really know why a particular fruit or vegetable wasn’t included. What we can tell you is that no GreySheeter has died from not eating that fruit or vegetable, and you won’t, either.

Weight loss is usually the most significant in your first month on the GreySheet food plan and slows down afterwards. How quickly you lose weight depends on many factors: age, gender, activity level, chronic health conditions, and your food choices are some of them.

Remember that the GSA program aims for sustainable weight loss, not rapid weight loss, and share any concerns with your sponsor. 

You will need a food scale that can hold a plate or bowl and zero (“tare”) before you weigh your food. They are available in many varieties and sizes in department stores, home goods stores, and online.  You will also need a set of measuring cups and measuring spoons.