Help! Mentally addicted to food.

beautifuldiskize

I have just discovered that I am mentally addicted to food.. I think that's what you would call it.

I can be completely full and even happy, not stressed or anything. And the fact that I know that I can't have something drives me absolutely insane until I finally give in and eat it. I remember when I smoked cigarettes. If I was out of them and couldn't get to the store, I would go crazy wanting one. But then when I had a pack, I honestly didn't even smoke so much because I knew I could have one if I wanted. But with food.. it's there, I have it, but I know I can't have it and it drives me crazy until I binge.

At first I thought it was what others go through like "stress eating" or "boredom eating" No. I had a wonderful day yesterday. I stayed full all day and night while staying within my calorie goal. Once I got home and wasn't distracted as much, I started thinking about how I wish I could just eat something. I was not hungry. At all. My dinner was very filling, even had 23g of protein in it! So what did I do? I went in the kitchen and cooked 2 sausage biscuits and ate them. I then grabbed a box of Cheez-Its and ate a handful. Then some pretzels and then an ice cream cone. Yes, all of that within a half an hour.

I've been doing this for 3 days now. I started over yet again 3 days ago. Incorporating the Slim In 6 dvd and feeling great about doing it but then feeling like a failure for binging after doing so well with my calories throughout the day.

So, I'm telling you this because I want HELP! Like anything, please? I can't do Overeaters Anonymous so anything other than that would be great. I'd love to hear from anybody. I've googled and I can only find things like "Stress eating."

filledwithJoy

Wow, I was about to shut this down and happened upon your post. This is the same thing for me! I'm not bored or stressed but if I don't eat I feel like I'm going to "explode" or go crazy or something. I don't have the answers but you are definitely not alone.

anemoneprose

The secret is to not have the ice cream, cheez-its, pretzels, or sausage biscuits in the house. Just don't buy them.

I eat well enough, most of the time. But if triggers get brought into the house (via gifts, usually!), all of a sudden I have to think about my willpower. Which is not even an issue otherwise. I don't think about chocolate if it's not in the house, I don't go out driving for chocolate in the middle of the night.

I do sometimes make poor choices when I'm out, if I haven't planned/gone grocery shopping/packed a lunch.

It's all about planning the good foods IN and the bad foods OUT.

HollisGrant

I can't have snack crackers, ice cream, etc. in the house. I keep apples and boiled eggs for snacks and that's it. I also bought a 32 oz sport bottle and keep it full of water and lemon slices, which seems like a treat and curbs my hunger.

Instead of eating you could exercise: go for a walk or watch one of the hundreds of free exercise videos on youtube. Get up and do Zumba for 15 minutes instead of eating. Buy a pair of jeans you want to fit into or a beautiful dress and keep them out where you can see them everyday.

anemoneprose

not that any food is bad per se in moderation, but if you know it's a trigger for you - and most packaged foods are made to be triggers - don't make it hard for yourself.

also, i doubt you're 'addicted', i bet you are probably not eating enough during the day

beautifuldiskize

Unfortunately, I live with my mom and brother right now. I've begged her to hide things or keep them in her room but she's not very helpful.

I don't personally buy these things, I buy tons of veggies and my mom will say "you're taking up all the space in the fridge." And I'm like "yeah, with GOOD food." But nothing works. She still buys it.

I AM eating enough through the day. I eat every 3 hours.

pen2u

There are those who believe that snack foods are purposefully laden with ingredients designed to make us want more & more & more. Do some reading, you'll be shocked. It's tough when you don't have control of the pantry but you've got to find a way if you truly want to get healthy & fit. What a challenge - you could write a book about it when you meet your goal

mockchoc

I know it's not a health food exactly but it does have a lot of protein at least.. .diet jelly. You can eat a couple of servings a day for almost zero calories when you are bored with veggies and feel like something a little more like a dessert.

AlteredSkates

There may be some self discipline techniques on the net or something like that. Maybe try meditation. Through meditation people have taught themselves to be mentally stronger in all kinds of ways.

threedeek

When I'm faced with temptation (chips, fast food, donuts etc) I am TRYING to train myself by saying to myself "This is not the last day they will ever make donuts, i can have donuts all i want, I'm allowed, however today I'm going to pass on them, I can have them another day when i am REALLY hungry." Because lets face it...I AM allowed to chose the junk, so its not "not allowed" its just my way of showing "junk food" that "Hey i can be strong and CHOOSE not to eat you." I'm not denying myself of junk food, im just taking charge & making a better choice for myself & my health this time..." take away the NOT ALLOWED phrase is making me feel empowered over my urges....also, i don't keep it in the house as much, & if the urge is too much i just adjust my exercise to counter act the calories...crazy? lol maybe!

alisonlynn1976

Pay attention to the contexts in which you binge eat and change them. For example, always eat in front of the TV? Quit watching TV. Always stop at that one convenience store for a snack on your way home? Take a different route home. Things like that. Focus on avoiding situations where you binge eat. Change your patterns.

HollisGrant

Unfortunately, I live with my mom and brother right now. I've begged her to hide things or keep them in her room but she's not very helpful.

I don't personally buy these things, I buy tons of veggies and my mom will say "you're taking up all the space in the fridge." And I'm like "yeah, with GOOD food." But nothing works. She still buys it.

I AM eating enough through the day. I eat every 3 hours.

Are you near a Walmart? Could you buy a mini-fridge for yourself? Walmart sells them starting at $69.00. They have some with freezers for a little higher price. Then you could have a place for more of your own food.

Krisunderconstruction

When I'm faced with temptation (chips, fast food, donuts etc) I am TRYING to train myself by saying to myself "This is not the last day they will ever make donuts, i can have donuts all i want, I'm allowed, however today I'm going to pass on them, I can have them another day when i am REALLY hungry." Because lets face it...I AM allowed to chose the junk, so its not "not allowed" its just my way of showing "junk food" that "Hey i can be strong and CHOOSE not to eat you." I'm not denying myself of junk food, im just taking charge & making a better choice for myself & my health this time..." take away the NOT ALLOWED phrase is making me feel empowered over my urges....also, i don't keep it in the house as much, & if the urge is too much i just adjust my exercise to counter act the calories...crazy? lol maybe!

I absolutely LOVE this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

krithsai

Unfortunately, I live with my mom and brother right now. I've begged her to hide things or keep them in her room but she's not very helpful.

I don't personally buy these things, I buy tons of veggies and my mom will say "you're taking up all the space in the fridge." And I'm like "yeah, with GOOD food." But nothing works. She still buys it.

I AM eating enough through the day. I eat every 3 hours.

Are you near a Walmart? Could you buy a mini-fridge for yourself? Walmart sells them starting at $69.00. They have some with freezers for a little higher price. Then you could have a place for more of your own food.

It's so sad when even your mother won't understand why you need to get healthier. I do agree with the recommendation to buy a mini-fridge so you won't even think about all those goodies your mom and brother are stocking up.

Sedna_51

Have you thought about seeing a counselor for a few sessions? A good one might be able to help you figure out what factors are driving you to eat foods you know you don't really want. Particularly since you're in a difficult situation- surrounded by delicious, high-calorie food!

I also, personally, found the book "Mindless Eating" by Brian Wansink to be very helpful with similar issues I was having- he's a food psychologist at Cornell who uses the book to describe the reasons we tend to eat more than we think. But he doesn't do it in a blaming or judging way- just points out how our minds tend to work, then offers tips on how to change our environments to make healthier, more conscious choices. (Including the occasional sausage biscuit!)

In any case, best of luck!

crissyrox

When I'm faced with temptation (chips, fast food, donuts etc) I am TRYING to train myself by saying to myself "This is not the last day they will ever make donuts, i can have donuts all i want, I'm allowed, however today I'm going to pass on them, I can have them another day when i am REALLY hungry." Because lets face it...I AM allowed to chose the junk, so its not "not allowed" its just my way of showing "junk food" that "Hey i can be strong and CHOOSE not to eat you." I'm not denying myself of junk food, im just taking charge & making a better choice for myself & my health this time..." take away the NOT ALLOWED phrase is making me feel empowered over my urges....also, i don't keep it in the house as much, & if the urge is too much i just adjust my exercise to counter act the calories...crazy? lol maybe!

I totally agree with this! Usually my mantra is "I can have (insert food here), but I dont want it" and then I think of all the reasons why its not a good choice for me, especially because I cannot have certain things in moderation it will lead to a binge, knowing this and reminding myself of it helps as well.

Wendysworld13

You have a compulsive eating disorder - many of us do. But they go undiagnosed because everyone feels it is just a lack of willpower. It is worth a google and getting yourself some good reading material. There is a lot out there and it is a true medical condition. You can use some self help books or see a psychologist or counselor or dietician/nutricianist who has experience in these matters to help you along. I found it extremely helpful to talk to someone because they helped me be accountable and mentally help me get where I needed to be! Good luck to you.

Lind140

I've sent you an invitation to join a group with the same problems.
You are NOT alone, and there are friends here to help and cheer you on.

lizchic82

I have exactly the same. Exactly. I have just started taking chromium capsules, as this is supposed to help rid you of any cravings, whatever it is you're addicted to. I will let you know how I get on :-)

deez2015

When I'm faced with temptation (chips, fast food, donuts etc) I am TRYING to train myself by saying to myself "This is not the last day they will ever make donuts, i can have donuts all i want, I'm allowed, however today I'm going to pass on them, I can have them another day when i am REALLY hungry." Because lets face it...I AM allowed to chose the junk, so its not "not allowed" its just my way of showing "junk food" that "Hey i can be strong and CHOOSE not to eat you." I'm not denying myself of junk food, im just taking charge & making a better choice for myself & my health this time..." take away the NOT ALLOWED phrase is making me feel empowered over my urges....also, i don't keep it in the house as much, & if the urge is too much i just adjust my exercise to counter act the calories...crazy? lol maybe!

i've been going through the same situation...very good advice!

MinnieInMaine

Unfortunately, I live with my mom and brother right now. I've begged her to hide things or keep them in her room but she's not very helpful.

I don't personally buy these things, I buy tons of veggies and my mom will say "you're taking up all the space in the fridge." And I'm like "yeah, with GOOD food." But nothing works. She still buys it.

I AM eating enough through the day. I eat every 3 hours.

There are boxes of movie butter popcorn and chocolate chip cookies in my cupboard at home right now but I don't touch either one of them, even during TOM. How do I muster the willpower? I think of them as "his" food and I'm not allowed to have them. Instead I have my own snacks that make me just as happy - 100 cal bags of light butter popcorn, chocolate squares, etc. OP, it's good you have fruits and veg to snack on but obviously you need something a bit more decadent that will satisfy your cravings. How about pudding cups or snack bars with chocolate drizzle on them (the Nature Valley almond dark chocolate protein bars are amazing) or whatever you think will do it. It's be better to find a healthier snack for a couple hundred calories rather than continue binging as you are now.

You may be eating frequently but are you eating enough calories? I think that was the point the other poster was trying to make. In addition, my point above, are you eating things you actually enjoy? Some poeple can just eat whatever they should because it's just fuel to them but many of us are foodies and need to eat things that make us happy!

Which brings me to my next point - I think you are emotionally eating, you just haven't identified the emotion. Something is making you anxious and the way you're soothing it is with food. Try having a good heart to heart talk with yourself to see what might be bugging you.

And if you can, stop with the food and work off that anxiety by going for a walk or something.

beautifuldiskize

Thank you everyone for your lovely replies! I am definitely taking everything said in and am going to research more as well.

tjl2329

For about a month I was on a hinge. Cray right. I more or less stayed at calories. Gained a few pounds. Didn't exercise. So I bought protein powder and used it in coffee and sugar free pudding. Now I'm back to eating normal and have lost 10 lbs. I know I can do better but don't stress over it. If I really want something I eat it. Take one or two bites and feed the rest to someone else. I am constantly asking for a bite of other peoples food.

jrossmenelli

I struggle with the same thing. I could have had a great food day, eaten right and exercised, but one I get the idea of some type of "treat" food in my head, it won't leave and then I just want to eat all of whatever food I'm thinking about. One thing that's helped me is to watch motivational exercise videos on YouTube or some health related documentaries on netflixs. Nike has done some great videos and so have other companies or individuals. These videos help me get the idea of food out of my head and help me remember why I'm doing what I'm doing and what my goals are.

It's not easy and some days are more of a struggle than others but youve got great support here! :-)

maryrx59

Hi there!

I just posted a topic under motivation and support ...Worship. It's lengthy, but I think it will help you and anyone struggling with this problem. Pease read post and let me know what you think?!!

Mary:flowerforyou:

beckyinma

Marc David has some great blog articles about the psychology of eating, and this one in particular about cravings and what they mean. Take a meander through his articles, I bet you will find something that helps you out:

http://psychologyofeating.com/3-kinds-craving/

Naomi_13

Hey, I'm going through the same thing too. I eat great all when I'm at work. I come home do my workout and eat supper. My fiancé works nights, so I soon as he leaves the grazing begins. Within an hour I could down a good 1000 calories of junk. I don't know why I do it. And I know I'm ashamed of it because I wait for him to leave before I start. By the end I feel so full and guilty. I'm trying to figure out why I do this. I'm don't feel stressed, sad or mad. Nothing negative or positive really to trigger this binge.

I did put some pics on the fridge or motivational fitness pics to encourage me to stop binging. I have to look at them before I open the fridge and the last couple of night it has stopped me. Because it reminds me to stop and ask myself is this going to help me look like this or not. And the I think about how I felt the last time I binged and it turns me away from that food. I'm not sure if this would help you or not but so far it seems to be working

nomeejerome

not that any food is bad per se in moderation, but if you know it's a trigger for you - and most packaged foods are made to be triggers - don't make it hard for yourself.

also, i doubt you're 'addicted', i bet you are probably not eating enough during the day

Addiction

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the brain does not know the difference between food and a drug

filledwithJoy

Threedeek--Of all the posts so far, yours in the most helpful. It's not about "controlling the food," it's about retraining our brains. Food addiction is real. Thank you for not just saying, "keep the junk food out of the house."

anemoneprose

Threedeek--Of all the posts so far, yours in the most helpful. It's not about "controlling the food," it's about retraining our brains. Food addiction is real. Thank you for not just saying, "keep the junk food out of the house."

I guess my view is, it's the food manufacturers who are pathological, not me.

Craving foodstuffs that are made to be craved is an indication things are working properly. Being hungry after eating them, when there isn't enough of the right nutrients, in the right proportion to promote satiety, is no indictment of my digestive system. Of course I"m going to be hungry on the days I mostly eat prefab food that's just carb/sugar/fat/salt, and crave more of it.

Not having it in the house is a hack, a quick way of not even having to deal with willpower. Me personally: I can eat like a wildebeest when certain foods are around me (homemade oil-popped popcorn with butter, for one). When those foods aren't there, and I've eaten enough filling food, it's not even a question.

That said, yes, we need tricks to cope when we can't control our environments, absolutely.

eg I'm adjusting to a new schedule and it's completely thrown me - am totally hungry at weird times, buying convenience food, having to plan differently, etc. I'm getting back on track, though. Luckily, I spent three years learning about foods that work, so I have that in my back pocket. Even so - yup, when vulnerable, my 'willpower' fails.

I try to make it a non-issue when I can.