Please help

gav1901

Hi all,

if your going to say (just stop) then don't bother reading any further. Thank you but I've tried.

Thank you if your still reading. My problem is that I for some reason am addicted to food, junk food. Healthy food. All food. I'm always hungry. Even when not I eat.

Is there anything I can do to stop myself? I know you will all say willpower but I am trying and still not getting anywhere.

Thanks in advance for your help. Gavin

yarwell

Do you have other activities that don't involve food, or can you reduce your exposure to food ?

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

Walking is good, when you want to eat something that is going to put you over your calories go for a 15 minute walk as fast as you can. It really does help.

Also try not to keep your trigger foods in the house until you are stronger around them. Munch on a huge bowl of salad leaves with a some low cal dressing on.
Keep sugar free jelly in to have with a hand full of berries. You can do this! You just need to build up your determination too.

PaytraB

Have you been to a doctor to see if there is a medical condition happening? (just to get that possibility taken care of)
I find that if I'm around food and/or don't have something to keep my mind occupied, I will eat more. Instead of reaching for food when you're inactive, maybe go for a walk?
I also found that I'm hungry a lot and am a volume eater, which means that I have to limit high-caloric foods if I'm going to stay within my calorie allotment. I try to add veggies to each meal: a salad, lettuce & tomato on sandwiches and on the side, lots of steamed veggies at dinner, snacking on carrots, for example. You can eat a lot if you keep it low cal. Perhaps that volume eating would help you?
Make any changes slowly. Be aware of when and what you're eating and slowly make changes that help you bring the calories down. Eat slowly and chew a lot. If it helps, maybe chew gum between meals.

You can do this. It takes time and you'll have to look for changes that will work for you but it can be done and you'll find the way.

juggernaut1974

Just stop. If you've tried in the past, try again. Continue trying until you achieve success.

There is no other answer.

(and no, you're not addicted to food...)

jgnatca

I'm going to give you some reading to gain some insight.
http://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/

Cognitive behavioral techniques might help. Imagining a Stop sign is one I learned in therapy group. The attached description is written for people with anxiety disorders, but it helps with obsessive thoughts about food too.
http://www.aplace2talk.com/selfhelp_anxiety.html

If you can stop yourself, even for a few minutes, get yourself a glass of water, you can give time for your higher level (reasoning) thinking to take over and steer yourself in a different direction.

Put the snack foods up high and at the back of the shelf or don't have them in the house at all. Keep the foods in the fridge or in the pot and serve yourself on a small plate at the dinner table. Eat with chopsticks. Anything to slow you down and give you time to think things through.

I found Haidt's work on the inarticulate side of our personality to be highly revealing, and came about the time I had my big turn-around. I wrote about it here. http://jgnatbuzz.blogspot.ca/2014/02/id-whisperer.html . I hope my article makes some sense. Basically, I made peace with my inarticulate side and I no longer fight it (willpower) but coax it along on the direction we want to go.

WBB55

Maybe you're trying to create too large of a deficit.

For two weeks try eating at maintenance. Set up MFP to "maintain weight" and log your food, eating at the calories it gives you. After two weeks change the goal to lose 0.5 lbs per week. And do that for a couple weeks. Just to get used to a tiny daily deficit.

Then you'll be ready to take on more challenges

SueInAz

I have heard of situations where there's no satiety trigger for some people; they literally aren't getting a signal from their body that they've had enough food. I'm not sure if that's your problem but it's worth getting professional help to deal with the problem if you have access to it.

leahkite

Are you sleeping enough? Drinking enough water? Is this something you have spoken to your physician about? Do you keep a food diary, not just a what you eat and when; but something that you track what your emotional feelings are when you are eating? For me I know if I'm stressed out or anxious I will reach for food even if I'm not hungry. Learning triggers has helped me find new ways of coping.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

WBB55 wrote: »

Maybe you're trying to create too large of a deficit.

For two weeks try eating at maintenance. Set up MFP to "maintain weight" and log your food, eating at the calories it gives you. After two weeks change the goal to lose 0.5 lbs per week. And do that for a couple weeks. Just to get used to a tiny daily deficit.

Then you'll be ready to take on more challenges

That is a very good idea!

OP then you shouldn't feel too hungry at all as it will allow you a lot of food. Have you put your details in to the diary yet?

SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage

I'm not sure what you've already tried but here are some thoughts:
- keep your "trigger foods" out of your house
- when you feel like eating, get up and move around instead. Go for a walk
- limit TV and screen time to cut down on mindless snacking
- meal plan and plan ahead. Make sure you aren't putting yourself in a position where you are really hungry and will eat anything in sight

fieryaries

I hear ya!! I don't think it's hunger all the time. There are underlying "issues" if you will, that cause us to run to food for comfort. Even if I stock up the fridge with healty food, I catch myself heading out for the more "satisfying" junky stuff. I'm trying to find things to do OTHER than eat when bored, sad, anxious. I find that when I exercise, I have to have something healthy to not undo the work I did. IDK. Hope this helps...Unless there is an underlying medical condition that causes you to feel hunger all the time, it's definitely something within that you need to identify and take it from there.

Merrysix

Here is what works for me: I eat 5 smaller meals a day so I am never too hungry; I eat plenty of fat and protein as this seems to fill me up more and keep me full longer, along with my fruit and vegies; I eat so I lose weight at a very slow pace so I don't get too hungry; I always find the first thirty days the hardest and then it gets easier; I also find it easier when I exercise as I feel better. To find what works for you is the trick -- but it is possible to do it.

avilancaster871

gav1901 wrote: »

Hi all,

if your going to say (just stop) then don't bother reading any further. Thank you but I've tried.

Thank you if your still reading. My problem is that I for some reason am addicted to food, junk food. Healthy food. All food. I'm always hungry. Even when not I eat.

Is there anything I can do to stop myself? I know you will all say willpower but I am trying and still not getting anywhere.

Thanks in advance for your help. Gavin

I found myself eating all the time even when I wasn't hungry! Drink a pint of water when u feel hungry as that keeps it at bay for a bit lol also keep urself busy... I find when im busy I don't think about being hungry it's when I'm sat down not doing a lot I reach for the food maybe find a hobby or something? Keep eating ur meals u could even do 5 meals a day instead of 3 just do smaller portions of that makes sence? Feel free to add me if u want to talk at all x

vaguelyvegan

Maybe you're trying to do too much too soon. Try making small, easy changes at first. Replace one soda per day, for instance, with water. Do that for a week until you master it. After that you might try to replace one snack per day with a healthy, portion-controlled alternative, and do that for a while until it too comes naturally. Remember that you don't have to do it all at once. Baby steps, you know? Make each little goal an easy one, something you are absolutely sure you can master, before you move on to the next.

katiegud

It sounds kind of crazy, but there are hypnotists for weight loss that might help. My mom went to one and has been off soda for years, despite regularly drinking it before. It's kind of like the cognitive behavioral stuff, just a little weirder.

kandeelopez

SueInAz wrote: »

I have heard of situations where there's no satiety trigger for some people; they literally aren't getting a signal from their body that they've had enough food. I'm not sure if that's your problem but it's worth getting professional help to deal with the problem if you have access to it.

Many good responses here. I really liked this one and you should see a doctor, if you can.

Also, it may be that you've merely become mentally obsessed with food but you can *redirect* your thoughts when this happens. In addition to what people have written here, also try chewing gum when hungry. I find it helps. When I'm becoming obsessed with troubles, or negative/sad thoughts (for example), I say to myself, "Be here now" to help myself focus on the task at hand (if I'm at work or even at home doing projects). Get a healthy hobby that requires *focus* and learning a new skill. Merely doing stuff like housework or other things that you can do by rote will not help, as you can be thinking your obsessive thoughts while doing them. I think you will find that you will learn a new skill or hobby, make new friends, and generally just "forget" this obsession!

dljones67

vaguelyvegan wrote: »

Maybe you're trying to do too much too soon. Try making small, easy changes at first. Replace one soda per day, for instance, with water. Do that for a week until you master it. After that you might try to replace one snack per day with a healthy, portion-controlled alternative, and do that for a while until it too comes naturally. Remember that you don't have to do it all at once. Baby steps, you know? Make each little goal an easy one, something you are absolutely sure you can master, before you move on to the next.

I really love this. Great advice. My addition would be drink an ice cold glass of water when cravings hit you & read postings on mfp. Both have helped me get through my craving & know I'm not alone in trying to lose weight. Plus I've learned so much. You can do it, remember, you have all us cheering you on

strong_curves

Maybe it's time to seek professional help and not a weight loss doctor/clinic.

PinkPixiexox

I'd suggest speaking to your doctor who will possibly refer you to a therapist/counsellor. You can beat this but you'll need to address it and find out why you are addicted to food and what it's compensating for. I'm wishing you the best of luck. You can lose this weight You really can. But you need the tools and guidance first of all.

RobinDream

Hi, I am reading a book called The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Diet Detox. You may find that some of what you are experiencing is addressed.
Best of luck.

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Sugar-Solution-10-Day-Detox/dp/0316230022/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1TSVJWEPY9ZKGAB7TG88&dpSrc=sims&dpST=_AC_UL320_SR206,320_

Verdenal

As others have said, make a doctor's appointment to rule out physical problems, and remove all binge-worthy food from the house or have it placed out of the way. I myself would even consider a safe with a timer lock like this if they were bigger and if I lived alone:

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Safe-Locking-Container-Height/dp/B00JGFQTD2

Cultivate activities that make eating difficult, such as walking, sewing, woodworking, etc.

I sympathize because I increasingly have problems with this even though I am mindful of not being hungry: it's as if the boredom and frustration win out sometimes. I do much better when I'm on my own because I don't bring junk food into the house.

juggernaut1974

RobinDream wrote: »

Hi, I am reading a book called The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Diet Detox. You may find that some of what you are experiencing is addressed.
Best of luck.

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Sugar-Solution-10-Day-Detox/dp/0316230022/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1TSVJWEPY9ZKGAB7TG88&dpSrc=sims&dpST=_AC_UL320_SR206,320_

No

I think I got BINGO just from the title alone.

kommodevaran

Are you always hungry, or are you not always hungry? How do you know that you are hungry? What does it feel like? What does it feel like when you're more hungry and less hungry? What is your favorite food?

Do you eat meals? Use the food diary to plan 3-5 meals a day, carefully portioned to give you what you know you need of calories and nutrients. Eat, and then stop eating, even if you don't feel full. You are not going to die.

You aren't going to stop eating for good. You must only stop overeating, and eating all the time.

Not willpower. Just determination. Do what you want, but aim to do what you really want.

JamestheLiar

kommodevaran wrote: »

Are you always hungry, or are you not always hungry? How do you know that you are hungry? What does it feel like? What does it feel like when you're more hungry and less hungry? What is your favorite food?

Do you eat meals? Use the food diary to plan 3-5 meals a day, carefully portioned to give you what you know you need of calories and nutrients. Eat, and then stop eating, even if you don't feel full. You are not going to die.

You aren't going to stop eating for good. You must only stop overeating, and eating all the time.

Not willpower. Just determination. Do what you want, but aim to do what you really want.

I just want to say amen to the bolded section above (the rest of it is a little ... question-y).

Look, OP ... in your post you said you're addicted to "all food" not just junk food. Do your realize how lucky you are? I have about 20 or so things that I enjoy eating on a constant life-long rotation, but you have all food. So I say that If you're addicted to all food, then go ahead and eat up. Eat, you magnificent non-picky eater! Just eat broccoli or some other such low calorie food choice. Watermelon is good. Tomatoes. See? I have a very short list. You have a very long list. You don't have to stop eating, you just have to eat fewer calories.

ETA: I'm actually surprised that the "addicted to food" firestorm hasn't fallen onto this thread yet. Impressive.

callsitlikeiseeit

see a therapist

kshama2001

Gavin - are you focusing on fullness enhancing meals? When I eat some types of food, I never reach satiety so want to eat and eat and eat.

Understanding satiety: feeling full after a meal

Tips on how to feel fuller

So how can we best try to enhance these feelings of fullness to help us control how much we eat? Here are some top tips for helping you feel fuller:

1. Foods high in protein seem to make us feel fuller than foods high in fat or carbohydrate, so including some protein at every meal should help keep you satisfied. Foods high in protein include meats such as chicken, ham or beef, fish, eggs, beans and pulses.
2. If you are watching your weight, opt for lower fat versions, using leaner cuts of meat, cutting off visible fat and avoiding the skin on poultry as this will help reduce the energy density of the diet, which can help to enhance satiety (see below).
3. Foods that are high in fibre may also enhance feelings of fullness so try to include plenty of high-fibre foods in the diet such as wholegrain bread and cereals, beans and pulses and fruit and vegetables.
4. Alcohol seems to stimulate appetite in the short-term and therefore drinking alcohol is likely to encourage us to eat more. Alcoholic beverages can make you forget about your intentions to eat healthily by making you lose your inhibitions. Alcoholic drinks are also calorific, so you should cut down on alcohol consumption if you are trying to control your weight.
5. The ‘energy density’ of food has a strong influence on feelings of fullness or satiety. Energy density is the amount of energy (or calories) per gram of food. Lower energy density foods provide less energy per gram of food so you can eat more of them without consuming too many calories. Low energy density foods include fruit and vegetables, foods with lots of water added when cooking such as soups and stews, and lower fat foods. Click here for more information on energy density.

Read more: http://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/fuller/understanding-satiety-feeling-full-after-a-meal.html

lemurcat12

I agree with those who said that seeing a therapist could help.

Beyond that, we need more information.

gav1901 wrote: »

I'm always hungry. Even when not I eat.

Is there anything I can do to stop myself? I know you will all say willpower but I am trying and still not getting anywhere.

How many calories are you eating currently? If you let yourself just eat as you are used to, how much do you eat?

When you are eating because you are hungry, when is this? What have you eaten before? Are you eating because you think you should eat if hungry or do you have cravings or intense hunger that is hard to ignore?

What I found is that I'd be hungry at first at times I was used to eating. If I just ate low cal stuff (raw veggies) or distracted myself it went away and after not too long I got used to my new eating schedule and was fine -- it was mental hunger, not physical hunger.

The same is of course going to be true with the times you eat when not hungry. Are there patterns to this? Try to be mindful and figure out why you want to eat. I stress ate a lot and am still prone to this from time to time and analyzing it I think a lot of it is about either self-comfort or procrastination, for me.

I think the Duhrigg habit book that was recommended above is a really good one, and you also might want to check out Brian Wansink's books. They give a good understanding of some of the forces that I think result in people feeling uncontrolled around food -- largely because of habits.

Finally, another thing that I think makes a big difference is sleep. Not only does a lack of sleep interfere with will power, but your body will look to food to provide quick energy. A lot of people end up in a cycle of using food in this way.

kshama2001

Yes, Brian Wansink's "Mindless Eating" had lots of good tips. It was available through my library system.

WBB55

I wanted to share how things were when i was at my worst. It wasn't in particular that I was always "hungry" it was more that I could always eat and was never "full." Like, I never felt "done."

If you can relate to that, what worked for me was to watch the clock and stop believing my brain. If I'd had a 500 calorie meal and 2 hours later I "felt" hungry, then that was my brain LYING TO ME. 500 calories of just about any food (please note this didn't work for me if I drank calories instead of eating them) is technically enough food to last me 5 hours. I'm not saying it's easy, and I'm not saying it happened overnight. But if you are eating at a deficit appropriate to your body then things like having some tea, drinking broth, chewing gum, etc., would keep me until THE CLOCK told me it was time to eat again. If I couldn't resist the urge to eat, I walked, I knitted, I did laundry ANYTHING to keep me out of the kitchen. If I simply couldn't take it any more, then I would eat no more than 100 calories of something (cheese stick, piece of fruit, jello, for instance) until THE CLOCK told me it was time to eat again. The stomach and brain LIES TO YOU.

Eldow1977

I don't think people really understand.

Yes there was probably a time that I would have said I was addicted to food, I'm not, but that because I'm getting to know what food means to me.

I have become aware over the years that "I would rather.......!, eat chocolate than go for a walk, take the lift than the stairs. That doesn't mean I've done anything about it.

I've tried Slimmingworld, on and off but in reality I just couldn't be bothered.

I'm not saying this is the same for you, I'm just saying figure out what food means for you.

So when I sat there, knowing all the things I've learnt about myself and done nothing with it and the doctor was telling my husband and I that he needed a triple heart bypass at the age of 47 and I'm 180 over weight I figured this was wrong.

I'm grateful I don't have any health problems.

This has taught me I don't need to diet!!!!! It has taught me that I put food in my mouth with no awareness of what it is.

So I joined here nearly 3 weeks ago, last week I had Chinese takeaway twice. I've had McDonalds aswell but I've counted the calories and stick under my allowance.

My next decision was not to exercise yet. I don't want to, I really can't be bothered. Hate it with a passion. That may change but learning from everything I've done in the past I know I will go hell for leather and in three weeks I'll have quit exercise and diet.

My final and possible strangest decision was to not weigh myself each week. I'm going to weigh once a month because I know I'll reward myself if I've done well and drown my sorrows (in food) if I haven't.

I am a comfort eater.

I would consider tracking everything you eat for a week. I know MFP will give you a calorie allowance but if that's a lot less than you are eating then that going to be really hard on you. If you track everyone and your days vary from 3000 to 3500 then start with committing to 3000 if you can do this 95% of the time then you are doing the same as everyone else on here. Lets face it, we all have days where we are a little bit naughty.

Then move that to 2900 or 2800 calories and so on.

I'm currently weighing 304 lbs and I'm 5 2 but you know what, no stress I'm feeling good, and I'm not feeling deprived.

Add me as a friend if you wish.