Sugar addiction
Replies
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What has helped me is not only to eat a very low sugar and carb diet is eat foods that help me regulate sugar. I find when I drink my green drink (kale, carrot, apples, cucumbers, ginger) in the morning, I have less of a craving for sweets. Also I eat beans for lunch which further lessens my cravings for sweets.
I find that even if I have sweets in the house, it is easier for me to resist them (i.e., my husband brings home my favorite ice cream and he ended up eating it all. In the past, when I used will power along, it would stay for a couple of days, then one day I would eat the whole thing at once!)
However, when I am with friends and everyone is eating cakes, that is where I am weak. In the past week I broke down and had cake and another time ice-cream because the people I was with were eating it after dinner.0 -
Sweeteners. I love sugar so I can not live without it, moderation + cheating (sweeteners) works for me.
I have a new daily goal of 65g since I changed my weight loss goal on MFP from 85g.
With exercise or physical activity, you get an extra allowance (bonus).
Life without sugar is not worth living??
Better put me way!! A world I would not want to live in either!! LOL
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If there's science behind it, can you link to the science rather than mentioning documentaries?Lustig isn't a quack and your article didn't prove that he is. To the original poster, there is support and science behind sugar addiction and I recommend you find something that hits a nerve with you. The Bitter Truth was a documentary that helped me cut sugar from my diet and I'm thankful for that.juggernaut1974 wrote: »I 100% agree with the above response. I watched a great scientific documentary, The Bitter Truth by Dr Robert Lustig.
Lustig (not Lustwig) is a quack. You didn't watch a documentary, you watched a propaganda piece
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2010/01/29/the-bitter-truth-about-fructose-alarmism/
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goldthistime wrote: »I have another link for you
http://www.moderation.org/faq/coping.shtml
Here is the intro:
Habits and urges go hand in hand. In fact, many people in the throes of an addictive behavior problem, whether it is overeating, drug use or alcohol abuse, claim that they derive no pleasure from their habit--that it is nothing but the relentless craving that fuels ongoing addictive behavior. What is usually most difficult for people when changing a bad habit is coping with the sometimes relentless urges. The initial days of a habit kicking plan can be exhausting as urges dominate thinking and interfere with daily routine. Many people give up change efforts because they feel that there is no way they can function without their habit as the urges interfere too much with quality of life.
It is important to remember that urges, in and of themselves, are normal. We experience craving in varying degrees every day. And because your habit has been important to you for a long time, it may be unreasonable to expect urges to vanish completely. What is hoped is that you will come to experience urges with less frequency and that when they are experienced you will be able to react in a way that avoids relapse.
The "three Ds" can be helpful in coping with urges and craving, 'whether these urges are related to alcohol or drug use, overeating, tobacco use or any habit you are attempting to change. The Ds stand for Decatastrophizing, Disputing expectancies and Distracting.
I would say this is good advice if you truly feel as if it's an addiction. If it's just a habit, you might be able to add sugar back in0 -
NM. Already responded.0
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Sweeteners. I love sugar so I can not live without it, moderation + cheating (sweeteners) works for me...
...Life without sugar is not worth living??
Really?
You're exaggerating, right? Thinking like that is the reason many with insulin resistance and CAD get sicker and die prematurely. Yes sugar is tasty, but your reason for living? 0 -
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Sugar felt something like what i imagine a mild addiction is like to me. I treated it like one and removed sugar from my diet, as well as most carbs, to treat my insulin resistance, autoimmune issues, sugar cravings and weight. The ketogenic diet worked for me. My health improved and my cravings left.
But! I made myself a crustless, sugar free cheese cake for canadian thanksgiving. Not because I craved it but because I thought I would treat myself. It awoke my cravings even though it had almost no carbs. The cravings aren't super strong, like it used to be, but it is noticeable and I've been having "carb creep" lately. I am hungrier and looking for sweet things. I am cutting sweet things again in an effort to nip this in the bud.... Until Christmas.
For me, moderation didn't work. I just had to fight cravings wen i did that. Removing sugar worked better. I just had to fight cravings for a few days rather than ongoing.0 -
Lustig isn't a quack and your article didn't prove that he is. To the original poster, there is support and science behind sugar addiction and I recommend you find something that hits a nerve with you. The Bitter Truth was a documentary that helped me cut sugar from my diet and I'm thankful for that.juggernaut1974 wrote: »I 100% agree with the above response. I watched a great scientific documentary, The Bitter Truth by Dr Robert Lustig.
Lustig (not Lustwig) is a quack. You didn't watch a documentary, you watched a propaganda piece
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2010/01/29/the-bitter-truth-about-fructose-alarmism/
The link shows his choice of data is cherry-picked for suspicious reasons.
The reasons he's a quack is because he's pushing past his domain. He's not a quack when it comes to endocrinology, but he is when it comes to his epidemiological opining. As I said before, he wants to argue a calorie isn't a calorie, but doesn't even know enough about thermodynamics to know there are no Newton's laws of thermodynamics.0 -
I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.0 -
diannethegeek wrote: »
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10226257/food-addiction-a-different-perspective/p1
This one is also a good thread for sugar addiction.0 -
I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
Amen!!!!! Lol0 -
I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
Those foods also all contain fats. Why are the carbs unique? Does something pure sugar like a pixie stick have the same effect for you? I don't think normal pizza, potato chips, or all donuts have much, if any, high fructose corn syrup.
Interestingly, all of those could be linked by saying they're social foods - most of those are commonly eaten around other people at social events.0 -
I've been addicted to sugar all my life. It cost me my marriage, my house and my job. I feel you.0
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I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
Those foods also all contain fats. Why are the carbs unique? Does something pure sugar like a pixie stick have the same effect for you? I don't think normal pizza, potato chips, or all donuts have much, if any, high fructose corn syrup.
Not to mention I don't think potato chips have much "refined bleach wheat flour".
Another commonality I'd point out - the relatively easy access to large quantities of the above foods. I mean most people buy potato chips in large, multi-serving bags; doughnuts by the dozen; and pizza in a size that's intended to serve 3-4 people. So it's very easy to binge on these items when you have large quantities on hand.
Most people aren't buying and preparing 3-4 pork chops at a time for themselves - much easier to control intake.
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I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
Those foods also all contain fats. Why are the carbs unique? Does something pure sugar like a pixie stick have the same effect for you? I don't think normal pizza, potato chips, or all donuts have much, if any, high fructose corn syrup.
Interestingly, all of those could be linked by saying they're social foods - most of those are commonly eaten around other people at social events.
Or if nothing else, they're hyperpalatable.0 -
goldthistime wrote: »I have another link for you
http://www.moderation.org/faq/coping.shtml
Here is the intro:
Habits and urges go hand in hand. In fact, many people in the throes of an addictive behavior problem, whether it is overeating, drug use or alcohol abuse, claim that they derive no pleasure from their habit--that it is nothing but the relentless craving that fuels ongoing addictive behavior. What is usually most difficult for people when changing a bad habit is coping with the sometimes relentless urges. The initial days of a habit kicking plan can be exhausting as urges dominate thinking and interfere with daily routine. Many people give up change efforts because they feel that there is no way they can function without their habit as the urges interfere too much with quality of life.
It is important to remember that urges, in and of themselves, are normal. We experience craving in varying degrees every day. And because your habit has been important to you for a long time, it may be unreasonable to expect urges to vanish completely. What is hoped is that you will come to experience urges with less frequency and that when they are experienced you will be able to react in a way that avoids relapse.
The "three Ds" can be helpful in coping with urges and craving, 'whether these urges are related to alcohol or drug use, overeating, tobacco use or any habit you are attempting to change. The Ds stand for Decatastrophizing, Disputing expectancies and Distracting.
I would say this is good advice if you truly feel as if it's an addiction. If it's just a habit, you might be able to add sugar back in
Actually, that advice came from a website that tries to help with moderation if you can't or won't try abstinence. They encourage abstinence mind you, and ask that you spend 30 days away from your "habit" to begin. The organization began as an attempt to help problem drinkers who want to drink on occasion but want to stop their habits of drinking too much or too frequently. I found a lot of advice that looked like it could work for overeating treats too.
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I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
Those foods also all contain fats. Why are the carbs unique? Does something pure sugar like a pixie stick have the same effect for you? I don't think normal pizza, potato chips, or all donuts have much, if any, high fructose corn syrup.
Interestingly, all of those could be linked by saying they're social foods - most of those are commonly eaten around other people at social events.
Interesting point about the social foods. Another thing that foods that are commonly overeaten accidently have in common -- in addition to often being mixes of sugar and fat or salt and fat -- is that they tend not to have an automatic stop. For example, give me a serving of some foods on my place and I might eat more than I should (in terms of finishing the plate), but I'm not then going to wander around eating food off others places or order a second meal. But let me get a pizza--especially if it's on the table in front of me--and there's no natural stopping place unless you have a firm idea (2 pieces) and go in with strong discipline. It's made to encourage people to overeat.
Same with habits like eating chips from a refillable bowl on the table or out of a bag, cookies out of a bag, etc. I think a huge amount of overeating relates to stuff like this more than the specific food (beyond it being highly palatable, of course).
And I'm another for whom HFCS made no difference. I've tended to avoid HFCS for ages--not because I thought it was worse, but because I dislike the way that corn is subsidized and has affected the food market and, besides have just always been really picky about the sweets I like (and I have never eaten any bread with HFCS). That doesn't mean I haven't overeaten some sweet stuff or indulged in eating habits that resulted in me getting fat. IMO, if quitting HFCS works, it's because it narrows the availability of foods that people might overeat and makes them more thoughtful -- not a bad thing, but not about addiction.0 -
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I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
Those foods also all contain fats. Why are the carbs unique? Does something pure sugar like a pixie stick have the same effect for you? I don't think normal pizza, potato chips, or all donuts have much, if any, high fructose corn syrup.
Interestingly, all of those could be linked by saying they're social foods - most of those are commonly eaten around other people at social events.
Or if nothing else, they're hyperpalatable.
This too, of course. And hyperpalatable foods really are nothing new, although the current low cost and availability is. I posted something in the other addiction thread about fat having the same effect as sugar which might be on point here.0 -
I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
YES!!! Thank you for sharing.
I definitely have an addictive personality. For that reason I never smoked or did drugs. I had my first drink at 21 and stopped drinking by the time I was 22. I can let things get out of control too easily.
Sugar for me is not good. I cannot do moderation with sugar. I never liked pizza or pasta, but when I cut out sweets, I found myself randomly craving a pizza. And I pretty much have always hated pizza. I have had zero control with carbs and find that im much better all around when I limit them drastically. That's not to say that I never have those things anymore, I just had to go without them for MONTHS before I could let them back. And even now, sometimes I go way overboard if you catch me on the wrong day. So I'm super cautious with sugar.
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How to give up sugar? Where do you get the will power? I know what I need to do. It sounds so simple but I haven't been successful yet. Help
Are you consuming a lot of soda?
I replaced soda with sparkling mineral water when I started counting calories. I still get the fizz and the zing.
Loads less sugar/calories now!
But I still eat chocolate or dessert of some sort every night.
You might not need to give up sugar completely. You could just cut back in some areas. Best wishes.0 -
I've been addicted to sugar all my life. It cost me my marriage, my house and my job. I feel you.
That's pretty horrible, that you allowed your issues with food to affect the other areas of your life so strongly that you lost control over them and lost your spouse and your job. Yes, you allowed that to happen. The sugar didn't do it, you did it. Sugar doesn't have that kind of control over you, and doesn't affect you the same way that drugs or alcohol do. Whatever emotional or mental issue you were using the food to avoid is what destroyed your life, because you were afraid to face it and still are.0 -
I've been addicted to sugar all my life. It cost me my marriage, my house and my job. I feel you.
I can't tell if this is tongue in cheek, but I certainly hope it is.I've been addicted to sugar all my life. It cost me my marriage, my house and my job. I feel you.
That's pretty horrible, that you allowed your issues with food to affect the other areas of your life so strongly that you lost control over them and lost your spouse and your job. Yes, you allowed that to happen. The sugar didn't do it, you did it. Sugar doesn't have that kind of control over you, and doesn't affect you the same way that drugs or alcohol do. Whatever emotional or mental issue you were using the food to avoid is what destroyed your life, because you were afraid to face it and still are.
And, if you response is not tongue in cheek, I am sorry about your situation, but I agree with mccindy.0 -
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And where is my darn avatar.0
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Cold Turkey! The only way! And stock up on Stevia, the only safe alternative. 0
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I posted this in another thread in regards to binge eating. I'd like to share.
This is my story. I'm not trying to tell you to do anything other than to consider my path. Maybe some of this will speak to you.
I lack even a modicum of self control. I love(d) all things I could smoke, snort, pop, or rub on your belly.
I quit drugs and smokes a long time ago. I learned I can't control myself when did drugs. I can't do moderation. I'm so jealous of those who can.
So onto binge eating:
Because I lack self control I cannot eat one potato chip. I'm unable to have only one slice of pizza. I don't even understand the idea of just one doughnut. I want to be Supersized.
Hmm. Look at the foods I just listed. What do all of these foods have in common? What does a pizza and a glazed doughnut have in common? Pepperoni? Nope. Simple carbs. Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined bleach wheat flour, etc.
Funny, I never crave foods that lack simple carbs. I never crave an entire roast turkey. I never have a hankering' for thirds of grilled Brussels sprouts. I want my simple carbs! AND I WANT THEM NOW!
Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. This may FEEL like hunger but it isn't. I remember this feeling. It's addiction! To me it sounded like the same addictions I beat decades ago. For me, an "Eating Binge" is just another word for a drug binge. Like a drinking binge, a smoking binge, a cocaine binge, whatever.
So what do (did) I do when I feel a food binge coming on?
1) If I feel a binge coming on I immediately drink one quart of water. I hate plain water so I add some flavor enhancer. Flavor enhancer is always in my house - in large quantities.
2) I vilify the binge. I ask myself: "How about a big pork chop instead of (a dozen doughnuts, large pizza, whatever)?" I lovelovelove grilled pork chops! So if my body says "NO! I want PIZZA!" then I realize this is my carb addiction talking, not real hunger.
3) So I Get Moving. If I can sit around and wait for a pizza, if I can walk to the fridge to eat, then I can go outside and take a damn walk. I get off my butt and MOVE. I do not have the right to binge if I can't walk for thirty minutes first.
4) If the binge is still there I eat. I eat a lot. I stuff myself silly. But I eat protein - steak, pork chops, whatever. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. Like 16oz of steak. It's a lot of calories but nothing compared to the binge of an entire large pizza, wings and huge cookie I used to do.
It took a while - over a year of effort - to get unhooked. I failed about 100 times. I can't tell you the number of times I shoveled pizza in my mouth, crying like a baby, filled with shame, realizing I had no control.
But over time time my binges began to space out. Instead of one a day it was one every three days. Then once a week, then once a month. I haven't binged in two months.
Thanks for reading.
I've also discovered eating meat stops the cravings. Wish I'd known this years ago.
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This discussion has been closed.
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