Overeaters anonymous
alc649
Posts: 467 Member
Anyone here go to overeaters anonymous meetings? I'm really thinking about it. I've been addicted to food for as long as I can remember.
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Replies
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I have never been, but I know the concept, assuming it's the same. No foods with flour or sugar listed in the first 5 ingredients in one of their things. That I wouldn't want to do. I do like to eat sandwiches. The minute I told myself I couldn't have those things, I would crave them.2
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Yeah I think with that everyone's abstinence is different. There are some foods I'm trying to stay away from now because I know I won't be able to eat them in moderation,but once I get some more time under my belt hopefully I can eat them again.chips are a big one for me.1
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melissa6771 wrote: »I have never been, but I know the concept, assuming it's the same. No foods with flour or sugar listed in the first 5 ingredients in one of their things. That I wouldn't want to do. I do like to eat sandwiches. The minute I told myself I couldn't have those things, I would crave them.
yeah no. it's about redeveloping a healthy relationship with food. they don't tell you specifically what to eat.
i've been to other 12 step programs and i find the mutual support to be beneficial.
i've also found every meeting is different so if you don't like one try others in your area.10 -
The whole "I'm powerless" thing in Step 1 doesn't work for me. I'm not powerless and reject that concept utterly.
What was much more helpful was the cognitive behavioral techniques I learned in Smart Recovery and/or Rational Recovery, and this only took a handful of meetings.7 -
melissa6771 wrote: »I have never been, but I know the concept, assuming it's the same. No foods with flour or sugar listed in the first 5 ingredients in one of their things. That I wouldn't want to do. I do like to eat sandwiches. The minute I told myself I couldn't have those things, I would crave them.
yeah no. it's about redeveloping a healthy relationship with food. they don't tell you specifically what to eat.
i've been to other 12 step programs and i find the mutual support to be beneficial.
i've also found every meeting is different so if you don't like one try others in your area.
Ummm, yes, they do have different food plans for you to follow that are fairly specific. Although it looks like it's more tailored to each individual now. Back in the day, that was their Schtick, no flour or sugar in the first five ingredients in any food. I was very close friends with someone who went, and that's how it was. I said, assuming it's the same. Just give your opinion without having to be a smart *kitten* with your "yeah, no" BS. People on here just crack me up.
OP... You need to find what works for you! If going to meetings, having a structured plan, whatever it is, find the way that makes you successful.
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melissa6771 wrote: »melissa6771 wrote: »I have never been, but I know the concept, assuming it's the same. No foods with flour or sugar listed in the first 5 ingredients in one of their things. That I wouldn't want to do. I do like to eat sandwiches. The minute I told myself I couldn't have those things, I would crave them.
yeah no. it's about redeveloping a healthy relationship with food. they don't tell you specifically what to eat.
i've been to other 12 step programs and i find the mutual support to be beneficial.
i've also found every meeting is different so if you don't like one try others in your area.
Ummm, yes, they do have different food plans for you to follow that are fairly specific. Although it looks like it's more tailored to each individual now. Back in the day, that was their Schtick, no flour or sugar in the first five ingredients in any food. I was very close friends with someone who went, and that's how it was. I said, assuming it's the same. Just give your opinion without having to be a smart *kitten* with your "yeah, no" BS. People on here just crack me up.
OP... You need to find what works for you! If going to meetings, having a structured plan, whatever it is, find the way that makes you successful.
Looks like there are six sample plans but choosing one is not mandatory.
http://bookstore.oa.org/pc_product_detail.asp?key=1CA4DF2A316E477FBFDC3FBC200054E9
This pamphlet provides guidance to both new and longtime OA members in devising their own plans of eating. It covers topics such as: the difference between a plan of eating and abstinence, having a choice of plans, reviewing our eating patterns, "trigger" or "binge" foods, eating behaviors, structure and tolerance. The pamphlet provides six sample plans of eating (reviewed and approved by a licensed dietitian) with which some OA members have had success.
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I just think it would help me with the obsession of food. I can not be hungry at all and crave food.like tonight we went out to eat and I did good I got salmon sweet potato corn on cob.but my fiancee had potato wedges..and my son had chicken strips and now I want those so bad! I'm full though
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I just think it would help me with the obsession of food. I can not be hungry at all and crave food.like tonight we went out to eat and I did good I got salmon sweet potato corn on cob.but my fiancee had potato wedges..and my son had chicken strips and now I want those so bad! I'm full though
Sure, give it a shot.
I failed to find useful info about the OA method on the OA site, but the compulsive eating part of the wiki page was useful - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overeaters_Anonymous. I support the goal of ending compulsive eating. Not sure how well or how quickly OA teaches that. Some of it will depend on the individual meeting.
We've been having a great debate on abstinence vs moderation here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10400683/dont-forbid-any-foods/p1 so I was interested to see that the OA philosophy is abstinence.“Abstinence in Overeaters Anonymous is the action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or maintaining a healthy body weight.” [10] This concept of abstinence has been criticized for its lack of specificity. While in AA abstinence means not drinking alcohol, some argue that it is not possible to set out specific foods, because OA's experience is that different people have different food triggers (i.e. foods and food behaviors that cause them to eat compulsively). While it is often said that alcoholics don't have to drink, but compulsive eaters still have to eat, Overeaters Anonymous responds by pointing out that alcoholics do have to drink, but cannot drink alcohol, just as compulsive eaters do have to eat, but cannot eat foods which cause compulsive eating.
I'm off to catch up on that thread and to bring up OA there.
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I would like to attend a meeting. I think I see it more as a support group---talking to people who are having the same struggles. Unfortunately, I've not found one within driving distance in my area.1
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My friends son went. He's been extremely heavy for decades. It has been doing him a world of good. It isn't about dieting; it's really about dealing with the emotions and the addiction of food. He goes twice a week, and he has just blossomed. I would recommend if you think it would help, go! Do it! It can't hurt. Just go with a commitment you're going to be there at least 6 weeks in a row, at least. It really has made such a difference in my friend's son.6
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I tried going to one about a year ago but no one showed up! The door was locked and I was the only one there. I've got a contact number now though so I might try calling tomorrow2
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An alternative is tops.org. There is a chapter finder on the website.1
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kshama2001 wrote: »The whole "I'm powerless" thing in Step 1 doesn't work for me. I'm not powerless and reject that concept utterly.
What was much more helpful was the cognitive behavioral techniques I learned in Smart Recovery and/or Rational Recovery, and this only took a handful of meetings.
No, that definitely rubs me up the wrong way. And when I read the rest of the 12 steps it came across that you basically have to accept that you are powerless when it comes to food so the way to move forward is to hand over power to some external factor/deity who will then just... I don't know, fix things?
This was on the "is OA for you" page... and it's very clear that it's definitely not for me!
Having said that, I suspect that if the group of people you meet with are supportive and you learn some actual strategies to take the power back in your own hands, then I'm sure it's very helpful for some people.
They really aren't selling it well though!
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I have been going to OA meetings recently and I have found it very helpful. Yes, there is an admitting that you're "powerless" factor... but overeaters anonymous isn't for the casual overeater. It's for those who genuinely have a serious compulsive / binge eating issue. As in, you've done everything in your power to control your eating issues, but you're still out of control and are feeling hopeless. It isn't about willpower when you get to that point. Seriously... I've had much success in many other areas of my life. I have no problem with my willpower when it comes to every other area of my life, but my addiction to food has kicked my butt over and over again, despite my attempts to control it. The admitting that you're "powerless" aspect sounds counterintuitive, but in general, it's stems from those who use compulsive eating as a way to cope with life's problems and difficult emotions and ultimately, you're trying to control your reaction by using "feel good" food... if that makes sense. It's definitely not for everyone but I have seen many people have great success with the program. If face-to-face meetings don't work for you, I recommend phone meetings or online meetings. There are phone meetings almost every hour of the day... all with different focuses. Some are conversational/sharing format and some are speaker format. I enjoy the speaker format phone meetings. There's one phone meeting in particular at 8am (eastern standard time) Mon through Fri, where a speaker works through the "big book", which is the AA book which OA is based off of... I really have enjoyed this meeting because it's an in-depth explanation of the program, and why and how it works. Check out the OA website for details. Feel free to message me if you have any questions
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OA has telephone meetings and online meetings, for those who can't find a face to face meeting. I've been going for a couple of years and it has changed my life 1
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Where can I find info on those meetings?0
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Ive been to meetings and you can do online meetings. There was no food plan that I was given. 3 healthy meals and avoid snacking was mentioned. Im not ready for oa yet. when lived in london you could find a meeting pretty much every day which would have suited me better.
The higher power concept has some positive and negative. In a way chanting the prayer is therapeutic but it feels almost religious which I dont believe in personally.
If you feel your an extreme eater or non eater it wont hurt to try it.1 -
I have never been, and I am sure it helps some people. I am not trying to be negative or dramatic with the relay of the contact I had with two members on a nearly daily basis for at least two years. You should go if you need or want to do so, but be careful in your choices.
We used to have two secretaries in our office who were members, and it seemed like all they did was focus on food. They carried giant coolers of food in everyday. I think it was always the same food. I guess that was for a degree of control, but they talked of almost nothing else. Well, except for all of the other addictions they apparently had after they started going, including sex, drugs, alcohol, spending/shopping, unicorns... You name it; they were addicted to it.
Now, I am not trying to make light of addictions. I am addicted to Coke, and some people have addictive personalities. The problem was that they didn't have any of these addictions before.
They would also stay on the phones with their sponsors or people they sponsored for much of the day. They would push it on everyone else and try to get you to join. It was like some creepy cult. In fact, my secretary went to a meeting and came back saying it was like a cult. Then they wouldn't leave her alone about going to more meetings.
Maybe it was just that chapter or them, but I would be sure to find a chapter that suits you, where you can get support but don't have to be obsessed. Needless to say, they don't work at our firm anymore. They never got anything done.0 -
dixie_amazon wrote: »An alternative is tops.org. There is a chapter finder on the website.
Tops costs more than OA.0 -
I have been going now for about 2 months. Absolutely no diet plan you need to follow. If you do go, try to get a sponsor. I have had sponsors before and it wasn't helpful. They would want me to follow their plan to a tee. I have a sponsor now. She is having me read a page in the twelve steps and also do the corresponding workbook. If I want I can call her one time a day for about 10 minutes. Today I forgot to call. No biggie. Right now I have not binged in 13 days. Call the contact and see where they are meeting. Check on line for other locations where you live. There are different types of meetings too and also weekly they can change. Some times they read from the big book and then anyone can share their thoughts. Sometimes a member might share their experience. Good luck.0
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melissa6771 wrote: »melissa6771 wrote: »I have never been, but I know the concept, assuming it's the same. No foods with flour or sugar listed in the first 5 ingredients in one of their things. That I wouldn't want to do. I do like to eat sandwiches. The minute I told myself I couldn't have those things, I would crave them.
yeah no. it's about redeveloping a healthy relationship with food. they don't tell you specifically what to eat.
i've been to other 12 step programs and i find the mutual support to be beneficial.
i've also found every meeting is different so if you don't like one try others in your area.
Ummm, yes, they do have different food plans for you to follow that are fairly specific. Although it looks like it's more tailored to each individual now. Back in the day, that was their Schtick, no flour or sugar in the first five ingredients in any food. I was very close friends with someone who went, and that's how it was. I said, assuming it's the same. Just give your opinion without having to be a smart *kitten* with your "yeah, no" BS. People on here just crack me up.
And yet yours is the only aggressive comment on this post.
Anyway, speaking from personal experience, the only way I have been able to conquer overeating, after a 25 year battle is to do exactly what you are dismissing. Cut out flour and sugar and other carbs. For 4 years now I have had control over my eating and am finally free from the stress of it all. Carbs causes insulin to be produced which makes you crave more carbs. No carbs means you burn fat for fuel, no insulin spike, no insatiable hunger. Contrary to belief, if you've never seriously tried it you wouldn't know - cutting out those things does not make you crave them more, it frees you from the cravings. I'm no different to anyone else, I like cake and bread and potatoes, but I don't need them anymore, and they don't control me.1 -
EbonyDahlia wrote: »Contrary to belief, if you've never seriously tried it you wouldn't know - cutting out those things does not make you crave them more, it frees you from the cravings.
The only thing you can possibly know is it didn't cause you to crave them and it freed you from cravings. There is no possible way for you to know what effect it would have on anyone else.
I am glad it worked for you but I take a bit of exception to your assumption that what works for you translates into an injunction that everyone else needs to follow, when in fact the advice would be completely counterproductive for some people (such as myself, who behaves like a thwarted toddler in the face of any and all food rules).
What I'm getting from this thread is that OA can be revolutionary for some but doesn't suit others at all. That seems reasonable. As many other threads on these boards show, compulsive eating is a tremendously individual problem with very individual solutions. OP, if after reading up on it, you suspect it might suit you, maybe you should give it a go. It's really the only way to know.
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I went once and I never went back. If I had done more research on it, I probably wouldn't have gone at all but I was really miserable and desperate during that time in my life. I had expressed my concerns to some group members about various aspects of the steps and they said they took a few creative liberties with how they interpreted it but it still really rubbed me the wrong way. If you're cool with that, it might work with you, but it just conflicted too strongly with my morality. Mostly about stuff that's already been mentioned in this thread.0
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I tried it once but it wasn't for me. I think it depends on the group and the person attending. I found the group I attended depressed me. It was like a support group of people talking about their problems. If you like that kind of thing it might be helpful. Or alternatively you might find a very positive group and find them very helpful. I think its free so why not give it a try and if you don't like it no harm done. I should note also it was a very long time ago that I went.0
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I've been in OA for the last 6 months. The way I see the "powerless" thing is that when I start eating some food I cannot stop, and I could not stop from starting up again. It isn't about the food, it's about my behaviors with the food. That's just how I make sense of it. Beyond that, it really is a spiritual program - ways of dealing with the build up of basic human emotion instead going to food with those things. I've lost 31 pounds so far and it has been not so hard since giving up my trigger foods. I went to a nutritionist to get started on a food plan and then took out my trigger foods (chips, popcorn, white flour, sugar). I tweak it based on my body reactions and the obsessiveness in my mind about food.1
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I did and did not find it helpful. I realize each group will be different but the one I went to spent too much time on parliamentary procedure as set forth in the "Big Book" and not enough on discussion.
Again, each group will be different. YMMV0 -
Look_Its_Kriss wrote: »I had a doctor one time refer me to trying group therapy such as this.. i don't know if it was actual OA but it could of been.. I am very skeptic about group therapy, at least with me.. I have a hard time wrapping my head around being in a group of people who are all going through the same thing as i am.. his response was that at least i wouldn't feel like i was alone.. and i suppose for some people from that aspect, it would help a bit to be included in a group struggle.. but for me, it wouldn't of changed how alone i felt, i only feel like im getting somewhere when the person helping me is a trained professional and isn't going through it themselves but knows how to show me how to help me, or at least medicate me (as that is what ended up happening, i am on vyvanse)
I tried one on one cognitive behavioral therapy, that also did not work, i guess i just needed something deeper, my brain and its thoughts were always able to over power logic and reasoning.
Initially I wasn't too keen on group therapy, but I was required to do it if I wanted to be taken on at this outpatient ED clinic when I was a teen and I actually found it helpful. I took art therapy, mindfulness, and intuitive eating groups there and learned a lot. Never did CBT in group, but the things I learned in CBT I use every day too.0 -
A really close friend of mine recovered from a severe binge eating disorder by going to overeaters anonymous. She said she couldn't quite get into every single aspect of it but that overall it was super super helpful and she would recommend it to anyone serious about recovery from food addictions.0
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