Keeping mind off unhealthy food
Replies
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Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
As others have previously stated, I don't look to this kind of food to "satisfy" me from a, "I'm full, that's enough" standpoint. I fill my diet primarily with highly nutritious foods...lots of veg, 2-3 servings of fruit...complex carbohydrates from things like oat and beans and lentils and potatoes, etc...lean sourced protein and healthy fats. These are the things that ultimately satisfy my hunger...I have a cookie or two for desert at the end of the day.1 -
Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
Why do you feel stressed?
I think the key is to decide what you want to do and WHY. Understanding why it's important to you provides the reason and ability to do it. For me, giving up cookies forever would be a "why?" that I could not understand, as I see no nutritional reason or health reason for it. Eating appropriate calories and a balanced, nutrient dense diet and cookies only when and to the extent they fit in, though, that's an easy one when I ask myself why.
Also, as I said above, for me it's easier to control eating times. If I don't eat between meals other than a planned dessert right after dinner, I just don't think about snacking at other times, even when everyone else seems to be. My why is it's not mealtime, why would I need to be eating.
(Not saying this is the strategy that would work for everyone, just the one that works for me. I do think having a strong idea why you are doing it is important, though. Helps you feel good about it.)1 -
Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
I've been at this whole thing for a few years now and I just had to learn that once I'm out of calories for the day, then I'm done eating. Period. This didn't happen overnight, but it's something that's gotten easier to adhere to over time. I've learned that I control food, it doesn't control me. I can enjoy the foods I like, and when it's time to stop eating them, then I walk away.
eta: OP it sounds like part of your problem/frustration is you're boxing yourself in with arbitrary rules about what food is allowed/not allowed. If eating a certain way is stressing you out, then it makes no sense to keep eating that way. That's just going to lead to failure. You need to figure out how to do this whole thing in a way that's realistic and sustainable for you, for the long term (weight loss means nothing if you can't keep the weight off). Just eat the foods you like, pay attention to portion sizes and then hit your calorie targets.1 -
rainbowbow wrote: »Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
I'm sorry, but, why do your children and husband need chips and cookies?
Maybe because they enjoy them? I ate 2 cookies and a serving of chips with my lunch today and it made my meal more enjoyable. My husband and kids also eat chips and cookies and have no problem maintaining their healthy weight.1 -
crzycatlady1 wrote: »rainbowbow wrote: »Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
I'm sorry, but, why do your children and husband need chips and cookies?
Maybe because they enjoy them? I ate 2 cookies and a serving of chips with my lunch today and it made my meal more enjoyable. My husband and kids also eat chips and cookies and have no problem maintaining their healthy weight.
Yeah, my husband always keeps cookies and chips around. Sometimes I will have some, sometimes I won't. It's up to me. I don't think he should have to change what he eats because I want to maintain a certain weight.3 -
Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
I think it comes down to whether you're hungry or you want to eat just to eat. If you're hungry maybe you need to work on your macros so you will be more sated or maybe you need to increase your calories a bit.
If you're wanting to eat just to eat, just because it's there, and you like the taste...that's just a bad habit you are going to have to break like any other bad habit. If you tell yourself no often enough it will become second nature to only eat when you're hungry.
Also, ETA: if I'm craving a food and it won't fit into my daily calories, I will simply make room for it the next day so I am never denying myself anything. It's much easier to tell myself "not today" than "no".2 -
You have the issue wrong way around. Concentrate on what you're supposed to have. Focus on the positive. Most people are driven by their last dominant thought. If you think "I can't have ______(fill in the blank)________", then what's your mind keying on? If, on the other hand, you think "I CAN have ________(fill in the blank)_______", you're more likely to stay on track and avoid falling off protocol.1
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lemurcat12 wrote: »If I don't eat between meals other than a planned dessert right after dinner, I just don't think about snacking at other times, even when everyone else seems to be. My why is it's not mealtime, why would I need to be eating.
Great attitude, gotta remember that one. As far as having to have cookies in the house, if you are trying to avoid them and your husband and kid love 'em then maybe try different things...
1. Have your husband do the shopping for those snacks. That way he and your kiddo can be in control of those choices and you are less likely to grab some if you know they are "theirs".
2. Buy cookies that they like but maybe not your favorite flavors.
3. Combine 1 and 2, assuming you have a supportive family.
4. Make them at home, with lower cal substitute ingredients (apple sauce instead of butter, half of the salt/sugar, etc.) and/or smaller sized cookies.
I've got a wicked wicked sweet tooth but my daughter's favorites are lollipops and peppermints which I'm not that jazzed about so it's easier for me to leave those alone even though they are stockpiled in the house. We both like jujyfruits and similar gummy candies, those don't stand a chance if I'm around so I've learned to just not buy them. Kiddo is happy with what we have and I don't feel triggered.0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »crzycatlady1 wrote: »What's worked for me is not labeling any kinds of foods 'junk/unhealthy'. I eat what I like and just stay within my calorie goals. Have had great success doing things this way, and I'm in excellent health with a current bmi of 21
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they have left the building it seems0 -
I think there's nothing wrong with telling kids or spouse that there are not going to be any chips or ice cream at a constant basis at the house...because it's a problem for a family member. Not that they can't have chips at school, or at a friend's house, or at Grandma's, or maybe eating out once in a while. Usually people can adapt to this better than we think they can especially if it's not a blanket ban, just a reduction in availability.
It's no different than not being able to have a cat because a family member has severe allergies.
Kids don't need cookies and chips in moderation, after all. And even if they're healthy, it's not good for them.2 -
kenyonhaff wrote: »I think there's nothing wrong with telling kids or spouse that there are not going to be any chips or ice cream at a constant basis at the house...because it's a problem for a family member. Not that they can't have chips at school, or at a friend's house, or at Grandma's, or maybe eating out once in a while. Usually people can adapt to this better than we think they can especially if it's not a blanket ban, just a reduction in availability.
It's no different than not being able to have a cat because a family member has severe allergies.
Kids don't need cookies and chips in moderation, after all. And even if they're healthy, it's not good for them.
If my spouse *asked* me if I would stop buying something because it was a problem for him, I would certainly consider it and it's likely I would do it. If he *told* me that I could no longer keep a certain food in the house, I would be quite annoyed.2 -
janejellyroll wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »I think there's nothing wrong with telling kids or spouse that there are not going to be any chips or ice cream at a constant basis at the house...because it's a problem for a family member. Not that they can't have chips at school, or at a friend's house, or at Grandma's, or maybe eating out once in a while. Usually people can adapt to this better than we think they can especially if it's not a blanket ban, just a reduction in availability.
It's no different than not being able to have a cat because a family member has severe allergies.
Kids don't need cookies and chips in moderation, after all. And even if they're healthy, it's not good for them.
If my spouse *asked* me if I would stop buying something because it was a problem for him, I would certainly consider it and it's likely I would do it. If he *told* me that I could no longer keep a certain food in the house, I would be quite annoyed.
This is what i was getting at. To be fair, they don't *need* them. And if OP can't control herself around them and seemingly cant have a small portion size, I don't see it as being unreasonable for this to be a request.2 -
As a family, we keep (most of) the "junk" out of the house a conclusion we decided on as a family. Mostly because we will eat all the junk first leaving the other whole foods to spoil.
Sometimes though you just need potato chips with ice cream asap, we have to go to the store pick it up and bring it home and we do. We bring home smaller portions, the amount enough for everyone to share.
We call junk food, sometimes food. Nothing is off limits, eat healthy most of the time and fit the sometimes food in. For us it's usually the weekend because we are so busy during the week.
It's really fun to learn to make some of your favorite junk foods from scratch if you have the means and time. Although we haven't been able to recreate a Cheeto.0 -
Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
Before I open a bag of chips, or have some chocolate or some ice cream, I log it. I've already checked that it fits the day/week, but I log it before I eat it. Seems to be the last thoughtful chance to say "do I really want this or am I just bored". Same for alcohol. If I'm going to have a drink, I log it before I pour it. So far it is working for me.
Don't have kids so won't comment on the rest of the discussion.1 -
If I want a snack that falls into the "junk food" category, I start by looking at the nutrition facts. Sometimes that's enough to make me think "Nope, not worth it today." If it is worth it, I measure out an appropriate amount- sometimes this is one serving, sometimes it's a half serving, etc. Then I take my treat to another room, enjoy it, and that's the end. No guilt, no binging (usually!) I do this a lot with Cheez-Its because I like a little crunchy snack after work, to hold me over until dinner. I measure out a half serving, and eat one at a time. This works for me, but may not work for others. I'm a firm believer in taking others' advice, but ultimately finding what works for the individual.2
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We have chips, candy, ice cream, etc in our house weekly. I put them out of sight.
I bake cookies and things for my family. I divide them up into baggies with our names on them. You don't eat more than your share.
I have my own stash of dark chocolate kisses. I let one melt in my mouth instead of just chewing and swallowing. Really savoring the taste.
I plan my snacks and eat stuff I like. I don't feel stressed out.
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crzycatlady1 wrote: »rainbowbow wrote: »In my experience I like to either eat smaller portions of said "junky" foods, Emulate the foods i can't fit into my calories, or the foods i just absolutely cannot control myself around i don't keep them around/make them more difficult to get.
You can start by having more enticing beautiful foods around the house that you want to eat. Think things like this:
etc. etc. etc.
So to recap, eat delicious foods you love. If you have one food item you can't fit into your calories, try to make a lower calorie version of it. If you can't moderate certain foods, don't keep them around. Try and keep more enticing calorie friendly foods around instead.
Just a side note that fruit is pretty calorie dense-I can have a cookie for less calories than say an apple. And if I'm in the mood for a cookie, all the fruit or pudding in the world isn't going to cut it-I'd just end up eating that and then still wanting the cookie
Lol I've done that so many times.. Gone for the healthier less calorie option, and then end up eating what I craved in the first place on top of it.3 -
Christine_72 wrote: »crzycatlady1 wrote: »rainbowbow wrote: »In my experience I like to either eat smaller portions of said "junky" foods, Emulate the foods i can't fit into my calories, or the foods i just absolutely cannot control myself around i don't keep them around/make them more difficult to get.
You can start by having more enticing beautiful foods around the house that you want to eat. Think things like this:
etc. etc. etc.
So to recap, eat delicious foods you love. If you have one food item you can't fit into your calories, try to make a lower calorie version of it. If you can't moderate certain foods, don't keep them around. Try and keep more enticing calorie friendly foods around instead.
Just a side note that fruit is pretty calorie dense-I can have a cookie for less calories than say an apple. And if I'm in the mood for a cookie, all the fruit or pudding in the world isn't going to cut it-I'd just end up eating that and then still wanting the cookie
Lol I've done that so many times.. Gone for the healthier less calorie option, and then end up eating what I craved in the first place on top of it.
Ha ha, me too. Eat three sugar-free Jell-Os, one no sugar added yogurt with REAL fruit, oooh, a celery stalk, another celery stalk, watermelon cubes, melon cubes, one string cheese, half a teaspoon of no sugar-added stir-the-jar peanut butter...and then a sleeve of Girl Scout Cookies.
Should have just eaten three freakin' cookies.4 -
rainbowbow wrote: »Thank you all for your replies. I can't quit buying cookies and chips as my husband n kid devour it.
How did u all get that moment when u were able to say ' that's enough' to yourself instead of munching. I really want to be mindful but I feel stressed rather than being happy about making healthy choices.
I'm sorry, but, why do your children and husband need chips and cookies?
@rainbowbow THIS! I always buy chips and cookies for my family, but I'm starting to rethink this... If I can't control myself and so can't they, I shouldn't be bringing those things home in the first place. Not good for me, not good for them.
@nagdha I have figured out for myself that there are a multitude of things I enjoy eating, but only a few of them I simply cannot control myself around. So maybe don't buy it for a while until you learn to better your relationship with food, or buy smaller packages so that there isn't a big amount laying around? For me it's cookies, if there is a box I will get to the last cookie in a day or two... And it makes me so ashamed because my husband never gets to have any because I eat them all before he gets to it.
I tell myself I need to buy it so I have treats for my daughter but then she has a few, and maybe my husband has a few, and I end up eating almost the entire box...
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I allow "junk" food in my diet daily. I don't consider it "unhealthy", I view it as food that doesn't offer much nutrition and treat it as such. I account for the calories and make sure that if I do indulge, that it's not over consumed.How do you distract yourself when you crave for junk foods?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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That's called discipline. And if you want to have a cookie, go out and do some extra physical activity to offset it.crzycatlady1 wrote: »What's worked for me is not labeling any kinds of foods 'junk/unhealthy'. I eat what I like and just stay within my calorie goals. Have had great success doing things this way, and I'm in excellent health with a current bmi of 21
I Agree staying under calorie limit.but I have reached my calories goal and now I want to have a pack of cookies:-(
Have to zip my mouth
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I think about food a LOT. Probably more than I should. It took about 2 weeks before I really didn't dream of drinking a Pepsi or demolishing a bag of chips. I did a lot of reading on the mental strength needed for weight loss, and that helped elevate my thinking to muster through the cravings and temptations.
I sit just a few feet away from the candy jar for our floor in our office and it's always filled with delicious mini candy bars. I stare it down every day, and honestly I think it makes me stronger.2
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