How do I kick my addiction to crisps?

The_Raspberry

So I have this problem, that I've had for a while. I'm a bit embarassed about it, but I really want to kick this bad habit of mine, so any help is appreciated.

I am seriously addicted to potatochips with dip. And I need loads of it. Like one entire bag of crisps and bowl of dip (adds up to about 2500 kcal).

I need my crisp-fix. I have gone across town to get some when markets have been closed where I live, and gone out of my way with it.

Other things I am usually ok with. Sure, I can easily overeat on pasta, bread and other carbs but I can usually stop myself or use portion control. The crisps, I need them in large quantities, often. Like AT LEAST once a week, usually two or three times.

I've tried eating just a little bit of crisps and then having veggies with the dip to kill the craving. It killed it for the night, but the next day it was back even stronger. Usually if I give in, it stays away for a few days.

I've tried having one cheat meal a week, but I end up wanting it more often. And then there is a birthday-party or something the same week and I don't know what to do.

I do eat pretty good normally, and have gotten my blood tested and I am not malnurished in any way. IT IS THE INSANE CRAVING FOR POTATOCHIPS WITH DIP, and it's making my wheightloss journy harder and I don't feel to healthy about it. It's like an actual obsession/addiction.

How do I kick it?

asdowe13

It's a mind *&%^ , you can kick it with will power!

nymnlol

I can get pretty intense cravings for crisps if I'm hungry, but if I eat regular food instead the cravings go away. Have you tried eating a fiber and protein rich meal when you get the cravings?

ChaplainHeavin

So I have this problem, that I've had for a while. I'm a bit embarassed about it, but I really want to kick this bad habit of mine, so any help is appreciated.

I am seriously addicted to potatochips with dip. And I need loads of it. Like one entire bag of crisps and bowl of dip (adds up to about 2500 kcal).

I need my crisp-fix. I have gone across town to get some when markets have been closed where I live, and gone out of my way with it.

Other things I am usually ok with. Sure, I can easily overeat on pasta, bread and other carbs but I can usually stop myself or use portion control. The crisps, I need them in large quantities, often. Like AT LEAST once a week, usually two or three times.

I've tried eating just a little bit of crisps and then having veggies with the dip to kill the craving. It killed it for the night, but the next day it was back even stronger. Usually if I give in, it stays away for a few days.

I've tried having one cheat meal a week, but I end up wanting it more often. And then there is a birthday-party or something the same week and I don't know what to do.

I do eat pretty good normally, and have gotten my blood tested and I am not malnurished in any way. IT IS THE INSANE CRAVING FOR POTATOCHIPS WITH DIP, and it's making my wheightloss journy harder and I don't feel to healthy about it. It's like an actual obsession/addiction.

How do I kick it?

“When you keep finding yourself in the same situation, the common denominator is you. Changing of thinking creates change of action. Do different to get different.” (Chaplain Thelma Osei)

maasha81

I'd simply not have it around. Don't have it at home or work, avoid that aisle in the grocery.

Find a substitute in the interim

deksgrl

Don't buy them. At first it will be sheer willpower. If you don't have them then you cannot eat them. After awhile the cravings will fade. Try making a healthier substitute at home in your oven. Use a different dip like hummus or tzatziki sauce.

Othelie24601

Start by buying smaller bags, and/or chips with fewer calories. And get a dip with fewer calories.

kill3rtofu

you can just fit them into your diary

freemystery

Cold turkey. The only person who can help you is you and if this is a trigger food you need to let your intellect take the wheel, your cravings etc will be a pain at first but will lessen over time.

At the end of it all, it comes down to what you want more, your weight loss or your potato chips.

Summer_Lunatic

Imagine all the chips are made in a factory full of rats. The rats run through all the processing equipement all night long and carry disease with them everywhere they go.

Still want those chips?

jolancy

A couple of suggestions for you:

1 - Try drinking a glass of water. Sometimes a craving can be because you are thirsty, and the body gets confused about what it needs.

2 - If you want to have the crisps, go ahead and have them, but instead of buying the big family sized bag go for an individual bag instead. This will satisfy the craving, and helps get the portion size under control too.

TashTag

I have the same problem. I think its the salt in it that I crave. Try seeds and nuts when the craving hits. This has worked for me but I do give in every now and then. Guacamole is my kryptonite. LOL

The_Raspberry

Haha, I love this! This might be my new way of thining. Maggots and bugs and rats and yuckie things all over those crisps. Nope.

lisaabenjamin

You DON'T need them. And you already know that eating a whole sharing-size bag with a full pot of dip is not healthy (both in terms of calories and because it's also not normal!!)

As others have said, try buying smaller bags and eating them with a lower calorie dip, then drop the dip, then drop the crisps until you are fully weaned off them. It could be the salt that you're craving rather than the crisps themselves, so maybe try eating pickled onions or gherkins or something else salty and crunchy that doesn't have the fat and calories.

But ultimately, you know that you need to kick this habit because it's not healthy - and the only person who can do that is YOU.

The_Raspberry

A couple of suggestions for you:

1 - Try drinking a glass of water. Sometimes a craving can be because you are thirsty, and the body gets confused about what it needs.

2 - If you want to have the crisps, go ahead and have them, but instead of buying the big family sized bag go for an individual bag instead. This will satisfy the craving, and helps get the portion size under control too.

Yeah, I guess like most of you said, it will have to come down to willpower...

I never keep them around the house or my job. If I don't finish a bag I will actually throw it out first thing, because I cannot keep myself from eating it if it's in the house. But I will go to the store and get them whenever the craving hits. And my store doesn't carry individual size (they are not that common in sweden).

I have tried eating to see if it helps. It does sometimes, but most of the time no. Water doesn't help at all.

So yeah. Willpower. GO ME, I CAN DO THIS!!

craftywitch_63

Imagine all the chips are made in a factory full of rats. The rats run through all the processing equipement all night long and carry disease with them everywhere they go.

Still want those chips?

OMG that's soooo gross! I don't know about OP but I'll never want chips (crisps) again!

OP, sometimes eliminating the particular food for a while (six months, maybe a year) then trying to eat just a few at a time works. Sometimes, though, with a trigger food, you may need to just eliminate it - sort of like some recovering alcoholics do with alcohol.

:flowerforyou:

The_Raspberry

You DON'T need them. And you already know that eating a whole sharing-size bag with a full pot of dip is not healthy (both in terms of calories and because it's also not normal!!)

As others have said, try buying smaller bags and eating them with a lower calorie dip, then drop the dip, then drop the crisps until you are fully weaned off them. It could be the salt that you're craving rather than the crisps themselves, so maybe try eating pickled onions or gherkins or something else salty and crunchy that doesn't have the fat and calories.

But ultimately, you know that you need to kick this habit because it's not healthy - and the only person who can do that is YOU.

Hehe, yep, fully aware that this is very unhealthy and makes me a weirdo :P Those are my greatest motivation!

Thanks for your support!

craftywitch_63

I have the same problem. I think its the salt in it that I crave. Try seeds and nuts when the craving hits. This has worked for me but I do give in every now and then. Guacamole is my kryptonite. LOL

I love guac too! It's easy to make and if you make it yourself you can reduce the unnecessary salt, fat and calories. And there is nothing better than freshly made guacamole! Of course, some fat will be left because, well . . . avocado, but at least the added fat is eliminated.

ETA Now I have a craving! Where did I put my avocado and limes? . . . :blushing:

Neliel88

Imagine all the chips are made in a factory full of rats. The rats run through all the processing equipement all night long and carry disease with them everywhere they go.

Still want those chips?

I had to do something similar to get myself off of dairy. I'm a total chocci-monster, so I made myself watch a video about the dairy industry and now I feel physically sick when I think of milk (and therefore chocolate / cheese etc). Bloody works!

ndj1979

it is not an addiction ….

you just need to learn to control yourself around them and exercise some self control…

I like ice cream, I have about five pints of talenti in my freezer at any one time, when i want it, I have one service and put the rest back = moderation. Learn it…but please don't think you have an "addiction' as this is a slap in the face to people struggling with real addiction.

tennisdude2004

Imagine all the chips are made in a factory full of rats. The rats run through all the processing equipement all night long and carry disease with them everywhere they go.

Still want those chips?

If you're talking about Doritos - that's how they're actually made!

The_Raspberry

it is not an addiction ….

you just need to learn to control yourself around them and exercise some self control…

I like ice cream, I have about five pints of talenti in my freezer at any one time, when i want it, I have one service and put the rest back = moderation. Learn it…but please don't think you have an "addiction' as this is a slap in the face to people struggling with real addiction.

Yeah, I know It is not the same like other kinds of addiction, which is why I also put the word obsession there. I am sorry if I offended anyone.

I wish I could have selfcontrol like that. Way to go!! I think cold turkey, at least for a while might be my best option.

Thanks for all your support guys!

The_Raspberry

Imagine all the chips are made in a factory full of rats. The rats run through all the processing equipement all night long and carry disease with them everywhere they go.

Still want those chips?

If you're talking about Doritos - that's how they're actually made!

Ugh, really! Don't want them now.

AnnaChanges

I have crisps every 3 days....I used to have them every day. But i no longer have the fried ones. I am eating black pepper baked lays( they are different flavors) ....it is really yummy and is 60% less fat and oily. Usually the individual bag is for 185 calories but since you said it is not common where you live you can buy the big bag and divide them into smaller sandwich bags. Only have one each day and then try to reduce the days as you go. And for the dip just dont buy it go for chips alone

ndj1979

it is not an addiction ….

you just need to learn to control yourself around them and exercise some self control…

I like ice cream, I have about five pints of talenti in my freezer at any one time, when i want it, I have one service and put the rest back = moderation. Learn it…but please don't think you have an "addiction' as this is a slap in the face to people struggling with real addiction.

Yeah, I know It is not the same like other kinds of addiction, which is why I also put the word obsession there. I am sorry if I offended anyone.

I wish I could have selfcontrol like that. Way to go!! I think cold turkey, at least for a while might be my best option.

Thanks for all your support guys!

as others said…start by removing them from your house and then slowly introduce them again …..

I used to binge on all kinds of crap - crackers, chips, ice cream - but now when they are in my house I limit myself to one serving...

HollisGrant

So I have this problem, that I've had for a while. I'm a bit embarassed about it, but I really want to kick this bad habit of mine, so any help is appreciated.

I am seriously addicted to potatochips with dip. And I need loads of it. Like one entire bag of crisps and bowl of dip (adds up to about 2500 kcal).

I need my crisp-fix. I have gone across town to get some when markets have been closed where I live, and gone out of my way with it.

Other things I am usually ok with. Sure, I can easily overeat on pasta, bread and other carbs but I can usually stop myself or use portion control. The crisps, I need them in large quantities, often. Like AT LEAST once a week, usually two or three times.

I've tried eating just a little bit of crisps and then having veggies with the dip to kill the craving. It killed it for the night, but the next day it was back even stronger. Usually if I give in, it stays away for a few days.

I've tried having one cheat meal a week, but I end up wanting it more often. And then there is a birthday-party or something the same week and I don't know what to do.

I do eat pretty good normally, and have gotten my blood tested and I am not malnurished in any way. IT IS THE INSANE CRAVING FOR POTATOCHIPS WITH DIP, and it's making my wheightloss journy harder and I don't feel to healthy about it. It's like an actual obsession/addiction.

How do I kick it?

I'm seriously addicted to cake frosting. Never mind the stories. It's really hard because I work in an office filled with sweets and junk food.

The best thing for me is not to eat that stuff at all. Even a little makes me want to eat it for weeks.

Edited to add that people need treats. Buy things that taste good, like fruit or something else that you like, and make sure you keep it around.

The most important part of kicking any addiction, in my opinion: you have to want something else even more. You have to want another kind of life, or want to be healthy, or want self-respect, more than you want the frosting or the crisps. What works best for me is to do something really positive toward the goals I want. That worked for me many years ago when I quit smoking and that seems to work for me the best with sweets.

TRD66

I once saw this program that indicated how much fat was in crisps. They set one on fire with a lighter and watched it burn (very quickly). Wouldn't say it cured me, but i certainly cut down after that.

The other one I've mentioned on similar threads it to brush your teeth (preferrably minty toothpaste) before eating them. They just don't taste the same...........

Noogynoogs

Don't buy them

golferd

Every time you eat them, kick your toe into the wall really hard. The pain will replace the pleasure.

Or simply tell yourself no. Why do you think places advertise? They know most are weak minded!!! Drink water and eat something healthy

vilasini2

IT is the MSG that is added to them you are addicted to. A really nasty chemical. Don't worry about visualising rats etc, there is a nastier substance added to them by the manufacturer who only cares that you get addicted and buy more, and stuff your health. Give me rats any day.

MSG actually effects the brain and tells you that this the food is really delicious and you are really enjoying it. Also as it raises your heart rate, you get the excitement sensation that you are really loving this.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/21/msg-is-this-silent-killer-lurking-in-your-kitchen-cabinets.aspx
this is a link to a good article about the stuff. It is bad news.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/4-foods-commonly-containing-msg/
this article tells you where else you will find it.
The only way to eat is a natural whole foods diet, without any processed foods. You can make delicious chips yourself with just natural salt on them, make your own dip....so much more delicious than bought stuff.
Good luck.

pocketsaviour

It may not kill you as efficiently as an addiction to alcohol, drugs or tobacco, it may not rip your family apart and cause the same amount of pain as those things, but it certainly is an addiction, and one that is negatively affecting you.

I absolutely feel your pain since crisps are also my major trigger. You are on the right path to never have them in the house or at work, and throwing away half-eaten packets is a really good tactic. Something that has helped me avoid buying crisps (or other trigger foods) is "mindfulness" about my urge, when it strikes. I accept that I am feeling the urge to buy and consume the food. I recognise that my mind is trying to trick me with excuses or evasions such as "But if I go to that supermarket, I can get some washing powder, which I need! Of course I'm not going there just for crisps, what do you think I am?!" In reality, if I go to that supermarket, then I will of course end up buying and eating the trigger food, which causes more craving and more binges. I talk to myself and say "I recognise I am making excuses to go to this store because I want to eat crisps. I am going to do something else instead." If I can then make a plan to go somewhere else, or stay in the house, or take a different route home, then I will be successful and not have a binge. Sometimes I will do something to make it hard for me to go out, like deliberately not draw any money at the ATM and leave for work without my purse/debit card. Or if the urge strikes at home, I will go and take a bath and wash my hair and then get into my pyjamas, so as to make the whole process of going out very much more hassle.

I also check my urge levels sometimes by saying to myself "Currently my urge to go out and eat this food is at 10 out of 10. I am going to do something else for 5 minutes, and then I will check in again." I go and do something for 5 minutes, preferably something that engages my hands and brain, like playing a game on Facebook or sending an email to someone. When I check back in again, often the craving feels much more manageable, and I feel more able to say "You know what, I only feel 5 out of 10 now, and I have beaten that urge many times before." (This technique is something I learned when I gave up smoking 10 years ago.)

What I can say is that with any addictive substance, moderation is NOT the key for me. (I am not saying this doesn't work for some people, but it definitely doesn't for me, and it doesn't sound like it does for you.) I haven't been perfect with crisps, but when I stop eating them, if I can stick to my resolve for a few weeks, it becomes much much easier. (My reading of various books about food addiction gives me the understanding that it's because the pleasure receptors in the brain have "reset" somewhat.) I cannot "just have a small portion" or "buy a single packet" because the minute I get into that food, my brain goes out on holiday and my entire system throws itself into "MUST HAVE MOOOOOORRRREEEE!!!" mode. Cold turkey, for me, is the only way to go with these foods.