Moderation DOES NOT WORK for me
Replies
-
Oh, and PS- once your body is used to healthier eating patterns, should you decide to overindulge in pizza or chinese food or whatever your "junk" food of choice is... I'm willing to bet your body is going to protest. I ordered chinese food last friday night and even though I ate less of what I normally do my body was NOT happy with me. I felt like I wanted to throw up for the next 12 hours. I'm sure if I had eaten only one dumpling and one scallion pancake I would have been ok- I know I went a bit overboard, and my stomach definitely let it be known loud and clear that it was too much of not the right stuff.0
-
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It depends. I generally don't eat candy because, except very occasionally, I don't like it. I wouldn't call that self control. On the other hand, if someone has to cut something out entirely or risk binging then I'd say that they have a self control problem.0 -
LOL
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It depends. I generally don't eat candy because, except very occasionally, I don't like it. I wouldn't call that self control. On the other hand, if someone has to cut something out entirely or risk binging then I'd say that they have a self control problem.0 -
LOL
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It depends. I generally don't eat candy because, except very occasionally, I don't like it. I wouldn't call that self control. On the other hand, if someone has to cut something out entirely or risk binging then I'd say that they have a self control problem.
:huh:
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by any reaction you might have to this discussion0 -
Okay.
LOL
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It depends. I generally don't eat candy because, except very occasionally, I don't like it. I wouldn't call that self control. On the other hand, if someone has to cut something out entirely or risk binging then I'd say that they have a self control problem.
:huh:
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by any reaction you might have to this discussion0 -
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It's obviously much more difficult to eat less of <insert "forbidden" food here>, than it is to avoid said food completely.
The only way we can prove to ourselves (and MFP, and the world at large) that we have achieved the highest enlightened state of self-control is to keep eating those foods.
Hope this helps.
Why? I've never had my doctor warn me I have a cookie deficiency. Why would I eat them just to prove I got it under control when the best foods for my health, happiness, and energy levels seem to all be in the produce section?0 -
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It's obviously much more difficult to eat less of <insert "forbidden" food here>, than it is to avoid said food completely.
The only way we can prove to ourselves (and MFP, and the world at large) that we have achieved the highest enlightened state of self-control is to keep eating those foods.
Hope this helps.
Why? I've never had my doctor warn me I have a cookie deficiency. Why would I eat them just to prove I got it under control when the best foods for my health, happiness, and energy levels seem to all be in the produce section?
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.0 -
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.0 -
LOL
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It depends. I generally don't eat candy because, except very occasionally, I don't like it. I wouldn't call that self control. On the other hand, if someone has to cut something out entirely or risk binging then I'd say that they have a self control problem.
I honestly don't know why this is funny. His statement is blunt and maybe insensitive, but it's true. And I'm saying this as someone who's recovered from binge eating disorder. Bingeing is a compulsion. We don't have to give in to compulsions. Figuring out why you do it is the most important step and it rarely has anything to do with food.0 -
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.
Well, it's sort of strange to think that you need to eat those kinds of foods regularly just to prove something. I'm okay with no longer eating a daily marshmallow fluff sandwich. And I am okay with the idea of never eating one again because I don't need to. I'm not hungry for it. Lots of people live happy, fulfilled lives without marshmallow fluff sandwiches.
But, it isn't as if I will never eat a cookie again or something like that, but it won't be on my grocery list because it doesn't need to be. A lifestyle doesn't need to include cakes and cookies if the individual doesn't want it to. To each, their own.0 -
LOL
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It depends. I generally don't eat candy because, except very occasionally, I don't like it. I wouldn't call that self control. On the other hand, if someone has to cut something out entirely or risk binging then I'd say that they have a self control problem.
I honestly don't know why this is funny. His statement is blunt and maybe insensitive, but it's true. And I'm saying this as someone who's recovered from binge eating disorder. Bingeing is a compulsion. We don't have to give in to compulsions. Figuring out why you do it is the most important step and it rarely has anything to do with food.
This I agree with completely as someone who is also recovering. Currently, there is a cake in my house (not my purchase, but a gift), and I have comfortably chosen to not eat it because I'm not in the mood for cake. The reason I can choose not to eat it is because I am taking care of my emotions and stress levels. My eating it when not hungry (like in the past) would be due to something that has nothing to do with the cake itself.0 -
congrats on taking a step to improvement! and welcomeHi, Im new to this website.As you can tell from the title I don't think moderation works for me.
you don't THINK it works for you or you haven't ever had success at it??
I never like eating only one- I just like the way I look more than I like eating 2. but that's a common problem.I tried to keep moderation with unhealthy foods but I just dont like eating only 1.
if you only have 2 you're off to a REALLY great start- for reals.I have 2 problems.
not really a problem honestly.First I am a college student so I am still living with my parents,
no one expects you to toss everything- esp if you are in a shared house hold- what works better is giving yourself YOUR own drawer/shelf space and see if your family will help accomadate by tucking their food in one of THEIR spaces out of site . out of site out of mind has a significant impact- more than people are willing to admit)I would throw the food out but sadly im not the only one living here.
two things- one- you can't eat NOTHING- well I mean you can- but then you'd starve and die... so if you DO start chucking foods- you have to buy new ones- in theory alternatives you deem appropriate and acceptable.Also I have to admit even if I did throw out the food I would order pizza hut then
Two- pizza hut is fine- I mean- if you like Pizza Hut- I'm partial to Papa Johns but whatever floats your boat honestly.
Please don't kid yourself- just because you love food- and you have some issues doesn't mean your the only one. And it doesn't mean those of us who have the bus rolling in the right direction have it all figured out and that we magically just don't love food. I LOVE food. I'm a completely and utter foodie- I would eat all day day in and day out if I could. I ADORE food. I have an inner fat kid that will without hesitation have cake and pie and ice cream for breakfast- glass of milk and 5 oreos? you betcha!!!. I love food too much.
Many of us LOVE food- that isn't not something "wrong" its' normal.
well. you don't need to.How can I quit the junk food once and for all?
but you could also re-evalute your "junk food" terms.
I have some every day- but I pre-portion them- or I just don't buy it don't look at it.
Also- self discipline is like lifting weights or running- you aren't good at it when you're born- and you aren't good at it the first day in the gym. You only get good at it after you've done it for a while. So start with something SMALL. And work on training yourself. Seriously- it can be done- it's hard but it can totally be done.0 -
LOL
Is saying: "I don't eat candy" self control?Stop making excuses and start exercising self-control. Otherwise, you'll never stop being a slave to your impulses.
It depends. I generally don't eat candy because, except very occasionally, I don't like it. I wouldn't call that self control. On the other hand, if someone has to cut something out entirely or risk binging then I'd say that they have a self control problem.
I honestly don't know why this is funny. His statement is blunt and maybe insensitive, but it's true. And I'm saying this as someone who's recovered from binge eating disorder. Bingeing is a compulsion. We don't have to give in to compulsions. Figuring out why you do it is the most important step and it rarely has anything to do with food.
This I agree with completely as someone who is also recovering. Currently, there is a cake in my house (not my purchase, but a gift), and I have comfortably chosen to not eat it because I'm not in the mood for cake. The reason I can choose not to eat it is because I am taking care of my emotions and stress levels. My eating it when not hungry (like in the past) would be due to something that has nothing to do with the cake itself.
Nice. I wish you success in your continued recovery :drinker: I am the most proud that I can keep large quantities of ice cream bars in the house and not feel the urge to eat all of them at once.0 -
The world is full of temptations, the only thing that stands between them and you is self control.
that's all I got for you too. Sorry, but life is not going to get any easier and you need to practice self control.0 -
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.
Well, it's sort of strange to think that you need to eat those kinds of foods regularly just to prove something. I'm okay with no longer eating a daily marshmallow fluff sandwich. And I am okay with the idea of never eating one again because I don't need to. I'm not hungry for it. Lots of people live happy, fulfilled lives without marshmallow fluff sandwiches.
But, it isn't as if I will never eat a cookie again or something like that, but it won't be on my grocery list because it doesn't need to be. A lifestyle doesn't need to include cakes and cookies if the individual doesn't want it to. To each, their own.
The point is to avoid extremes. If you can cut out sweets completely and not feel deprived, then fine, no one is saying you shouldn't do that. The concern is for those who cut them out but do feel deprived because it's hard to live an ascetic lifestyle and it can lead to the binge/diet cycle that so many are familiar with. Again, if you don't feel deprived then no problem, but if you can't eat one of something without binging then I have my doubts, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may want to listen.0 -
im sorry but its not easy to just stop! maybe you have battled your issues but for someone who is just starting out it takes time. im 30 days into this and I still have trouble with temptations. some days I got it in the bag and the next im eating like I don't want to lose weight. its hard very hard so to tell someone that is wrong. maybe not be wrong to you but its wrong to meIf you want to stop eating that stuff, just stop. Tell yourself, "No." Like some else said, self-control.
If you cannot stop, see if you can find a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. They can help you figure out if you have one or not. They can also help you and work through why you want that stuff so much.0 -
Between your previous comment about how there is only one correct relationship with food (and it includes eating for mental and emotional reasons) and this one about how you refused rice cakes because they were unclean, it seems like that you may have had and may continue to have some serious issues with food.
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.
If what you're doing now is working for you, great! Keep it up!!!! No way I'd suggest you change anything.
You might, though, consider seeking a therapist who could help you work through your possible food issues. One who specializes in eating disorders would be a great idea. I'm not saying you have an eating disorder, but that kind of therapist will understand food issues.
It sounds like you've found a nice groove and I'm really happy for you!
But you may have a little way left to go.
I hope this doesn't freak you out and make you angry or anxious. I'm not trying to be condescending, but helpful. Take it or leave it, but I mean no harm and wish you well. 0 -
Moderation does not work for me when it comes to chocolate. I cannot eat just one Oreo cookie or one chocolate bar. So I try to avoid it all together.
Yeah, I learned yesterday that rice krispy treats are my kryptonite. I ate like 6 of them. I'm seriously avoiding them altogether from now on.0 -
Although diets that eliminate whole categories of food are generally not so sustainable, some people benefit from them. Heck, for some, a "cleanse" can be a really good reset to break daily habits. So, if you are unable to eat just one slice of pizza, for instance, you may want to never eat pizza at all, or go entirely low carb for a while.0
-
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.
It is completely backwards. Who tells a recovering alcoholic that in order to "prove" that they now have control over their issues, they need to have a drink from time to time? It's ludicrous.
And, I know some people here don't like the alcohol analogy (I think Mr.MM27 already disparaged it), but I'm sorry, if you're a person that is significantly overweight (obese, morbidly obese), that's a far more apt analogy. You obviously have a problem with food or a problem that you're soothing/coping with food to address. The idea of cold turkey may make the most sense for such people. At the very least, it's a valid path. And such people never have to indulge in certain things to "prove" their self-control. They can change habits, make substitutions or simply abstain -- all valid responses other than moderation of the same trigger foods. Total poppycock and lunacy.0 -
The only thing that stands between you and moderation is you.0
-
I didn't say it was easy! Nobody knows better than me that it isn't.
im sorry but its not easy to just stop! maybe you have battled your issues but for someone who is just starting out it takes time. im 30 days into this and I still have trouble with temptations. some days I got it in the bag and the next im eating like I don't want to lose weight. its hard very hard so to tell someone that is wrong. maybe not be wrong to you but its wrong to meIf you want to stop eating that stuff, just stop. Tell yourself, "No." Like some else said, self-control.
If you cannot stop, see if you can find a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. They can help you figure out if you have one or not. They can also help you and work through why you want that stuff so much.
But the overeating has to end if you want to lose weight.
Like I said, if you want to stop and cannot, a therapist is a really smart move. It means you've admitted you have a problem and are taking action. Not everyone can do it alone!! Because, Yes, it's hard! Harder for some than others, too.
I'm not belittling anyone's struggle. They don't say "Bad habits are hard to break" for nothing. Everyone knows it's hard. But it can be done. 0 -
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.
Well, it's sort of strange to think that you need to eat those kinds of foods regularly just to prove something. I'm okay with no longer eating a daily marshmallow fluff sandwich. And I am okay with the idea of never eating one again because I don't need to. I'm not hungry for it. Lots of people live happy, fulfilled lives without marshmallow fluff sandwiches.
But, it isn't as if I will never eat a cookie again or something like that, but it won't be on my grocery list because it doesn't need to be. A lifestyle doesn't need to include cakes and cookies if the individual doesn't want it to. To each, their own.
The point is to avoid extremes. If you can cut out sweets completely and not feel deprived, then fine, no one is saying you shouldn't do that. The concern is for those who cut them out but do feel deprived because it's hard to live an ascetic lifestyle and it can lead to the binge/diet cycle that so many are familiar with. Again, if you don't feel deprived then no problem, but if you can't eat one of something without binging then I have my doubts, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may want to listen.
That's the whole point though -- is that there are other ways to address avoiding deprivation than just moderation of the previous trigger food. For example, if a person loves mallowcakes. Perhaps after a time of avoiding highly processed foods including mallowcakes, they find that mallowcakes just don't scratch that sweet tooth itch anymore. Perhaps they just don't like mallowcakes that much anymore -- they simply don't taste as good as they once did once they detoxed all the unnecessary added sugar out of their diet. Perhaps they end up finding that they prefer a substitution -- maybe dark chocolate, maybe fresh fruit, etc.
They don't need to eat mallowcakes in moderation as the only path to success weight loss. Some people find that their palates changed when they got rid of certain things -- it's a pretty common phenomenon, not magic. But some proponents of moderation don't seem to take this possibility into account and rant about binging, deprivation, unsustainable fad diets, etc. as if others succeeding in a different way somehow invalidates their choice.
And, lets be frank, for those without medical issues (and maybe some of those with), who have become grossly overweight simply by bad dietary habits, there is an uphill battle to successfully losing the weight and keeping it off. The statistics are not good. Moderation certainly is a valid path, but it isn't the only path. Why not encourage all healthy paths rather than insist that moderation is the only path? Not that everyone does this, but there certainly some very rabid proponents of moderation on MFP that do.0 -
Although diets that eliminate whole categories of food are generally not so sustainable, some people benefit from them. Heck, for some, a "cleanse" can be a really good reset to break daily habits. So, if you are unable to eat just one slice of pizza, for instance, you may want to never eat pizza at all, or go entirely low carb for a while.
I kicked my overconsumption issues with most high carb foods via elimination. It's been years now. You can give me the best slice of pizza in the world, the best bowl of pasta, the freshest bread, the greatest candy bar, or the most amazing bottle of soda and I'll enjoy them immensely, but not crave them again for months or even years.
It wasn't "everything in moderation" that kicked me of those old habits. It was elimination.
Elimination didn't help me moderate some foods, like ice cream or certain cookies and cake, but it was a miracle for a good 75% of the trigger foods that I grew up overeating and contributed to my obesity.0 -
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.
Well, it's sort of strange to think that you need to eat those kinds of foods regularly just to prove something. I'm okay with no longer eating a daily marshmallow fluff sandwich. And I am okay with the idea of never eating one again because I don't need to. I'm not hungry for it. Lots of people live happy, fulfilled lives without marshmallow fluff sandwiches.
But, it isn't as if I will never eat a cookie again or something like that, but it won't be on my grocery list because it doesn't need to be. A lifestyle doesn't need to include cakes and cookies if the individual doesn't want it to. To each, their own.
The point is to avoid extremes. If you can cut out sweets completely and not feel deprived, then fine, no one is saying you shouldn't do that. The concern is for those who cut them out but do feel deprived because it's hard to live an ascetic lifestyle and it can lead to the binge/diet cycle that so many are familiar with. Again, if you don't feel deprived then no problem, but if you can't eat one of something without binging then I have my doubts, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may want to listen.
That's the whole point though -- is that there are other ways to address avoiding deprivation than just moderation of the previous trigger food. For example, if a person loves mallowcakes. Perhaps after a time of avoiding highly processed foods including mallowcakes, they find that mallowcakes just don't scratch that sweet tooth itch anymore. Perhaps they just don't like mallowcakes that much anymore -- they simply don't taste as good as they once did once they detoxed all the unnecessary added sugar out of their diet. Perhaps they end up finding that they prefer a substitution -- maybe dark chocolate, maybe fresh fruit, etc.
They don't need to eat mallowcakes in moderation as the only path to success weight loss. Some people find that their palates changed when they got rid of certain things -- it's a pretty common phenomenon, not magic. But some proponents of moderation don't seem to take this possibility into account and rant about binging, deprivation, unsustainable fad diets, etc.
Detox? You must be joking, right?
Permanent palate changes are fine and I don't think anyone is saying otherwise, but people's tastes and cravings can also come and go. It's not a matter of a specific food unless there is a desire for it. As I said above, I don't eat much candy because I generally don't like it, and I can go long periods without sweets, but when I want it I eat a portion and call it a day. It's simply a matter of making sustainable changes by ovoiding overly ambitious goals.0 -
I am working on remaking my favorite foods so I can have them more regularly. This next two months, I am cutting out white bread, white sugar, more processed foods, etc, to break the addiction.
After that, I plan to, SLOWLY and CAREFULLY, let some back into my diet as a treat here and there. That being said, the one thing I am not going back to is traditional fast food. If I am going to have a high calorie treat, it's going to be good quality, damn it.0 -
Detox? You must be joking, right?
Permanent palate changes are fine and I don't think anyone is saying otherwise, but people's tastes and cravings can also come and go. It's not a matter of a specific food unless there is a desire for it. As I said above, I don't eat much candy because I generally don't like it, and I can go long periods without sweets, but when I want it I eat a portion and call it a day. It's simply a matter of making sustainable changes by ovoiding overly ambitious goals.
I don't think detox is a bad way to look at it, especially with sugar. If a person is eating a lot of highly processed foods, there is likely a lot of added, unnecessary sugar there -- and for good reason because it increases palatability and induces cravings, making people want to eat more and more of it. Manufacturers don't add it for other reasons. It increases their bottom line, period.
And when people cut out or cut back on those sorts of food, their tolerance for sugar likewise reduces. It is common that they find lower sugar item things far more satisfying, less amounts of the same previous item satisfying (sort of the basis for the moderation argument) and often many of the previous high sugar foods too sweet because their palate has shifted. This is a fairly common phenomenon. That sure looks like detox to me.0 -
I love food too much. How can I quit the junk food once and for all?
I love food too which is why I eat very little fast food. What you love are the chemicals and sugar in fast food that light up your brain every time you eat it. That stuff is closer to garbage than it is real food. FWIW, I've been eating like a king since I started my fitness journey in April. In fact, my major problem is eating enough. I'm supposed to eat 2,400 calories per day but due to the exercise and the types of food I eat now, I find it difficult to eat such massive quantities. I can't imagine how much I'll have to eat when I move into maintenance mode.
Good luck with breaking your addiction. Feel free to send me a friend request if you want some meal ideas.
Sam
Man i concur! with just 45 minutes of cardio in the morning, it adds enough calories that i can do my "not so tasteful" foods in the morning, and save up for the baked chicken and a little somethin' somethin' in the evening and still lose weight and feel full all day...best tip i ever got was eat something between meals..maybe some peanuts, or granola..to keep your metabolism burning..i find that on weekends when i dont work out i feel drowsy about midday, i also find i graze like a cow..wandering around finding something to chew on...so i have to outthink my mouth and keep low calorie, filling things within arms reach, and find a way to use my time that doesnt let my mind focus on the habit of eating. i ate pizza last night and still was under calorie count...and i noticed that although it was good...i could have done without it...any addiction you give up will allow your mind to refocus on things that are good for you, and you will find your taste will change once your body is allowed to heal from the junk we fed ourselves...Live long and prosper! \/0 -
Detox? You must be joking, right?
Permanent palate changes are fine and I don't think anyone is saying otherwise, but people's tastes and cravings can also come and go. It's not a matter of a specific food unless there is a desire for it. As I said above, I don't eat much candy because I generally don't like it, and I can go long periods without sweets, but when I want it I eat a portion and call it a day. It's simply a matter of making sustainable changes by ovoiding overly ambitious goals.
I don't think detox is a bad way to look at it, especially with sugar. If a person is eating a lot of highly processed foods, there is likely a lot of added, unnecessary sugar there -- and for good reason because it increases palatability and induces cravings, making people want to eat more and more of it. Manufacturers don't add it for other reasons. It increases their bottom line, period.
And when people cut out or cut back on those sorts of food, their tolerance for sugar likewise reduces. It is common that they find lower sugar item things far more satisfying, less amounts of the same previous item satisfying (sort of the basis for the moderation argument) and often many of the previous high sugar foods too sweet because their palate has shifted. This is a fairly common phenomenon. That sure looks like detox to me.
Are you saying that sugar is a toxin? Or simply that it tastes particularly good and that people need to find ways to eat less of it because it is high in calories?0 -
I agree. That makes no sense. MFP is the only fitness/health website I've seen with such backwards thinking. And people that are proud of it. As if there is only one path to success. Mind boggling.
It's not backwards thinking, it's logical thinking. Many people wind up losing weight and then putting it back on, then embark on the cycle again... usually many times. MFP is filled with people who failed to maintain, often because they used a fad method to lose weight: eliminating foods, eating too few calories and messing up their metabolism, assuming exercise is for weight loss and thus stop exercising once they reach their goals but don't lessen how much food they eat to ensure they are not eating above their new/lower TDEE.
So instead of going about weight loss as being a "diet," you go about it as being a time to lose some fat. And the way to do that is to eat less food, not to restrict what you eat. Many people embark on a "clean" diet but don't stick to it forever because it can be very frustrating and stressful. When I used to "eat clean," I didn't even eat rice cakes because I deemed them to be unclean. But like.. it's just rice and water. I demonized foods, I was always worried at restaurants about what I could eat, and if I did happen to indulge in something "forbidden," I often overdid it.
It's much easier to eat a lifestyle than it is to eat a diet. So if you know you'll always and forever "eat clean" then that's your lifestyle, not your diet. THankfully there are people on the MFP forums who have lost lots of weight and kept it off with this flexible/moderation approach to eating, and are trying to get more people to understand that diet =/= eating only acceptable foods.
Well, it's sort of strange to think that you need to eat those kinds of foods regularly just to prove something. I'm okay with no longer eating a daily marshmallow fluff sandwich. And I am okay with the idea of never eating one again because I don't need to. I'm not hungry for it. Lots of people live happy, fulfilled lives without marshmallow fluff sandwiches.
But, it isn't as if I will never eat a cookie again or something like that, but it won't be on my grocery list because it doesn't need to be. A lifestyle doesn't need to include cakes and cookies if the individual doesn't want it to. To each, their own.
The point is to avoid extremes. If you can cut out sweets completely and not feel deprived, then fine, no one is saying you shouldn't do that. The concern is for those who cut them out but do feel deprived because it's hard to live an ascetic lifestyle and it can lead to the binge/diet cycle that so many are familiar with. Again, if you don't feel deprived then no problem, but if you can't eat one of something without binging then I have my doubts, and perhaps, just perhaps, you may want to listen.
What? Listen...to you? I respected your opinion. But, I think I'm going to enjoy choosing to eat in a way that works for me. I don't need your instructions or your faux-care warnings. You don't know me or my lifestyle. I never said I cut out sweets completely, never did I say that. Heavy sigh.
My post was basically to say to each, their own. I'm not going to rag on people who would prefer to not eat candy on a regular basis nor am I going to rag on people who like their evening ben and jerry's. (Note: I belong to neither of these. I can eat a piece of candy, but it's just not going to be on my grocery list because it doesn't need to be). TO EACH THEIR OWN.
And also, binge eating really has more to do with emotions, poor coping mechanisms, etc than it does with the food. People who binge (like, genuinely, have the eating disorder) don't need cookies in order to binge. They can binge on anything even if it doesn't taste good.
*Also, maybe this is because my family doesn't come from the US and thus doesn't eat the standard American diet (which is cool, not ragging on the standard American diet, and if the following comes across that way, know that I was born and raised in the US and I apologize and you can most certainly send me a PM), but eating ice cream every day or having regular desserts just isn't part of the culture. Sweets are saved for special occasions, children, or just for fun times. <--this is how I have chosen to approach sweets because it works for me.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions