Anybody else here ADDICTED to fast food?

missxchelly

I have been on this journey for years and years and I always end up back in the drive-thru. People think I'm crazy because they can't see how anyone can be ADDICTED to fast food. Well honey, it's true. I'm not sure if it's the fat I crave, or the salt or it's over all goodness or what. I've been apart of MFP since June 2,2011 and have lost 10 pounds already but the wanting fast food all of the time never gets any easier. Before I joined this site I was probably eating out once to twice a day sometimes. Every bite I felt like I was killing my heart. I need motivation to keep my mind focused on the game instead of wanting some fries. Anybody with me?

AZKristi

Watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, it may help motivate change!

tweatherford11

I love Fast Food myself, or well any food that isn't good for me. This is my first week on MFP and have managed to stay away, which was hard when I had to go through the drive thru at BK for the hubby, ugh! I think it is a struggle, but will become easier with time. You've already made it a few weeks, just think about how long you've managed NOT to eat FF when you think about going next time. Btw, looks like you're off to a great start!

SabrinaJL

Fast food is definitely my biggest weakness. Try watching Super Size Me and reading Fast Food Nation.

donmikulecky

In German the word "fast" means "almost". Very appropriate I'd say. Healthy quick snacks and meals are easy to come by and can taste much better and be more satisfying. Invest a few minutes and then dig in your heals and go cold turkey. You won't go back!

oddyogi

Buy Now Eat This! by Rocco Dispirito. Look it up on Amazon.com---over 150 of America's comfort foods!

Also, dashingdish.com is a favorite site of mine right now.

I've cooked so much this week and everything is yummy, low-calorie, and mostly healthy! I don't even miss Taco Bell or McDonald's.

Helice

I am completely addicted to junk food too.
If i dont get kfc evry other day i get really pissy.
Like it was when i gave up smoking..
And the problem is, is that it is an addiction.
I mean i havent smoked for 2 years, and i still always want one. Even now im gagging for a *kitten*...
But yet not eating fast food is harder...
You can yell **** off at a *kitten* craving..
But u cant yell **** off to food...

jmessgirl

I absolutely feel ya! I looooove my burgers chicken nuggets and fries Haha. Honestly for right now I've been trying to atleast keep whatever I get within my daily calorie limit or keeping myself full of healthy stuff so that when I'm out I don't get as much of I do. I've also been trying to work it off by exercise. Once You see how long it takes just to burn one double cheese Burger you tend to look at it a little differently. hope this helps you!

Gilbrod

Fast food is definitely my biggest weakness. Try watching Super Size Me and reading Fast Food Nation.

Ugh. That did to me what Upton Sinclairs' "The Jungle" did to that generation. Nothing like cooking your own meals and having it make u feel fuller than fast food. Cheaper too.

chevy88grl

I used to be a fast food addict.

Then I started reading about fast food (nutrition facts, ingredients, etc) and I realized that you can't even pretend to think it is good for you. I quit fast food cold turkey. I don't eat it AT ALL. And I feel so much better .... no headaches, not bloated, no stomach issues, etc.

alex_marie85

Maybe the problem is in trying to take the fast food away altogether. Instead of saying "I'll never eat fast food" you can say "I'll have one day I'm allowed to eat it." This way you don't get into the horrible cycle of:

-banning a food
-succeeding for awhile but ultimately failing
-feeling shame, guilt, and failure which leads you to....
-start the cycle over

Use fast food as a treat and know you can eat it a little as long as your other days are good food days.

nosey_rosey

I was VERY addicted to eating fast food! I don't know if it was the food or the laziness that made me love it so much. I haven't touched fast food in a couple of weeks. I do every once in a while but I try to make smarter choices and eat it in moderation. I have lost 24lbs in 9 weeks and I am starting to feel better about myself. I noticed that my energy levels are wayyyy higher than before. I know now that no one else was putting the bad stuff in my mouth, it was ME! I have more control over foods and my lifestyle. It will get easier!!! I still crave it from time to time but I try and stay busy so that I don't endulge too often! Feel free to add me

helenium

It's a problem many people on here face. I was well on the way to developing a very difficult addiction to unhealthy food before I cut it dead. The first few weeks are awful.

Some scientific evidence suggest that addiction to food is similar to addiction to other substances (including heroin). It may help to use a smoking analogy. If you're trying to quit smoking, every time you go through the Drive-Thru is like having another cigarette. It undoes a lot of hard work, and demotivates you with "I can't actually quit this" thoughts. Yes it might take a few failed attempts. No, multiple failed attempts does not mean it is impossible.

In my experience, if you're one of those lucky people who can enjoy such food in moderation without craving more and more, that's great. Then again, someone who quits smoking cannot then 'enjoy cigarettes in moderation' - it's just going to get worse over time with a greater build-up of excuses. I try not to eat my trigger-foods (cookies, pistachio nuts and apple pies) because it's just a slippery slope.

Not sure if this was a helpful post, but maybe it's enlightening, I don't know.

johnnyutahpdx

Watch the movie "FOOD, INC"... once you see where the meat comes from for fast food places and the chemicals they put into it.. i.e. - ammonia... you'll never eat it again.

Read "The Omnivores Dilemma" as well... know where your food comes from. After all... we are what we eat.

ser0630

I can totally relate, especially with running around and eating on the go.

Here's something that I've been told (and I really should do) is if you're craving fast food, order the kids meals. You'll still get the taste of the fast food, but with smaller portions sizes. My sister-in-law does it. When I have wanted fast food, I have ordered just the burger or sandwich I wanted and skipped the fries.

waterjogger

Watch the documentary "Super Size Me". It might change your mind. My friend has a Mc D's burger and fries that is 9 years old-and it still looks like it did 9 years ago. It was so filled with preservatives that it hasn't rotted or anything. Can you switch to a healthier fast food like subway? I'm kind of a subwayaholic now.

sb_summer

Try gradual changes! I eat a LOT of drive-through food, and i love it, but I've gradually switched over to healthier options. And my new years resolution was to give up fries, and I've done it so far! I've found I get less indigestion and bloat when I order, for example, a grilled chicken snack wrap with apple dippers than a burger and fries - and it still feels a little indulgent to eat drive thru food. I also love taco bell's fresco stuff.

ohnuts14

You're not crazy. Food, in general, can become addictive, and fast food places, the food is so processed, it has chemicals and other things that are known to become addictive as well. They're not stupid, they know what they're doing. They count on the addictiveness of their food. Because honestly, how good does the food taste, REALLY? Not very good. Yet people love it. It's certainly not their culinary skills. Anyway, I had certain foods that, I ate every single day, that I just couldn't stop eating, like chips and candy. And honestly, the only thing that worked, was cutting out foods like that completely. I'll treat myself once in a blue moon, because it's insane to COMPLETELY deprive yourself of something you really, really like, but I think the best thing you can do for yourself is go cold turkey for a while. Maybe treat yourself like once a month. That's what I do. Everytime I treat myself, it gets easier, and at first I REALLY looked forward to those treats, but now I don't even care if I skip it. I still get crazy cravings occassionally, but rarely now. It'll take a while, but it will get easier. As for how to find the motivation, you have to find that in yourself. One thing that motivated me, was seeing my parents fall apart. At only 57 they can hardly walk. It scares me, and I decided that I don't want to end up like that, and I'm hoping that by them seeing me change, they'll want to as well. That was partly what really finally motivated me, but for you, you have to figure out what your motivation is. Ask yourself these questions; how badly do you want this? Why do you want to lose weight? Why do you want to be healthy? Really think about these things. You have to really want it, and you'll find your motivation. If you're having trouble, keep a journal, and really explore those questions. Answer them in depth, and let your writing flow, let your mind go wherever it likes. Back to your childhood, to your future, memories you've forgotten, whatever you happen to write, it can't be wrong. Hope this helps, good luck!

BJPCraig

People think I'm crazy because they can't see how anyone can be ADDICTED to fast food.

Well, those people are the ones who are crazy. My wife & I have read plenty of books on nutrition and can tell you that the research has shown that much of the chemical $#!+ that they put in fast food to replace the flavor that you would get from using quality ingredients is, indeed, addicting (and, of course, sugar and salt themselves are also mildly addicting).

I'm afraid that once you've got that monkey on your back, like an alcoholic, you're going to have to just manage the addiction; you'll never be quite free of it. However, you can occasionally scratch your itch with a healthier substitute. One day last year, the wife & I were longing for burgers and fries, so I did some Boca Burgers with all the trimmings and baked up some sweet potato fries. That did the trick and it was MUCH healthier (we even felt better after eating it than we would have if we'd given in to our cravings).

That's the other thing I should mention. As you get healthier, although the cravings might not go away, your body won't be able to handle the fast food as well. I used to do BK Veggie burgers with fries and Dr. Pepper on occasion. After staying away from it for a year or so, one day while my wife was out of town I figured this would be a quick dinner (and I could treat our dog to a cheese burger). But after eating it, I felt like I had the stomach flu! So I won't be doing that again, no matter how much I want it at the time...

ImperfektAngel

I'm addicted to food period! lol I can do without fast food though, I do go back on cheat days and have a meal but can't say I enjoy it as much as I used to. Must be the salt in the food, I am so thirsty after I eat and I usually dont even get soda with the meal just burger and fries!

Ladydi1982

I'm almost positive I agree with the above posts, however, I scrolled straight to the bottom to post. I used to go to the drive thru mon thru fri after work, order as much as I had money for and then scarf everything down before I made it home (it takes me approx 10-15 mins to get home). I didn't want anyone to know, so I stuffed the empty bags under my seat before I got out of the car. My husband still doesn't know I will tell him eventually... I have since stopped cold turkey about 2 months ago. I guess something just clicked and I don't even crave it any more.

Here is a site I found. Fast food does something to your brain that is similar to heroin and tobacco...

http://banzhaf.net/docs/newsci.html

Jennyisbusy

This is the one thing that really holds me back. I am looking forward to being mostly carless next week cause I will stay home and eat better. My kids love fast food / restaurants so I am fighting inner demons and little voices from the back seat too! I am learning a lot by using this sight though. 1 whopper = 1 1/2 big macs = 4 krystals with cheese. I can eat 1 krystal and feel like I had something so now I have a plan for next time. I am not ready to commit to 'never-again.'

missxchelly

Yeah. My Husband makes these amazing Jalepeno Cheese Burger and Steak Fries and I just have a serving of each and it's not that bad for you at all. Just gotta get the real lean meats and stuff. Anyways, I am not addicted to food in itself, just fast food. I don't eat a lot, I don't think about food all the time, I would rather (or used too) go out and get fast food for dinner instead of a home cooked meal because I felt like it tasted better and was delicious. It is an addiction. I know there are chemicals in that stuff. I'm going to school for Substance Abuse Counseling so I know a little bit about what addiction does to the body.

Also, I'm not one of those people who can dip into fast food every now and then. Like once a month, or even go through the drive-thru and get something healthier. For me, it's best to just stay away from it all together.

Happygreenmom

I don't particulartly like fast food, but I must be addicted to it, because I find myself eating it when there is great food in my fridge and no reason for me to eat out. It's quite alarming really. I have even found myself eating out as a reward to myself... it's really no good. I am trying to stay away now. I had a relapse the other day, but I'm holding strong now. :happy:

kissandxmakeup

It's the worst to stop eating something that used to bring you so much comfort. You're doing so great though, and that definitely counts for something! If you MUST go out for fast food, get the salads (no dressing, just use your own at home!). Subway is my go-to fast food, but when a drive thru is a must, I stick with salads and fruit. BK Apple Fries are deelish (nix the caramel!) and I like their Tendergrill salads (just had one for lunch!). Wendy's has delicious salads and fruit cups, and I like Taco Bell's fresco tacos. As you can see, I've had to watch what I'm eating at fast food quite a bit because my boyf and friends love fast food, and I don't want to feel like I'm missing out and just set myself up for failure. Try and pick the best that you can in those situations. Ten pounds isn't small potatoes! You're doing fabulous!

ohnuts14

All in all you have to do what works for you. If you feel like completely cutting it out of your diet is what will work best, then that's what you should do.

sprinkies

i'm not addicted to fast food but wow am i addicted to starbucks!! i could drink that every day but limit myself to 1 per week

hbrittingham

Part of your problem might be that you are seriously depriving yourself and you finally break down and eat comfort food. Losing 5 lbs a week isn't healthy and it may be that you finally are so hungry that you can't stand it anymore. I used to eat fast food sometimes, when I was tired and hungry, I would do the easiest thing, which was to go through the drivethru. Today was a case in point. I got home from being out of town and by the time I got unpacked and looked through the mail, it was already an hour and a half past my lunch time. I drove to Chick Fil A and got a chicken sandwich (original) and a diet lemonade. When I got home to eat it, I took the top bun off. So my meal was a total of 360 calories. In the old days, I'd eat the whole sandwich, diet lemonade and waffle fries. I don't want to think how many calories that was! It's all about making good choices.

JustBreathSB

Watch the movie "FOOD, INC"... once you see where the meat comes from for fast food places and the chemicals they put into it.. i.e. - ammonia... you'll never eat it again.

Read "The Omnivores Dilemma" as well... know where your food comes from. After all... we are what we eat.

I love FOOD INC!!! It just adds to the will power.

I very rarely eat fast food. My motivation is looking at the calories of what I'm thinking about eating before I actually order it. Not to mention the fat content, holy cow. I even feel the years of guilt on my shoulders from eating all those caramel frappuchinos from starbucks. I look at the nutrition facts now, and I just feel disgusted that I put that in my body over and over, sometimes daily. I say to myself, if I think I'll feel guilty after I eat it, I probably shouldn't eat it. Simple as that.

Elizabeth_C34

Super Size Me scared me straight. Food, Inc. is also outstanding.

Once you quit and stay quit from junk food, it's hard to go back to it. I feel like a million bucks these days (better sleep, so much more energy, can focus and concentrate longer) compared to how I felt when most of my diet was junk. I went to Wendy's today and coudn't finish the fries or the sandwich I got at all, something unheard of before.

missxchelly

It's the worst to stop eating something that used to bring you so much comfort. You're doing so great though, and that definitely counts for something! If you MUST go out for fast food, get the salads (no dressing, just use your own at home!). Subway is my go-to fast food, but when a drive thru is a must, I stick with salads and fruit. BK Apple Fries are deelish (nix the caramel!) and I like their Tendergrill salads (just had one for lunch!). Wendy's has delicious salads and fruit cups, and I like Taco Bell's fresco tacos. As you can see, I've had to watch what I'm eating at fast food quite a bit because my boyf and friends love fast food, and I don't want to feel like I'm missing out and just set myself up for failure. Try and pick the best that you can in those situations. Ten pounds isn't small potatoes! You're doing fabulous!

Oh I love Subway (= I usually don't crave fast food unless I'm hungry so I try to stay satisfied. That food makes you feel sluggish and nasty. I know about the fresco menu at Taco Bell. I actually hate it, I think it's gross. LOL. I would just rather not eat out. I kind of like better that way because at least I know and can control what I put in my food ya know?