Why can't I let go of Mcdonalds?

ExplorinLauren

I've spent the last 4 months realllllllllly getting my food and diet in order. I'm a COMPLETELY different person than I was 4-5 months ago!

I try to eat as clean as possible. I've given up all boxed type foods, all Lean Cuisine's, all chips, all fried foods and boxed meals ... I live off salads, lean meats, TONS of veggies..and some fruits (I'm not a big fruit person..but I try) I splurge sometimes on nuts (pref Pistachios) lol If I eat potatoes, I make them grilled or mashed, from real potatoes. I eat tons of steamed veggies. I switched Ribeyes to Sirloins, I eat chicken like its going out of style, I've even learned to LOVE Salmon (I hated it before)

I've changed allllll of my habits. I used to eat out, between breakfast, lunch and dinner.... at least 6-10 times a week. I'm ashamed to say. But between ordering fast food, Chinese, Popeyes, pizza for dinner... yeah. Really at LEASTTTT that much!

But the one thing I can't seem to give up is McDonalds Double Cheeseburgers. I let myself get one, once a week, and this past week, I went there twice

I know its bad. I know its filled with fillers, preservatives and lard and every nasty thing I can think of... but for some reason.. its the ONE thing I can't seem to let go of
The reason I feel bad about it today, as opposed to any other day, is ... my diet today consisted of a snack size Spicy chicken bite , and a double cheeseburger. WTF?

I've finished the day thinking... If only I didn't spend 650 cals at Mcd's... I could have had a nice sirloin, a salad and maybe even potatoes?! And I would feel full and satisfied.
WTH did I waste calories on a Double Cheeseburger for dinner, and now I am sitting here wondering why I'm still hungry and feel like crap about it ?!?

What is it I need to tell myself to finally get over this addiction to Double cheesburgers? I feel like I've come sooooo far, but I am still so far away from where I want to be

ExplorinLauren

Bump.... Pls really looking for answers

kds2047

the biggest thing to remember is that the bun holds almost half the calories in a sandwich from mcdonalds, if you have that craving get the double cheeseburger, but nix the bun. that's 280 calories instead of 440. you cant ignore cravings, if you have it, feed it but do it in moderation, get a double cheeseburger no bun then make sure to go for a run to burn those calories off. my humble ideas at least....

misty0413

just get a reg cheeseburger not the double

victoria4321

See a food addiction specialist perhaps? Its one thing to like a food but to feel as if your need it hints at a problem

MissNations

Just remember how you are feeling right now. And next time, think back on today.

cobracars

I think you got more nutrition from the 400 calories at McD's than you did the 400 calories of vodka shots. McD's is not the enemy, it isn't evil, its a splurge every once in awhile. You're fine.

MJMARIN81

I think you should plan all meals in advance. Maybe its because of how quick and easy it is to get it. I tend to log and pack all my food for the day the night before. That way I know how much I am eating and how much room I have left for extra snacks. Generally I do my entire day but dinner. I have breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and then an extra slot for workout cals. I think if you map out your day you will have an easier time sticking to it. Try it for a week and see how it works.

lyxus

The way i stopped is being acountable.
You want to eat the double cheese bruger fine ! But you HAVE to burn it at the gym (as an extra of what you do every day)

majordlite

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I still eat at McD's a few times a week, mainly for a vanilla cone (150 calories) and sometimes a McChicken with lite or no mayo (310 calories), and I've lost 22 lbs so far. Maybe I could've lost more weight if I'd eaten "cleaner", but that's not what's working for me right now. I'm staying under my calorie goals or awfully close every day, so I eat what I feel like if it fits in for the day and it's what I really want. Now, the fact that you're still hungry is a bit of cause for concern. When I'm in that situation, I mix some protein powder with unsweetened almond milk (210 calories, loads of protein), and it holds me. Best of luck to you!

treimnitz

They say it takes 21 days to "break a habit". The only thing I can think to say is go cold turkey and replace it with something else.
Perhaps try making your own cheeseburger?

Morgaine_on_the_move

Well, I don't have any answers for you, but I can definitely relate...except for me, it's dessert, not McDonalds. I eat really healthfully except for dessert, and I've wondered about why I want to eat it so much.
It's interesting that you probably have no problem passing up dessert, and I could go the rest of my life without eating McDonald's, yet our issue is essentially the same.

ash190489

Sounds like to me that you're addicted to all those nasty things like the salt, fats and sugars. I wouldn't stop eating it, but I wouldn't have it once per week either... and if you crack, only get a normal cheeseburger? I honestly felt that I was at one stage addicted to those kinds of food! They put in SOOO much sugar etc. to do that exact thing - addict you so we keep coming back for more! Be strong. Begin maybe by getting the normal cheeseburger and then only have 3/4, then 1/2 etc. and perhaps have it once a fortnight instead?

AUmamac

Try to find a replacement (what's that laughing sound?). Yeah I know, sounds dumb, but a friend addicted to ice cream sand satiated her cravings (somewhat at least) with fat free cool whip frozen btwn 2 choc graham crackers. Maybe try several recipes of your version at home. Maybe you'll find one you like. I'm no hardcore diet-er but I'd try some skim cheese and 2 jennieO frozen turkey burgers in a lean-mean-fat-grilling machine. Wow, that sounds like a terrible product plug. But I like those cooked that way b/c they crisp up and they're thin like mcdee's. Just a thought?

elenathegreat

I've spent the last 4 months realllllllllly getting my food and diet in order. I'm a COMPLETELY different person than I was 4-5 months ago!

I try to eat as clean as possible. I've given up all boxed type foods, all Lean Cuisine's, all chips, all fried foods and boxed meals ... I live off salads, lean meats, TONS of veggies..and some fruits (I'm not a big fruit person..but I try) I splurge sometimes on nuts (pref Pistachios) lol If I eat potatoes, I make them grilled or mashed, from real potatoes. I eat tons of steamed veggies. I switched Ribeyes to Sirloins, I eat chicken like its going out of style, I've even learned to LOVE Salmon (I hated it before)

I've changed allllll of my habits. I used to eat out, between breakfast, lunch and dinner.... at least 6-10 times a week. I'm ashamed to say. But between ordering fast food, Chinese, Popeyes, pizza for dinner... yeah. Really at LEASTTTT that much!

But the one thing I can't seem to give up is McDonalds Double Cheeseburgers. I let myself get one, once a week, and this past week, I went there twice

I know its bad. I know its filled with fillers, preservatives and lard and every nasty thing I can think of... but for some reason.. its the ONE thing I can't seem to let go of
The reason I feel bad about it today, as opposed to any other day, is ... my diet today consisted of a snack size Spicy chicken bite , and a double cheeseburger. WTF?

I've finished the day thinking... If only I didn't spend 650 cals at Mcd's... I could have had a nice sirloin, a salad and maybe even potatoes?! And I would feel full and satisfied.
WTH did I waste calories on a Double Cheeseburger for dinner, and now I am sitting here wondering why I'm still hungry and feel like crap about it ?!?

What is it I need to tell myself to finally get over this addiction to Double cheesburgers? I feel like I've come sooooo far, but I am still so far away from where I want to be

Why would you agonize over those extra calories? Move your bod and burn them off, then you can have that nice dinner!

tammyc226

For me at least I have to work in some treat type food everyday otherwise I feel like I'm depriving myself and crave everything. If I know I'm having something later then the cravings go away. Perhaps because as you said you have virtually given everything up, your brain and taste buds are rebelling?

KarmaxKitty

There are things in the food that LITERALLY make it addictive when it builds up enough. Try weaning yourself off slowly. Switch to a regular cheeseburger first, then maybe try getting a regular size once every two weeks instead of every week. I don't see anything wrong with the occasional burger (unless, of course, it's interfering with a set regimen...), but all things in moderation. McDonalds is one of those things that almost always requires more expense of calories than hunger satisfaction. There are ways to eat well there, but if you're having your treat, try waiting a little longer in between. :flowerforyou:

AndreAudi

Mcdonalds food is addictive. I worked their as my first job when i was 16. How i dident gain weight i have no idea, but anyway once in a while it wont kill you. Just have too limit yourself.

ExplorinLauren

I think you got more nutrition from the 400 calories at McD's than you did the 400 calories of vodka shots. McD's is not the enemy, it isn't evil, its a splurge every once in awhile. You're fine.

lol thanks... but honestly... I've cut back from drinking EVERY day... to drinking only on Fri and Sat... so while I know it seems ridiculous... That too has been factored in to my "new lifestyle" ..
drinking alcohol cals only happens on those days.. thank you tho

soymilkcoffee

It sounds like you already know it's terrible for you. You don't have to let go of McDonalds completely, but you can have it in moderation. Maybe once every two weeks. And get the single burger, not the double cheeseburger.
Every time you have an irresistible urge to go to the drive-thru and get the double cheeseburger you can do some of the following:
-Add the burger into your dairy to see how it will affect your daily calorie total and macros.
-Think in terms of how much exercise you would need to do to burn off the calories.
-Instead, run to the grocery store and pick up some lean ground beef and whole wheat buns, and make your own healthier (and tastier!) burger. You can even make pre-made patties, freeze them and take 'em out when you have a craving.

cbevan1229

You told us what you were thinking AFTER you ate the double cheeseburger, but it would be more helpful to hear about the things you were thinking before you ate it. Specifically the things you were saying to yourself when you made the decision to get in your car and go to McD's, and on the way there.

HisPathDaily

Food is not your enemy ... and who says you "have to" give up McDonalds? ... if you feel you need to detox from there for a while, fine, but never tell yourself that "I will never have that again" because you set yourself up for failure.

For me, it's simply the effort ... stick to your calorie goals and that should guide you. My point is that burning 700 calories is harder than not eating 700 calories ... well, it is to me anyway! ... so it just became a "is it really worth it?" question after a while.

Sometimes ... a pizza and some beers are worth it to me! lol ... if I ran a 10k and I want to partake, I shall partake ... so for me it was the calculator game ... "Well, I can eat this, but if I do I want to burn more to balance" ... and just that discussion with myself helped me "slowly" learn to say no ...

It's a process ... give yourself time, and don't beat yourself up ... but do push to stay consistent and keep fighting.

thisisjl

I agree with most people here. I've lost 8.8 pounds in the past month and I can honestly say I've eaten fast food 1-2X per week. When I got to McD I get a double cheese burger or a McDouble which is a little less calories and a SMALL fry if I get fries at all. Just account for it work it off at the gym and keep it to a minimum it's fine to have a treat. There are many people on here who think unless you are eating nothing but meat veggies and fruits "clean" eating your doing it wrong. I don't agree. Give yourself the treat once in a while as long as you've stayed on track all week I don't see having a burger now and then.

Spartan_Maker

I have double cheeseburgers quite a bit and never worry about it because I always make sure they fit in to my daily macronutrient goals. They are very satiating and a big protein source.

You should watch Chazz Weaver's "Downsize Me" documentary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axxpb7TJ7cQ

DangerJim71

I think you have your own solution. You mentioned the nice dinner you could have had if not for the cheeseburger. Log it before you eat it and then think to yourself: do I want that or this which will taste better and be more satisfying?

Personally, I don't eat McD's because it tastes like ****. I would rather grill a nice lean burger at home.

ExplorinLauren

You told us what you were thinking AFTER you ate the double cheeseburger, but it would be more helpful to hear about the things you were thinking before you ate it. Specifically the things you were saying to yourself when you made the decision to get in your car and go to McD's, and on the way there.

Well, usually I have someone watch my babies (while my husband is on deployment)... I have a couple errands to run...and the only place next to me is a Farm Fresh (groc Store) with a bank, a Burger King, a Mcds, and a dairy queen.

If I had to say... it would be ... that the only time I had to myself to go around would be to stop by this Mcds.

Maybe I'm associating Mcds with my alone time... and that is the problem?

pamela_73

I don't find this bad at all. Maybe having that double cheeseburger is helping keep you on track. You could try having the smaller cheeseburger and see if it works, but I don't think that people need to stick to typically healthy foods 100%. After all, the world is not filled with 100% typically healthy food. Give yourself a break. Maybe twice a week is one too many, but if it fits in with your calories then I don't see the issue.

chrystee

How about make a deal with yourself.. you can get the burger 1 time a week, if you burn off the calories before?

We love five guys, and now I do a little cheeseburger instead of the double on the regular, cause it saves about 350-400 calories.

Halfangel

a) forgive yourself.

b) have the damn cheeseburger once in a while. Just make sure you stay within your deficit and pay your body back with better choices the rest of the week/day.

ExplorinLauren

I agree with most people here. I've lost 8.8 pounds in the past month and I can honestly say I've eaten fast food 1-2X per week. When I got to McD I get a double cheese burger or a McDouble which is a little less calories and a SMALL fry if I get fries at all. Just account for it work it off at the gym and keep it to a minimum it's fine to have a treat. There are many people on here who think unless you are eating nothing but meat veggies and fruits "clean" eating your doing it wrong. I don't agree. Give yourself the treat once in a while as long as you've stayed on track all week I don't see having a burger now and then.

Thats the thing!!!
I've changed HOW I eat at Mcds... Before I would get nuggets, quarter pounder. with cheese large fries... sweet tea... all that adds up to MAJOR cals!!!
I thought by getting a double cheese once a week, I was doing something right
One double cheese a week is WAYYYY dif than getting a quarter pounder with cheese, large fry large sweet tea!!!

Somehow, I feel worse about it now than I ever did...I never get a sweet tea... I rarely get fries, if I do its a small... I feel like I changed everything, but for some reason I still feel like I'm eating the same crap.

cbevan1229

If I had to say... it would be ... that the only time I had to myself to go around would be to stop by this Mcds.

Maybe I'm associating Mcds with my alone time... and that is the problem?

That sounds like a possibility - you will be the only one who can really decide for sure if that fits. Is stopping there a routine when you have someone to watch the kids? Has it come to represent a little way to indulge yourself when you have a moment away from your mommy responsibilities? If so, there are probably healthier things you could do to indulge yourself, many non-food related. Maybe get your nails done, or just steal a few minutes to sit in a park and read a book? Then have your cheeseburger when you get home, with ingredients and cooking that you control.