Food Addicts Anonymous??

bluenote

Ditto. I feel safe to share my happiness and mistakes here without being embarrassed. I also feel OK to share that I have a million miles to go before I reach a healthy weight, and that no one mocks me for it. We just have to keep holding each other up, no matter what.

strongandfit

Hi all last few days not so good. Still hanging in there. Holidays coming up. Lets get through that. best to you all.

Sunsh1ne

:Hugs: It always gets easier after the Christmas hump.

bluenote

strongandfit, keep hangin' on!! We need you!! :flowerforyou:

As for hangin' on, I had a terrible day, but I didn't stuff myself with food to make it go numb like usual. Kind of proud of myself for at least that. :ohwell:

Eava57

I just found your thread...I never thought of myself as a food addict because I don't overeat, I just eat the wrong foods! My name is Eava and I am a food addict. I joined MFP in July but my original group didn't make it through the fall. I was raised in a home where food equated love!!! I was always overweight...I remember when there were actually chubby sizes for kids! I wore a 14 Chubby...now that didn't mar me for life. :laugh:

sissy56

I remember chubby sizes. I hate Halloween because I was so fat as a 2nd grader, I split my costume down the back. And I was trick-or-treating with the tiniest girl in school, too. I wouldn't go roller skating in the 6th grade because I didn't want anyone to know I wore 8.5 shoes, same as my mom. Wow, reading this back, I guess I really do have issues.

Sunsh1ne

Hi Eava and Sissy, yep, we've all struggled with those kinds of issues. Welcome to FAA, here are your wings. :chuckle:

Good job resisting, Zorahope, that really is something to be proud of! :flowerforyou:

ginazurn

I ate 5 chocolate chip cookies yesterday. Part of my problem is I love sugar because my parents would never allow me to eat ANY sugar as a child. I load up on it because I was so deprived that I just latch on to it. Can anyone help me? It is really hard to control myself when teachers always have treats around. I don't really know what to do since Christmas goodies are coming up. I seem to crave them more when it is that time of the month too.... Any advice?:blushing:

jeanne832

Well My name is Jeanne and I am a food addict too...Glad to see that I am not alone...I did a paper on Emotional Eating for my fitness class...needless to say I didn't learn a thing I still over eat when I am sad, depressed and stressed about work, kids and hubby...Especially when hubby and I fight...I think whatever who cares if I get fat right? Well after a conversation with my sister in law.. I have decided I can do it and have the will power to do it..I need to set an example for my kids right? But Kim 8 cookies is nothing when I probably would have ate the whole darn package!

Sunsh1ne

You can do it, Jeanne. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step :flowerforyou:

littlejazzbird81

I've been thinking about what food means to me recently, and it is kind of scary. I eat when I am stressed and depressed, but I also eat to celebrate, or because "I deserve it." My favorite part of the holidays: the food. My favorite thing about vacation: the food. My favorite thing to do: go out to eat.

It is irritating to me that if you are addicted to alcohol or a drug or anything else, you stop doing it all together. No one is telling people with alcoholism, "just drink in moderation." But we have to learn to do that. We can't just stop eating all together. And moderation is NOT my strong point.

What I need to get addicted to is this great feeling I have had for the past three days where I have been staying on track. I feel more awake, I feel happier, and generally better. I may not be healthy yet, but I am starting to feel it, and I am hoping I will get addicted to being healthy instead of food.

bluenote

I think you are absolutely right, LJB. Once you experience how good it feels to stay on track (you have more energy, you are more resilient - well, except for some temptations-cookies!) you can keep reminding yourself of that every time you want to overeat.

What we always say on here is stop and think before your first bite. Ask yourself, is this food going to make me healthy? Will this food help me get stronger and more fit? A lot of times just reminding yourself before the food hits your mouth helps.

We are all struggling together. The good thing about MFP is that we are all in the same boat and can share those triumphs and sorrows with each other, no judgments attached. Sometimes just knowing people out there "get you" is what's important. :flowerforyou:

Welcome all newbies! :happy: :happy: :happy:

bluenote

I ate 5 chocolate chip cookies yesterday. Part of my problem is I love sugar because my parents would never allow me to eat ANY sugar as a child. I load up on it because I was so deprived that I just latch on to it. Can anyone help me? It is really hard to control myself when teachers always have treats around. I don't really know what to do since Christmas goodies are coming up. I seem to crave them more when it is that time of the month too.... Any advice?:blushing:

Gina, are you a teacher? (re: your comment about teachers and sweets) I am, too. I know exactly what you mean. It's like eating at school doesn't count for most teachers! Argh! I used to be that way. I totally get that mentality. Sweets are a reward for teaching all day! And you eat them all at school because no one at home will ever understand how exhausting your job is!

Eava57

It's that time of the year at our school too! Tomorrow we have a December potluck. As a teacher we hardly ever get treats so when we have a potluck it is such a "special" event. I will try to maintain and manage my portions. Hope I can fit in some exercise!

leshawnturner

Hey folks!!!! I don't have much time but I wanted to pop in and say hey to all of the newbies in the group!!!!! Plus tell everyone hello and to keep up the good work. Even if you have a bad day you are still doing good because you are aware that it was a bad day. so many times we overate unconscienously and before we know it there are empty wrappers surrounding us. I think being aware that this was a bad day and committing to doing better the next day is a great first step. We just have to continue on from that first step.

Have a great day!!!

littlejazzbird81

I teach too! Although not at a school, I work at a learning center. Exhaustion and stress definitely send me right to the sugar. Right now I am training a new clinician, and we always have big baskets of candy when we train new people for some reason. So far it has been three days, and I have only had one mini milky way. And it was dark chocolate, bonus points for antioxidants right? Hehe. Anyway, reading the posts that you all have written has really helped me. I am so happy I joined MFP. It's only Day 4, but I feel really great.

rheign

I would venture to say that the majority of the people on this site are food addicts. Some may be aware of it, others may not. Having an awareness that we "self-medicate" with food and making the decision to change our behavior is the most important step in the journey for those of us who do this. Thanks for posting this topic and getting the info out there. This may help those who are unaware of their behavior and offer support for those who are. THANKS! =]

gympamela

I am addicted to chips and salsa. I ate an entire bag of chips and a container of salsa last night. I am struggling with my addiction and it stresses me out!!!!!!

bluenote

Pamela, I know how you feel. I am also addicted to chips and salsa. At first I had to just never bring it in my house, it was so bad I would eat the entire bag at once. Now what I am trying is to bring in the salsa but used veggies instead (I know, I know - NOT a decent enough substitute when you are craving salty!). I hope that by forcing myself to stay away from the chips and salsa for a month I can reprogram my brain to accept the veggies. I'll let you know how it goes!

gympamela

Im not buying the chips anymore!!! They are gone now, and my scale told me EXACTLY where they went LOL. I got my workout in and havent eaten anything off diet yet today, so Im going to finish my stir fry and go take a shower and give myself a pedicure so I have something to do while I watch Bones and drool over Booth.

Eava57

We had our Christmas potluck yesterday. I really didn't blow it too bad during the lunch. I blew it last night. I didn't really eat dinner because I had to go to a class. I ended up eating cookies at the class then had a snack (salami/cheese) when I got home.:sad: Oh well, I am back on track today!!! I have been reading everyone's comments and I have come to the conclusion...I like to eat! I am going to control my portions this weekend. Maintenance is good, right?

Sunsh1ne

You can do it! You're relearning food habits you've had your whole life, so there's gonna be a learning curve, but you are learning and that's the point! :flowerforyou:

Ashia1317

Hi Everyone. Just saw this thread, and well, like the rest of you . . . I need to join.

My name is Melanie. I'm a 26 year old "emotional" and "bored" eater. Most of all, I really need to find a Choco-holics Anonymous group if anything. I eat when I'm bored, I eat when I'm stressed, and I have no control to almost ANYTHING chocolate.

I will say since joining, I'm really starting to read labels, count and watch HOW much more than WHAT I am eating. I have been doing better, but it's like food is my pacifier. I have to be chewing or have something in my mouth. So I've been resorting to sugar free mints and herbal tea. And if I absolutely HAVE to much, I keep a bag a celery sticks on my desk. It's hard. But it's nice to see I'm not the only one. Thank you!

Happy Holidays everyone!

tdbear

I am one of those people who is addicted to food who is married to someone who can and does eat everything and never gains an ounce. Food was my first and has remained my best friend. It has been there through thin and THICK!!! :laugh: Thin folks just can't understand our torture or battle in trying to lose or even maintain. So, I would like to join this group. I have to lose weight both for my physical being and for my emotional self. I have been diagnosed as a diet controlled diabetic. :sad: I also have arthritis and some breathing issues. :huh: Exercise is always interesting for me. I have managed to break my foot on a treadmill, have knee surgery following a skating accident, and pull my back while doing yoga.:laugh: It sounds like you all have good senses of humor and that will help us all get on with living a healthy life. Have a great weekend folks.:drinker:

Ashia1317

Ugh! Doesn't that just s*ck, tdbear!! I'm the same way - I have to watch what I eat because I can put it on my waist in no time. My bf can eat anything he wants and never gain. In fact, he's trying to gain 20 lbs and can't! I scoff and tell him I could beat him easily but then never get it off! He gets McD's #7 Chicken meal with a double cheeseburger on the side while I'm munching on my dry grilled chicken salad.

I'd like to think of it - in the end, he'll have heart failure and high cholesterol when we're older and hopefully I'll be healthier because of my choices. Even if a salad doesn't taste as good as fast food. :laugh:

erinm

HI everyone. I am new to this site, but I think this is the perfect group for me. I am definitely a food addict. I rely on food when I am sad, angry, stressed, etc. I used to be at a very healthy weight, and was very physically fit four years ago. I have since gained 70 pounds. I went through some emotional and stressful times, and turned to food. I almost gave up on losing weight thinking the fight was too daunting. But I am finally in a place emotionally that I am ready to face it head on, and get back down to my previous weight. I think this group is just what I need to help me get there!

bluenote

Welcome all newcomers! The first step is admitting you have a problem with food, and you've all done that! :flowerforyou:
We're a friendly, sometimes silly group that encourages one another in our weight loss journeys. We try to stop and think before putting anything in our mouths. Some choose to ask themselves, "Is this going to make me healthy?" Some ask, "Is this worth the few seconds of enjoyment it will bring me?" and so on. Feel free to share your stop and think questions!

Post your successes and your failures. We cheer you on and understand when it was a bad day. One day at a time, friends. :happy:

I personally had a terrible day yesterday. I fell into a bad habit. When the scale did not read what I wanted it to read, I had a pity party and overate. This is a huge problem for me. So after the risotto binge (which literally made me sick) I came on MFP and reviewed my eating and exercise for the week. I learned a lot there! I was very stressed this week and did not eat all of my cals, plus I did three days less of exercising because I was busy. NEXT time I have a bad weigh-in, I'm going to LOOK at my past week BEFORE I eat!!!

Sunsh1ne

It's great that you're noticing those patterns. :flowerforyou: Knowing what's wrong makes a problem a heck of a lot easier to fix.

I've had a pretty bad week. Finals and "that time" came during the same week and I basically threw up my hands and said "screw dieting, I can only deal with two big problems at one time, and these two are unavoidable." I'm home now, and done for the semester, so I'm finally back on track. I'm really proud of myself because I baked Christmas cookies today, but didn't eat too many of them, and because of the looooooong time spent cooking I actually came out ahead on calories.

nat1908

hello,
my name is natalie and i'm a food addict. wow! where do i begin with food?!?!? i just LOVE IT!! i would eat ALL DAY LONG!! me being a stay at home mom food is all around me. my house was always filled with cakes, dounuts, cookies, ice cream you name it i had all the junk food. I i'd eat til i was filled 2 the brim. But, then i'd feel like crap after. Now, i'm all about smarter choices and samller portions. we just have to reprogram our brains...........WE CAN DO IT!! :smooched:

Sunsh1ne

Hi, Natalie! You've definitely got it - we're all relearning healthy eating habits after a lifetime of bad ones. It's hard, but when you succeed, it's so liberating to finally feel in control. (or at least, I suppose it would be... I'll let you know when I get there :laugh: )