Why Isn't it Enough?

bacitracin

Because bad food triggers serotonin release. It's like a heroin addiction, man.

meeper123

Your human yoi will mess up you will make mistakes why not allow yourself some small treates like example dark chocolate covered strawberries are wonderful and not to many calories or find replacments for the bad food you crave example when i want chips i make roasted chickpeas or eat hummus and kale chips yummy

NanaWubbie

Dealing with those demons inside your head can be so tough! When I get nervous I want to eat, or upset. It is so easy to pull into a drive through or grab some junk. ....and then I crave more because it doesn't really fill me up, I am never satisfied. It has taken me a whole lot of years to realize that food doesn't solve a single one of my problems, including craving comfort. Once I quit the insanity (doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results) I started learning to cope. When I get that weird, angry, nervousness in my head, I walk. I don't care what time it is....if it's 3am, I'll put the dog on a leash and grab a flashlight and go....or I'll paint something....and I NEVER had an artistic bone in my body before age 40, if you can believe it. I'll paint on canvas, go paint something on the chicken coop, paint the roof of the dog house (yes, my neighbors think I'm nuts), but at least I have something to show for my nervous energy other than large clothes! The non-judgemental support you find here is priceless. The feelings you are having are normal.

Mexicanbigfoot

I deal with this everyday. For me, junk food and sweets are an addiction. I use food for everything; when I'm bored, it entertains me; when I'm scared, it gives me comfort; when I'm happy I celebrate with food and when I'm sad or lonely, it does the same. Sweets never say no. I got to the point where I was hiding food all the time in closets, dresser drawers, my car. I have been to the point (and past several times) of a weight I never thought I would see. I had to finally get real with myself and I will tell you, it's damn hard. It took several months of counseling (I had underlying issues, as well) and I don't consider myself "cured" but I think I'm coming out the other side a better person. I still do allow myself a sweet treat everyday if I have the calories and I never tell myself no, I am just very conscious of my portion size. Instead of eating a whole bag of mini Reese cups, I will have 10 or 11 and I really really treasure each one. So far, this is working for me. Some nights I eat 1 or 2 Girl Scout cookies. I try each day to eat mostly fruits and veggies in my diet, but I do try to budget for sweets, because I'm still me and I still love them. (my food diary is open if you want to check it out) I also reward myself with other things instead of food, that's a big one for me; charms for my bracelet, a massage, a new tattoo. Anything but food. I wish you nothing but the best of luck with your journey, I have a long way to go, but I'm confident that between what I learned in counseling and all the support I have on MFP, I can do this and I'm going to do it right and not deprive myself of anything I want. For me, this is a lifestyle change forever, not a diet "until" I reach that goal weight. Feel free to add me a friend if you would like extra support

salcha76

we're human....we've been programed from child hood to want this or that....crave this or that...use this or that for a reward or comfort....it's in retraining your mind...about everything! Our tummy's don't know what we put in it....it's our minds that have the "I want" fits....our bodies need fuel/energy/nutrients....we don't need the large fry....we don't need the plate full of food....or the 2nd round at the buffett....we need reprogramming....
good luck to you:)

nklunk

To help me from straying I have a planned "cheat day". I just started this about a month ago and so far it's going good. When I crave something I write it down then on my cheat day I can choose a few of them and enjoy!! Also to keep me motivated I write down new goals every month and put them on my phone so every time I check my phone i see them. Good luck!!

SkinnyForMinnie

Bump. Excellent question!

kayaksara

I eat a piece of dark chocolate every day. It's the last thing I eat every day and makes it all worth it!

jak2315

I eat a piece of dark chocolate every day. It's the last thing I eat every day and makes it all worth it!

I love dark chocolate and have a piece every day. It's also healthy for you.

nicolemtracy

There is nothing wrong with a treat here and there, but make sure it's just a treat. You don't want to feel deprived, but if you overdo it, you're going to feel like crap and set yourself back. Have a treat. If you see an exceptionally scrumptious looking cupcake, have one, be satisfied and move on.

Ramberta

I know others like to poke fun at them, but something like a single-serve mug cake satisfies my cravings WITHOUT leaving a bunch of tempting leftover cake lying around the house screaming to be eaten.

Oh. My. God. How had I never heard of this before?! Who would make fun of a tiny cake, that is the best idea ever! Lol seriously though, thanks for posting, because I am definitely going to try this. And soon. *cough*

RainHoward

Did you know that there really is a science of fast food? That these companies have spent billions of dollars figuring out how to make their "food" appealing and even, to a certain extent, addicting? Someone pointed out chemical release. Many of the chemical additives in processed food are designed for exactly that purpose and none other. It's marketing. And it's ingrained in us from almost birth. How many food advertisements are on television and radio in any given hour?

Chocolate releases the same endorphines as sex. Sugar triggers similar ones.

The good news is that as with most addiction, the longer you go without the less you desire it. I now find the taste of a Big Mac almost nauseating. Though I do still indulge in chocolate on occasion.

Ramberta

Here's some food for thought (hurr hurr):

Instead of examining why you don't feel good *enough* when you're eating well, try this-- the next time you're just salivating craving something so bad, and you just gotta have it, eat it, no matter how terrible or excessive it is. Eat it and enjoy it.

Then wait about half an hour to an hour, and realize that the crap food? Will shortly after make you *feel* like crap. And you realize that this was how you made yourself feel all the time before you went on a 'diet', and that you are starting to change that for the better! As others have said, it's more in the outlook than it is your 'human makeup'. We want sweets and junky food because we know we can access them and that they taste good, and they taste so good that we purposefully overlook the fact that it crashes down on us and makes us feel pretty miserable later!

Helenotero48

We are human, that's why. What I do is save some calories and have a a piece of chocolate once in a while. I love chocolate, I just can't give it all up.LOL

Lt_Starbuck

I must be a Cylon.

MrsG2

You can eat whatever you want, just work on moderation and portion control. Know yourself. For example: I can eat reasonably most of the time, but if ice cream is in the house I will eat it until its gone. Find your balance.

THIS! I crave junk food and I have it...in moderation. I had 2 pieces of pizza and a beer for dinner last night and it was WONDERFUL! I knew this would be dinner and I rationed my cals for it. I almost always have a piece of chocolate at night, too. This works (for me) to curb my sugar cravings during the day (knowing that I'm going to have that piece of chocolate to finish my day). Don't deprive yourself, just learn moderation. Moderation is the KEY to success.

operator646

I actually have to tell myself (sometimes out loud) "everyday is not a special occassion". Alot of the time this works and I make wiser choices. I still allow myself treats just not as often as I think about wanting them.