help! addicted to sugar
Options
Replies
-
I would just like to point out to the ladies getting all in a tizzy, that just because you don't like the delivery of information, doesn't make it any less valid. The advice to take responsibility for weight issues, rather than trying to explain them away, is good advice.
Also, I'd say the "shirtless men..." probably know what they're talking about, don'tcha think? Said shirtless man in question is probably one of the most helpful and knowledgeable people I've interacted with on MFP. Don't be so close-minded, ladies. :flowerforyou:
I think the problem is in the delivery - insulting people is rarely well taken. Whenever he disagrees there is a personal attack. Telling people they are idiots is rarely a helpful act. As opposed to that, giving a solution would actually be helpful.0 -
I would just like to point out to the ladies getting all in a tizzy, that just because you don't like the delivery of information, doesn't make it any less valid. The advice to take responsibility for weight issues, rather than trying to explain them away, is good advice.
Also, I'd say the "shirtless men..." probably know what they're talking about, don'tcha think? Said shirtless man in question is probably one of the most helpful and knowledgeable people I've interacted with on MFP. Don't be so close-minded, ladies. :flowerforyou:
I think the problem is in the delivery - insulting people is rarely well taken. Whenever he disagrees there is a personal attack. Telling people they are idiots is rarely a helpful act. As opposed to that, giving a solution would actually be helpful.
Please quote some of these personal attacks.
As for telling someone who is an idiot that they are in fact an idiot, it is actually helpful. See work with the Dunning Kruger effect.0 -
I would just like to point out to the ladies getting all in a tizzy, that just because you don't like the delivery of information, doesn't make it any less valid. The advice to take responsibility for weight issues, rather than trying to explain them away, is good advice.
Also, I'd say the "shirtless men..." probably know what they're talking about, don'tcha think? Said shirtless man in question is probably one of the most helpful and knowledgeable people I've interacted with on MFP. Don't be so close-minded, ladies. :flowerforyou:
I think the problem is in the delivery - insulting people is rarely well taken. Whenever he disagrees there is a personal attack. Telling people they are idiots is rarely a helpful act. As opposed to that, giving a solution would actually be helpful.
Actually, from what I've seen in this thread, he hasn't made a single insult. I can't find where he called someone an idiot. I have, however, seen a shocking number of personal attacks thrown at him, such as the shirtless men comment, the fake pics comment, the idiotic troll comment, the ignorant comment, etc.
Although, I will wholeheartedly admit that he can be a little "rough" with his delivery. He is short and blunt and to the point. He also likes to question people to get them thinking. It's how he does it. *shrugs* I still think he gave a helpful solution. Stop making excuses and take control of your weight loss.0 -
I used to go home and eat junk food right away because I was so addicted to the taste. However I wrote what I needed to stop doing, promising myself that it will be temporary and that afterward I can eat what I gave up on as a reward. For example, you can write: No gummy bear for a month. After a month, you can reward yourself with a packet of gummy bears for that one day.
After that one day, you can start over again, setting a longer waiting period. "No gummy bear for three months/year/whatever."
I did that with soda.
I wrote: No soda for a year on my phone so whenever I was tempted I would turn it on and see my note. At first quitting seemed like a better option than looking at my family members clinking soda cans with each other. I wanted to taste Sprite or Coca Cola so badly.
Now I only have three months left and I have no more cravings! I don't care for soda anymore and probably won't care much for it after my one year goal is finished though I promised myself that I’d drink a can of Dr. Pepper as a reward. See? (:
Also, munching on healthier alternatives like fruits (I suggest blueberries) and baby carrots while thinking to yourself: "Hm, I can eat a larger amount of [healthy food here] and it's the same amount of calories as [unhealthy food here] - except with the [unhealthy food here], I can eat a larger amount and be okay."
Like I said, I was addicted to junk food - especially ice cream. Once I started taking my diet seriously, I began to notice how I can eat so many cabbages or baby carrots and take in as much calories as just a VERY small half cup of chocolate ice cream. Obviously the cabbages and baby carrots are healthier alternatives and they fill you up better.
Another way to get your mind off of snacking on junk food is to drink lots of water or tea (choose one without calories or with low calories) - not so much to feel sick but enough to feel like you're not hungry. For every bite you want to eat the gummy candies, sip a small amount of water and before you know it, you won't crave it anymore because the water that you've drank made you full.0 -
Here's an article about a food addiction study in humans. Looks like Yale's been looking at this. Was an interesting read.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576243192495912186.html
I agree and there is another study I read a while ago that showed the same results using an MRI/brain scan. It definitely showed the brain had the same reaction to sugar that it did to heroin. There was a time not long ago that most people, including myself, didn't believe that alcoholism could be genetically linked but since I do like to keep an open mind, I did some research on it and found that it most definitely can. I'm hoping that the studies will continue about sugar addiction and hopefully what causes it in some and not others, just like other addictions. I have been battling this most of my life and people will tell you to "just" stop eating it. If you're an addict, it's not that simple. Thanks for the link. There are some amazing studies about the subject out there.0 -
I would just like to point out to the ladies getting all in a tizzy, that just because you don't like the delivery of information, doesn't make it any less valid. The advice to take responsibility for weight issues, rather than trying to explain them away, is good advice.
Also, I'd say the "shirtless men..." probably know what they're talking about, don'tcha think? Said shirtless man in question is probably one of the most helpful and knowledgeable people I've interacted with on MFP. Don't be so close-minded, ladies. :flowerforyou:
I think the problem is in the delivery - insulting people is rarely well taken. Whenever he disagrees there is a personal attack. Telling people they are idiots is rarely a helpful act. As opposed to that, giving a solution would actually be helpful.
Actually, from what I've seen in this thread, he hasn't made a single insult. I can't find where he called someone an idiot. I have, however, seen a shocking number of personal attacks thrown at him, such as the shirtless men comment, the fake pics comment, the idiotic troll comment, the ignorant comment, etc.
Although, I will wholeheartedly admit that he can be a little "rough" with his delivery. He is short and blunt and to the point. He also likes to question people to get them thinking. It's how he does it. *shrugs* I still think he gave a helpful solution. Stop making excuses and take control of your weight loss.
I agree there were some personal attacks on him in this thread. The idiot comment was in another thread I saw. Ignorant is a statement of truth when someone is uneducated about a topic, in this case, addiction. And note, I wasn't the OP, don't think I have a sugar addiction, and I've been doing great with my weight loss and lifting
The questions seem to be taken out of context at times. For example: he acknowledges that studies start with animals, but says that I'm saying everything that happens with animals happens with humans - even after I said that clearly isn't the case.0 -
I am noticing a trend with my ignore list its al shirtless men who have an ego issue who think that they must assert their dominance on the internet lol Why do I think Highlander every time I see a idiotic troll.
How about shirtless women? It will probably serve you well to actually listen to some of those shirtless men.
H'mm.......no thanks, I'll listen to the proven studies, thank you0 -
This might be completely useless info, but I noticed a huge reduction in my cravings as soon as I stopped taking birth control pills. While I was on them I used to think about what I would eat for lunch, while I was eating breakfast. Once I stopped taking the pill, I stopped thinking about food.0
-
I have made a commitment to myself to lose weight and eat right, and I have made a lot of drastic changes, but I can't stop my sugar cravings. I love anything "gummy", gummy bears, gummy dolphins, fuzzy peaches... my addiction too sweets has gotten so bad that for the past year, I've taken to adding insane amounts of sugar to juice, enough sugar that I have to eat it out the glass with a spoon
I believe i'm seriously addicted, and that if not for this addiction I wouldn't be as overweight as I am. Any suggestions on how I can start phasing out the amount of candy & sugar I eat? Maybe some healthy alternatives that can satisfy my cravings :sick:
Yep, you sound like you are addicted, but it's an addiction that you can break ... you just have got to want it. Accept that there are hidden sugars everywhere ... so NO sugar isn't really a true option. Going low carb is. I was heavily addicted to sugar and eating low carb broke the addiction. That's not to say that occasionally I don't have something sweet ... a single serving chocolate bar, something small as a treat every couple of weeks ... but sugar is a controlled substance in my life now. I use quite a bit of Splenda to sweeten things ... mainly my coffee. Most of my foods are home cooked meats and veggies, no fruit juices (for sure), and an occasional piece of fruit. I get my fiber from the veggies and I take vitamins to supplement what I might be missing - Alive is a good, all around multivitamin.
If possible, clean out your home and make it a safe zone ... if it's not there, you won't eat it. If not, why not? Noone needs a lot of sugar ... spouses, children, etc. ... and eating healthy is good for everyone. You might need to work others in the family into it gradually, but you can begin on yourself immediately. Just do it ... if you don't begin, it will never get better. I can't even tell you how much better I feel since I lowered my sugar intake ... it's incredible. Make the effort .. it is SO worth it!
:flowerforyou:0 -
I would just like to point out to the ladies getting all in a tizzy, that just because you don't like the delivery of information, doesn't make it any less valid. The advice to take responsibility for weight issues, rather than trying to explain them away, is good advice.
Also, I'd say the "shirtless men..." probably know what they're talking about, don'tcha think? Said shirtless man in question is probably one of the most helpful and knowledgeable people I've interacted with on MFP. Don't be so close-minded, ladies. :flowerforyou:
I think the problem is in the delivery - insulting people is rarely well taken. Whenever he disagrees there is a personal attack. Telling people they are idiots is rarely a helpful act. As opposed to that, giving a solution would actually be helpful.
Actually, from what I've seen in this thread, he hasn't made a single insult. I can't find where he called someone an idiot. I have, however, seen a shocking number of personal attacks thrown at him, such as the shirtless men comment, the fake pics comment, the idiotic troll comment, the ignorant comment, etc.
Although, I will wholeheartedly admit that he can be a little "rough" with his delivery. He is short and blunt and to the point. He also likes to question people to get them thinking. It's how he does it. *shrugs* I still think he gave a helpful solution. Stop making excuses and take control of your weight loss.
I agree there were some personal attacks on him in this thread. The idiot comment was in another thread I saw. Ignorant is a statement of truth when someone is uneducated about a topic, in this case, addiction. And note, I wasn't the OP, don't think I have a sugar addiction, and I've been doing great with my weight loss and lifting
The questions seem to be taken out of context at times. For example: he acknowledges that studies start with animals, but says that I'm saying everything that happens with animals happens with humans - even after I said that clearly isn't the case.
"I work in substance abuse, so I've spent a ridiculous amount of time reading and researching addiction. Some people are more prone to addiction than others. Sugar is as addictive, if not more than cocaine."
So what was the point of that post? You were talking about people and addiction then make a statement based off of an animal model. By writing them in the same paragraph, it looks like you are implying that sugar is as addictive as cocaine in humans.0 -
"...I wonder if there are any women who have been overweight but lost weight on a non low carb diet without 2-3 hrs in the gym."
Calorie restriction alone will cause weight loss but the other bio-chemical problems are not addressed through calorie-restriction alone. If proper nutrition is not a part of the scene, she will regain. That is why 97% (IIRC) of obese people (and I suspect it is even a higher proportion of obese women) regain all of the weight (plus more) that they lost, within a short period of time, after a standard low-fat/calorie-restricted diet has ended. Unless she is obsessively vigilant, she will regain while eating sugar and starch. Many women have figured this out for themselves. I have not regained an ounce in three years. And my experience was yo-yo weight-gain/weight-loss for many years before that. What you are saying is destructive.
ETA: I must leave for my swim session. I will return to the discussion later today.
IMO there are two separate issues here. One is weight loss, which is the same for everyone calories in < calories out. No one is immune to it. The second issue is nutrition, which can different for everyone particularily those with medical conditions, allergies, and food intolerances. A normal healthy person can eat whatever they want as long as calories in < calories out. A person with one or more of the problems listed above have to eat in accordance to what's good for their condition but even if they don't they can still lose weight based on calories in < calories out.
Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone can benifit from eating a nutrious healthy whole unprocessed foods. I believe eating healthy is medicine for people with conditions and it's good as preventative measures for normally healthy people. I do think eating healthy for normally healthy people is a personal preferance. Let's not confuse nutrition with weight loss. You don't have to be "healthy" to lose weight. You don't have to have nutrition to lose weight. (ie starving people in 3rd world countries still lose weight.) You only need your calories in to be less then your calories out. IMO being healthy and eating healthy are even two separate issues. Lot's of healthy people eat whatever. A lot of unhealthy people eat healthy. A large part of health is genetic. My suggestion it to find out what works for you and continue on. When you recieve advice in the forums take it or leave it.... RESULTS will vary. Your experiences and results will be different then the advisers.
Yes--I understand your point of view. However, what is the point of losing, only to regain? The wider issue that the OP was going for, I think, is her issue of "sugar addiction" (and I'm guessing she is also addicted to simple carbs as well--the two seem to go together). Just as an alcoholic is advised to simply abstain from alcohol, so an obese (30% or more above "ideal" lean weight) sugar/simple carb addict must refrain from them to bring her hormones, leptin, insulin, adiponectin, cortisol, human growth hormone, etc. (all of which have a bearing on adiposity) back to a healthier level. At the same time, she must increase her level of exercise, as that will aid in correcting her hormones, in addition to burning calories and enabling her to eat more nourishing food to "heal" her body of its derangement.
I have no problem with low carb. It helps regulate blood sugar and certainly can help combat sugar cravings specifically for sugar addicts. I am a sugar addict as well. I also have PCOS which caused me to be insulin resistant and border line diabetic. Low carb and quiting all processed sugar helped me get a handle on my addiction and my medical issues. However, low carb is not the ONLY way to lose weight and keep it off for women. Once a woman has lost most of her excess weight and changes her lifestyle, she learns portion control, he blood sugar regulates, and her hormones regulate thus allowing her to eat carbs in moderation with going crazy. It can and does happen. If a women tries to restrict herself for ever on something as broad as carbs.... she will NEVER IMO keep the weight off. It'd be like dieting for the rest of your life which is not sustainable.
I'm at the three-year mark since I cut out sugar/simple carbs and I have no inclination to leave my current healthy diet. I have not regained an ounce in all that time--in fact, I have slowly lost weight. I do not feel at all deprived--I feel healthier and well-nourished.
ETA: I think the important part of "abstaining" is to concentrate on the positives (better health and appreciating whole nourishing food) rather than obsessing over the "negative" of not being able to eat doughnuts, cookies, etc. Right now, I am chomping away on a delicious salad of organic grape tomatoes, organic cucumber, organic baby carrots, organic green pepper, scallions, organic avocado, organic raw milk cheddar, and a lovely salad dressing made with organic whole milk yogurt. A crummy old cookie or doughnut could never compare. 0 -
"...I wonder if there are any women who have been overweight but lost weight on a non low carb diet without 2-3 hrs in the gym."
Calorie restriction alone will cause weight loss but the other bio-chemical problems are not addressed through calorie-restriction alone. If proper nutrition is not a part of the scene, she will regain. That is why 97% (IIRC) of obese people (and I suspect it is even a higher proportion of obese women) regain all of the weight (plus more) that they lost, within a short period of time, after a standard low-fat/calorie-restricted diet has ended. Unless she is obsessively vigilant, she will regain while eating sugar and starch. Many women have figured this out for themselves. I have not regained an ounce in three years. And my experience was yo-yo weight-gain/weight-loss for many years before that. What you are saying is destructive.
ETA: I must leave for my swim session. I will return to the discussion later today.
IMO there are two separate issues here. One is weight loss, which is the same for everyone calories in < calories out. No one is immune to it. The second issue is nutrition, which can different for everyone particularily those with medical conditions, allergies, and food intolerances. A normal healthy person can eat whatever they want as long as calories in < calories out. A person with one or more of the problems listed above have to eat in accordance to what's good for their condition but even if they don't they can still lose weight based on calories in < calories out.
Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone can benifit from eating a nutrious healthy whole unprocessed foods. I believe eating healthy is medicine for people with conditions and it's good as preventative measures for normally healthy people. I do think eating healthy for normally healthy people is a personal preferance. Let's not confuse nutrition with weight loss. You don't have to be "healthy" to lose weight. You don't have to have nutrition to lose weight. (ie starving people in 3rd world countries still lose weight.) You only need your calories in to be less then your calories out. IMO being healthy and eating healthy are even two separate issues. Lot's of healthy people eat whatever. A lot of unhealthy people eat healthy. A large part of health is genetic. My suggestion it to find out what works for you and continue on. When you recieve advice in the forums take it or leave it.... RESULTS will vary. Your experiences and results will be different then the advisers.
Yes--I understand your point of view. However, what is the point of losing, only to regain? The wider issue that the OP was going for, I think, is her issue of "sugar addiction" (and I'm guessing she is also addicted to simple carbs as well--the two seem to go together). Just as an alcoholic is advised to simply abstain from alcohol, so an obese (30% or more above "ideal" lean weight) sugar/simple carb addict must refrain from them to bring her hormones, leptin, insulin, adiponectin, cortisol, human growth hormone, etc. (all of which have a bearing on adiposity) back to a healthier level. At the same time, she must increase her level of exercise, as that will aid in correcting her hormones, in addition to burning calories and enabling her to eat more nourishing food to "heal" her body of its derangement.
I have no problem with low carb. It helps regulate blood sugar and certainly can help combat sugar cravings specifically for sugar addicts. I am a sugar addict as well. I also have PCOS which caused me to be insulin resistant and border line diabetic. Low carb and quiting all processed sugar helped me get a handle on my addiction and my medical issues. However, low carb is not the ONLY way to lose weight and keep it off for women. Once a woman has lost most of her excess weight and changes her lifestyle, she learns portion control, he blood sugar regulates, and her hormones regulate thus allowing her to eat carbs in moderation with going crazy. It can and does happen. If a women tries to restrict herself for ever on something as broad as carbs.... she will NEVER IMO keep the weight off. It'd be like dieting for the rest of your life which is not sustainable.
I'm at the three-year mark since I cut out sugar/simple carbs and I have no inclination to leave my current healthy diet. I have not regained an ounce in all that time--in fact, I have slowly lost weight. I do not feel at all deprived--I feel healthier and well-nourished.
Well done to you! Bravo! :flowerforyou:0 -
"I work in substance abuse, so I've spent a ridiculous amount of time reading and researching addiction. Some people are more prone to addiction than others. Sugar is as addictive, if not more than cocaine."
So what was the point of that post? You were talking about people and addiction then make a statement based off of an animal model. By writing them in the same paragraph, it looks like you are implying that sugar is as addictive as cocaine in humans.
I see your point. I said that to reason why I have been reading articles around the mechanisms of addiction and why I was put off by your blatant disregard to the possibility that sugar is addictive. I see and work with people who struggle with addiction and the related shame and stigma daily.
Fact: Studies are showing that sugar is addictive.
Fact: Some people are more prone to addiction than others0 -
[/quote]
"I see your point. I said that to reason why I have been reading articles around the mechanisms of addiction and why I was put off by your blatant disregard to the possibility that sugar is addictive. I see and work with people who struggle with addiction and the related shame and stigma daily.
Fact: Studies are showing that sugar is addictive.
Fact: Some people are more prone to addiction than others"
[/quote]
QFabsoluteT0 -
I am noticing a trend with my ignore list its al shirtless men who have an ego issue who think that they must assert their dominance on the internet lol Why do I think Highlander every time I see a idiotic troll.
How about shirtless women? It will probably serve you well to actually listen to some of those shirtless men.
H'mm.......no thanks, I'll listen to the proven studies, thank you
LOL - was the question directed at you?0 -
I am noticing a trend with my ignore list its al shirtless men who have an ego issue who think that they must assert their dominance on the internet lol Why do I think Highlander every time I see a idiotic troll.
How about shirtless women? It will probably serve you well to actually listen to some of those shirtless men.
H'mm.......no thanks, I'll listen to the proven studies, thank you
LOL - was the question directed at you?
it's a public forum......h'mm your point is?0 -
I am noticing a trend with my ignore list its al shirtless men who have an ego issue who think that they must assert their dominance on the internet lol Why do I think Highlander every time I see a idiotic troll.
How about shirtless women? It will probably serve you well to actually listen to some of those shirtless men.
H'mm.......no thanks, I'll listen to the proven studies, thank you
LOL - was the question directed at you?
it's a public forum......h'mm your point is?
Wow, you've been extremely antagonistic throughout this entire thread. :noway:0 -
I am noticing a trend with my ignore list its al shirtless men who have an ego issue who think that they must assert their dominance on the internet lol Why do I think Highlander every time I see a idiotic troll.
How about shirtless women? It will probably serve you well to actually listen to some of those shirtless men.
H'mm.......no thanks, I'll listen to the proven studies, thank you
LOL - was the question directed at you?
it's a public forum......h'mm your point is?
Wow, you've been extremely antagonistic throughout this entire thread. :noway:
that's your opinion.....I've found myself to be defending my stance just as you found yourself to be defending shirtless men0 -
I am noticing a trend with my ignore list its al shirtless men who have an ego issue who think that they must assert their dominance on the internet lol Why do I think Highlander every time I see a idiotic troll.
How about shirtless women? It will probably serve you well to actually listen to some of those shirtless men.
H'mm.......no thanks, I'll listen to the proven studies, thank you
LOL - was the question directed at you?
it's a public forum......h'mm your point is?
My point should have been pretty obvious...I did not ask you the question...I wonder why you felt the need to respond...hmmmm0 -
I am noticing a trend with my ignore list its al shirtless men who have an ego issue who think that they must assert their dominance on the internet lol Why do I think Highlander every time I see a idiotic troll.
How about shirtless women? It will probably serve you well to actually listen to some of those shirtless men.
H'mm.......no thanks, I'll listen to the proven studies, thank you
LOL - was the question directed at you?
it's a public forum......h'mm your point is?
My point should have been pretty obvious...I did not ask you the question...I wonder why you felt the need to respond...hmmmm
there are a lot of people addressing other people on these forums, yet someone else will respond. why am i expected to be any different? :noway:0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 392.1K Introduce Yourself
- 43.6K Getting Started
- 259.9K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.7K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 403 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.8K Motivation and Support
- 7.9K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 999 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.4K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions