Do you believe in avoiding "danger" foods?

angiechimpanzee
angiechimpanzee Posts: 536 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I know most of us, females especially, have certain foods that just scream "OVEREAT ME"! Like you go in thinking just one is an option, and after that one you're left thinking about 10 more until that 100 extra calories turns into 1000 extra. For me, those things are cookies & cakes & snackcakes of pretty much any kind.

I have a very distinct past of this type of behavior. And now that I've decided to get back on the weight loss wagon & do this as healthily & as "lifestyle change-esque" as possible, I still find myself kind of afraid of going near those foods. Very afraid sometimes, actually. I don't keep them in my dorm, I walk straight past them at the cafeteria (I'm in college). And when a friend offers cookies or something, "no thanks" flies out of my mouth before I can even think. And its not necessarily difficult anymore, nor do I necessary feel fear when I see/walk past these things. I just can't stand the thought of actually eating something like that again, & then wanting more and more and ruining a whole days work (or even a week if it gets really bad) all cos if that one decision to have one once. Its like, I've been doing so well that even though I COULD have a cookie and MAYBE only have one, I don't even want to risk it.

Does anyone else feel the same? Or at least did you when you were first getting back into your routine after a bad slip up maybe?

Replies

  • NatashaAkhtar
    NatashaAkhtar Posts: 1
    Yes! i'm in collage too and i have the exact same problem :(!
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    I don't buy junk food for that very reason. Chips are my down fall. I could honestly sit down and pound down an entire bag so I don't buy them. For my husband it's ice cream and cookies so I don't buy those. I don't have a hard time saying "No" to sweets and the like (even chips some times). I've been in situations where a dessert was being passed around and I politely declined. Sure I got the "Oh! But you can eat that! Look at you! You're thin!" Well, maybe but I just choose not to.

    I will say though that the only times I do eat chips and junk food to excess is when I go to my sister's house since she keeps all that stuff there. I usually raid her cabinets. She actually asked me if the only reason I come visit her is so I can have junk food and, well, what could I say? :laugh:
  • shammxo
    shammxo Posts: 1,432 Member
    Yeah, I have a moderation problem.... So it's not a good idea for me to have "danger" foods around.
  • ataylo30
    ataylo30 Posts: 25 Member
    We are like that, too. We don't keep anything "bad" in the house. I will say that, for me, it is best to have one, if I want, when I am out. For me, not having to give everything up forever takes the frantic pressure off. I know I shouldn't eat poorly, so I don't, 80% of the time, or any time my meal comes from somewhere that I control (like my house), but if I am at a bar-b-que and they have AMAZING dessert, or fried food...I'm going to eat it, I'm going to try real hard not too eat to much of it, but you better believe I will have some. That way the next time I crave it or miss it I can say, "What, i just had some of that two weeks ago!."

    This works for me, because of who I am and what my goals are (to be healthy and aware). It may not work for you, but for many people neither will telling yourself you can NEVER have something again, human beings are perverse...if you tell us we can't do something we will invariably do it...maybe not today or tomorrow, but somewhere down the road. That, in my opinion, is why so many "diets" fail.

    If you don't want it, don't eat it. If your natural reaction is to say no, say no...but don't let it haunt your dreams and wear you down...it's just a cookie, don't let it control you :happy:
  • pawoodhull
    pawoodhull Posts: 1,759 Member
    I haven't had ice cream since June 2011, one month before my bariatric surgery. I've had many opportunities since the surgery to "re-introduce" it into my diet and have chosen not to. I can't control myself with that food so it's no longer a part of my diet. It may be different now, but I don't want to chance it. My advise? If it's a problem for you, don't have it around. Why tempt yourself that way?
  • jmuller06
    jmuller06 Posts: 109 Member
    For me it's tater tots in the cafeteria here at work. I'd grab a salad for lunch.......and side of tater tots - everyday. Ugh! I stopped walking anywhere near the grill for a long time - straight to the salad bar and out. It's getting easier though.
  • Rachlmale
    Rachlmale Posts: 640 Member
    Yes! i'm in collage too and i have the exact same problem :(!


    PMSL - glad to see how much collage has been teaching you.

    I do 'avoid' danger foods but I don't cut them out completely - or at least I tell myself I'm not cutting them out. When I tell myself I can't have something, I want it more.

    I also find that things like cakes, crisps and sweets are addictive. Whereas if I eat better food I eat it and then move on.
  • jessicawrites
    jessicawrites Posts: 235 Member
    I love sour gummy worms. Mostly I don't buy them, but every few months I'll be really jonesing, and I usually end up buying a small bag and polishing them off in a day or two (or sometimes a sitting...). As long as I'm not keeping them around all the time, I'm okay with the occasional splurge.
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,716 Member
    Danger's my middle name...
  • SmartAlec03211988
    SmartAlec03211988 Posts: 1,896 Member
    Pumpkin cream cheese muffins from Starbucks.

    I don't avoid any food. I just eat it.
  • SavageFeast
    SavageFeast Posts: 325 Member
    Yes, I believe in avoiding them. If I could eat things in moderation, I would never have become super morbidly obese.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    I limit my exposure to food I can't stop eating, yes. I don't keep it in the house and I will buy a single serving if I REALLY want a treat.
  • Fozzi43
    Fozzi43 Posts: 2,984 Member
    I can't have Hershey kisses in the house....can't control myself :embarassed:
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I absolutely believe in avoiding "danger" foods. For me it is Cheetos. Baked, fried, all natural, it doesn't matter. If that bag is opened I will finish it. If anyone brings them to my house, they will be taking them back home with them. I have a strict "leave no Cheetos" rule at my house.
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    Natural Peanut butter. I have eaten whole jars in less than 20 minutes.
  • kittyhorn
    kittyhorn Posts: 112 Member
    I try not to buy packages of trigger foods but if I'm on track and want a butter tart or cookie, I will pay the extra and get a really good one from a bakery. Moderation is easier when you don't have an entire package at your disposal.
  • shelleyspots
    shelleyspots Posts: 89
    Yes, anything with sugar in it is danger to me. I won't walk down the grocery store aisles with cookies or treats. I won't go near the ice cream freezer. There are NO, ABSOLUTELY NO, sugary snacks or soda in my home. If I go out for a meal, I say no to desserts or teats, unless I have planned to have one.

    I allow myself a "splurge" meal once in a while (every couple of weeks) where I can eat a little more, or eat something I wouldn't normally eat. I plan it carefully and look forward to it. But I am in control of it. Example is pizza. I used to wolf down three or four pieces. Now I am very picky. I go out for pizza. Order my absolute favorite and have only two pieces. I also have just one beer with it. I have discovered that more isn't better, it's just more. After my splurge, I get back on my diet.

    Avoiding trigger foods is a smart thing. If I could eat them in moderation, I wouldn't be overweight. Planning a splurge helps you decide to enjoy something in a controlled fashion, and not feel deprived.
  • alpine1994
    alpine1994 Posts: 1,915 Member
    Yeah, we don't keep anything unhealthy in the house anymore. That part is easy since my boyfriend is on board and if he wants something bad he can have it at work or whatever.

    Since I started this journey 4 months ago, I haven't had a cookie or a cupcake, which were my ultimate downfalls. I can NEVER have just one. However, ice cream is ok if I get the smallest they have (I can't buy it or I will eat it all) and other desserts in controlled portions. Pasta is tough because who can eat just 2oz!?! I've had pasta maybe once or twice in the past 4 months. So yeah, I avoid some stuff still.
  • Rachlmale
    Rachlmale Posts: 640 Member
    Pasta is tough because who can eat just 2oz!?! I've had pasta maybe once or twice in the past 4 months. So yeah, I avoid some stuff still.

    I still eat pasta, I have 75g (2.5oz) which is called as a 'portion' on any pasta I buy and that's plenty for me now.
  • Tinynski
    Tinynski Posts: 12 Member
    I don't really avoid my "danger" food, which is definitely chocolate. I've just started getting used to the idea that I can have some but not finish the whole bar of it. I don't buy it in the house, so when a craving hits (and it hits hard!) I eat a piece of fruit or anything else. If it doesn't pass, I'll walk to the store (even in -35 celsius... crazy girl) and buy a SMALL bar of it. And better quality. Chocolate is seriously the thing that makes me want to... ugh! I'm a chocolate addict... Learning to satisfy the craving with smaller things is a challenge.
  • vypeters
    vypeters Posts: 475 Member
    I don't believe I HAVE to avoid them. I choose to avoid them because, really, why put all I've accomplished at risk with a food I know is going to call to me and tempt me. It's easier for me to say "NO" entirely than to say "yeah, I can moderate that".

    So I take the easy way out and avoid them.

    Exception: In a restaurant I will sometimes have a bite of a family member's serving of a food I don't choose to have myself. That seems to work OK. Never at home, though.
  • clairecandoit11
    clairecandoit11 Posts: 62 Member
    As much as I hate eliminating anything from my diet ( I tend to feel deprived and give up when I can't have something and want it) I think it is very necessary to stay on track! If it is only going to create guilt and regret, why do it to yourself?? Maybe find something that tastes similar and isn't as high in calories??
    OR... if you want that thing, plan ahead! :)
  • kenazfehu
    kenazfehu Posts: 1,188 Member
    I can't really do that because other people live here, and they bring in food they like. I keep in mind that I am responsible for what goes into my mouth, so if something is really calling to me, I plan a serving into the next meal. It's tough sometimes; I have to go to a different part of the house or outside to keep myself from: "just one more just one more this is the last one just one more ....
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    Yeah, I was slow to come around, but finally I had to admit that eating lots of sugar and carbs just leaves me wanting more sugar and carbs.

    A few days ago I decided to have a cheat treat day and loaded up on chocolate candy and a honey bun and a milkshake. After three months of eating none of that stuff, I have to say it all tasted nasty, and I'm very happy about it. I never want to develop a taste for that stuff again.

    That said, I am thinking about loading up on some carbs on heavy workout days. However, they will not be carbs from things like pastries!
  • lncgurley
    lncgurley Posts: 37 Member
    In the begining (i was on WW previously) I totally avoided, lost my 160 lbs, gained 60 back and am taking a more realistic approach where I will allow myself a tablespoon or half a serving. BUT I buy small bags/quantities, if at all, we don't keep them in the house, will go out, or buy a small one, and will not do it if I'm upset...if that is the cse. I make a point to discuss with my hubby first so I'm concious that I'm in danger of emotionally eating and he knows I'm under stress and we talk about it, as it is a process, and I pray about it, tell myself I am made for more than this. If things are going well I will allow myself a small amount, but it must fit in my calories for the day
  • randomgirlusa
    randomgirlusa Posts: 45 Member
    Yes. I wholeheartedly believe in avoiding them. Mine is chocolate. Chocolate cake, icecream, candy bars, etc. I can honestly say that I am an addict. Once I have a taste, then it's over. I can eat an entire cake, an entire box of icecream, a 2 pound bag of hershey kisses, you name it. Once I have it, it takes weeks for me to get it out of my system and not want it anymore. After I haven't had it for about a week, the cravings go away and I don't think about it that much. Once I've tasted it, that's ALL I think about. Because I know it has this effect on me, I try to avoid it at all costs.
  • dominikaro
    dominikaro Posts: 86
    I don't like sweets but I'm a serious pasta monster. When I start eating it, I can't stop. But I still eat it and just cut the callories out of some other meals. I just love it too much.
  • namluv
    namluv Posts: 194 Member
    I will avoid until I am sure I can be in control of what I eat of them. Chocolate is a problem but I am so much better - there have been 3 bars in my house for weeks and I have only eaten it one day and then only 1/5 of the bar.
  • Slove009
    Slove009 Posts: 364 Member
    I'm like that with chips and cookies too. Cheez Its will be the death of me one day. But I'm proud to say that when I was asked if I wanted a cookie, I took ONE and then broke off half, and threw the other half away! Turned a 200 calorie cookie into only 100! I don't keep cheez its or other crackers other than whole grain saltines in my home anymore though. I'd eat an entire box in one sitting.....
  • Tambookie
    Tambookie Posts: 20 Member
    I know I can't control myself around certain foods. Ice cream is my best friend and worst enemy. I will eat an entire pint in one sitting. I just can't have it in the house. If I want ice cream, then I go to the store or ice cream shop and get a small, single serving of it. It's time-consuming and expensive, so I don't do it often.

    When I lost weight years ago, I actually got to the point where I could keep plain vanilla ice cream in the house. I would eat one spoonful whenever I had a craving, and it was enough. I'm not back to the point yet this time though.

    I don't normally have a problem with chips or crackers, but if I'm on an emotional eating rampage, then you can be sure I'll polish off ANY snacky food I find. So we just don't keep snacky foods in the house anymore. The only thing we still have in the house is unpopped popcorn. It takes effort to make it, so I'm totally aware of what I'm doing. And it will usually satisfy "the munchies".

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