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    getting rid of Food Addiction

    2

    Replies

    • Posts: 741 Member
      you will get a lot of haters with this post telling you that you dont need to give up any food and just do moderation with everything
      IGNORE THEM
      if it is working for you, that is all that matters
      good luck
      ^^^^^^^^
      THIS
      And I am one such person who goes about things another way.
      Good Luck To You:flowerforyou:
    • Posts: 558 Member
      You could be on to something. When I have just some sugar I have a hard time stopping eating. I crave more sugar and more carbs. It is awful. I am trying to go back to my old eating with very little sugar and mostly healthy carbs with lots of grain (no white carbs basically)

      I agree we all should do what works for us. All bodies are not created equally!
    • Posts: 4,741 Member
      I'm not trying to start stuff with you. But really, what will happen the first time you go to a birthday party and have to eat a piece of cake? Its carbs and sugar.

      I just can't imagine never eating again, and the first time you do, you won't have any coping mechanisms to deal with it.
    • Posts: 1 Member
      I'm familiar with the Kay Sheppard book and I, too, did a 12 step program for food addiction. I was successful for a while. For me, it ended up triggering a worse eating disorder. But that's just me and it is due to my failure to give my all to the program. I did not miss the flour or sugar items and I found that weighing and measuring my food actually became a freedom. Food no longer ruled my life. I knew what I was going to eat the night before. I lost 120 lbs in that program. That was 10 years ago when I started and, unfortunately, as of a couple weeks ago, I gained back all but 5 lbs. Stick with the program and you will be happy. And, like someone else said, don't pay attention to the haters who say you shouldn't give up foods. Most junk food is designed to be addictive and really should be avoided.
      Good luck to you.
    • Posts: 45 Member
      Hi, i went through the same thing, i was addicted to junk, i stayed right away from sugar and high processed food,in the beginning it was so hard, i was even getting headaches which in my opinion where withdrawal symptoms. Now i feel fantastic! I dont go out to restaurants and if i have to go to a party or something unavoidable i just stick to protein and salad. Keep at what you are doing, it does get easier.
    • Posts: 1,838 Member
      I'm not trying to start stuff with you. But really, what will happen the first time you go to a birthday party and have to eat a piece of cake? Its carbs and sugar.

      I just can't imagine never eating again, and the first time you do, you won't have any coping mechanisms to deal with it.

      You are definitely on to something there. Most people with eating disorders have very strong "ALL OR NOTHING" personalities. This is why they find temporary success with restricting food groups, etc. But as soon as they give in for even a bite, it becomes the "Oh well I've blown it I might as well eat it all, or everything in sight" mentality.

      There is a way to beat this. I have done it myself but I worked ALL of 2012 to get to where I am in recovery now. You have to stop dieting and restricting for awhile to get through the hard part of becoming a "normal" eater. It is so amazing now, not fearing holidays, certain restaurants, and just being able to go have dessert with my kids without worrying about it turning into a full fledged binge. Freedom is so worth going through the tough part!
    • Posts: 8,701 Member
      show previous quotes

      You are definitely on to something there. Most people with eating disorders have very strong "ALL OR NOTHING" personalities. This is why they find temporary success with restricting food groups, etc. But as soon as they give in for even a bite, it becomes the "Oh well I've blown it I might as well eat it all, or everything in sight" mentality.

      There is a way to beat this. I have done it myself but I worked ALL of 2012 to get to where I am in recovery now. You have to stop dieting and restricting for awhile to get through the hard part of becoming a "normal" eater. It is so amazing now, not fearing holidays, certain restaurants, and just being able to go have dessert with my kids without worrying about it turning into a full fledged binge. Freedom is so worth going through the tough part!

      You GO GIRL!!!!
      :heart:
    • Posts: 34,415 Member
      Aren't some of you guilty of doing the thing you're warning OP about? You tell her that she shouldn't tell others her way is the only way, but then go on to say that her way *isn't* a way. To me, that's the same mindset, just phrased differently.
    • Posts: 73 Member
      I'm not trying to start stuff with you. But really, what will happen the first time you go to a birthday party and have to eat a piece of cake? Its carbs and sugar.

      I just can't imagine never eating again, and the first time you do, you won't have any coping mechanisms to deal with it.

      Billsica,

      I rarely go to birthday parties, but I have big family and they all cook really good and make lots of cakes. So, each time I go visit somebody, some type of cake is served along with coffee, chocolate, chips...etc...
      Couple of nights ago we went to my husband's aunt's house and there was a cake, which they only served to my husband, I refused to eat it, and only drank unsweetened tea.

      Now, New Year's Eve is approaching and we are planing to celebrate with lots of food, sweets and other high carb stuff.:noway:
      I guess, I will report back here on January 1st how I did... :laugh: :wink:
    • Posts: 1,432 Member
      Aren't some of you guilty of doing the thing you're warning OP about? You tell her that she shouldn't tell others her way is the only way, but then go on to say that her way *isn't* a way. To me, that's the same mindset, just phrased differently.

      I tolerate you better because of this post. Probation is over, you're officially a permanent fixture on my FL.:drinker:
    • Posts: 155 Member
      I've lost 75+ pounds by cutting out flour, sugar, and other high carb foods. In my experience, there was definitely a connection to these foods and cravings. But I haven't figured out yet if it was the highly processed foods that were the problem or the carbs themselves. But regardless, it has definitely worked for me!

      Once I'm in maintenance I'm going to try reintroducing some higher carb healthy foods, like potatoes, & oatmeal, and see how they effect me. If they bring on the binging, I'll steer clear or limit them in the future. If not, all the better! Like others have said, we're all different, so you have to figure out what works for you.
    • Posts: 2,827 Member
      Aren't some of you guilty of doing the thing you're warning OP about? You tell her that she shouldn't tell others her way is the only way, but then go on to say that her way *isn't* a way. To me, that's the same mindset, just phrased differently.

      So true.
    • Posts: 61,406 Member
      you will get a lot of haters with this post telling you that you dont need to give up any food and just do moderation with everything

      IGNORE THEM

      if it is working for you, that is all that matters

      good luck

      True. She has been successful for 4, maybe 4.3 days now. She definitely has all the answers and should shut out all advice from people that have actually solved this problem long term. Seems reasonable.

      If anyone offers a different solution let's band together and shout them down. An echo chamber is the answer to most problems.

      Carry on
    • Posts: 155 Member
      Question. If a diabetic can go through life without giving in to the temptation of cake at a birthday party because it will be harmful to their health, why can't a binge eater do the same?
    • Posts: 1,428 Member
      If I truly want to lose weight, I must cut carbs. If this works for you then you go girl. Dont listen to anything anybody else says. And I am amazed the haters aren't here already.
    • Posts: 1,428 Member
      Aren't some of you guilty of doing the thing you're warning OP about? You tell her that she shouldn't tell others her way is the only way, but then go on to say that her way *isn't* a way. To me, that's the same mindset, just phrased differently.


      And this is why I tolerate you.
    • Posts: 8,218 Member
      Aren't some of you guilty of doing the thing you're warning OP about? You tell her that she shouldn't tell others her way is the only way, but then go on to say that her way *isn't* a way. To me, that's the same mindset, just phrased differently.

      Well said.
    • Posts: 89
      show previous quotes

      Giving up my carby ways really helped me with my food addiction so I am behind you 100%.

      My problem is now I've been binging on carbs over christmas it's like giving up crack all over again - but I know that there is truth behind this and you are completely right.

      Friend me if you want a like minded buddy :)

      Ditto. Love those carbs and simple sugars, in combo with fats. The day after New Years Eve, I'm going back on detox (juice, and lots of water) for a day. Once those cravings kick in, it's hard to have any self control! But remember, you will be exhausted and your brain can't work, without any carbs at all. Look for complex, healthy sources of carbs. Your body does have to have some.
    • Posts: 8,218 Member
      show previous quotes

      You GO GIRL!!!!
      :heart:

      Amanda, you are my new hero. :flowerforyou: I am praying to be right there with you in complete recovery.
    • Posts: 45 Member
      Question. If a diabetic can go through life without giving in to the temptation of cake at a birthday party because it will be harmful to their health, why can't a binge eater do the same?



      my thoughts exactly, im border line diabetic, so i dont have much choice but to avoid food thats bad for me. At the end of the day we all need to do what works for us.
    • Posts: 508 Member
      Good for you and best wishes for permanent success! I discovered that giving up glutinous products like wheat, barley, and rye greatly alleviated my joint pain. I had begun to think I would just have to live with arthritic pain because "everyone develops arthritis as he/she gets older" according to more than one doctor I talked to. Turns out that giving up gluten cures the problem Whoodathunkit?? I plan to experiment with rye and barley to see if it's actually all gluten or just wheat products. I've never been diagnosed as celiac--just decided to experiment with gluten-free diet. Hope you have great success and a wonderful new year in 2013. Happy New Year to all on this thread!!
    • Posts: 73 Member
      Good for you and best wishes for permanent success! I discovered that giving up glutinous products like wheat, barley, and rye greatly alleviated my joint pain. I had begun to think I would just have to live with arthritic pain because "everyone develops arthritis as he/she gets older" according to more than one doctor I talked to. Turns out that giving up gluten cures the problem Whoodathunkit?? I plan to experiment with rye and barley to see if it's actually all gluten or just wheat products. I've never been diagnosed as celiac--just decided to experiment with gluten-free diet. Hope you have great success and a wonderful new year in 2013. Happy New Year to all on this thread!!

      Barkin43

      I, too, have arthritis pain, and if not eating wheat helps with the pain, one more reason for me to stay away from it. :happy:
      I will, too, experiment with Rye and Barley and if I still have the symptoms, I will stay away from it as well.

      Thanks for your post.
    • Posts: 181 Member
      show previous quotes

      I am saying that it IS possible to RECOVER. And be able to eat like a normal, non disordered eater. It takes time, patience, being willing to fail, and it IS NOT EASY. But IT IS possible. I am a living testimony to that. And you have NO RIGHT to judge the severity of what I've been through or what my struggles were.

      Avoiding trigger foods will work for some, thats great for them. It often is just a bandaid and only works temporarily for others. I am just sharing MY experiences, and what I've learned through MY OWN recovery. And YOU cannot take that away from me.

      This is why I don't bother anymore trying to tell people I understand and have been addicted to food. People too often see others that have recovered from a mental problem whether it be an ED or depression or something else and think they couldn't possibly have had it as bad as them. It's frustrating. And I've been on that sude to where I think recovered people don't really understand

      Good on you for getting past it. I know in the past I've done the "avoid trigger food" and if worked for a while. Now very recently I've started allowing myself to eat more every day instead of 1200 calories and it seems to be helping a lot
    • Posts: 558 Member
      For me I have the cake at a party but I know that it is a trigger for me so I have to be very careful after. I have to walk away and resist any more treats. Otherwise I might kjust keep going.
    • Posts: 53
      Good for you. What you will also notice is that you won't get the winter cold which is definitely linked to sugar consumption and processed food. Your immune sytem will improve day by day. Keep a journal and it can help figure out what triggers the cravings for those "not so good for you" type foods.
    • Posts: 73 Member
      Good for you. What you will also notice is that you won't get the winter cold which is definitely linked to sugar consumption and processed food. Your immune sytem will improve day by day. Keep a journal and it can help figure out what triggers the cravings for those "not so good for you" type foods.

      Thanks. I learned something new.

      So far so good. I do not have the cravings like I used to.

      Today I went to the mall and the food at the food court smelled so good, especially the Great American Cookies.
      I love their cheesecakes, but I resisted and walked past them. :happy:
    • Posts: 2
      So true I am just like you and started my detoxing yesterday! I am on Day 2 almost to day 3 and feel better already but if I eat one cookie, or sugary / carb thing I go back to that addiction and it goes on for weeks if not months. Sugar should be labled "drug" because it destroys peoples bodies and eventually if you eat enough of it and gain enough weight you will loose your life due to being so overweight and god only knows what other health problems will arise from it. Being healthy is hard but nothing is harder than laying sick in a bed not being able to move due to an illness or being overweight. :( So I am with you as well. I wish you well on your journey as mine has just begun I am open to any new friends for supporters. :)
    • Posts: 11
      The point about how a diabetic learns to negotiate life without birthday cake is spot-on. For some people, the party is about the cake, not the celebration and that's what each of us who give up refined foods has to remember. This doesn't mean we eat food that isn't delicious, but we know that triggers usually lead to either relapse, regret, feeling physically awful or just the feeling that it wasn't worth it.

      The fact is that it takes very little exposure to processed foods to do physical harm to the brain itself. Within three days of being placed on a high-fat diet, a rat’s hypothalamus (the area of the brain that responds to the hormones that signal hunger and satiety, pair and maternal bonding and certain social behavior) shows increased inflammation; within a week, researchers see evidence of permanent scarring and neuron injury in an area of the brain crucial for weight control. Brain scans of obese men and women show this exact pattern as well.

      Worse, it's harder to kick high fat/high sugar foods because they involve many more neural pathways than even cocaine. Almost 90 percent of the dopamine receptors in the vental tegmental area (VTA) of the brain are activated in response to food cues. As the author of The Hunger Fix [TM] Solution, a holistic strategy and integrative plan for overeating and food addiction, I have first-hand experience in seeing how a program of foods high in dopamine- and serotonin-boosting chemicals, along with numerous brain-amping activities (from simple exercise to listening to music) can regrow those receptors and bring the confidence of fulfillment and health.
    • Posts: 73 Member
      The point about how a diabetic learns to negotiate life without birthday cake is spot-on. For some people, the party is about the cake, not the celebration and that's what each of us who give up refined foods has to remember. This doesn't mean we eat food that isn't delicious, but we know that triggers usually lead to either relapse, regret, feeling physically awful or just the feeling that it wasn't worth it.

      The fact is that it takes very little exposure to processed foods to do physical harm to the brain itself. Within three days of being placed on a high-fat diet, a rat’s hypothalamus (the area of the brain that responds to the hormones that signal hunger and satiety, pair and maternal bonding and certain social behavior) shows increased inflammation; within a week, researchers see evidence of permanent scarring and neuron injury in an area of the brain crucial for weight control. Brain scans of obese men and women show this exact pattern as well.

      Worse, it's harder to kick high fat/high sugar foods because they involve many more neural pathways than even cocaine. Almost 90 percent of the dopamine receptors in the vental tegmental area (VTA) of the brain are activated in response to food cues. As the author of The Hunger Fix [TM] Solution, a holistic strategy and integrative plan for overeating and food addiction, I have first-hand experience in seeing how a program of foods high in dopamine- and serotonin-boosting chemicals, along with numerous brain-amping activities (from simple exercise to listening to music) can regrow those receptors and bring the confidence of fulfillment and health.

      Pam PeekeMD
      I will definitely buy your book and read it. :)
    • Posts: 2
      Hi, I too am a food addict. I just want to thank everyone who has posted about this. I know that I am not alone and have people I can turn to that know what I am going through.
    This discussion has been closed.

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