HELP!!! I'm scared to grocery shop!

Just got back from getting a few grocries didn't really get much on the count of I'm still kinda scared to buy certain foods. WHY?....Do you ask because I'm trying not to get stuck in a rut with buying the same old foods all the time and trying not to become such a health freak with the certain foods I buy. Let me elaborate a little more....I've been eating pretty healthy eating all of my greens and fruits, getting my fiber, protein, nutreints, vitamins, carbohydrates pretty much what I need to maintain a healthy diet. Now here's were I'm having problems the "Fats" what do I? I know how to shop healthy, but I don't know how to fit in the things I want. Like rewarding myself every now and then with a piece of chocolate or having a piece of fried chicken or even a small bag of chips. I know it's okay to have those things every once in awhlie, but I can't do it without feeling guilty if I had it. Can someone please share some ideas on how I can over come my fear of "Fats" a.k.a "Bad Food."

I wasn't really meaning fat is bad for you, I was referring more to the foods that pack on weight like pizza, fried foods etc. Sorry if that through anyone for a min. It's just that I heard sereval people even fitness trainers say try not to diet and just healthy and it's okay to have the foods you want every now and then. Don't deprive yourself of everything you want.

Replies

  • mossman2012
    mossman2012 Posts: 2 Member
    Nuts are a great way to get fats into your diet. Especially almonds, unsalted are the best or peanuts. We all get those cravings and should allow ourselves their pleasure sometimes but do it after a day that you have done a lot of exercise or as an end of the week reward. Works for me!
  • kathyms13
    kathyms13 Posts: 497 Member
    I just don't buy the crap foods I don't need them. We can live without them.
  • AllTehBeers
    AllTehBeers Posts: 5,030 Member
    what's wrong with the fats again?
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    If you can eat those foods and not get cravings why not stop at the gas station for one small bag of chips or buy a single candy bar in the checkout aisle? Then it's not in the house to risk calling your name at four a.m. and you still get your treat. It's more expensive that way, sure, but not too awful.
  • WrenStory
    WrenStory Posts: 103
    Maybe if you try eating some avocados, nuts, full fat dairy... yogurt, milk, cheese... nut butters, etc. Those things aren't junk food and they contain fat. Also, salmon.

    Your body and brain need fat. It is a necessity.
  • JanaCanada
    JanaCanada Posts: 917 Member
    Everyone needs fats in their diet. There are good fats and bad fats. Learn the difference, then shop without fear.
  • spaingirl2011
    spaingirl2011 Posts: 763 Member
    I allow myself to put one treat in the grocery basket a week-- cookies or ice cream or something else. One. If I finish it in the first day (and that's fun to log, right?) then that's it for the week. I'm trying to teach myself moderation. Two oreos a day is fine. That's life. I can learn to enjoy an oreo or two without trying to eat an entire sleeve and not really tasting it.

    At least, that's how I look at it! Best of luck on your WLJ!
  • I shop as much as possible around the perimeter of the store (produce, deli, dairy, etc). It's the center aisles that are full of fatty processed foods.
  • goldfinger88
    goldfinger88 Posts: 686 Member
    Fats do not make you fat. Sugar in all it's many hidden forms make you fat. In fact, studies show that most fats are actually healthy and have many good benefits. And chocolate, if dark, like 70% or more, is healthy if eaten in moderation. I eat one square daily. Sometimes two. It has many benefits. But if you buy as few items in boxes and cartons and mostly produce and natural items as they come from nature, you will be safe.
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    Fit it into your diet and don't worry about it. Just stay under your calories and watch your macros.

    Check out my diary if you want to see an example. I eat what I like.
  • I wasn't really meaning fat is bad for you, I was referring more to the foods that pack on weight like pizza, fried foods etc. Sorry if that through you for a min.
  • JamesChargerWolf
    JamesChargerWolf Posts: 83 Member
    I don't think it's fear, I think you're experiencing a healthy "wariness." And that's good.

    Personally, I don't buy foods that "I like too much." Why put that pressure on myself? Seriously, if you want want a small bag of chips as an indulgence one day: get in the car (or walk!) and buy that one small bag. It will get you to think if you *really* want it or not. That's my trick. And no, I don't have all sorts of disposable time, either. :)

    I do keep some dark chocolate in the house but it's in a closed container, up on a high shelf in the pantry, out of sight. If it was sitting on the counter I'd want to "have just one" on a daily basis.

    The bottom line is, if it's not in the house you can't have a moment of weakness and overindulge.
  • Carla_wfpb
    Carla_wfpb Posts: 1,379 Member
    If you can eat those foods and not get cravings why not stop at the gas station for one small bag of chips or buy a single candy bar in the checkout aisle? Then it's not in the house to risk calling your name at four a.m. and you still get your treat. It's more expensive that way, sure, but not too awful.

    Original Poster, I think in this post you're wondering about treat items, not what kind of fats are okay to eat...so I'm going to go with that assumption and agree with the advice quoted above. Not having it in the house at all is safest.
    What I like to do is to think about something that isn't just good, but GREAT. Something you love that is a real treat. Go to a restaurant, or wherever that item is, and get 1. Candy bar and chips are okay, but isn't there something that you like more? A once a month splurge on something that is truly divine is the way I like to go! (of course if chips are your thing, then they are your thing!)
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    The way I was able to lose my weight was by eating 45% of my calories from fat. I've maintained for five years. Lack of fat causes lots of problems.

    My macros are set at 45%Fat/ 25%Protein/ 30%Carbs

    In my opinion, fat-free stuff is part of our obesity problem in the U.S. We need fats. If we don't get them in our diet, we are storing fat - our body knows it is lacking a major nutrient. What we don't need is excessive carbohydrates. I'm on 1800 cals a day, 45% from fat. I get most of it from avocado, butter, cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt, coconut oil and almonds (or other raw nuts.)

    Eat your fats! They will leave you satisfied, and your hair, nails, and skin will be much happier (as will the rest of your organs).


  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    It sounds like you're talking about junk good, not just fats. I sometimes set a goal for myself and the reward is a guilt free junk food. Examples: staying within calorie goals for Monday through Friday, hitting my iron goal without a supplement or working out on a day I really don't feel like it. Make sure it still stays in your calorie goals and don't sweat it. Most of us can't or don't want to eat 100% healthy and that's fine...try not to obsess.
  • I know the feeling I despise going past the bakery or chip aisle. But here is the good news ... if you feel a deep craving for these foods (some of us have built a dependency as comfort foods) Try popcorn chicken instead of a fried chicken breast (you will think you are eating more and intake less) A small bag of chips now and then is ok (I have to get two servings out of a large bag set aside in sandwich bags because if I don't I will keep eating). Buy an ice cream sandwich instead of a gallon... I learned if you deny ALL treats one day you will break down pig out and it will be much worse then one little treat here and there.

    Also some have said sub foods ... this works sometimes I know when I crave sweets sometimes a yogurt w/ a splash of honey will help. Just find what works for you Good luck
  • infamousmk
    infamousmk Posts: 6,033 Member
    Fats do not make you fat. Sugar in all it's many hidden forms make you fat.



    Sugar doesn't make you fat either. An excess of calories above your daily needs is what makes you fat.
  • Shop the perimeter of the store. I have lost a lot of weight and the only way i have found not to binge or overeat certain foods (a.k.a. sweets and chocolate) I have to have some sort of treat after dinner. For example, some chocolate, a little cereal, or a cookie. Also, if you eat the healthy fats with every meal and realize you do not gain weight, but in fact, might lose some because you will be fuller and eat less later, you might be willing to give "junk food" a try (in moderation!!!). dont become afraid of food because that can turn into a bad thing fast! take it from someone with a recovering ed.
  • Kara52217
    Kara52217 Posts: 353 Member
    Just got back from getting a few grocries didn't really get much on the count of I'm still kinda scared to buy certain foods. WHY?....Do you ask because I'm trying not to get stuck in a rut with buying the same old foods all the time and trying not to become such a health freak with the certain foods I buy. Let me elaborate a little more....I've been eating pretty healthy eating all of my greens and fruits, getting my fiber, protein, nutreints, vitamins, carbohydrates pretty much what I need to maintain a healthy diet. Now here's were I'm having problems the "Fats" what do I? I know how to shop healthy, but I don't know how to fit in the things I want. Like rewarding myself every now and then with a piece of chocolate or having a piece of fried chicken or even a small bag of chips. I know it's okay to have those things every once in awhlie, but I can't do it without feeling guilty if I had it. Can someone please share some ideas on how I can over come my fear of "Fats" a.k.a "Bad Food."

    You are setting yourself up for failure if you deprive yourself of the "bad" foods. You just have to learn to eat them in moderation is all. It is hard I understand that but if you truly wanna change your life you need to learn to balance it all out.

    Don't think your going to be perfect from go... You will ave good days and. Bad days till you figure it out... That is what matters that you learn and move on to the net day. GOOD LUCK,
  • metaphoria
    metaphoria Posts: 1,432 Member
    With snack foods, just don't bring the whole container to the sofa with you. Measure out a serving and make were it fits in your daily calorie/nutrient goals. Once you get an idea of how much your regular foods cost you calorie-wise, you won't have to put so much thought into it.
  • ApexLeader
    ApexLeader Posts: 580 Member
    best way to grocery shop is stay around the outside (fruits and veggies, dairy, fresh meats cheeses from the deli, fresh breads (although I'd stay away from these as they are high in carbs) packaged fresh meats, seafood). You can get all the nutrition you need no matter what diet you are on sticking to the outside (unless you are on a twinkie diet, but they don't make twinkies any more so that is just a starvation diet now).
  • I have the same issue. You are not alone! What I do is I sit down on Sat. morning and make a schedule of what I want to eat for the next week. I plan all my meals and snacks to fit into my calorie limit and to be healthy. It takes me awhile but I kind of enjoy it. It helps me to feel in control of the situation. Then I go to my cupboards and figure out what I already have and what I need and I go to the store with a detailed list. I buy only what is on this list. It is hard but like I said with all the planning and the detailed list I feel more in control, and therefore less scared or anxious. Just keep in mind that you are worth all the hard work and time!
    Good luck, you can add me if you want!
  • deladypilot
    deladypilot Posts: 618 Member
    One thing I do regarding snack type foods that I know I have trouble with is this.... When I get home from the grocery store I break everything down into serving sizes and put them into snack size zip locks. For instance. I love Nilla Wafers. I take the entire box and break it into servings, puting each serving in the bag. Then I take the baggies and put them in a tupperwear type container. Each time I really want something to snack on, I have what I consider and ok amount. I do this will all the snack type foods.

    Also, check out the skinny cow ice cream selection in your super market. They are really good (and im an ice cream expert).
  • angelacooper3
    angelacooper3 Posts: 32 Member
    New here but lost 35lbs 8 years ago and have kept 21lbs of that off for the last 7 years. I make homemade popcorn and add salt if Im craving chips, far less calories. As for fried chicken a good alternative is chicken thighs with the skin removed dusted in fajita spice powder and roasted in a roasting bag. Im looking forward to eating more healthily and hopefully shifting a bit more weight in the process as it makes me more creative with food and finding alternatives to less healthy options.
  • angelacooper3
    angelacooper3 Posts: 32 Member
    Online grocery shopping is good too as you can check out the calories and nutrients in the comfort of your own home before adding them to your basket.
  • christylindquist
    christylindquist Posts: 32 Member
    I love salty chips! I found a great alternative to the frito lay or doritos. It is a brand called Food Should Taste Good, I love all their flavors but my favorite is Sweet Potato. A serving size is 12 chips, 140 calories, 6 g fat, 18 g carb, 2 g protein. I like them because they are salty and crunchy enough for me to get the craving met but since they are sweet potato, I get full after 12 chips and feel satisfied. I also love peanutbutter but go for the pb2 because it has less fat but same great flavor. Nuts are another great option. I love chocolate as well but try to only purchase dark chocolate because after one square I don't want anymore because it's so bitter. If I have milk chocolate I have to be really careful and measure it out because I could eat the whole bar or bag if I'm not careful. You should not feel bad if you splurge once in a while just continue with portion control and don't eat the whole bag. And it's ok to put chips or chocolate on your grocery list, just remember to log it into mfp so you don't go over your calories.
  • lamby284
    lamby284 Posts: 167 Member
    Nuts are a great way to get fats into your diet. Especially almonds, unsalted are the best or peanuts. We all get those cravings and should allow ourselves their pleasure sometimes but do it after a day that you have done a lot of exercise or as an end of the week reward. Works for me!

    I second this
  • PottsvilleCurse1925
    PottsvilleCurse1925 Posts: 354 Member
    I understand your irrational fear of grocery shopping. I have an irrational fear of pineapple on pizza.