Doritos are not meth.

1. YES, there are real addiction issues that be associated with food, like eating disorders.
2. YES, "just have more willpower" is not ALWAYS the best answer.
3. YES, there are variables for each situation that "just say no", might not be enough
However:
1. The amount of melodrama around peoples reaction to food is absurd, and many times, overreactions.
2. Eventually, one MUST learn willpower to resist overeating if they are going to become fit and healthy, this is a part of all "recovery" processes.
3. You will always be around people with "bad" foods, they aren't illegal (yet) so people are going to eat them around you, offer them to you and yes, not consider your diet and flaunt them. Unless you are going to lock yourself in your house with vitamins and rice cakes, you will have to learn self control or moderation.
4. Many of these "overreactions" are PART of the person's issue with food, that most likely led to their ED or being overweight, so while it is true a simple "no" might not suffice, a simple "no" will eventually be a necessity.
5. Learning a healthy relationship with food is the most important thing anyone can do for themselves when it comes to weightloss and healthy living.

So, I agree with the OP when she expresses her frustrations with seeing the same "plea for help" over and over again.

Excellent post!

OP, I just want to say thank you for posting this. I guess I'm one of those weird people with "willpower" and self control though. It's a shame that a post focusing on hard work and self control resulted in a thread full of excuses and whining. But this is MFP. My hat is off to you.

:drinker:

Wow. While I can see what you are trying to do here (and I appreciate it) for yourself and others, food addiction/compulsive eating actually does exist and is very real. Just like I don't understand the mindset of a chronic gambler, smoker or heroin addict, neither might they understand my challenges with food.

Sugar and flour are my gateway drugs. I have 30 years of proof that moderation does not work for me..and no amount of telling me that I "should" be able to control it, forget that it is in the cupboard, just have one, or that I am bad/lazy/weak/lacking in willpower and strength has changed that. In fact, that generally makes it worse..because shame will always do that.

We all have our own ways of dealing with this. It is great moderation works for you. But it isn't the fix for everyone and until you live a day in someone else's skin, you really can't judge.

If it was as easy as "just say no", then no one would be fat. There's plenty of science that backs up the fact that junk food addiction is EXACTLY the same brain process as drug addiction. Dopamine is produced, receptors become desensitized over time and require more and more of the substance to get the same result, willpower flies out the window when the craving is triggered. It's just like a recovering alcoholic not wanting to keep a fifth of whiskey in the house or knowing they can't have "just one drink" at that party. Sure, some are able to self-regulate with time, but some have to resist even a sip for the rest of their lives.

I think a little compassion for the challenges others have is in order. I see a lot of opinions and experiences on both sides of the self-control/moderation argument. The truth is, none of us, can truly understand the dynamics of what others are going through. Yes, we are all trying to lose weight and be healthier. That is about the only thing we all have in common. My situation is that I put on muscle even while doing aerobic type exercises. I stay away from free weights. I also put on fat in abundance at the same time, because my appetite goes into overdrive whenever I am consistently active. So, please have a little compassion for others.

I am sure this has been said, but since I dont have time to read 15 pages of posts, this is what came to my mind. You are looking at people's post from your point of view. Grace says we give people the room and time to grow. And an understanding of addictions is necessary. Anything can control us. If you look into your own life you will see areas where you need change. Those areas and the situations that result cause you to say, "man why did I do that?" "I always do that" "I screwed up again." When you catch yourself and if your honest you will, you have to admit your being controlled by something other than will power. Relationships, food, exercise, drugs, alcohol, sex, or what have you. Each person's journey is different, thus individual. The best thing we can do for people is accept them for who they are and where they are in life. Your thoughts though well intentioned illistrate the ugly power of judgement. Judgement keeps people back. Grace allows growth and recognizes people learn things and change in their own time.
Blessings!!!

Well said!

From your general lack of knowledge by dismissing eating clean as "whatever that means" shows you just want to be skinny and not healthy. Look at your labels some time, see what you are putting in your body. I mean great, you think calories in and calories out is the only goal. The best you will ever be is somewhat thinner without getting more serious about nutrition. Go over your limit whatever but including junk in your diet is just that, junk. It isn't food, it is a food like product that does nothing for you.

What is eating clean then?