how do i deal with a addiction?
him1025
Posts: 44
i'm convinced i'm addicted to food mainly sweets. no matter what i do i crave them like mad and i get grumpy if i don't get them. i gave up cake frosting but i catch myself reaching for a piece of chocolate in the middle of the night and in between meals...how do i beat this? also keeping sweets out of the house is impossible i have a hubby who's 140 lbs soak and wet who can eat anything and not gain a pound and we use treats for rewards when the kids do something good.
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Replies
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DO NOT USE TREATS AS REWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! You are completely setting them up for problems later!!!!! Time for the whole family to undergo a change. Other rewards might include priviledges, or fun outings, or something other than food.0
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Talk to your partner about it. Tell them that you're struggling having treats around all the time and that it would give you much more peace-of-mind if A) the treats were kept well out of sight and out of easy reach, or (better) b), treats were not kept at home. Out of sight, out of mind. Stock up your fridge and cupboards with healthy treats. Your favourite fruits and that sort of thing.0
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i can do that for the kids but hubby is always bringing them home he give me zero support on anything so i need to break this addiction with the problem in front of me0
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Honestly, get them out of the house and use fruits as "treats" for the rewards if you absolutely have to. A cousin of mine used to stock up on little toys from the dollar store and use those as rewards too... maybe a good idea? Or a ticket system depending on age?
Read "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan.. frankly sugars and carbs (which become sugars in your body) perpetuates a desire for more of the same.0 -
Easy, when he brings it home, wait til he's gone and throw it out.0
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Try peanuts, cashews, any kind of nut. The protien will help counter the carb cravings. I keep jars of nuts all around. Though I do occasionally break down with chocolate covered. Who knows your husband might just pick up your habbit if they are more accessable!0
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I also have an addictive personality. For what it's worth, there are studies out there that indicate that addiction is pattern based (duh?). What I mean is, if you can break a pattern, you can break the addiction.
For smokers something like "do not smoke after you eat"..
For college kids that party every weekend and drink. "stay home and watch a movie"
Breaking cycles of behavior teaches the brain to function without dependence.0 -
I was addicted to sugars when I started. I beat it by giving myself a set time and a set limit on how much and when I could have them. In my case, I told myself I could have as many sweets as I exercised off the calories for beforehand, and only after dinner. Knowing they were coming kept me strong enough to resist during the day, and having to work off the calories got me motivated to work out each evening.
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I found a program called Food Addicts in Recovery and it has saved my life. Nothing else worked, I tried everything. It's a support group, not only do you lose weight but your life will become so much easier and peaceful.0
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DO NOT USE TREATS AS REWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! You are completely setting them up for problems later!!!!! Time for the whole family to undergo a change. Other rewards might include priviledges, or fun outings, or something other than food.
This. Food is fuel not rewards!!!!0 -
I found a program called Food Addicts in Recovery and it has saved my life. Nothing else worked, I tried everything. It's a support group, not only do you lose weight but your life will become so much easier and peaceful.
Great suggestion!0 -
thanks!!0
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Any way you could wean yourself off sugar by buying diabetic candies with artificial sweeteners? I know those aren't meant to be eaten all the time or long-term but ... neither is too much sugar! If you really are physically addicted to sugar, these zero-calorie candies might break that part of the addiction at least.0
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I found a program called Food Addicts in Recovery and it has saved my life. Nothing else worked, I tried everything. It's a support group, not only do you lose weight but your life will become so much easier and peaceful.
Is it religion based like the 12 step programs? Jesus and I don't mix.0 -
When I'm trying to cut back on sweets, I set an amount that I'm allowed to have that day. I buy a lot of fun size candy bars and allow myself one or two for treats that day, and always save them for the end. I know that the good stuff is coming, so I don't need to stuff it in my mouth all day. Although I'd like to. I'm a huge sweets person, too.0
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I found a program called Food Addicts in Recovery and it has saved my life. Nothing else worked, I tried everything. It's a support group, not only do you lose weight but your life will become so much easier and peaceful.
thanks i will see if there is local chapter in my area0 -
the only thing that has helped me was doing a cleanse and changing my eating habbits to not allow any sugar of any kind. the first few weeks was torture. it is smooth sailing since i got past that0
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I found a program called Food Addicts in Recovery and it has saved my life. Nothing else worked, I tried everything. It's a support group, not only do you lose weight but your life will become so much easier and peaceful.
This. If you really, honestly think it's an addiction, treat it the same way you'd treat an addiction to drugs. Get professional help, and if that's not possible, at least find yourself a support group and a program to work.0 -
we where told by the dr to offer treats a a reward for my son cause he has problem and he need incentive to do things that are asked of him. i dont want to deprive my kids of the occasional childhood treat. my kids are taught one or two pieces is a rewards for a good deed. they dont have they problem i have. i refuse to punish them like they do.my kids are actually on the small side for their ages. i know you mean well but like i said i have no support from my hubby cause he doesnt have weight issues or a craving problem like i do. i need to address this problem with the problem still being in the house.DO NOT USE TREATS AS REWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! You are completely setting them up for problems later!!!!! Time for the whole family to undergo a change. Other rewards might include priviledges, or fun outings, or something other than food.
This. Food is fuel not rewards!!!!0 -
I, too, believe I have a sugar addiction. Like any addiction, you have to completely quit. There is no "I can have a bite of a cookie." The first stage is a 2-3 week detox. There are many programs out there. I've used the South Beach Diet and the 17-Day Diet. The first couple of weeks are very strict, but you get the sugar out of your system. Then you gradually introduce other foods, but just don't reintroduce processed sugar. I eat fruit, use agave and stevia, but absolutely no processed cane sugar or corn syrup. You'll have to really read labels, and there may be small amounts of sugar in some things. But you know your triggers. I just don't eat that first piece or take that first bite. Eventually the cravings do go away. But I won't kid you that it's easy. Like an alcoholic, it's a battle I face every day. I have to choose not to eat those things I know will send me off on a binge. But it's very worth it to rid myself of the things that make me gain weight. Good luck!0
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As someone whose worked in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis (A scientifically justified profession) there is absolutely nothing and I mean not a god damn thing with using candy or food as a reward for good behavior. In fact it is often the centerfold of behavior change plan because guess what IT WORKS. And a piece of chocolate for good behavior isn't going to make your kid obese. That's just ridiculous.
As for craving sweets I find fruit helps, coffee or tea with truvia or just having a small piece of chocolate.0 -
How about a piggy bank and a nickel when he deserves a treat? Serves the purpose and keeps the food from being seen as a reward. Or stickers? Anything that's bright colorful and meaningful to a child might work for him? But not food, those of us on this site know how much that is setting a child up for a dangerous relationship with food in the future.
we where told by the dr to offer treats a a reward for my son cause he has problem and he need incentive to do things that are asked of him. i dont want to deprive my kids of the occasional childhood treat. my kids are taught one or two pieces is a rewards for a good deed. they dont have they problem i have. i refuse to punish them like they do.my kids are actually on the small side for their ages. i know you mean well but like i said i have no support from my hubby cause he doesnt have weight issues or a craving problem like i do. i need to address this problem with the problem still being in the house.DO NOT USE TREATS AS REWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! You are completely setting them up for problems later!!!!! Time for the whole family to undergo a change. Other rewards might include priviledges, or fun outings, or something other than food.
This. Food is fuel not rewards!!!!
Not giving a child candy is NOT a punishment! I think we get that in our mind and then teach that to our children and that causes them issues now and later. Because they are small in size doesn't mean eating sugar for treats is fine for them.
Treats are fine on occasion but as a reward there are so many other choices that would be far healthier in so many ways!:flowerforyou:0 -
Let yourself enjoy 1 serving of dark chocolate in the middle or near the end of the day. Have it with a cup of tea and make a ritual about it. Especially at first its hard to go cold turkey on the foods we love. We've been eating them for months/ years everyday as much as we like.0
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140 lbs soaking wet or not, eating a lot of candy can cause health problems. You can be skinny, fit and have issues with high lipids or sugar. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of health problems. Being thin and in shape doesn't exclude you from all risk.
Agree with not using food as a reward for your kids.
I let myself have a small amount of chocolate every day. If I don't, I go crazy when I do let myself have some. I very much believe in not totally cutting out the foods we love most and my doc agrees. I used to sit down at the computer and (occasionally) eat a half a bag of candy. I'm rarely tempted to do that now. Recording and thinking about the calories ahead of time helps. I've been slipping up a bit lately, but still not close to what I used to eat.0 -
Its an obsession. 1 is too many and 1000 is never enough. When I eat sweets more often then not I don't stop eating them until they are gone.
Solution: When I want a snack, I grab raw vegetables or shelled nuts. There is no "reward", the reward is I don't feel like **** about myself b/c I killed another package of oreos0 -
DO NOT USE TREATS AS REWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! You are completely setting them up for problems later!!!!! Time for the whole family to undergo a change. Other rewards might include priviledges, or fun outings, or something other than food.
Totally agree with this, why allow the same type of addiction to be inflicted on your children. It only leads to turning to food throughout the rest of life.
Try making chocolate delight for yourself. 1 serving per day.
1 tbs virgin coconut oil. 2/3 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder. 1 pack of nustevia , splenda or sweetener of choice. tiny bit of vanilla extract. Microwave for 20ish seconds, stir well. put in ice cube tray/candy tray. You can sprinkle with some nuts or unsweet coconut if you wish. Set in freezer till solid, then you may store in refrigerator. Enjoy!
Coconut oil has a lot of health benefits, and assists in weight loss. If its too 'dark choc tasting' for you, add a TINY bit of half n half into the mix next time.0 -
I bought a liquid water enhancer that makes the water taste like a particular flavor. Add it to the water and it's sweet, except it's just flavored water, being a sweet addict myself I have curved my cravings for chocolate and frosting and such substatially.0
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I can relate to you as I am a recovering food addict and belong to OA...as you asked up there is it a religious program....NO! It is a spiritual program just something as your higher power which can be the group, not a religion! Please feel free to MSG me for more info...most people aren't educated on food addiction its not as well known as alcoholism or drug addiction...so I understand your concern thunking something is not quite right and why can't I stay away from sugary food like everyone else...best of luck...0
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That's a tough one because sugar is in everything. (Even added to foods that you wouldn't expect). I would start with changing the taste in your mouth. Gargle with cinnamon or mint mouthwash after every meal. Sweets just don't taste the same. Read about sugar addictions and why it's bad for you. (I just got done reading Fat Chance). It really makes you rethink what you put in your body. I have found going cold turkey is the only way. Today I bought some chocolates that were on sale from Valentines. I can't just eat one, so I am realizing that I won't be able to eat any of it. It's hard when those foods are all around. Let every around you know that although you don't care if they eat a treat but you are trying to make a change. Ask them to please not eat sweets in front of you. Think of what triggers you have and try to avoid them. Mostly though for me the gargling with mouthwash after meals really helps. Chocolate just doesn't taste the same with mouthwash.i'm convinced i'm addicted to food mainly sweets. no matter what i do i crave them like mad and i get grumpy if i don't get them. i gave up cake frosting but i catch myself reaching for a piece of chocolate in the middle of the night and in between meals...how do i beat this? also keeping sweets out of the house is impossible i have a hubby who's 140 lbs soak and wet who can eat anything and not gain a pound and we use treats for rewards when the kids do something good.0 -
It's suggested to not eat foods with sugar in the first 5 ingredients0
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