Anyone else addicted to fast food?
Replies
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i used to be. i cut it out of my diet completely for a while and now, the thought of half the stuff i used to eat is nauseating. i still love my chicken nuggets every now and then though
try cutting it out for a while! 0 -
You have to stop eating fast food!
No you don't.0 -
I wouldn't say I'm addicted to fast food but I do allow myself to enjoy it every once in a while, although no more than once a week as a treat, maybe on a Friday after a long weeks work. My addition is smoking and the only thing that's stopping me from doing that is locking myself in to two running competitions that I now want to do well in and for one of which I'm raising money for charity, which makes me want to stick to my goals even more. I don't know if this would work for you, but having a goal outside of just loosing weight might help, be it a fun run / swim or an endurance assault course, you don't have to win, you just have to want to do well for yourself.0
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How I combat the "fast food cravings" may not be something that everyone can do. I cook my own.
My husband LOVES Mexican, Chinese and Pizza, and if we could, he'd probably eat out at these restaurants every week. So I satisfy those cravings by cooking those cuisines at home. I scour recipe websites like skinnytaste.com, skinnykitchen.com, cookinglight.com and keep my eye out for recipes in these cuisines that we crave.
Then I cook. We both get the cravings satisfied, but invariably the food tastes better than restaurants, its lower in calories, and we can actually "eat out" more often.
The down side, if you can call it that, is it makes it harder to eat out at restaurants when you can cook better at home.
And for anyone who says they "don't have the time to cook." I would say tally up what you spend looking at menu boards or menus, waiting in line or drive thrus, etc... With a little prep, cooking does not have to be time consuming. Some of the best recipes can be made in a matter of minutes.0 -
Fast Food is full of drugs. Quitting them is damn hard.
Name three. :huh:
Caffeine
Theobromine
Phenylethylamine
Casomorphins
Not to mention chuff loads of MSG and sugar along with carcinogenic chemicals.
But the real issue is the effect that the chemicals have on your hormones (much the same as in drugs) and the reward centre of the brain, huge increases in dopamine are noted in food addiction in the same fashion as in cocaine addiction for example.
Phenethylamine is widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom
Theobromine is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa and chocolate, Theobromine can also be found in small amounts in the kola nut
Caffeine is in coffee and tea as well as many other things, and according to several RDN's coffee and tea is actually good for you in moderation...just like everything else...in mod-er-a-tion.
The "chemicals" have as much control of your hormones as you let them...it's called willpower. The ability to "just say no." No addiction, I have NEVER seen one single withdrawl symptom from lack of Double Quarter Pounder w/Cheese and fries. Never. However...there was that 911 call in Florida when McDonalds was out of chicken nuggets...so, there's that.
So because you have not seen it it does not exist? I have learned from time on MFP not to waste my time trying to convince people. Myself and others have posted links to further proof of actual food addiction, not everyone can control their willpower in the same way and some people do develop actual addiction (actually likened to similar level to heroin addiction) to food. I am not saying that everyone overweight is addicted, merely that food addiction is real and exists and can contribute to peoples inability to lose weight and control their eating.
Anyway, good job you cracked the whole 'drug problem' thing, I'll make sure I let all of those people that find it hard to function without coffee know that cutting out caffeine doesn't cause withdrawal symptoms.
I'll also let all of the Cocaine addicts know that they're not really addicted, because cocaine comes from a plant, right?
Not to mention Heroin addicts that are obviously not addicted either, as Heroin is derived from Poppies?
I don't think so somehow.
Yes, fast food and heroin...exact same thing.0 -
I eat taco bell fresco bean burritos occasionally. I ate them more often when I first started mfp. If you want meaty fast food, the kid's meals would have more reasonable portions.0
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Are there any other issues that seem to coincide with eating like that? As in depression or anxiety?
If so i would work on that before worrying about the food because it will recur until the root problem is in check.
If not then its really just up to you to make it a habit to not eat it, make sure to buy healthy foods and prepare them before hand for lunches and such.
for me when i eat that stuff for lunch i get tired and i hate that, so its easy for me to avoid it because being tired at work is not an option for me.0 -
it ok to eat it once in awhile
exercise it off stay under calories
I don't eat fries anymore
sometimes I will plan a baconater at wendys which is a 900 cal sandwich
not very often like once amonth
or at mcdonalds I get a regular hamburger0 -
Fast Food is full of drugs. Quitting them is damn hard.
Name three. :huh:
Caffeine
Theobromine
Phenylethylamine
Casomorphins
Not to mention chuff loads of MSG and sugar along with carcinogenic chemicals.
But the real issue is the effect that the chemicals have on your hormones (much the same as in drugs) and the reward centre of the brain, huge increases in dopamine are noted in food addiction in the same fashion as in cocaine addiction for example.
Phenethylamine is widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom
Theobromine is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa and chocolate, Theobromine can also be found in small amounts in the kola nut
Caffeine is in coffee and tea as well as many other things, and according to several RDN's coffee and tea is actually good for you in moderation...just like everything else...in mod-er-a-tion.
The "chemicals" have as much control of your hormones as you let them...it's called willpower. The ability to "just say no." No addiction, I have NEVER seen one single withdrawl symptom from lack of Double Quarter Pounder w/Cheese and fries. Never. However...there was that 911 call in Florida when McDonalds was out of chicken nuggets...so, there's that.
So because you have not seen it it does not exist? I have learned from time on MFP not to waste my time trying to convince people. Myself and others have posted links to further proof of actual food addiction, not everyone can control their willpower in the same way and some people do develop actual addiction (actually likened to similar level to heroin addiction) to food. I am not saying that everyone overweight is addicted, merely that food addiction is real and exists and can contribute to peoples inability to lose weight and control their eating.
Anyway, good job you cracked the whole 'drug problem' thing, I'll make sure I let all of those people that find it hard to function without coffee know that cutting out caffeine doesn't cause withdrawal symptoms.
I'll also let all of the Cocaine addicts know that they're not really addicted, because cocaine comes from a plant, right?
Not to mention Heroin addicts that are obviously not addicted either, as Heroin is derived from Poppies?
I don't think so somehow.
I know you mean well and you're trying to help, but this type of post is sort of the opposite of health. Convincing people that some food item they like a lot is the equivalent of cocaine and therefore evil and bad leads to exactly what Mishinmite observes: willpower will eventually give out leading to failures and binges.
The proper course of action is to learn moderation and how to fit these foods into your goals. Demonizing them is the wrong approach, and it simply does not work.
I think you are misunderstanding my point. I am not saying the foods should be avoided, or trying to demonise them. What I am saying is that in larger quantities some foods have been proven to cause addiction in some people. It's not always the case that people are lazy and can't be bothered to quit, there is more at play.0 -
Hey AwesomeShark! Fast food is one of my weaknesses too. Sooo tasty... I do allow myself to have fast food, but I only eat it when I am with others, that way I don't eat too much, cause I will if left to my own devices! I am trying to think of how I feel the next day after eating fast food, tired, lazy and I want to stuff my face all day. You've done so amazingly well, don't get discouraged, you've come too far for that0
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Watch supersize me, you won't want fast food for a while.
Supersize me didn't affect me at all. I was hoping it would. I thought to myself, yeah this guy ate McDonald's everyday, but never had water, never exercised and never ate anything else. I don't eat McDonald's for every meal everyday. In fact, after watching that movie, I wanted my go to of two cheeseburgers, fries and a chocolate shake.0 -
Nope, haven't craved fast food for a couple of years. Now, don't get me wrong, I do crave a burger and fries but I prefer them from my grill and oven over fast food. I am also not saying I haven't eaten any fast food during that time, but it was more about convenience since I travel a lot. Usually I kicked myself afterward because it just doesn't taste as good as what I can make at home.0
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Having lost loved ones to the disease, I'm really disturbed by how easily "addicted" gets tossed around. Suddenly everybody is addicted - to fast food, to their favorite conditioner, to TV shows, to items of clothing. These examples are not addictions.0
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I have a few tricks that I use if I have no other choice than fast food. I order a child's meal with a side salad. Wendy's also has some pretty great salads however ask for the calorie count and they do have them usually under the counter. I think what I am learning on this site like eating at Subway helps however I would be better with the child's meal and maybe carry a apple if you still feel hungry.0
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I would say that I tend to lean toward this. I consider going to fast food 3+ times per week for breakfast a problem (for me). Will I never eat there again...I will; just in moderation. Adding up all the $$ that has been spent on fast food/eating out could buy some food and cook at home. I have a 14 year old...going to fast food isn't under $20 anymore!
We will keep our tradition and go to Starbucks on pay day. (I get paid once a month). It is a special treat for us.0 -
Nowadays, almost all the fast food eateries offer more healthy options than they used it. As soon as you find yourself in the drive-through start looking for the salad menu, or fruit based options. Plan ahead. Visit the nutritional menu to decide how many calories, fat grams, sodium, etc., you are willing to "bite off" for this one meal. Make conscious choices. I get home late and am away from home most of the day so I admit, we do eat take-out quite a bit ... but I have found ways to keep it healthier than burgers and fries: My new faves are the Berry Almond Chicken salad from Wendy's, or a plain baked potato with a packet of salsa, the Yogurt Parfait at McDonald's (yes, I use that as my main course for whatever meal it is), the Cantina bowl at Taco Bell, etc. Once I educated myself to the nutritional content for various items, it made the substitution much easier.
If all else fails and you need the greasy burger, order it "dry" without mayo or sauce, and/or low carb - wrapped in lettuce instead of bun. Also, order off the dollar menu - usually less frills, smaller portions, lower in calories. A value-size fry is way less calories than the one that is served with the combo meal and lets you indulge your craving. Better yet, share it with a friend for 50% less calories, so you have room for a 150 calorie yogurt parfait for dessert!!0 -
Fast Food is full of drugs. Quitting them is damn hard.
Name three. :huh:
Seriously? Or are you just being sarcastic?0 -
Fast Food is full of drugs. Quitting them is damn hard.
Name three. :huh:
Seriously? Or are you just being sarcastic?
Are you?
Fast food full of drugs? Come on.0 -
Honestly, I am not addicted to fast food. It's more a convenience, and that is why I consume it. Although, truth be told I was told not to eat fried foods since I was 12 due to something, I don't remember what exactly. The physician I saw said it would cause me nothing but pain and discomfort. So true, as grease makes me sick... but I guess I'm gluten for punishment.0
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Very much agree! Ppl that don't see food as a possible addiction may not have a food addiction themselves to fully understand that food CAN be just as much an addiction as gambling, drugs, etc. etc. There are chemicals reactions with food that effect the brain.I'm uncomfortable with labeling the frequent consumption of fast food as an addiction. Sort of depreciates the struggle a person with say a drug or alcohol addiction may go through?
No offense, but please don't negate any type of addiction. There are many process addictions (which are addictions that do not affect the chemical process of the persons mind or body), such as gambling, eating, shopping etc, and there are chemical addictions (which interfere with the chemical make-up of your body), i.e. drugs, alcohol. I am an addiction studies major now going into my third year and it really flips my ticker when people think that eating cannot be a "real" addiction. Yes it is in the mind, yes it may be a mental thought, but it is an addiction none the less. Either way, no matter the choice of the "drug" everyone struggles and everyone fights their demons in their own ways.
With that being said OP...you are an adult. YOU make your own decision and YOU have the choice to say no. When you choose to say yes, you overlook the negative effects it is going to have on you for the immediate pleasure, and deal with the guilt and possible shame AFTER the deed is done. This IS a classic sign of an addiction. Fast food can be acceptable if you can fit it into your macros every now and again. Is it possible to eat fast food every day and stay in your caloric budget? Sure...but it would suck and it wouldn't be very healthy as far as nutrition goes. Your body needs fresh unprocessed foods. If you honestly feel like you have a problem with fast food, you can always look into over eaters anonymous on line for extra support.
eta: definitions of chemical and process addictions for more clear explanation
Something that bothers me is when ppl say you can give up alcohol, drugs, gambling, but you have to eat food. Yes our body needs nutrition but there is alcohol available on every corner, same with drugs, any of that is easily available if you go looking.
I don't see that food addiction is any harder than another addiction.. they can all be equally life altering depending on the person and the situation. Any addiction is a difficult situation to be in.0 -
I was addicted to fast food too! I would go to mc donalds or taco bell every day after school. But I noticed the weight I was gaining and how I felt physically. I was having chest pain and other problems too. I stopped because I knew if I kept on eating that stuff my health would be in jeopardy. I could develop an illness or diabetes etc. That's not how I want to live my life. Your young and have a lot to live for, do the best thing by making healthier choices. WE ALL have our cheat days but don't let it be every day. Good luck to you on your journey!0
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Lucky for me when I was in the fifth grade (5 years ago) I saw a report on the news station that was 5 mins long focusing on how horrible fast food was. It shocked me and I haven't eaten fast food since. I don't even crave it.
I also stopped having soda since the sixth grade and now I cringe when I think about drinking it.0 -
Fast Food is full of drugs. Quitting them is damn hard.
Name three. :huh:
Seriously? Or are you just being sarcastic?
Are you?
Fast food full of drugs? Come on.
Yes, I am dead serious. You and some other ignorant commentators may not realize it, but in the process of preparing most common fast food, ADDITIVES are, well, added. Sure, these chemicals and compounds can be found in other elements of nature, but not in quantities or more importantly the combinations that they are in fast foods.
Hydrogenated oils are not naturally occurring. Hydrogen atoms exist and in certain combinations make up fats and oils. However, food manufacturers ADD an extra hydrogen atom which helps in preventing the molecule chain's breakdown, because when unsaturated fats break down, they taste rancid. The addition of a hydrogen atom has drastic effects on the human body, many of which we are still discovering.
Someone mentioned salt, or Sodium. Salt is natural. It is found in the oceans and on land. We even need a certain amount in our bodies so that our nervous systems work. However, if you butcher a cow or pig you won't find sodium levels like you do in the processed pieces that end up on your plate. They even add sodium to breads. And I am not talking about insignificant amount. Sodium levels are 1000x what their natural counterparts.
BHA or Butylated Hydroxytoluene, also known as Butylated Hydroxyanisole is so dangerous it has been banned in several countries already.
The first point people should understand about natural vs not-natural is that just because the element is found in nature, does not mean it is being used naturally. My house is made of wood. Wood is natural. But, you would never say a wooden house is, would you?
And just to cap this off - here is an ingredient that many might be surprised to know is prevalent: COAL TAR. That is tar from coal. It is used as a base for food coloring. If what you eat contains food coloring, there is a chance you are coal tar. I dare one of you to scrape some off the inside of your bbq or wood stove and eat a spoonful. Tell me how it isn't harmful for you because it is found in nature!0 -
Hello, I am addicted to sugar !!! I am trying to get off of it, but the with drawls are so bad !! I can pass up a fast food hamburger, but will devour a bag of Double Stuffed Oreos in 1 day !! I feel ya. Hang in there, lets push past this and get healthy !!0
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I'm uncomfortable with labeling the frequent consumption of fast food as an addiction. Sort of depreciates the struggle a person with say a drug or alcohol addiction may go through? That being said. Maybe you could begin cooking more at home, then do some more exercise so that you have more calories to fit in a fast food treat here and there?
No...it doesn't depreciate it. Just because you dont have the addiction doesn't mean it isn't just as hard to give up fast food or another type of food as it is for someone struggling from drug and alcohol addiction.
i've been addicted to fast food or types of food for many many years...and unless you've been inside my brain when my body and mind were screaming for that food...you dont know the struggle. I dont care what anyone says...i've lived it.0 -
Broccoli may stick in your teeth but french fries stick to your thighs!!!!!!!!
I love McDonald's fries but I buy a small...it's more than enough. Don't deny yourself but don't make yourself feel guily either!!!0 -
I wouldn't say I'm addicted but I like to have the odd McDonald's. I can't fit a Big Mac combo with a soda into my day every.single.time, but I can fit a McDouble and small fries and still hit my macros. Just plan for it.0
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I am! I work all of the time in the middle of fast food haven! It's way too convenient!0
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dont watch super size me that doc is a pos imo, watch a doc called "fat head" trust me.0
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Im addicted to broscience......I cant stay away from this thread. Im learning about all kinds of new and improved toxins manufactured for the sole purpose of giving me cancer or making me fat or whatever. Demon toxins.0
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