How to kick a fast food addiction?
Replies
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I try to recreate healthy versions of fast foods at home that I like and fit it into my calorie goals. For instance I used to be obsessed with Taco Bell but now I just make Taco's at home so I can portion what I am eating and use healthier ingredients. You can still eat fast food if you want but limit the intake with willpower and planning ahead of time.
meat
lettuce
tomato
sour cream
taco shell
shredded cheese
i dont get it...whats unhealthy?
Well for starters Taco Bell has a ridiculously high sodium count because all of the ingredients are pre-packaged and come in bags--- look behind the counter when they are refilling there vats.
Um. What is wrong with high sodium? And what does a bag have to do with sodium?
Most of the sodium would be from the meat.
Also, just because you spit out the word "vats" does not make it OHNOES status.
Oh I don't know, high sodium is linked to high blood pressure, stomach cancer, problems with your kidneys to name a few. Two Bean Burrito's at Taco bell is over 2000 grams of Sodium, if she has a problem with fast food eating this excess could be a problem hence why I said making it at home or limiting it could be useful I said vat because it's funny, someone needs to relax, I'm trying to help and your snarkiness is incredibly dull.
Stomach cancer, really? :huh: And regular exercise helps lower blood pressure. I consume a hell of a lot of sodium and my BP is barely over ideal (and there are genetic factors at play).
My snarkiness is never dull. This is proof you are an overexaggerator.
Just because eating a diet filled with sodium has worked for you doesn't mean you should promote it for everyone, particularly someone who has a problem consuming large amounts of fast food. I'm not going to waste my time quoting medical journals that show how a high sodium diet could negatively impact someone's health. Why don't you quit making low jab's at people behind and your computer and be more useful with your advice.
Oh please, quote medical journals at me. *chin in hands*
And my advice was perfectly valid. She does not have a problem consuming a large amount of fast food, she is just alarmed at how much she is consuming. I, and others, have told her that it isn't as big an issue as she has been lead to believe.0 -
I used the wrong damn word...end of story. Trust me...I don't expect rainbows.
You are getting upsey and feeling attacked. Please don't. You have to have thick skin around here, but once you stop taking things personally there is a lot of great information.
I don't have a right to get upset? Im glad to get suggestions and help.
But come on...I used the word addiction which seemed to make some people butt hurt.
I see the great information...I do.
I am not going to tell you how to feel, I was just trying to let you know that it isnt personal and taking a more relaxed approach to it would be more condusive. *shrug*0 -
just start cooking your own homemade meals and you will soon realize that fast food pretty much tastes like a horses *kitten*...or what I believe a horses *kitten* would taste like.
I had Wendy's last August on a road trip and it pretty much ruined me for a couple of days...I hadn't had fast food in 9 months prior and I don't think I'll ever have it again.
Either that or come to terms with the fact that it is entirely possible to include fast food in an otherwise balanced and nutritious diet and still lose weight and be healthy. I may not eat fast food, but I can tell you right now, I eat pizza...I eat polish sausages and bratts...I eat full fat burgers I make at home on my grill...I eat ice cream and I drink soda on occasion...it's about learning moderation and portion control. For me, the fast food just wasn't worth it...it tastes like poop and then makes you poop...
Thanks for the laugh!
I know I probably won't be able to kick it completely. Just wanting advice from people who feel like I do. Thanks!0 -
Hi, I would ask what draws you to it… convenience? Like, I try to always have food with me-- which may seem counterintuitive-- but this means I don't get caught off-guard and make a last-minute decision while hungry that may be not the best decision.
So, I bring apples, Quest bars (have you tried them?? OMG), nuts (measured), and other things in my purse. I focus on replacing the behavior with a better one, rather than quitting altogether.
Keep in mind too that they engineer fast food to be addictive. The sugars, the fats… it all goes straight to your brain. For me, I am cold turkey on it. But again, don't focus on what you CANT have, focus on all the lovely food you can eat instead :-) If you want a burger, much better to make at home. Same with even a milkshake or fries.
Also, before MyFitnessPal, I lost 40+ lbs (not on my profile). So I do have some experience with this...
Hope that's helpful. Good luck!!!!!0 -
I find that I turn to fast food when I don't really know what else to eat. If I have a plan, I can avoid it. I suggest planning out your meals for the week. Then you know what you're going to have, you stick to it, and you dont' find yourself at the drive through.
Everyone's right, it's okay to have it sometimes, but if it's one of those triggers for you where if you have it once you're suddenly off the wagon and having it every day, then it may be bettter to avoid it for awhile. Plan ahead for everything you're going to eat. Have it ready and available - try doing all your cooking for the week on Sunday and having everything already in the fridge/freezer ready when you want it.0 -
Hi, I would ask what draws you to it… convenience? Like, I try to always have food with me-- which may seem counterintuitive-- but this means I don't get caught off-guard and make a last-minute decision while hungry that may be not the best decision.
So, I bring apples, Quest bars (have you tried them?? OMG), nuts (measured), and other things in my purse. I focus on replacing the behavior with a better one, rather than quitting altogether.
Keep in mind too that they engineer fast food to be addictive. The sugars, the fats… it all goes straight to your brain. For me, I am cold turkey on it. But again, don't focus on what you CANT have, focus on all the lovely food you can eat instead :-) If you want a burger, much better to make at home. Same with even a milkshake or fries.
Also, before MyFitnessPal, I lost 40+ lbs (not on my profile). So I do have some experience with this...
Hope that's helpful. Good luck!!!!!
Oh great. Now this scene from So I Married an Axe Murderer is running laps in my head:
Stuart Mackenzie: Well, it's a well known fact, Sonny Jim, that there's a secret society of the five wealthiest people in the world, known as The Pentavirate, who run everything in the world, including the newspapers, and meet tri-annually at a secret country mansion in Colorado, known as The Meadows.
Tony Giardino: So who's in this Pentavirate?
Stuart Mackenzie: The Queen, The Vatican, The Gettys, The Rothschilds, *and* Colonel Sanders before he went tits up. Oh, I hated the Colonel with is wee *beady* eyes, and that smug look on his face. "Oh, you're gonna buy my chicken! Ohhhhh!"
Charlie Mackenzie: Dad, how can you hate "The Colonel"?
Stuart Mackenzie: Because he puts an addictive chemical in his chicken that makes ya crave it fortnightly, smartass!0 -
I eat fast food, I just make sure it fits my calories/macros for the day. If its something I really want I MAKE it fit my allowance for the day. Everything in moderation!0
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Some fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.0
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oh geez.0
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Some fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
wait a minute. so you mean to tell me that a guy who has only pledged to eat McDonald's for 30 days gets unhappy when he doesn't eat and then happier when he does? sounds like a case of being hangry to me...0 -
Haha but when you only crave the golden arches after eating it for a week there is something wrongSome fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
wait a minute. so you mean to tell me that a guy who has only pledged to eat McDonald's for 30 days gets unhappy when he doesn't eat and then happier when he does? sounds like a case of being hangry to me...0 -
Haha but when you only crave the golden arches after eating it for a week there is something wrongSome fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
wait a minute. so you mean to tell me that a guy who has only pledged to eat McDonald's for 30 days gets unhappy when he doesn't eat and then happier when he does? sounds like a case of being hangry to me...
I ate Mcdonalds nearly everyday for two weeks and still craved other things. Methinks the guy had an agenda.0 -
I really wish people wouldn't use the word "addiction" so lightly. I really doubt you are addicted to fast food. Sure you make like it, you may crave it, but you are not addicted to it.
I asked for help/suggestions...not criticism.
I had a response for you, but I've lost all desire to help with this response.0 -
1. Stop thinking of it as an addiction.
2. Eat to reasonable macro levels in an overall reasonable calorie limit.
3. ???
4. Profit!0 -
Some fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
LOLdocumentary.
Real documentaries don't use fake math.0 -
Lol there probably is some truth to this, I mean he was getting paid to eat just McDonald's. And if what you say is true that you ate McDonald's everyday for two weeks than you are a better man than I. Don't get me wrong I like and sometimes love my fast food. But I have never been a huge fan of McDonald's. They have the best coca cola but besides that the food is not the greatest in my opinion
Haha but when you only crave the golden arches after eating it for a week there is something wrongSome fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
wait a minute. so you mean to tell me that a guy who has only pledged to eat McDonald's for 30 days gets unhappy when he doesn't eat and then happier when he does? sounds like a case of being hangry to me...
I ate Mcdonalds nearly everyday for two weeks and still craved other things. Methinks the guy had an agenda.0 -
Some fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
I suggest learning a bit more.0 -
Original Poster:
Keep your head high. If you want someone who can speak from experience...it absolutely can be an addition. Scientifically proven, some fatty/high in carbohydrates can trigger a cocaine-like addiction in some people. I mean, there's even been research done pertaining to the out of control consumption of food related to the pain reduction centers which focus on the serotonin mechanisms in the brain. So all of you who are saying, "you're wrong for calling it an addiction", it very well may be. Take a peek and learn before you criticize or tell someone they're not calling it what it is - http://foodaddictioninstitute.org/scientific-research/physical-craving-and-food-addiction-a-scientific-review/.
Next, OP, if you feel it's really out of control, I encourage you to see professional help. It doesn't mean anything is wrong with you...it just means that there is something going on with you that you need a bit of help with.
If you don't think it's an actual...addiction per say...then maybe start by reducing the times you get fast food per week. Then you can start making healthier alternatives at home.
Please add me as a friend. I've been there...I'm here to chat! Peace.0 -
You could try limiting yourself to a couple of fast food meals a week and keep within your calorie range. Then one a week. Then one every other week. Then one a month. At the same time, learn to cook a new thing each week.
Once you perfect the burger at home, you'll never think a McDonalds burger is worth it. If I eat fast food it's something I can't make better at home, like an Italian beef or a Chicago-style hot dog. I do that once every couple of months.0 -
About certain fast foods being an addiction or about addictions in generalSome fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
I suggest learning a bit more.0 -
I believe in moderation (I think) but if you can't handle even a little fast food, maybe you do need to say goodbye to it. Maybe it's like addictions and you need to write off the substance. Just my .02.0
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I love how people watch an hour and half long documentary yet won't spend 10 minutes doing a google search to learn about the truth behind said documentary. I blame Netflix....0
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I love how people watch an hour and half long documentary yet won't spend 10 minutes doing a google search to learn about the truth behind said documentary. I blame Netflix....
Or they could just do research on the REAL issue...you know...the REAL research out there. The REAL research centers that spend MILLIONS of dollars every year trying to figure this stuff out. Just sayin'.0 -
About certain fast foods being an addiction or about addictions in generalSome fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
I suggest learning a bit more.
Addiction.0 -
I love how people watch an hour and half long documentary yet won't spend 10 minutes doing a google search to learn about the truth behind said documentary. I blame Netflix....
Or they could just do research on the REAL issue...you know...the REAL research out there. The REAL research centers that spend MILLIONS of dollars every year trying to figure this stuff out. Just sayin'.
No one wants to read medical journals or anything to do with science, mathematics or reason. That's stuff is overrated. I put my stock in late night infomercials.0 -
I love how people watch an hour and half long documentary yet won't spend 10 minutes doing a google search to learn about the truth behind said documentary. I blame Netflix....
Or they could just do research on the REAL issue...you know...the REAL research out there. The REAL research centers that spend MILLIONS of dollars every year trying to figure this stuff out. Just sayin'.
No one wants to read medical journals or anything to do with science, mathematics or reason. That's stuff is overrated. I put my stock in late night infomercials.
Agreed, I stand by my wikipedia and youtube research. :happy:0 -
I love how people watch an hour and half long documentary yet won't spend 10 minutes doing a google search to learn about the truth behind said documentary. I blame Netflix....
Or they could just do research on the REAL issue...you know...the REAL research out there. The REAL research centers that spend MILLIONS of dollars every year trying to figure this stuff out. Just sayin'.
No one wants to read medical journals or anything to do with science, mathematics or reason. That's stuff is overrated. I put my stock in late night infomercials.
Hahaha!0 -
Hi OP,
I can empathize with you! I work full time and have three small children, so to avoid eating fast food I prepare and cook food on the weekends.
For example, this weekend I made broccoli/cheese/rice casserole, apple crisp, sloppy joe mix, and vegetable and cheese soup.
I make a big salad 2x a week of lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots and store in the fridge in a tupperware container with a damp paper towel. It keeps well and then it is very easy to have a salad every night.
I also almost always serve some type of frozen vegetable. Very quick on the stove or the microwave and tasty with tsp or so of butter.
I also keep on hand a variety of fresh fruits such as bananas, oranges, and apples. I also splurge on prewashed berry trays (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) which my kids devour.
For snacks, I keep stocked greek yogurt, a variety of nuts, Larabars, and popcorn (easy in the air popper and delicious with a little butter).
I hope some of this helps you and good luck!0 -
That is sort of funny because my knowledge of addiction comes from an actual psychologist who diagnosed my cousin with a physiological addiction to Cocaine in which he overcame through rehab. Now because he was addicted to Cocaine an addiction that is psychological he was not given any Cocaine unlike the opiate addicts who were weaned off of there physical addiction because if they quit without doing so their physical dependency on the drug would of killed them
About certain fast foods being an addiction or about addictions in generalSome fast food does have addictive additives, if you have ever seen the documentary "Super Size Me" there is a scene where the guy , who's name escapes me right now, who has been eating McDonald's for a week or so at this point is going through minor withdrawal and only feels happy when he is eating McDonald's. Now this is not as serious of a form of addiction like drug use is but it is still a sign of addiction. Also it should be know that there are two forms of addiction psychological and physical. Most addictions are mostly if not all psychological where the brain feels like it needs something to make it happy, this is common with drugs like Coke, on the other hand opiates usually cause a physical addiction meaning that the drug causes the body to stop producing certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to a withdrawal that if can kill someone if they quit cold turkey.
I suggest learning a bit more.
Addiction.0 -
Sadly I did read those medical journals because I went to a class called psychology. Now if the documentary has false evidence than this is the first I am hearing of itI love how people watch an hour and half long documentary yet won't spend 10 minutes doing a google search to learn about the truth behind said documentary. I blame Netflix....
Or they could just do research on the REAL issue...you know...the REAL research out there. The REAL research centers that spend MILLIONS of dollars every year trying to figure this stuff out. Just sayin'.
No one wants to read medical journals or anything to do with science, mathematics or reason. That's stuff is overrated. I put my stock in late night infomercials.0
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