Sugar Addiction / Healthy eating

I hate to say it, but I would counsel you to reconsider being a vegetarian. I applaud your decision from a moral point of view, but I think it is much harder to get control over a sugar addiction when you are eating a high percentage of carbs. At least have a look at your protein intake levels and do everything you can to get them up.

Helpful link:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants


You feel guilty about eating stuff because you have labelled it as good and bad. I put this at the end, because I know you don't want to hear it and I am hoping that you will look at the link before deciding my thoughts/opinions make everything I say invalid. Please consider that there could be a world where you can enjoy your food and your body shape.

Helpful link:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants


You feel guilty about eating stuff because you have labelled it as good and bad. I put this at the end, because I know you don't want to hear it and I am hoping that you will look at the link before deciding my thoughts/opinions make everything I say invalid. Please consider that there could be a world where you can enjoy your food and your body shape.

I appreciate your link and I am currently reading through it. It isn't that I don't "want" to hear something, it may have come off that way by my response to the other poster, but in actuality I just didn't like the way they said what they said and especially the remarks that came thereafter my response to them. As though I was supposed to respect their thoughts and opinions but they weren't supposed to respect mine.

I recently did a ten day sugar free challenge. I was still allowed to eat sugar naturally found in fruits, veggies, and dairy, but all added sugar was off limits. This restriction will almost guarantee that you stay away from processed food. The first trip to the grocery store took some time because I read all the labels. Even some brands of cottage cheese contain added sugar! I packed a lunch box daily that had my breakfast, lunch, and any snacks I would need during the work day. Personally, this challenge wasn't too difficult for me since I had already cut out most processed foods, but some people really struggled with it. However, since the end if the challenge, I have allowed myself to add back a little bit of sugary foods (frozen yogurt last night). Now that I am trying to eat sugar in moderation, I can really feel the hooks of addiction digging in. I'm afraid it might be an all or nothing thing for me. That is often the case of any addiction. All this to say, if you want to beat your sugar craving, you will have to make conscious decisions not to eat processed junk. Mother nature has done a great job providing us with an abundance of yummy foods. I'm not sure why we (Americans usually) began thinking that processed sugary chemical laden "food" was the way to go or the way to treat ourselves.

One thing though, I am your height and your current weight is my goal weight. 139 is within the healthy weight/height ratio for 5'2". However, I understand if you are not comfortable there. No one has the right to dictate what we want for our bodies. I suspect, though, that you are 1) having problems letting go of that "perfect" high school weight and 2) probably need to tone more than drop a significant amount of weight. You mentioned that you don't want to work hard, but I hope you realize that hard work has to go into any significant improvement you want in life. My non-expert advice would be to make big changes in your food choices. Some people say to make gradual changes, but that has never worked for me. Once I decided to get healthy for real, I made big changes almost overnight. You do what works for you. You should find that after you cut the poison out of your diet (and that's really what many processed foods amount to. Read the freaking labels. Do you know what half of that stuff is?), you will begin to feel better and more optimistic in general. Also, I would begin a light cardio and weight training program. As you begin to drop a few pounds and build some muscle, you should be more pleased with the look of your body, and you will find yourself not as willing to sacrifice your hard work for that office cookie.

Good luck and good sweatin'!

Kris

I understand what OP is saying. You're young enough to nip it in the bud so you don't end up even more overweight at 40 (like me). Although, as for advice, I'm no expert. I'm still learning myself. I have insurance (do you?) and I've signed up to speak with a counselor. I have TONS of knowledge but lack implementing and maintaining. I'm not sure of all the ins/outs with what vegetarians eat, but the other poster did mention IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros). You need to do some research and decide what works for you. Make sure you're getting your protein/carb/fat. Everyone will have different opinions on this. You sound like you know what you're eating and need to make some healthier choices. Start small - 1st - log every morsel you eat. 2nd - make one healthier choice every week (maybe you need healthy snacks at work - yogurt, almonds, veggies, protein bar - something that's satisfying and may help curb your hunger so you're not just grabbing cookies out of convenience.)

You have to remember it's a lifelong journey. I would never cut something out totally, because I would binge. I have to eat what I want to eat, but of course, within reason. (and therein lies the million dollar question - how to do it all within reason) Your choice of foods, water consumption, exercise and dedication to living a healthy life will help you reach your goals. 1 lb a week is reasonable, but also take measurements. Don't just rely on the scale. Good luck!

I can relate somewhat. I tend to do better by just avoiding sugary foods at all for the most part. I guess they are a "trigger food" for me. I don't generally crave sugar when I'm not downing cookies and the like so I just eat fruits, smoothies , etc for my sugar fix and occasionally I will have a frozen yogurt or dessert at a restaurant. This seems to work for me but I know others that can eat sweets everyday and still be under maintenance. As long as you remain in control and don't feel overly deprived you should be okay. As others have mentioned, Dont make this into a guilt thing, just find a balance that works for you and stick with it .

I agree wholeheartedly. Exercise helps me prevent cravings too.