I've been going through something similar the past few weeks. I struggle with depression and anxiety. My depression is under control, but I've really been struggling with the anxiety. Similar to you, I've used food to comfort myself my whole life. When I'm lonely, when I'm bored, when I'm feeling overwhelmed, when I'm too busy, when I'm tired....really anytime when I cannot soothe myself and comfort myself. I've been really struggling with building a healthy routine to my days. I work nights so my waking hours fluctuate and my days are unstructured. I'd also like to drink less. My mom's family has a history of alcoholism. I'm not concerned that I have an addiction but it's so caloric! My husband and I would like to try and have a baby in the next two years. First I really want to build a healthy body for baby! If you come up with any tips that help you, please let me know!

I can relate so much to what you are saying. Monday nite, I was so down on myself because I spent the weekend eating ice cream, chocolate, a entire bag of marshmallows (yes, the entire bag!). So monday nite, I wrote on this site, asking if anyone else had this sugar addiction, and if so, how did they conquer it. I had already decided Monday that I was going to watch my sugar closely, and see if I could keep it below 50 grams a day. I noticed how much sugar was in my "unsweetened" applesauce (like 11 grams!). And my hubby and I had been buying protein bars, thinking that would help me not get hungry (they had 18 grams of sugar). But I would eat a protein bar, and be even more hungry.

I have come to realize that sugar is what is keeping me from losing weight. I see others on here that can eat ice cream, brownies, etc EVERY day, and still lose. They tell me its all willpower. I don't know if they are right, or if some of us do have some type of addiction.

Anyhow, I posted something on this website about sugar addiction. I had been reading about sugar addiction, and come to realize that this is what I have, and this is why, for me, eating just one bowl of ice cream is a disaster. Maybe not forever, but right now it is. Over 100 people responded-- many of them had me feeling so awful about myself. People telling me to just stop eating more than 1 bowl of ice cream - that it is as simple as willpower. Others even accused me of comparing this to cocaine addiction, and how wrong I was to do this. Very hurtful. Some wrote, and totally understood, but the first posts were very negative to me, and not at all helpful. I just wanted to go and eat an entire box of cookies, but I didn't!

Here is the link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1380983-anyone-else-feel-they-are-addicted-to-sugar


So - I am happy that at least on your post, there are others who understand so much what you are going through. Its like once I have something sweet, something takes over my brain, and it is so hard to stop.

I have lost 16 lbs so far, and need to lose at least another 20-30, but I also have been struggling. So yesterday, I started really watching my sugar intake. Its been hard, and I am on day 2 now.

So I understand exactly what you are saying. I have read the book "Feeling Good" also, and do a gratitude journal everynite before going to bed. The book iis excellent. I started gaining weight through each of the deaths of my 4 siblings. I am only 63, but I have lost my only sister, and 2 brothers before any of them reached the age of 60 -- all to cancer. (also lost my parents 25 yrs ago) Then in 2012, my 3rd brother committed suicide - and another 30 lbs put on. I have a 36 yr old daughter, who has a masters degree in Occupational therapy - but 2yrs ago, she was dx with bipolar/schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and now living with us. So with each of these things, I turned more and more to food. Something very hard to break.

But -- we can do this. I am determined to get a healthier lifestyle. Even if it means posting here every nite to keep from eating, and to know that I am not alone in this battle, or finding friends who know what this battle is like.

You can do this to! I know you can, and you will!

I can relate so much to what you are saying. Monday nite, I was so down on myself because I spent the weekend eating ice cream, chocolate, a entire bag of marshmallows (yes, the entire bag!). So monday nite, I wrote on this site, asking if anyone else had this sugar addiction, and if so, how did they conquer it. I had already decided Monday that I was going to watch my sugar closely, and see if I could keep it below 50 grams a day. I noticed how much sugar was in my "unsweetened" applesauce (like 11 grams!). And my hubby and I had been buying protein bars, thinking that would help me not get hungry (they had 18 grams of sugar). But I would eat a protein bar, and be even more hungry.

I have come to realize that sugar is what is keeping me from losing weight. I see others on here that can eat ice cream, brownies, etc EVERY day, and still lose. They tell me its all willpower. I don't know if they are right, or if some of us do have some type of addiction.

Anyhow, I posted something on this website about sugar addiction. I had been reading about sugar addiction, and come to realize that this is what I have, and this is why, for me, eating just one bowl of ice cream is a disaster. Maybe not forever, but right now it is. Over 100 people responded-- many of them had me feeling so awful about myself. People telling me to just stop eating more than 1 bowl of ice cream - that it is as simple as willpower. Others even accused me of comparing this to cocaine addiction, and how wrong I was to do this. Very hurtful. Some wrote, and totally understood, but the first posts were very negative to me, and not at all helpful. I just wanted to go and eat an entire box of cookies, but I didn't!

Here is the link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1380983-anyone-else-feel-they-are-addicted-to-sugar


So - I am happy that at least on your post, there are others who understand so much what you are going through. Its like once I have something sweet, something takes over my brain, and it is so hard to stop.

I have lost 16 lbs so far, and need to lose at least another 20-30, but I also have been struggling. So yesterday, I started really watching my sugar intake. Its been hard, and I am on day 2 now.

So I understand exactly what you are saying. I have read the book "Feeling Good" also, and do a gratitude journal everynite before going to bed. The book iis excellent. I started gaining weight through each of the deaths of my 4 siblings. I am only 63, but I have lost my only sister, and 2 brothers before any of them reached the age of 60 -- all to cancer. (also lost my parents 25 yrs ago) Then in 2012, my 3rd brother committed suicide - and another 30 lbs put on. I have a 36 yr old daughter, who has a masters degree in Occupational therapy - but 2yrs ago, she was dx with bipolar/schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and now living with us. So with each of these things, I turned more and more to food. Something very hard to break.

But -- we can do this. I am determined to get a healthier lifestyle. Even if it means posting here every nite to keep from eating, and to know that I am not alone in this battle, or finding friends who know what this battle is like.

You can do this to! I know you can, and you will!

You are not alone. I thank you for this motivational post. I have a habit of thinking that putting it out there for others to see is a sign of weakness on my part. Maybe it is weakness, but it is in our wesak moments we should draw strength from our cohort on MFP.

Wonderful!!

I am definitely a carbaholic and have never been able to eliminate or severely restrict carbs. I feel awful when I do. I ask able to give up refined sweets and notice cravings go away or at least subside.

Though sweets and carbs are definitely the biggest food group I like to stuff myself with when I seeming out my emotions with food, I do that with all foods. I have an insatiable appetite that is difficult to control.