"Eat everything in moderation" VENT!

GamecockFan14
GamecockFan14 Posts: 154 Member
edited September 30 in Health and Weight Loss
i'm SO sick of hearing "eat everything in moderation".... For the majority of people it might be great! But when you're a food addict it's SO hard.

I'm not sure if its just me, but speaking as a food addict, I cant eat "everything in moderation". It's all or nothing- I have trigger foods (being anything that tastes good), and once I consume that, it' can be hard to stop (not always- but most of the time.)

In my opinion, food addicts are comparable to any other type of drug addict- except, the sucky thing is that food food addicts- cant live without food- drug addicts can live without drugs. It's a hard situation: I have to face my addiction everyday (just like every other addict), but meanwhile, I still have to consume my addiction. You don't tell a crack head "Oh, just a little bit of crack in moderation."-- then why tell a food addict "oh, just a little bit of everything in moderation."

I honestly can't stand this- my family and friends say it to me all the time- they probably don't understand, and that's OK.... but, in all honesty, if it tastes good, its so hard for me to eat it in moderation. There is no detox program for food addicts, there's no going "cold turkey"- we need to eat to live.

I know this is might be a confusing "rant"- I'm just irritated right now. People have been nagging me about calorie intake (I eat around 1000, and my Dr. is aware), but its only because of this food addiction- i can't overcome it physically until I can overcome it mentally- and I can't overcome in mentally right now if I eat everything in "moderation"- it just doesn't work like that.

Ok, done.

Any advice? Am I the only one who feels like this?
«134

Replies

  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    I'm one of the "everything in moderation" people, but I also have my trigger foods. If I have cake, candy, ice cream, or anything sweet, I crave sugar all day. I literally can't think about anything except MOAR CAKE! So I don't have those things, unless I can arrange to have just a small serving in the evening when my stomach is already full so I won't keep stuffing my face. But there are some things that I *can* stop at just one, like chips, and so I allow myself those things.

    Bottom line is, you know your limits. If you feel you can't have those things, then don't, and if somebody brings it up, you can always just tell them, "I really feel satisfied right now and don't need that (insert trigger food here), thank you." A lot of times people are really looking for you to give THEM permission to eat it. They know they don't need that junk either, and if you don't have it, you're just reminding them that they're not perfect. So give them that permission. Let them know that you'll be happy to sit and chat with them while they have their food so they know you're not going to be offended or bothered, and then drop the subject. They're adults, they can make their own food choices, and you shouldn't have to join in if you don't want to.
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    "Eat everything in moderation" is a weak-minded person's way of saying "it's ok if I eat alot of high trans fat food, sweets, sodas and all the other crap processed food as long as I don't eat alot of it"

    Nonsense.

    You could eat things in moderation, go over your calorie intake limit and gain weight.

    So yea I agree, it's a bull**** term.
  • Gigi_licious
    Gigi_licious Posts: 1,185 Member
    I agree! I have trigger foods too....mainly anything that tastes good, but especially Pizza and BBQ brisket.
  • kezell83
    kezell83 Posts: 112 Member
    Nope your not alone at all. I have screamed this for the last several years. When you have that kind of addiction its hard to stop at one serving especially when that serving looks like it wont even fill up my four year old. And I know that its a mental thing. Something that you want control over but cant seem to have the will power at times. We have to just keep trying at it. We will eventually overcome. But I am like you. Its either all or none. Cant be In moderation for me. Because if it tasts good. I will eat it even tho i am not hungry. But because its there.
  • Kohadre
    Kohadre Posts: 316
    II cant eat "everything in moderation". It's all or nothing- I have trigger foods (being anything that tastes good), and once I consume that, it' can be hard to stop (not always- but most of the time.)

    Same exact situation here, If I start eating something really like, I basically say **** it and then have 3 times as much as i should have and then feel like crap afterwards because I know I just ruined my entire day's diet.

    So I simply don't eat foods that I know will cause me to do that.
  • kfitz10103
    kfitz10103 Posts: 354
    I understand how you feel. I was so addicted to red meat. I can't just have a bite of a quarter pounder without consuming it all. And pizza? How can you just take one bite? (or in my case eat just one piece?) There are foods that I NEVER eat anymore. I no longer eat candybars, candy or cake and I only eat red meat maybe once a month now. I have to say that when I do stick to just a serving of something that is a trigger food I am feel quite proud. I get the 100 calorie brownie packs because I LOVE brownies. It is hard to not open multiple packs so I only eat them after dinner when I am mostly full.
  • GamecockFan14
    GamecockFan14 Posts: 154 Member
    Exactly! I'm so glad ya'll agree. The thing is people look at mye like I'm crazy ecause I don't allow myself chocolate, because if I eat it- I binge.... I'm so overweight- I can't afford that. I'm not healthy. My body can't afford any more trans fat, cholesterol or "unnatural" and "unhealthy "calories

    For example, those "100 calorie packs" they ahve out of junk food. Sure, i'd love to eat one- but I won't. I'll eat 2 or 3-- there's an entire candy bar. Even so, those 100 calories are filled with CRAP instead of 100 calories worth of something that contains way more nutrition. i guess my point is- I'm not eating like this because it tastes good, I don't want it to taste good--- I want to eat to live, not eat to live... and I can't do that if I'm making a pleasurable connection with eating.
  • aj_rock
    aj_rock Posts: 390 Member
    Moderation in this case simply refers to restricting your intake by some measure. If you can't have any of a food without triggering a craving, then moderation in this case = zero.

    Eat in moderation isn't a weak minded thing at all though. In fact it probably takes more self-control to lower your intake than it is to cut it out completely.
  • helenoftroy1
    helenoftroy1 Posts: 638 Member
    I'm the same, when I started my lifestyle change there were a few things I had to just say no to. I haven't eaten chips, cheesecake or a cream sauce since April12th. But I also haven't drunk coffee, full fat coke, milky tea or put extra salt on my food. The former I used to crave ALL the time, loved them. The latter I liked but really could do with or without. However some sick side of my brain gives me extra brownie points and a pat on the back every day I don't drink coffee. It's not something I can't live without but my brain doesn't seem to comprehend that so my advice is....
    With the foods you really crave and want, banish them for a few weeks but also banish some foods that you like but don't crave. Your brain will congratulate you and make you feel better about giving up the other things.
    It may not work for everyone, maybe I like to play games with my brain but it has certainly worked for me.
    Hope this helps
    :-)
  • VeganGal84
    VeganGal84 Posts: 938 Member
    I hear ya, I have trigger foods, too. I have a history with disordered eating (both under AND over eating in extreme) and have taken the path of trying to only "eat to live, not live to eat" several times. It has never worked for me long term.

    I am now one who strives for "everything in moderation". I am trying very hard to get away from my "all or nothing" thinking. And sometimes my attempts at allowing myself everything in moderation end badly (binge), but for the most part, I'm slowly becoming the kind of eater that I've always wanted to be.
  • lissarv68
    lissarv68 Posts: 61
    Different strokes, different folks. What works for me, may not work for others. Etc, etc.

    Personally? I eat in moderation. I do not deny myself any of the things I enjoy or like, I just cut back on how much and how often I eat them. I also try something new every week because who knows? I may discover a new favorite that isn't "bad for me."

    If I deny myself one of the things I love to eat, then I become sort of obsessed with it and wind up binging on it. By allowing myself these things, I never become obsessed. All I need is a taste of it and I'm good.

    That may not work for others.

    Basically, figure out what works for you and gets you to your goals and that is all that matters. I pretty much ignore the experts and the advice of others because I know my own body and I know what works for me.
  • bookyeti
    bookyeti Posts: 544 Member
    Moderation in this case simply refers to restricting your intake by some measure. If you can't have any of a food without triggering a craving, then moderation in this case = zero.

    Eat in moderation isn't a weak minded thing at all though. In fact it probably takes more self-control to lower your intake than it is to cut it out completely.

    Couldn't have put it more perfectly.
  • Mairgheal
    Mairgheal Posts: 385 Member
    When I started my new "life style" (another term that makes me vomit in my mouth a little) I truly thought that doing this for a few months would change my mindset, that I wouldn't actually want a whole packet of biscuits anymore, that I would be content with treats in moderation - ie 1 biscuit.
    You know what, I'm doing this 6 months and have had great results, have reached target weight, am fit blahdieblah, but I STILL want the whole packet of biscuits, I STILL want a family-sized pack of crisps. The real Mairgheal is still a greedy couch potato.

    But I keep fighting it, I'm not going to let go, and every time I fall off the wagaon, I try to get right back on the next day. I wouldn't call myself a food addict, I refuse to be labelled, but this is going to be a life-long battle, for sure.
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    no body has trigger foods sorry to say!
    it is triggers that make you eat foods..i.e stress,emotion and bordom...if you can beat these the rest comes easy!
  • withchaco
    withchaco Posts: 1,026 Member
    "Eat everything in moderation" is a weak-minded person's way of saying "it's ok if I eat alot of high trans fat food, sweets, sodas and all the other crap processed food as long as I don't eat alot of it"

    Nonsense.

    You could eat things in moderation, go over your calorie intake limit and gain weight.

    So yea I agree, it's a bull**** term.
    I wouldn't be so quick to judge others just because their way is different from mine. It's not weak if you can truly moderate everything as to stay within your limits and see great results. I have my occasional french fries and ice cream, but I make sure I log everything, get at least 90g protein (usually 100-120g) and 22g fiber (usually 28g+) AND stay within my calorie limit for the day.

    If you're "eating in moderation" and still go over + gain weight because of it, that's not enough moderation. That's just an excuse, unless you're in the middle of weaning off your bad habits or something.

    To the OP: I'm not in the same boat, but I have a brother who can probably relate. He's been abstaining from his favorite fried foods because he's a volume eater.
  • HaleyAlli
    HaleyAlli Posts: 911 Member
    I know just how you feel. I have tried "everything in moderation" and on those weeks I usually end up going overboard. I allow myself to eat certain things as long as I log them, though.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I say rant on!! You are obviously aware of your own limitations and working to overcome them. I believe that one day you may be able to do some of your favorites in moderation, but only you will know if or when that's true. Stay strong and best of luck to you!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    no body has trigger foods sorry to say!
    it is triggers that make you eat foods..i.e stress,emotion and bordom...if you can beat these the rest comes easy!

    That's simply not true. If there is a bag of Cheetos in the house I'm going to eat that bag of Cheetos no matter what my mood is. And that's why I have a "no Cheetos allowed" rule in my house.
  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    no body has trigger foods sorry to say!
    it is triggers that make you eat foods..i.e stress,emotion and bordom...if you can beat these the rest comes easy!

    That's simply not true. If there is a bag of Cheetos in the house I'm going to eat that bag of Cheetos no matter what my mood is. And that's why I have a "no Cheetos allowed" rule in my house.

    Yep. Trigger foods are real. Maybe YOU don't have trigger foods, but some of us do. For me, it's sugar. And pizza.
  • Gigi_licious
    Gigi_licious Posts: 1,185 Member
    no body has trigger foods sorry to say!
    it is triggers that make you eat foods..i.e stress,emotion and bordom...if you can beat these the rest comes easy!

    I disagree 100%. I can be perfectly content and hungry for something that isn't my cooking. If we go somewhere like Chili's I have no problem eating until I'm satisfied and then stopping....if we hit a BBQ joint or Pizza, I eat until I'm full, then I eat some more until I'm on the verge of vomitting. I agree that people have trigger emotions, but there are also trigger foods that make that part of our brain that says "It's ok to stop" shut off.
  • CourtneyCMarshall
    CourtneyCMarshall Posts: 4
    The only thing that helps me "eat in moderation" is keeping busy! If I go home right after work, the snacking begins! If I go to the gym right after work, when I get home I only have time to take a shower, make dinner, cool off and go to bed. One other thing that helps me are those 100 calorie packs. If you stock your cabinets with healthy, individual snacks it is easier to limit yourself :)
  • HaleyAlli
    HaleyAlli Posts: 911 Member
    no body has trigger foods sorry to say!
    it is triggers that make you eat foods..i.e stress,emotion and bordom...if you can beat these the rest comes easy!

    That is not true. I can eat carrots and not feel the slightest urge to overeat, but if I have a doughnut I ALWAYS want 2 or 3.
  • darlynnwd
    darlynnwd Posts: 43
    Acknowledging your addiction (no matter what type it may be) is the first step... When it comes to food (that stuff you can't live without), knowing your limits is CRUCIAL! So kuddos to you for recognizing what that is. Breads, pasta, white potatoes, & sweets are my triggers. It's so hard for me to stay away from them and/or not have too much! There's a lot of talking to my inner voice when I feel the pull. Keep up the good work. Resolve to take it one day, one moment, one meal/snack at a time. You can do it! :)
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    "Eat everything in moderation" is a weak-minded person's way of saying "it's ok if I eat alot of high trans fat food, sweets, sodas and all the other crap processed food as long as I don't eat alot of it"

    Sheesh - I am NOT weak-minded at all and I believe whole-heartedly in 'everything in moderation'! First, for the record, I rarely drink soda or consume a lot of trans-fats and processed food. To me, 'everything in moderation' means I lose weight without doing anything special or following a rigorous plan. Everything in moderation means I eat like my naturally thin friends who don't have long lists of food rules and hang-ups.

    Eating in moderation means that I get to enjoy my awesome homemade pizza with fresh tomato sauce and crust I made myself. I also eat cake, cookies and ice cream when I want them - just not in gaping portions and not at every single meal. I make almost everything I eat at home with fresh ingredients - and almost nothing I make is 'diet food'. I watch my portions. I track my calories. I exercise. I don't label foods as 'good' or 'bad'. I don't believe in deprivation or saying 'I will never eat THAT again in my life'. I refuse to diet... period. It doesn't work for me.

    I think people need to respect differences and accept that what works for one person, might not work for another. 'Everything in Moderation' is working for me. I've lost 25 pounds in 3 months - easily and happily, with no hunger or cravings. Calling people who don't agree with you 'weak-minded' just seems rude. Your post just really rubbed me the wrong way.
  • c7eat2live
    c7eat2live Posts: 308 Member
    your vent could have word for word been written by me. I understand completely. It can be a helpless and depressing feeling when that lose of control occurs. Maybe some day I can moderate, for now, I have to simply attempt to drop things, and it is absolutely a daily challenge.
  • fionarama
    fionarama Posts: 788 Member
    for me I only lose control when I get really hungry, like after a super big work out or if I was forced to skip a meal. So for me I would say a good strategy would be to a/ plan your days eating ahead so you know what you will eat that day AND NOTHING ELSE
    b/ ensure at least two snacks are included between three main meals so you don't go too long without eating and your blood sugar level is kept even.
    I think this must be learned behaviour that can be unlearned, a psychologist told me once it takes 2 weeks to break a habit. Avoid completely "trigger foods" like chocolate, things you know for certain you will lose control over. If you don't eat them for at least two weeks I am sure you will be able to go back to moderation.
    Successful weightloss is also the biggest motivator and the more motivated you are the better you will become at controlling your urges.
  • lolainlondon
    lolainlondon Posts: 160 Member
    Moderation in this case simply refers to restricting your intake by some measure. If you can't have any of a food without triggering a craving, then moderation in this case = zero.

    Eat in moderation isn't a weak minded thing at all though. In fact it probably takes more self-control to lower your intake than it is to cut it out completely.

    Completely agree. I cut a few things out for short periods of time, and now find when I go back that I naturally need less of it before it tastes too sweet or fatty. But I think that the whole "in moderation" thing is just to remind people that eating a slice of pizza or a bag of chips isn't failing - so long as you balance it elsewhere. If you're not there yet, you're not there yet - but this guy is right - you need way more willpower to stop at one candy than to not have any. And although I want to lose weight and be healthier etc, I don't see denying myself all the things I enjoy longterm as being productive to my enjoyment of life at all (which is after all why we're all doing this right?). I'm all about the "eat less, move more" mantra...
  • Mommyof3texans
    Mommyof3texans Posts: 347
    I get that and I'm not a food addict, but if I try to eat things that I love that I know I can't just eat one serving of, I'm in trouble!! I was WAY more successful by changing my habits altogether and only eating foods I thought would keep me on track and help me lose weight. Feel free to look back in my diary (probably start a few weeks ago and further...I'm on maintenance now and have been more relaxed)

    With that said, I think you can follow your current plan with more calories and be successful. I found eating walnuts, berries, greek yogurt, chicken, etc worked for me and was able to easily get in 1300 calories and lose weight.
  • CARNAT22
    CARNAT22 Posts: 764 Member
    Spin the whole moderation thing on it's head.

    Ban all 'bad' foods from your diet.

    I guarentee that this will demotivate most people and cause them to binge / purge becuase banning something sets you up to have an unheatlhy relationship with that food.

    People of a healthy weight / naturally thin people do not have trigger foods, they do not ban anything completely - they just know what they should be eating (the vast majorty of food being fresh, home cooked, not too high is salt / fat etc.. with a few treats here and there)

    OP - I hope you are seeking treatment for your food addiction. I know that food addiction exists but what annoys me is that many people label themselves as food addicts when in fact that are not. Lots of people simply like food and eat too much and eat the wrong things....

    That is me and I hold my hands up to making bad choices, to eating too much, to not taking enough exercise and generally not taking responsibility for my health - but I am not a food addict as I have been able to change my ways and I do still have some 'not so healthy things' in moderation.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    "Eat everything in moderation" is a weak-minded person's way of saying "it's ok if I eat alot of high trans fat food, sweets, sodas and all the other crap processed food as long as I don't eat alot of it"

    Nonsense.

    You could eat things in moderation, go over your calorie intake limit and gain weight.

    So yea I agree, it's a bull**** term.

    Well aren't we judgmental

    I am one of those eat everything in moderation people.. and lo and behold I have lost 23 pounds in a little over 6 months.

    For me "in moderation" means this:
    No soda or juice. Only Water, un sweetened iced tea and low fat milk.
    Having one junk item a day(cookies, candy, ice cream, cupcakes)
    Eating out 1 or 2 junk meals a week(pizza, burgers, fries, etc)
    Working out 3-4X a week(Cardio and Weights)
    Not drinking much alcohol unless I really want it.
    If I eat out more then once or twice a week, I'll modify the meal(IE only half a bun, fruit instead of fries, etc)

    If I didn't eat in moderation, I'd never be living my life. I'm young.. I'm 23. My friends and I like to go out to eat or to a bar to have a drink or two. There is nothing wrong with that as long it's not everyday 24/7 type of thing I feel.

    To me, what I do is not weak minded.. It's called that's what works for me. Just like OP is doing what works for her.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories