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Mission: break a sugar addiction and tame emotional eating
bourbonrose
Posts: 12 Member
The last half of 2017 was a doozy for me, and does it show! I am throughly addicted to sugar/sweets and found I was relying upon them too much to get through the issues weighing heavily on me. It’s time to build healthy habits, kick sugar to the curb, and find more constructive ways to deal with adversity!
37F 5’2” / SW: 213 / CW: 209 / GW: 120ish
37F 5’2” / SW: 213 / CW: 209 / GW: 120ish
21
Replies
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Good luck! I’m in a similar situation with similar stats and goals. I haven’t had sugar or carbs for a month and I feel AMAZING! 10 ponds down 50 to go.10
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@anniekaypants, I don't think I could cut out carbs completely, but I'm on day five without refined sugar, and staying within my caloric goal, and am feeling hopeful. Congratulations on 10 pounds! You're an inspiration.
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bourbonrose wrote: »@anniekaypants, I don't think I could cut out carbs completely, but I'm on day five without refined sugar, and staying within my caloric goal, and am feeling hopeful. Congratulations on 10 pounds! You're an inspiration.
I’m like you... I can’t go carb-less, and I used to love sugar. But I do have to say, as I have cut out refined sugar AND artificial sweeteners out of my diet over the past few months, it’s becoming easier to eat less and less carbs, and my sweet cravings are just about non-existent. Tapering off vs cold turkey approach is the way to go.11 -
That's what I've decided to do as well. I do find that the less sugar I eat, the fewer sugar cravings I have. Has cutting out sugar helped with weight loss? I have 50 pounds to lose.5
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Definitely. About 4 years ago I lost 30lbs by cutting refined sugar, artificial sweeteners and being careful by limiting (but not completely eliminating) my carb choices. Mostly choosing those smart low glycemic fruits and veggies.Has cutting out sugar helped with weight loss? I have 50 pounds to lose.
It definitely works
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@Mike1804 are you still eating low glycemic? Has it helped keep the weight off?0
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Added you as a friend if you don’t mind. I’m also an emotional eater and semi sugar addict (though I could also eat crisps forever) I’m not good at losing weight haha and wouldn’t mind watching your new healthier habits4
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@Mike1804 I am being careful not to substitute sugary foods for those with artificial sweeteners. I don't like the taste of them, and I really do want to get away from super sweet foods, no matter the source. I haven't ruled out fruit, but am finding that I am not really eating it right now because it blows through the carbs that I'm allowing myself to eat. So far, I haven't had any cravings to speak of. I still have some hot cocoa and a chocolate bar in the house, and it's rewarding to know that it's there, but I don't need it! I hope that I'll have as much success as you've had over the last few years!!7
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Definitely. About 4 years ago I lost 30lbs by cutting refined sugar, artificial sweeteners and being careful by limiting (but not completely eliminating) my carb choices. Mostly choosing those smart low glycemic fruits and veggies.
It definitely works
But you get that the reason you lost weight was because cutting those foods put you in a calorie deficit, not because there's something magical about not eating those foods, right?7 -
@EmperorBlack I'm trying to find the tricks that help me to stay on track. So far staying hydrated, drinking a variety of teas (black, green, herbal), and meal planning has gotten me through my first week with no cheating.
I'm trying to incorporate daily meditation, but that has been MUCH harder to stick to. 6 -
Hello! Welcome to mfp Sugar can be hard to kick! Drink lots of water and eat fruits and vegetables. That usually helps me! Feel free to add me if you'd like! We can motivate each other! 5
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bourbonrose wrote: »I haven't ruled out fruit, but am finding that I am not really eating it right now because it blows through the carbs that I'm allowing myself to eat.
I stay away from things like grapes & pineapple(I love them, but can’t control myself). My trainer used to call them nature’s candy. I gravitate more towards raspberries and strawberries. I love bananas and apples, but limit myself to 1/2 serving at a sitting. Because of the fiber in the natural fruits, they don’t cause that radical rise/drop in blood sugar - But some still trigger my hunger after I eat them....
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ladyhusker39 wrote: »
But you get that the reason you lost weight was because cutting those foods put you in a calorie deficit, not because there's something magical about not eating those foods, right?
Sure, creating a calorie deficit was the core reason. But Choosing the right foods with the lower glycemic index allowed me to control my impulses. Personally, eating more bland, less sweet foods doesn't trigger my hunger impulses. Perfect example is crystal light. Sugar free, but because it is super sweet I’m craving food shortly thereafter... I can’t deal with that stuff12 -
anniekaypants wrote: »@Mike1804 are you still eating low glycemic? Has it helped keep the weight off?
Kind of a long story, but once I lost all that weight I had a motorcycle crash and had a good year of recovery. During that time, I was sloppy and gained most of the weight back. About 18 months ago I started getting back into fitness, working out like a madman and have lost half of it just by eating carefully but not fully disciplined. Frustrated with the plateau I got back to my low glycemic choices, and the weight is coming off again. Thankfully5 -
Sure, creating a calorie deficit was the core reason. But Choosing the right foods with the lower glycemic index allowed me to control my impulses. Personally, eating more bland, less sweet foods doesn't trigger my hunger impulses. Perfect example is crystal light. Sugar free, but because it is super sweet I’m craving food shortly thereafter... I can’t deal with that stuff
Yeah, I just wanted to clarify. This time of year we get so many new people on here who can misunderstand what's being said.
I too struggle with the sweets. I find that I can eat a little but if I don't stay on top of it I can easily overeat it.2 -
Love reading what everyone has written. I’m def. a sugar addict! Think I’ve known for a while, but FINALLY decided to say it out loud and share with others. Must admit, not everyone is supportative with my choice to cut out sugary foods. I’m starting with cutting out cake, etc. desserts of all kinds and white potatoes and bread. I also LOVE coffee, gotta tackle that too. Need an overhaul! Hoping y’all can help me stay motivated and teach me how to live this way.8
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MelaniefromGA wrote: »Love reading what everyone has written. I’m def. a sugar addict! Think I’ve known for a while, but FINALLY decided to say it out loud and share with others. Must admit, not everyone is supportative with my choice to cut out sugary foods. I’m starting with cutting out cake, etc. desserts of all kinds and white potatoes and bread. I also LOVE coffee, gotta tackle that too. Need an overhaul! Hoping y’all can help me stay motivated and teach me how to live this way.
Whats wrong with potatoes i struggle with sugar but potatoes are the main thing i eat and their wonderful and nutrient dense0 -
I am staying away from white potatoes for now. I’m eating Sweet potatoes and may add white back at some point. Trying to figure out what’s best for me. We’re all a little different. Or at least I am!2
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Thanks for the link, Mike.
I haven’t figured out how to copy/paste what someone writes and then respond or how to do ... @name1 -
bourbonrose wrote: »@EmperorBlack I'm trying to find the tricks that help me to stay on track. So far staying hydrated, drinking a variety of teas (black, green, herbal), and meal planning has gotten me through my first week with no cheating. I'm trying to incorporate daily meditation, but that has been MUCH harder to stick to.
I might try the teas thing. I’ve started the gym too. First session tonight haha. I’m aching just thinking about it. But hoping the happy kick I’ll get from it will stop the bleh upset eating cycle xx keep it up. You can totally do this !4 -
@MelaniefromGA I’ll support you! Not everyone is happy about me cutting down sugary things. Loads at work keep offering me biscuit and cake lol. Keep strong!5
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We have a candy drawer- I avoided it all week- even donated a whole beautiful box of delicious chocolates that a patient gave me for Christmas and didn’t take a single one out last week4
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I'm not a sugar addict in that I have no issues with fruit (which are as sugar as anything I eat) and can easily overeat other very tasty foods (good cheese, many foods that are a mix of fat and carbs and salt -- naan, oh my goodness!, especially dipped in some curry), but I am definitely a stress and emotional eater and have been needing to refocus on mindfulness and finding other ways to deal with emotions. I tend to find it easiest to overeat/use foods to self-sooth when it's stuff that's highly palatable but not something I'm invested in cooking myself (and I tend to make it healthier when I have the cooking process to separate myself from wanting to eat and eating). So for me what is helpful is focusing on how much I enjoy homemade meals with lots of nutrient dense ingredients and trying new ways to cook them and so on.
I am taking a break right now from snacky and dessert foods entirely and only eating at meals and no dessert other than fruit. I'll probably have dessert on occasion again once I stop wanting to use it as an excuse to blot out feelings.5 -
EmperorBlack wrote: »@MelaniefromGA I’ll support you! Not everyone is happy about me cutting down sugary things. Loads at work keep offering me biscuit and cake lol. Keep strong!
The easiest way for me to deal with at work stuff was just stop eating between meals.1 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »I'm not a sugar addict in that I have no issues with fruit (which are as sugar as anything I eat) and can easily overeat other very tasty foods (good cheese, many foods that are a mix of fat and carbs and salt -- naan, oh my goodness!, especially dipped in some curry), but I am definitely a stress and emotional eater and have been needing to refocus on mindfulness and finding other ways to deal with emotions. I tend to find it easiest to overeat/use foods to self-sooth when it's stuff that's highly palatable but not something I'm invested in cooking myself (and I tend to make it healthier when I have the cooking process to separate myself from wanting to eat and eating). So for me what is helpful is focusing on how much I enjoy homemade meals with lots of nutrient dense ingredients and trying new ways to cook them and so on.
I am taking a break right now from snacky and dessert foods entirely and only eating at meals and no dessert other than fruit. I'll probably have dessert on occasion again once I stop wanting to use it as an excuse to blot out feelings.
Now you set off my cravings.1 -
If you ever figure out how to curb emotional eating, please share with the class. Mine is much worse.4
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hello! I'm pretty new here but sweets are my weakness. I recently watched a video where a girl said that if you hate your diet, it absolutely will make you fail. She makes sure she can have one reese cup a day so she can stick to her goals.
My goal is to eat healthier and I find I'm staying away from starch and fruits for the time being, with the exception of one 100 calorie pack of something I love per day. I've been doing great so far because if it isn't at home I won't eat it.4 -
my best defense against emotional eating is keeping myself busy doing "stuff". About 30 days ago, my company just announced it was merging with a competitor, and right now as I write this, I have no idea if I will have a job in 30 days - and if I do, what it will actually be or where. I keep my mind busy by working out, playing guitar, riding my motorcycle, my bicycle, cleaning, laundry, fitness research, creating workouts to do in the future.... anything except sitting and thinking about my emotional trigger at the moment.3
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