Food addiction. One extreme or the other
sillypandas
Posts: 53 Member
I am a food addict.
I am addicted to eating it. Im also addicted to being a health fiend.
When I fall into my junk food trap, it's out of control. Cream puffs, pie, lasagna with fresh mozz, cheesecake, breads, cupcakes. Anything rich and delicious i adore. From the way it tastes, to the texture, the the depth of flavors, to the joyful anticipation as im filling cupcakes with cream fillings, just delighted to take that first bite. I'll sit and think up new recipes all day long.
And when i decide to kick it into gear, i love that proud feeling of self control, my mind twirls with ideas of meal plans, snack plans, water plans. Calorie counting, and learning what foods have what benefits. Delicious healthy smoothie recipes, coming up with smart dessert recipes and how to make my sinful food choices in a more nutricious way.
I have food on my mind all the time. I just love food, it can be a blessing, it can be a curse. If i could manage to switch my mind into gear, and live in my healthy way, I would be set. However its a constant battle of which side wins. Because of this i've had to lose over 100lbs twice. And thankfully this time, i realized i was getting out of control before i had to do it again. I maintained 10lbs away from my ultimate goal weight for 6 years before that pesky little devil within resurfaced itself. Now instead of being 10lbs away, i am 50lbs away.
Is there anyone else out there who is a food addict, or who has spent most of their life dieting?
I've gotten to the point now where i'm sick of it. I have many other things i'd rather think about and focus on. I want to be normal, i want to be one of those people who just lives, eats when their hungry, gets dressed, does things that need to be done, or go out and have fun and thats that. I think about food and dieting so much that it consumes me, and it has for a very long time.
I am addicted to eating it. Im also addicted to being a health fiend.
When I fall into my junk food trap, it's out of control. Cream puffs, pie, lasagna with fresh mozz, cheesecake, breads, cupcakes. Anything rich and delicious i adore. From the way it tastes, to the texture, the the depth of flavors, to the joyful anticipation as im filling cupcakes with cream fillings, just delighted to take that first bite. I'll sit and think up new recipes all day long.
And when i decide to kick it into gear, i love that proud feeling of self control, my mind twirls with ideas of meal plans, snack plans, water plans. Calorie counting, and learning what foods have what benefits. Delicious healthy smoothie recipes, coming up with smart dessert recipes and how to make my sinful food choices in a more nutricious way.
I have food on my mind all the time. I just love food, it can be a blessing, it can be a curse. If i could manage to switch my mind into gear, and live in my healthy way, I would be set. However its a constant battle of which side wins. Because of this i've had to lose over 100lbs twice. And thankfully this time, i realized i was getting out of control before i had to do it again. I maintained 10lbs away from my ultimate goal weight for 6 years before that pesky little devil within resurfaced itself. Now instead of being 10lbs away, i am 50lbs away.
Is there anyone else out there who is a food addict, or who has spent most of their life dieting?
I've gotten to the point now where i'm sick of it. I have many other things i'd rather think about and focus on. I want to be normal, i want to be one of those people who just lives, eats when their hungry, gets dressed, does things that need to be done, or go out and have fun and thats that. I think about food and dieting so much that it consumes me, and it has for a very long time.
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Replies
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You are not alone. I could have written this post myself. I don't have a solution for you, but I understand your feelings completely.2
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This shoulds so much like me!! I think of food all the time it doesn't matter if im tracking calories or not.0
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I am here with you, food is always on my mind-i love it and I am totally addicted to everything about it. I am now on my second round of losing weight when I previously lost over 50lbs and then put it back on and 2 weeks ago I had had enough and started to be more careful and now am obsessing in the other “healthy” direction. I think the goal here is to realize that we all have our addictions... food is glorious however it isn’t all life has to offer-find other things that make you happy so you can enjoy your food (the healthier options and then even the “bad” options) but enjoy your entire life as well, not just the parts you are tasting. If you’d like to add me I’d love to have you as a friend on here, I didn’t realize there was even a community section and found it tonight and I am so happy I did. Life is about balance but it’s really hard... like REALLY hard, we all need friends who can help us keep it in perspective and support and understand us. 💖 You will make your goal and be able to maintain it, you just need a support system like we all do3
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I used to call myself a chocoholic and believed I was addicted to sugar. It seemed that way, because I would constantly hoard and sneak and crave and overeat and lose control and gain weight. I too felt proud whenever I buckled down and started exercising and losing weight. This went on for many years, until something clicked. I realised I was sick of the stressful lifestyle, not just of being fat.
- I realised that the fearmongering, possibly well intended to make us eat healthily, had backfired. I had become afraid of good taste and mouthfeel, but that is something we need, and we are always reminded of the things we like so there is no escape.
- I realised that no foods are in themselves healthy or unhealthy. All foods provide something, in different amounts and proportions. A healthy diet is enough of all I need every day, and not too much of anything over time. A healthy diet is balanced and varied.
- I realised that I can eat enough, and food I like. When I feel I can eat enough, and food I like, the urge to eat too much, dissipates.
- I realised that what I like, is a lot up to what I'm used to. Real food has real taste now that my tastebuds aren't numbed by too much sugar, fat, salt and flavor enhancers.
- I realised that occasional overeating is no problem. It's the consistent overeating that is a problem.
- I realised that I can say no, to others, and to myself.
- I realised that much of the "eating experience" in reality is anticipation. Building up anticipation, and not get what was anticipated, can make a person with an unhealthy relationship with food, continue in the pursuit of getting the promised satisfaction, instead of accepting that it didn't taste so good afterall, and stop.
- I realised that eating is not a moral issue.
- I realised that I need boundaries, but they have to be reasonable, and I have to set them myself.
I struggled with my weight for over 20 years, ended up borderline obese once or twice, and then actually obese. With MFP and many other resources, I lost 50 pounds, and by being disciplined to do what it takes, and not try shortcuts, I have managed to keep them off for 3 1/2 years, pretty effortlessly. Yes, cravings feel so powerful when they hit, but when I just ride them out, it feels like nothing afterwards.34 -
Sucks you feel that you're not "normal" everyone has their bad habits, mine is energy drinks. I have an unhealthy habits with food too but the thing that's helped me the most is recognizing my problem and learning to deal with it. At least you know you have a problem, just continue working on it. Never give up. Dont beat yourself up when you binge but use that bad feeling to keep pushing you forward in bettering yourself.3
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I'm also a food addict. I understand0
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Its comforting to know there are others like me, or very similar. Just knowing im not alone, and hearing just the smallest tips and tricks are helpful! Its hard in my daily life to find people who share the same struggle. If i happen to tell anyone they try to be understanding, but its clear that it doesnt really click, and i feel like maybe im just out of my mind. Especially being in the healthcare field which adds a whole new element of "i should know better, i should be different".4
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williamwj2017 wrote: »Sucks you feel that you're not "normal" everyone has their bad habits, mine is energy drinks. I have an unhealthy habits with food too but the thing that's helped me the most is recognizing my problem and learning to deal with it. At least you know you have a problem, just continue working on it. Never give up. Dont beat yourself up when you binge but use that bad feeling to keep pushing you forward in bettering yourself.
I know all about the energy drink issue. I am highly addicted to them. And by highly addicted i mean i drink 3 or more a day. I tried cutting them out once and i ended up being so sick i was hunched over the deck dry heaving, literally feeling like i was going to pass out. it makes it especially hard because i work the grave shift AND i've cut out my "comfort junk food" that "kept me sane" during my shift. Now i feel like I NEED my lo carb monsters or i simply wont survive the night without having a break down.4 -
You are definitely not alone (if you look at my food diary I could've written your post). I took a break from therapy but my self sabotage has gotten so bad I'm going back on Friday.
I am 100% a control freak and I am in control of my food consumption but now I'm at the point where it is controlling me.....3 -
kommodevaran wrote: »I used to call myself a chocoholic and believed I was addicted to sugar. It seemed that way, because I would constantly hoard and sneak and crave and overeat and lose control and gain weight. I too felt proud whenever I buckled down and started exercising and losing weight. This went on for many years, until something clicked. I realised I was sick of the stressful lifestyle, not just of being fat.
- I realised that the fearmongering, possibly well intended to make us eat healthily, had backfired. I had become afraid of good taste and mouthfeel, but that is something we need, and we are always reminded of the things we like so there is no escape.
- I realised that no foods are in themselves healthy or unhealthy. All foods provide something, in different amounts and proportions. A healthy diet is enough of all I need every day, and not too much of anything over time. A healthy diet is balanced and varied.
- I realised that I can eat enough, and food I like. When I feel I can eat enough, and food I like, the urge to eat too much, dissipates.
- I realised that what I like, is a lot up to what I'm used to. Real food has real taste now that my tastebuds aren't numbed by too much sugar, fat, salt and flavor enhancers.
- I realised that occasional overeating is no problem. It's the consistent overeating that is a problem.
- I realised that I can say no, to others, and to myself.
- I realised that much of the "eating experience" in reality is anticipation. Building up anticipation, and not get what was anticipated, can make a person with an unhealthy relationship with food, continue in the pursuit of getting the promised satisfaction, instead of accepting that it didn't taste so good afterall, and stop.
- I realised that eating is not a moral issue.
- I realised that I need boundaries, but they have to be reasonable, and I have to set them myself.
I struggled with my weight for over 20 years, ended up borderline obese once or twice, and then actually obese. With MFP and many other resources, I lost 50 pounds, and by being disciplined to do what it takes, and not try shortcuts, I have managed to keep them off for 3 1/2 years, pretty effortlessly. Yes, cravings feel so powerful when they hit, but when I just ride them out, it feels like nothing afterwards.
Maybe one of the top 3 posts I’ve ever read on here.12 -
Read my recent post
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Me too! Food addict here! Been crying out loud to God!
Doing my best to help myself be healed from this!
Lets take this one step at a time!
Add me!
I'd love to have an accountability and support here!
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I struggle every single day with my food addiction2
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I am the same. I am a perfectionist when it comes to food so when I have one slip up, I tend to think I've failed so decide to binge. I've gone from extremely underweight to a weight 2 stone heavier from my ideal weight. It's a struggle, I love food so very much but also love the control that comes from restricting. You're not alone 😂0
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Think diabetes. The more simple sugars you consume the harder it gets for your pancreas and liver to handle it and eventually your either diabetic or pre-diabetic and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Most people don't even realize they have it until its too late. Sugar, in all it's forms, was never intended to be in the levels the average person consumes.
Packaged and processed foods, baked goods and yes even Monster drinks all contain way too much sugar (and salt) and if you continue to eat it, your organs will simply cease to function properly.
Most people are more concerned about their weight rather than their overall health. Cutting carbohydrates (sugars) to no more than 150g per day can literally save your life and jumpstart that weight loss journey.
P.S. if you get sick when you don't get enough energy drinks then you are at an addiction level and it's time to get that out of your system.18 -
Increased sugar consumption does not lead to diabetes. Increased weight and genetics are the main factors in its development. Improving ones weight is the single simplest route to improving overall health. Regardless of what you're eating, dropping excess pounds has been demonstrated to improve ones health markers across the board.14
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Think diabetes. The more simple sugars you consume the harder it gets for your pancreas and liver to handle it and eventually your either diabetic or pre-diabetic and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Most people don't even realize they have it until its too late. Sugar, in all it's forms, was never intended to be in the levels the average person consumes.
Packaged and processed foods, baked goods and yes even Monster drinks all contain way too much sugar (and salt) and if you continue to eat it, your organs will simply cease to function properly.
Most people are more concerned about their weight rather than their overall health. Cutting carbohydrates (sugars) to no more than 150g per day can literally save your life and jumpstart that weight loss journey.
P.S. if you get sick when you don't get enough energy drinks then you are at an addiction level and it's time to get that out of your system.
No....sugar is not the cause! Overweight...genetcs and nobody knows why for type 1. These sre the causes not sugar.2 -
I know these feels. Either starving or stuffing. Trying so hard to just be normal, follow the plan of nutrients and proper calories and not be thinking about either "I crave xyz" or "Holy crap, calories!" I'm prediabetic so lately I have been really cracking down because I do not want full blown diabetes. Nothing's worth that. I am not thinking about food if I'm practicing piano, but there's a time limit to how long I can do that; realistically 2 hours max.1
-
Think diabetes. The more simple sugars you consume the harder it gets for your pancreas and liver to handle it and eventually your either diabetic or pre-diabetic and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Most people don't even realize they have it until its too late. Sugar, in all it's forms, was never intended to be in the levels the average person consumes.
Packaged and processed foods, baked goods and yes even Monster drinks all contain way too much sugar (and salt) and if you continue to eat it, your organs will simply cease to function properly.
Most people are more concerned about their weight rather than their overall health. Cutting carbohydrates (sugars) to no more than 150g per day can literally save your life and jumpstart that weight loss journey.
P.S. if you get sick when you don't get enough energy drinks then you are at an addiction level and it's time to get that out of your system.
No....sugar is not the cause! Overweight...genetcs and nobody knows why for type 1. These sre the causes not sugar.
Especially since the claim is that eating more than 150 g of carbs = diabetes.
Plenty of extremely healthful diets, including in cultures with basically no T2diabetes, include far more than 150 g of carbs on average.
Nutrition is important, food choice is important (which doesn't mean you can never have less nutritious foods in reasonable amounts, so long as the diet is overall good), and activity is, of course, very important, as is not being obese.
And re packaged and processed foods, they are highly variable. Steel cut oats and cottage cheese and canned beans and canned tomatoes (normal brands of which have no sugar added) are some foods that come in packages that I find quite helpful in my overall diet, tempeh too, I'm sure I could go on and on. Plenty of people find a variety of others (like protein powder) quite helpful too.5 -
sillypandas wrote: »I am a food addict.
I am addicted to eating it. Im also addicted to being a health fiend.
When I fall into my junk food trap, it's out of control. Cream puffs, pie, lasagna with fresh mozz, cheesecake, breads, cupcakes. Anything rich and delicious i adore. From the way it tastes, to the texture, the the depth of flavors, to the joyful anticipation as im filling cupcakes with cream fillings, just delighted to take that first bite. I'll sit and think up new recipes all day long.
And when i decide to kick it into gear, i love that proud feeling of self control, my mind twirls with ideas of meal plans, snack plans, water plans. Calorie counting, and learning what foods have what benefits. Delicious healthy smoothie recipes, coming up with smart dessert recipes and how to make my sinful food choices in a more nutricious way.
I have food on my mind all the time. I just love food, it can be a blessing, it can be a curse. If i could manage to switch my mind into gear, and live in my healthy way, I would be set. However its a constant battle of which side wins. Because of this i've had to lose over 100lbs twice. And thankfully this time, i realized i was getting out of control before i had to do it again. I maintained 10lbs away from my ultimate goal weight for 6 years before that pesky little devil within resurfaced itself. Now instead of being 10lbs away, i am 50lbs away.
Is there anyone else out there who is a food addict, or who has spent most of their life dieting?
I've gotten to the point now where i'm sick of it. I have many other things i'd rather think about and focus on. I want to be normal, i want to be one of those people who just lives, eats when their hungry, gets dressed, does things that need to be done, or go out and have fun and thats that. I think about food and dieting so much that it consumes me, and it has for a very long time.
Story of my whole life right now. I'm also 50 pounds away from my goal weight, which would come off sooner if I wasn't such a freakin' foodie!0 -
This is old...but I'm still going to point out that lasagna with fresh motz is hardly "junk food"6
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I can not relate..but feel compassion for you. I just wonder if you could shift your addiction to healthy eating and fitness? I feel some on this site and just as obsessive..but in the opposite way where they log every bite.. count macros.. work out .. have graphs and charts tracking their weight.. but at least they're healthy.0
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Clearly meant who* woo'd this. You're right though. Haters.2
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