Why does this happen to me, and does anyone have some advice
Jlongblade
Posts: 77 Member
Why do I do stupid things.. Why Why WHY??? I left to go to work and take my kids to school today and after dropping them off I go to the Store to pick up lunch.. and get some gas money. so After leaving the store I am driving to work and the next thing I know I am in Jack in the Box's drive thru getting a Grilled breaksfast sandwich,hash browns, and a lrg Diet Dr. Pepper. then I find myself eating it and after I am done. I feel sick with my self. Why to I continue to punish myself with these foods. I know I should not by them I can hear myself saying do not get it, but I find myself ordering the food anyways whiel still arguing with myself not to get it. Then it oooo i bought it I might as well eat it now.... which only leads to dissappointment in myself, at my lack of self control. I am doing good on my diet, down 16 lbs in a month and a half, but I could be doing a lot better if I had more self control. Any advice for someone who is ADDICTED to fast food??
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I'm going to guess it has something to do with your idea that it happened to you. This didn't happen TO you. You need to change your attitude and take responsibility for your choices.0
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I am going to guess that there is something that you are trying to push down and feed it with food. I am not a psychologist (yet lol) but during my studies it seems that many people with an eating "addiction" if you will, usually eat in order to NOT face certain memories or feelings that they may have. A lot of the time it can be some kind of traumatic experience or maybe even just a feeling that they are not "good enough". As for myself, I started doing the whole food thing when I was married and it seemed that every one of my husbands friends would hit on me. I ended up being the one who got blamed for it. I decided then that if I were fat then the guys would leave me alone. As it turns out, that wasnt exactly true since I ended up leaving him for one of his friends years later...but thats another story lol. So yea, for me that is my best guess, but since I dont know you personally then it is ONLY a guess, or a suggestion, however you choose to take it. If there does happen to be something like that that you might be holding in, then perhaps that is at least part of the answer, Im really not sure.0
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It might help to keep some healthy snacks with you at all times--maybe a bag of nuts or a low sugar protein bar. I always have South Beach protein bars in my purse for times like that.0
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It might help to keep some healthy snacks with you at all times--maybe a bag of nuts or a low sugar protein bar. I always have South Beach protein bars in my purse for times like that.
This 4/sure...I could feed a small country from food in my car and purse..For times like those;-) Stock your car and eat regular meals and snacks..Your less likely to give in;-)Good luck!0 -
Bring some snacks with you, also make sure you don't have any cash. I know I am less likely to stop for fast food if I don't have any cash because I don't want to put it on my debit card.0
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What really helped me is I got on their website and looked at the nutritional information and it blew my mind. Afterwards it really wasn't hard to drive right by!! I think actually seeing how bad it was in print did me a world of good. Hopefully it will do the same for you!! Good luck and be proud of what you have already accomplished.. You keep up the good fight!!! Happy, healthy living to you!!!0
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Leave your money in the trunk. You're less likely to hit a drive-thru if you have to actually get out of your vehicle to get your money. Don't forget to treat yourself every now and then so you don't feel totally deprived. Just make sure to plan ahead (calorie-wise) for it.0
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Alter your route too, out of sight out of mind. You can do it!0
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Are you consistently logging you're food and staying honest with it? That really helps me to not do stupid things knowing I'll have to account for it. Maybe you can try pre-logging to help keep yourself even more honest?0
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I'm going to guess it has something to do with your idea that it happened to you. This didn't happen TO you. You need to change your attitude and take responsibility for your choices.
^^ EXACTLY!0 -
I pasted a picture of my motivation on my dashboard. Whenever I was tempted to turn into the drive thru I would look down and the would be the picture starring back at me. It actually worked for me.0
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Its not happening to you, you are DOING it to you..
Self control comes from within and only you can decide what it will be that will make that happen.. Its different for everyone..0 -
I'm not sure why you do it. For me, I just have to avoid fast food restaurants period. The good thing is that the longer I go without it, the less I want it.
You have to want to lose weight and want it really bad!
You are STRONG and can do this.
Good luck to you.0 -
First off, I'll give you some love - relax, breathe. You did it. You made a bad choice. Do better next time. Exercise a little more today. This is a lifestyle not a diet. Life happens. Sometimes we eat crap. Just don't do it often as you used to.
Second some tough love. This didn't "happen" to you! You were not mugged. You were not involved in an accident. YOU drove through the drive through. YOU ate it. Give up victim mode. It will not serve you well. YOU are a grown man. Take responsibility for your choices - the good, the bad and the ugly.0 -
First, dont' be so hard on yourself. You're obviously doing something right if you've lost 16 pounds in a couple months.So, KUDOS to you on that part. secondly, baby steps.... changing bad habits doesn't happen overnight. I love fast food and will probably NEVER give it up entirely. But coming from someone who used to eat fast food 5-6 times a week, i feel if it only happens once a week, i'm doing ALOT better than i was before. Another tip, pack your lunch/breakfast/snacks every single night before you go to bed. When you're prepared, it truly does help resist what's handy (and unhealthy).
STAY STRONG MAN!!!0 -
I use to have this happen to me when I was working. Drive through Mickey D's on my way into work and some other fast food on my way home....
Three things help me now:
1) I do not leave the house hungry
2) I take a snack with me when I do run around town (I don't work right now)
3) I throw the food out the window as punishment to my alter self. My bad self bought it, my good self throws the $h!t out the window and my common sense learns that next time I drive through I might as well throw a $10 bill out the window, cause that's whats gonna happen!
P.S. I unwrap it first ( No littering)
You could give it to a bum instead but, if I wouldn't feed it to myself, why would I give it to someone else?
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Do you eat breakfast before you leave for work? If not, maybe you should try that. Then you won't feel hungry, and the temptation to stop there will be less. Eat at home, though. Make yourself a breakfast with some fiber, protein and fat so it'll stick with ya through the morning. You might have to get up 15 minutes earlier to do that, but if you feel full, it's much easier to resist that temptation.
Having self control is tough. It's a very conscious thing, and you're the only person who can discipline you into making better choices. But if you can find a way to hold yourself accountable, then do it. Tell a friend at work that you trust that you're trying to quit eating fast food. And maybe if you walk in to work with a Jack in the Box bag, give him/her the money it cost for that meal. So then your habit will cost twice as much. Maybe give yourself one or two days a month where you allow yourself to grab some fast food since you enjoy it, but discuss that with your friend. That's just an idea...but be creative with how you can be accountable. Eventually, you won't need anyone but yourself to keep you accountable. But at first, it might be easier to do it with the support of a trusted friend or colleague. (It'd have to be someone who wouldn't encourage you to go through the drive thru, though, just to make a couple bucks :laugh: )0 -
I was the same way! I could hardly ever pass by a fast food place without stopping (for every meal I could). Sometimes I still have those cravings; it's part of breaking the cycle. Here are a few things that helped me:
- I realized it was my decision, my choice. I could be strong and do it, or I could be weak and not. I can be a little prideful sometimes, so having to admit I was being weak actually kicked me into action.
- I still get fast food! Just not the same things I used to eat. Before I go, I look at the NI of the menu and pick what I'm going to have. That sandwich looks a lot less tasty when you know it's 1,000 calories and you could have the other sandwich for 250 calories.
- I think about how much work I'd have to do to burn those calories. I like numbers and I hate seeing the bright red negatives at the end of the day. So, if I'm going over calories I'll be working out enough to make it still be green.
Ultimately, cut yourself a break. Tomorrow's a new day, and you can still exercise the calories off today. And next time you're thinking of running for fast food, think about this moment and how you felt. It may help.
I hope this helped some. 0 -
Try reading 'Fast Food Nation'. It's a bit of a slog to get through it...but if you knew what your fast food went through to get to you...It may help you resist the temptation a bit better. I read it and have cut WAY down on my fast food intake. (I think I had 1 A&W burger about 6 weeks ago...)
Also...try one day at a time...don't say...I'm never having fast food EVER again...that's WAY too hard. But the next time you are about to break just say to yourself...Today I'm saying no. Tomorrow is a different story...but TODAY...I have control. Dealing with a day at a time instead of the rest of your life or whatever, it's too big, too hard...today you can manage.
Good luck!0 -
OP - Iove your AV photo. You caught all that?
Back to your post - whatever you do, don't beat yourself up and turn the rest of the day into a cheat day. Instead, get back on track as soon as possible. I know this is going to be an unpopular suggestion for the super hard-core folks on this site (and hats off to them), but maybe just plan ahead and know that you are going to go to Jack in the Box on occasion. Maybe you will lose the taste for it entirely, but until then, you can plan ahead for it.
Apologies in advance if this is 'lowering the bar' for you - not intended to be sabotage, but helpful advice along the way :flowerforyou:0 -
Every time i drive past a drive thru i ask myself is it worth it? With all the changes i'm seeing and the fact that i just got put on cholesterol meds anyway i usually say no and drive on past. and some nights it is harder than others. My Zumba Studio is an hour away from home with just about every place i love on the way home so i can have a conversation with myself for the whole drive. To drown out that voice i turn the music up and sing!!! Pitbull is a fave he makes me forget all! There is no one answer what works for one may not work for another you have to find what works for you but you can do this !!!!! Your doing great 16 lbs is amazing good luck to you!0
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3) I throw the food out the window as punishment to my alter self.
P.S. I unwrap it first ( No littering)
^ :laugh: seriously, i'm glad you're not littering. the only problem is that paper degrades faster than fast food :laugh:0 -
When my husband's compulsions got really bad, I used to keep his check card. If he needed money for gas, he'd ask me, or we'd fill it up together when he wasn't alone with money.
It also helps him to purposely destress. Your compulsions tend to increase when something is bothering you, so figure out what that is, and work towards a solution.
Another good idea is to take all your trigger foods out of the house, or have someone hide them. This will keep you from mindlessly eating at home. Trigger foods are things you eat that make you keep eating. They can be anything, sugar, bacon, processed foods, bread, crackers, etc.
Easy to grab fast snacks and leftovers should be healthy. Anything else should require a little cooking so that you have time to stop and think.
Sometimes just giving yourself a moment to think will keep you focused.
Don't beat yourself up. The moment has passed. Let it go and know that you can get through this. It won't always be this bad.
But while you're working to fix the bigger issue that's making you eat compulsively, come up with strategies to help you stop those kinds of behaviors, and get everyone in the house on board.
I've been living with a compulsive/anxiety/emotional over-eater/food addict for 8 years. There are ups and downs, but there are more ups than downs when you forgive yourself, take action, get support.
And you're already doing some of all of that. :happy:
Friend me if you like! :flowerforyou:0 -
Do you think it would help you if you had your meals already planned for the day? Maybe after dinner everynight. Figure out what you are going to eat for the next day and stick with it. If you dont have to think, hmmm whats for breakfast? at the last minute it might make it easier. Just be like Oh, now its time to eat my eggos and banana! LOL I dont really know, just trying to help. Its hard for sure, but you can do this! Logging into this site is the first step and you are already here, so good for you! Its not like you are never going to eat fast food again, that would be redic. Just make sure you have it planned for the day so you can excercise that day or limit your other meals for the day to compinsate. Good Luck!0
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I feel your pain! I am a ff junkie or used to be. I haven't ate ff in 5 months and its true the longer you go without the easier it gets. But I still ride by Arbys everyday on my way to take my son to school and I think about those potatoe cakes. I just try to put it out of my head and think of all the things I can eat in place of those potaotoe cakes and I won't hate myself for it. Be strong and just know you are worth it!0
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JCEARTH posted his before and after pics and also shared how he lost his weight. One of his statements that really struck me:
"You just have to believe, and want it badly enough, and most importantly, show up every day to fight the battle. You may not win the fight every day, but if you keep coming back to try, it will happen."
It is a war within ourselves...and every day we must wake up purposeful...have a battle plan, and put that plan into action. Don't step out the door without planning what you are going to eat that day. Avoid the landmines (Jack in the Box), bring extra ammo...energy bars....and remember YOU are the one in command...not your body!
I agree with the poster about going to the website and checking out the caloric content. Now if I go to a fast food place that is the FIRST thing I do...grab the calorie chart and look at it so that I can make a knowledgeable choice.
Also, a wise women once told me that when I find myself going in the wrong direction TURN! Just turn...it takes ONE STEP and then you are back on track.
You haven't lost the battle today! You've taken a hit...but you still have the rest of the day to make good decisions...you can change to an I Will Win attitude...and you can do it! NEVER GIVE UP...
Charrrrrrrge!!!!0 -
You need to set yourself up for success.... I heard several people say to bring healthy snacks.... that is so key. That way when you do feel hungry between meals you have your snack... Also remember you need to re-train your stomach to be satisfied with smaller/ correct sized portions. It is gonna take time, but YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
Also... I don't know if I missed it but where in this story was your breakfast. If the grilled chicken breakfast meal was you breakfast than you weren't that bad, you just need to tailor your meal.... 1st thing... NO HASH BROWN.... 2nd... it's breakfast.. OJ instead of Diet Soda.... and since you aren't eating those Hash Browns you can afford the calories gained in the OJ. 3rd... The sandwich isn't that bad, just make sure to ask for no mayo and if they do it at Jack in the Box.... EGG WHITES ONLY!!!! 4th... if possible.... only eat 1 half of the roll. This is just a lot of wasted calories you don't need to be eating.... those rolls are so calorie dense they represent over half the calories in the sandwich.
My suggestion is to find a good deli shop that does breakfast and get and egg white with a meat... pass on the cheese but not all the time. And obviously it goes Turkey, Ham and then Bacon/Sausage as far as which meat is better for you. But if you don't allow yourself bacon or sausage once in awhile you will never eat the turkey.....
friend me if you like... and YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!0 -
This is really hard for me to share, but I used to find myself feeling very similar to how you do now. In my case, it wasn't fast food, it was baked goodies. I would be working so hard to lose weight (and doing well) but I would crave these goodies so badly. Feeling like I would be judged if I ate them at home like a normal person, I would sometimes buy them at the store and quickly eat them in the car and destroy all evidence before I got home. I found it quickly became a pattern, to the point where it was almost a reflex. "I'm at the store, what can I quickly eat?!" I didn't even want to be doing it anymore and I would feel sick and guilty afterwards.
I had to chose to make the choice to be healthy. Yes, I still want and still sometimes do give in to my cravings. But my new way of thinking is if I can't bring it home and eat it at the table in front of my family, then should I really be eating it?
There is no reason why you cannot occasionally allow yourself something you crave and enjoy, even fast food. The learning process involved here to succeed is finding how to fit it in to your daily calories. Maybe you can enjoy the buger with a salad instead of fries. Maybe you need to hit the elliptical for an extra 30 minutes after work.
And slip ups do happen. The important thing is to remember that the battle for that day is not lost because you ate a crappy breakfast. It just means now you need to be extremely diligent with your lunch and dinner, and get in a good workout that day too.
Success isn't just a number on the scale. It's finding a new way of living that is both healthy and flexible enough to still enjoy life. Dig deep and I know you can find a way to make that happen.
And CONGRATS on the great work so far. Don't be too hard on yourself, you're doing well.0 -
Yes, keep snacks with you! Also, whenever I go out for food I also log onto MFP first, and enter in what I was going to order. It puts it into perspective how many calories you are about to ingest. Many times there`s a healthier choice...even at fast food restaurants!
Suggestions for the morning, have protein...even if it`s a `grab n go`protein like a pb sandwich, a hard boiled egg (boil them while eating dinner the night before and store them in the fridge so they are ready to go in the a.m), microwavable chicken bacon or low fat ham that you can throw in a wrap.
For every time you resist the bad choices or fast food all together, make a healthy commitment to yourself...like promise that you`ll make time for a walk later, or buy yourself a new tshirt, ball cap or save up for a nice watch.
You can do this, stay strong!0 -
This may be the reason that he started eating poorly in the first place. But it is not the reason he does it now, necessarily. Changing his emotional help will most likely not change this behavior. Why? Because it is an ingrained habit.I am going to guess that there is something that you are trying to push down and feed it with food. I am not a psychologist (yet lol) but during my studies it seems that many people with an eating "addiction" if you will, usually eat in order to NOT face certain memories or feelings that they may have. A lot of the time it can be some kind of traumatic experience or maybe even just a feeling that they are not "good enough". As for myself, I started doing the whole food thing when I was married and it seemed that every one of my husbands friends would hit on me. I ended up being the one who got blamed for it. I decided then that if I were fat then the guys would leave me alone. As it turns out, that wasnt exactly true since I ended up leaving him for one of his friends years later...but thats another story lol. So yea, for me that is my best guess, but since I dont know you personally then it is ONLY a guess, or a suggestion, however you choose to take it. If there does happen to be something like that that you might be holding in, then perhaps that is at least part of the answer, Im really not sure.
The good news is that with a little bit of work you can change your habits. The brain is an amazing organ and has the ability to change. Every time you feel the urge to go through the drive through and you IGNORE it and move on, you are teaching your brain that it is an obsolete habit. Over time your brain will stop sending out the urges to go grab fast food because it has learned that you do not need that habit anymore. Here is a great resource:
http://www.eatingdisorder-institute.com/?tag=neuroplastic-changes0
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