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    I need to "Eat to Live," NOT "Live to Eat!"

    Posts: 83
    edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
    I think I have figured out what my big food problem is: I have been living to eat instead of the other way around! When I get to have my next meal has been at the center of my thoughts every hour of every day, and I am thinking there's no way that can be healthy. When all you think about it food, then inevitably bad food is going to make its way into your thoughts, and then you are constantly thinking about how you can't have it, which makes you want it more, and then you eat it and feel awful, and then eat more because you feel awful! So. . . . I need to change my focus and frame of mind. :) I need to make my world revolve around something other than food and just remember that I only eat because I need to keep my body healthy and give it nutrients.

    Now here's where you come in. . . I'm looking for ideas of how to make this shift! What works for you so that you're not so food-centered? Is it even possible to be a healthy person and not be somewhat food-centered? Need suggestions and maybe some encouragement. :) Thanks!

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    Replies

    • Posts: 6,774 Member
      Instead of obsessing over eating, obsess over eating right.
    • Posts: 1,093 Member
      Start a fitness program, the more challenging the better. When you start thinking about food in relation to your workouts, your whole perspective shifts.
    • Posts: 11 Member
      I think I have figured out what my big food problem is: I have been living to eat instead of the other way around!

      Growing up food was a major part of our culture and lives, and it's taking me over 35 years to finally realize I have to change this mentality for the sake of me and my family. Problem though is will power, which I unfortunately don't' have much of :) But that's changing when it comes to food...
    • Posts: 5 Member
      As a struggler of food taking control of me...I have found that once you are comfortable with who you are it all starts to fall in place ;) I am a firm believer that you need to do some sort of workout regimen also and never reward yourself with food!! Go buy a new shirt or get a pedicure or something instead!! ;) keep up the good work
    • Posts: 83
      Thanks for the input. I workout regularly, so that's not a problem. . .I do cardio 5 mornings a week and I push myself with the weight training I do. Just need a handle on the food situation!

      As far as being comfortable with who I am. . . I get to the point where I'm really happy with myself and for some reason sabotage it all!!! Something is wrong with my brain. ;)
    • Posts: 39 Member
      I am in this same boat right now!! I feel like I never make the right food choices. Even though I am working out 5 days a week, I throw it all away when I get home & start eating. I feel your pain! I think I just need to start forcing myself to eat the right things and after a few weeks, it will just click. Here's to hoping, at least!! :wink:
    • Posts: 83
      You know, here's where I make my bad decisions. . . all my meals and snacks are carefully planned out, and I never eat badly at home. But I'm a school teacher. . . people bring CRAP treats to share and they are free and they are just there for the taking. That's my biggest food weakness.
    • Posts: 83
      Case in Point. Here is the e-mail I just received:

      "Dear Vikings,

      At some point today to celebrate our approaching Spring Break, please stop by the teacher’s lounge to enjoy an ice cream sandwich.

      Make it a great day!"

      Ugh. Go go gadget will power!!!!
    • Posts: 102 Member
      Not sure if this will help but I have started trying to think that 'life is too short'. The news has been really depressing here (UK) in the last couple of days with loads of young deaths and it got me thinking that there is so much going on out there that food can not be my focus.

      I suppose some people could take that as 'life is too short to worry about what your eating so have what you want'but what I really mean is that life is too short to make food the centre of your universe. Everytime I starting thinking about food, bad food particularly, I try to think to myself 'life is too short to focus on that', think about the important things!
    • Posts: 83
      Not sure if this will help but I have started trying to think that 'life is too short'. The news has been really depressing here (UK) in the last couple of days with loads of young deaths and it got me thinking that there is so much going on out there that food can not be my focus.

      I suppose some people could take that as 'life is too short to worry about what your eating so have what you want'but what I really mean is that life is too short to make food the centre of your universe. Everytime I starting thinking about food, bad food particularly, I try to think to myself 'life is too short to focus on that', think about the important things!

      Thank you for that! That is a great idea. . . my husband and I recently went to visit a friend of his going through drug rehab, and that helps put things in perspective too. . . goes along with what you are saying here I think.
    • Posts: 597 Member
      I posted somewhere in these forums that I do both!


      I love food, it loves me, I eat to live and live to eat, haha!

      There is nothing wrong with a passion for food. You just have to not over indulge and move enough to not have your passion consume your body with loads of clinging fat. When I am working out regularly, like I am suppose to, I can eat anything within reason.

      That's my outlook anyway....

      exercise.png
    • Posts: 3,566 Member
      I've been the same way in my life. My family (especially my mother) was very food-oriented growing up (amazingly we are not Italan LOL) and so I've carried that with me into adulthood, looking forward to what the next meal is going to be.

      It helps me to stay busy and keep my mind occupied with other things. Have another subject to think about when your mind starts meandering in "what am I going to eat?" territory. Plan your meals out in advance in the morning so you don't have to think about them during the day.
    • Posts: 5 Member
      I know a lot of women who do that. Hang in there ;)
    • Posts: 83
      I know a lot of women who do that. Hang in there ;)

      Thanks. :) Taking this Spring Break opportunity to take back control and get my head straight!! :)
    • Posts: 1,079 Member
      Am I the only one who was reminded of this?

      tumblr_l4p42aDVLb1qa0v43o1_500.jpg
    • Posts: 407 Member
      I run, focus on other things, when something makes me want to eat, instead of avoiding what is making what to eat I face it head on. Find things that keep you busy like being crafty.

      I once was in your shoes and it's hard, but one you do it, it gets easier every time.
    • Posts: 110
      I actually said this exact thing to my mom last nite lol I love all the bad food that my family gets to eat and I don't and I need to get out of that mind set. I need to stop loving food so much:laugh:
    • Posts: 70 Member
      Am I the only one who was reminded of this?

      tumblr_l4p42aDVLb1qa0v43o1_500.jpg

      This was the first thing I thought of
    • Posts: 1,079 Member
      This was the first thing I thought of

      ...otherwise we get along!
    • Posts: 247 Member
      Start a fitness program, the more challenging the better. When you start thinking about food in relation to your workouts, your whole perspective shifts.

      I totally agree. Once I did the C25K, it really helped get my food thoughts/cravings under control. Also, it just takes some time.
    • Posts: 3,566 Member
      Am I the only one who was reminded of this?

      tumblr_l4p42aDVLb1qa0v43o1_500.jpg

      You're my only friend Abu!
    This discussion has been closed.

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