Why CAN'T you eat whatever you want?? *Little* rant...
Replies
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love the rant ... and it's one that is familiar to me!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/473746-yes-you-can-eat-normal-food-my-rant?error_user_id=13605134&error_username=tsh0ck
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For some of us, it's an addiction. It's like telling an alcoholic he can have *just one* beer.
If you think food "addiction" is the same as alcoholism then you have no clue. "Addiction" of food is psychological, not physical. Alcoholism is a physical addiction which can result in withdrawal. The only way food is addictive is through reward pathways but this is true of ANYTHING. This isn't the same as the physical addiction of cocaine, alcohol, and caffeine. Someone might cite dopamine release from sugar but dopamine is a neurotransmitter which mediates psychological dependence. Texting, lifting weights, kissing, sex, running, etc. all release dopamine. Are you going to say you're physically addicted to all these things? Food really isn't physically addictive like alcohol or cocaine. This is why people who insist that "chocolate" or "sugar" is addictive make no sense.
Now, some people will have a harder time getting over these psychological hurdles but we should be careful how we refer to things. Food isn't the same as alcoholism or drug addiction. People just need to learn that the pleasure signals do not need to be constantly on when eating. It's hard to explain because we live in an era where psychological disorders have raised exponentially. This is something I studied a lot in sociology and it has become a problem since everyone thinks they are damaged goods and cannot be culpable for their actions.
Honestly, I offended a plethora of binge eaters already (in a different thread) but I don't feel particularly bad about it. Most people have no idea what the causes of binge eating are. The majority of binge eaters aren't biologically damaged individuals. Anyways, I'm getting off topic but the point is this: people need to stop comparing eating food to actual, physically addicting things such as alcohol. It's absurd.0 -
*Climbs on soapbox*
It's frustrating to read posts where people are saying "I can't eat what my friends eat" or "I can't eat what my family eats". Why not? If this is truly a lifestyle change for you (which it should be) you need to learn how to not only eat healthier but ALSO account for the unexpected.
EVERYTHING is okay....in moderation! So it's not about what you CAN'T eat, it's about how you CAN eat everything! Deprivation will lead to binging and failure. Make it a real life change and teach yourself how to do this thing for the long haul!
Thank you.
*Climbs off soapbox*
I agree within moderation you can eat what ever you want0 -
Every now and then, I want a burger with everything on it. So I eat it. And it's awesome.
In other words, preach on. Preach on.0 -
while I understand the rant those of us who are diabetic respectfully request the right to object. I CANNOT eat what my friends and family eat unless I'd like to be on insulin in the near future controlling my carb intake most importantly for means they can eat out just about anywhere I can't, they can eat potatoes, rice and pasta at home I can't.0
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This is so me too.. Pizza... no problem. Put a box of cereal on the table... uh oh!!! I love love love cereal and granola... they are the devil for me too!!I think this is very true.
I however do have to complete take some things out for a while. Because I just go over board to easy.
Granola bars, cereal, and such are those products. I don't crave if I just don't eat them. Whatever works for you ^-^
I have to remove things for a bit too. Nothing nearly as good as cereal, more like "Oh, my darn, I've had pizza six times in the last month, time to let it go for the next month or two." I just have a habit of clinging onto a certain set of junk food and even when I log it and it fits into my allowance, I know it hurts my body to eat like that that often.
Interesting! Pizza I can control easy - make it once in a while and deliciously homemade.
I can eat a whole box of granola bars in one sitting though xD did it with fiber one bars once. BAD idea xD0 -
i agree .. like today, my mom and niece came by with lunch .. "fried chicken"
i looked up the calories and instead of 2 thigs for 660 , i had a leg and thigh 440
i also had a small portion of beans/rice and mashed potatoes.. but i fit it into my calories and i enjoyed that lunch (which pretty much never happens, my mom never hangs out here..lol ) i also enjoyed good company
i did the "eat only good foods/ no salt / no soda diet .. 6 months 50 pounds .. then went off track BIG time gained 80 pounds
now im doing this in baby steps ( i have 140 /150 to lose )0 -
I could eat what my family eats, but I choose to be healthy instead. That isn't to say I don't indulge (I have a spike day every Sunday, and in many ways eat worse than they do on those days), but 85% of the time I'm on point.
This ... is ... so ... *kitten* backwards.
Do you understand how asinine this belief of "spiking" (or cheating) on a single day is? If you distributed that over every single day then it would be no different. People don't seem to get this. There should be no cheat day because this signifies that certain foods are inherently "bad" for you but this simply isn't true. If people were smart enough to simply moderate their eating then you could eat here and there instead of going on some "spike" at the end of the week (or beginning).
I'm so tired of this nonsense of "eating healthy." Most of these people have no clue what healthy is and they use the word to put themselves on a pedestal. Good for you. You're eating restrictively for no reason.0 -
I had beer and pizza for dinner and still under my calories. No I can't have everything I want all day long but I can have some of the things I love once in a while if I plan for them. I put in some exercise today because I knew we would be going out and I wanted pizza. I haven't had this particular pizza since I started dieting in Jan. It's a yummy Gyro pizza at a local Greek restaurant.
Like I said.... I don't eat like that as often as I use to but I will be damned if I will never have it again. I will get up tomorrow, take the dog on a long walk and drink a little extra water to work it off. We go out on the weekends for dinner but I know that. Sometimes I get salads, grilled chicken, steamed veggies, etc. with unsweetened ice tea. It just depends on how my day and week has gone... this week was a good week so I got pizza! 0 -
bump0
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I could eat what my family eats, but I choose to be healthy instead. That isn't to say I don't indulge (I have a spike day every Sunday, and in many ways eat worse than they do on those days), but 85% of the time I'm on point.
This ... is ... so ... *kitten* backwards.
Do you understand how asinine this belief of "spiking" (or cheating) on a single day is? If you distributed that over every single day then it would be no different. People don't seem to get this. There should be no cheat day because this signifies that certain foods are inherently "bad" for you but this simply isn't true. If people were smart enough to simply moderate their eating then you could eat here and there instead of going on some "spike" at the end of the week (or beginning).
I'm so tired of this nonsense of "eating healthy." Most of these people have no clue what healthy is and they use the word to put themselves on a pedestal. Good for you. You're eating restrictively for no reason.
qft0 -
I disagree to a certain extent...I REALLY can't eat what I want to eat and in order to finish my weight loss journey, I have to find a way to combat my genetics (I've been overweight most of my life & my body is USED to being heavy). I have been eating what I want to eat while calorie controlling, watching my portions, and giving myself an off day a week...and I have gained and lost the same 5lbs and have been basically in a plateau for over a year. I've been changing my workouts like crazy going from regular kickboxing classes, to running regularly, to increasing my running distance, and now this year added cardio strength training (like 30 Day Shred and just started Turbo Fire 2 weeks ago).
I'm DEFINITELY burning the calories--but I am NOT losing the weight and feel that now I have to put myself on a strict diet--of low carb, high protein and high veggies. I'm 15-20lbs away from my goal weight, after having lost 50lbs and DESPERATE to lose the weight now. When I lost my first 50lbs--I was eating whatever I wanted, in moderation/portion controlled, and continued to lose as longs as I burned the calories and stayed within my calorie range, but sadly that's not working for me anymore. I'm desperate and desperate times call for desperate measures. Sometimes you gotta restrict your diet to get down to the REAL weight you want to be at.0 -
Sometimes you gotta restrict your diet to get down to the REAL weight you want to be at.
If by restrict your diet you mean restrict your calories with a favorable macronutrient profile then we agree but I already know you don't mean that in which case I say this: that's not even true. Honestly, whatever you were doing to stop your weight loss had nothing to do with the food choices. You're just delusional on that point.0 -
Having yo-yo dieted for nearly 30years I finally come to a simple conclusion as why the diets have never worked, or not worked for me personally, they are disconnected from (my) reality. Eating different foods to everyone else is more difficult than eating what they are eating and I learn nothing about the calorific value of the food they are eating and so when the diet ends I relapse into old habits and I begrudge giving up time for exercise for the sake of exercise and so any diet that includs an exercise regimen rapidly falls by the wayside.
My philosophy this time around (and three months in I am still holding to it and have achieved 25% of my target weight loss) is that I can eat what ever I want so long as I stay within my calorie goals for the week (though I try to adhere to it within the day) and I wont do any special exercise, but I will walk rather than using the car, and use the stairs rather than lifts and escalators when it is practical to do so.
Interestingly just because I can eat whatever I want doesn't mean I have to nor that I necessarily do and yesterday I had the choice of having a hot butter croissant with butter and jam that everyone else was having or bowl of porridge with sultanas and raisins which I have two or three time a week, I went with the porridge and whilst everyone else was peckish around mid-morning I went happily through till lunch without the desire to eat.0 -
I eat something "bad" probably every single day.0
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I try to go by the 80/20 rule on a daily basis. This allows me to eat whatever I want, not how much I want, but whatever I want daily. Thanks Matt Ogus for that quote.
No need for a "spike day" since I'm already eating what I want and staying within calories and hitting all macros.0 -
For some of us, it's an addiction. It's like telling an alcoholic he can have *just one* beer.
If you think food "addiction" is the same as alcoholism then you have no clue. "Addiction" of food is psychological, not physical. Alcoholism is a physical addiction which can result in withdrawal. The only way food is addictive is through reward pathways but this is true of ANYTHING. This isn't the same as the physical addiction of cocaine, alcohol, and caffeine. Someone might cite dopamine release from sugar but dopamine is a neurotransmitter which mediates psychological dependence. Texting, lifting weights, kissing, sex, running, etc. all release dopamine. Are you going to say you're physically addicted to all these things? Food really isn't physically addictive like alcohol or cocaine. This is why people who insist that "chocolate" or "sugar" is addictive make no sense.
Now, some people will have a harder time getting over these psychological hurdles but we should be careful how we refer to things. Food isn't the same as alcoholism or drug addiction. People just need to learn that the pleasure signals do not need to be constantly on when eating. It's hard to explain because we live in an era where psychological disorders have raised exponentially. This is something I studied a lot in sociology and it has become a problem since everyone thinks they are damaged goods and cannot be culpable for their actions.
Honestly, I offended a plethora of binge eaters already (in a different thread) but I don't feel particularly bad about it. Most people have no idea what the causes of binge eating are. The majority of binge eaters aren't biologically damaged individuals. Anyways, I'm getting off topic but the point is this: people need to stop comparing eating food to actual, physically addicting things such as alcohol. It's absurd.
Where do you get this info?0 -
Why do you care if some people chose to avoid certain foods?
There is another thread out there called "what pisses you off on MFP?"
THIS would be it.
I am happy that you are able to eat what you want, in moderation.
And frankly jealous.
I am just not there yet. Because I cannot eat just 3 oreo cookies...I just can't.
Maybe I have no willpower, strenght or common sense. Heck, call me absurd.0 -
"This is something I studied a lot in sociology and it has become a problem since everyone thinks they are damaged goods and cannot be culpable for their actions. "
Funny, I have studied sociology a lot and an addiction specialist I am NOT.
Absurd?
Maybe.0 -
*Climbs on soapbox*
It's frustrating to read posts where people are saying "I can't eat what my friends eat" or "I can't eat what my family eats". Why not? If this is truly a lifestyle change for you (which it should be) you need to learn how to not only eat healthier but ALSO account for the unexpected.
EVERYTHING is okay....in moderation! So it's not about what you CAN'T eat, it's about how you CAN eat everything! Deprivation will lead to binging and failure. Make it a real life change and teach yourself how to do this thing for the long haul!
Thank you.
*Climbs off soapbox*
Gospel spoken here :drinker:0 -
I plan on getting drunk tonight! I'm on a weightloss program...not a death program....I'm human and I'll do what other humans do...live my life.
True story!0 -
It was my granddaughter's birthday today with dinner out at her favorite restaurant--therefore I already super indulged in all the, apparently, forbidden foods. I have said it before, I will say it again, I do my best and that's all I can do. I am not going to deprive myself 100% because ultimately, this is about lifestyle change, which includes being happier.0
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I think those are the people who haven't made "the shift" yet. The shift is when you realize "I don't WANT to eat what they are eating because I don't WANT to be overweight/unhealthy." And, yes, also realizing that it's okay to eat bad things or too much of something on occassion... realizing "on occassion" doesn't mean daily.
And, if you're lucky, part of the shift is that not only do you choose not to eat something - and are okay with your decision - it's that when you do eat it, it no longer has the same "satisfaction" that it used to. I don' t mean that you satisfaction loses over guilt, either. I mean that it just doesn't taste as good as you remember it! That is awesome and makes it so much easier to choose the "good" over the "bad" on a regular basis.
But, you have to open yourself up to making "the shift", realizing that it is possible and may happen if you "let" it happen. Didn't say it was easy, just saying it's possible.0 -
It's not what they eat, it's how much. I'd love to eat a half rack of ribs, fries, Caesar salad and pecan pie in one shot. I'm not one to eat once a day though, so I have to eat 1 rib, 1/4 of the fries, none of the salad and a bite of pie. I overeat once and it's over.
OMGee, you are my hero! That sounds divine! lol.....I totally agree!0 -
"This is something I studied a lot in sociology and it has become a problem since everyone thinks they are damaged goods and cannot be culpable for their actions. "
Funny, I have studied sociology a lot and an addiction specialist I am NOT.
You've misunderstood. I was referring to the increase diagnoses of psychological disorders, not the science behind addiction. People are rarely culpable for their own actions anymore. It's this or that but never them.Where do you get this info?
University level classes and books. I'm always learning about something. This information is available to all people. It's up to you whether you want to learn it or not.0 -
University level classes and books. I'm always learning about something. This information is available to all people. It's up to you whether you want to learn it or not.
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I see.
I encourage you to do the same.0 -
For some of us, it's an addiction. It's like telling an alcoholic he can have *just one* beer.
If you think food "addiction" is the same as alcoholism then you have no clue. "Addiction" of food is psychological, not physical. Alcoholism is a physical addiction which can result in withdrawal. The only way food is addictive is through reward pathways but this is true of ANYTHING. This isn't the same as the physical addiction of cocaine, alcohol, and caffeine. Someone might cite dopamine release from sugar but dopamine is a neurotransmitter which mediates psychological dependence. Texting, lifting weights, kissing, sex, running, etc. all release dopamine. Are you going to say you're physically addicted to all these things? Food really isn't physically addictive like alcohol or cocaine. This is why people who insist that "chocolate" or "sugar" is addictive make no sense.
Now, some people will have a harder time getting over these psychological hurdles but we should be careful how we refer to things. Food isn't the same as alcoholism or drug addiction. People just need to learn that the pleasure signals do not need to be constantly on when eating. It's hard to explain because we live in an era where psychological disorders have raised exponentially. This is something I studied a lot in sociology and it has become a problem since everyone thinks they are damaged goods and cannot be culpable for their actions.
Honestly, I offended a plethora of binge eaters already (in a different thread) but I don't feel particularly bad about it. Most people have no idea what the causes of binge eating are. The majority of binge eaters aren't biologically damaged individuals. Anyways, I'm getting off topic but the point is this: people need to stop comparing eating food to actual, physically addicting things such as alcohol. It's absurd.
I agree with some of what you've said, and disagree with other parts, confused with the rest. Is you're argument that unless a substance is physically addictive, it doesn't qualify as an addiction at all? A mental addiction can be "absurd to you", fine, but it's still very real...0 -
During a cut, I eat the same types of food as I would while I'm on a bulk. I simply eat less of them. My favorites include: cheesecake, snickers, burgers, pizza, ice cream, etc.
Anything in moderation is fine, that is what most people must realize. Remember, even water can kill you if you drink too much.0 -
For some of us, it's an addiction. It's like telling an alcoholic he can have *just one* beer.
If you think food "addiction" is the same as alcoholism then you have no clue. "Addiction" of food is psychological, not physical. Alcoholism is a physical addiction which can result in withdrawal. The only way food is addictive is through reward pathways but this is true of ANYTHING. This isn't the same as the physical addiction of cocaine, alcohol, and caffeine. Someone might cite dopamine release from sugar but dopamine is a neurotransmitter which mediates psychological dependence. Texting, lifting weights, kissing, sex, running, etc. all release dopamine. Are you going to say you're physically addicted to all these things? Food really isn't physically addictive like alcohol or cocaine. This is why people who insist that "chocolate" or "sugar" is addictive make no sense.
Now, some people will have a harder time getting over these psychological hurdles but we should be careful how we refer to things. Food isn't the same as alcoholism or drug addiction. People just need to learn that the pleasure signals do not need to be constantly on when eating. It's hard to explain because we live in an era where psychological disorders have raised exponentially. This is something I studied a lot in sociology and it has become a problem since everyone thinks they are damaged goods and cannot be culpable for their actions.
Honestly, I offended a plethora of binge eaters already (in a different thread) but I don't feel particularly bad about it. Most people have no idea what the causes of binge eating are. The majority of binge eaters aren't biologically damaged individuals. Anyways, I'm getting off topic but the point is this: people need to stop comparing eating food to actual, physically addicting things such as alcohol. It's absurd.
I agree with some of what you've said, and disagree with other parts, confused with the rest. Is you're argument that unless a substance is physically addictive, it doesn't qualify as an addiction at all? A mental addiction can be "absurd to you", fine, but it's still very real...
Yes they're very different addictions. However, humans need food to live...they don't NEED alcohol or drugs. Whether mental or physical, having the culprit of your "addiction" in your face daily because you NEED it can make it very difficult.0 -
All things in moderation. I think you are onto something here.0
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