Food Addiction Support Group
An individual suffering from a food addiction disorder frequently experiences episodes of uncontrolled eating, or binging, during which they may feel frenzied or out of control. They will eat much more quickly than is normal, and continue to eat even past the point of being uncomfortably full. Binging in this way is generally followed by a period of intense guilt feelings...
Wanted to get healthy foods, and I did. But holy cow, it really gets to me, all the junk food all over. You can go down a healthy food aisle, get to the end and there is a huge display of cookies or candy. It is so hard, a person has to be really committed.
The first couple of weeks of my food plan, I had my husband do the shopping with a strict list. I wouldn't go into any grocery stores. When I saw my progress and felt stronger about losing weight, I started to go shopping. But, I stayed to my list, unless I added healthier food, no junk. We all have to be on guard against the food companies and the psychology of where the grocery stores place their displays of junk food!
The first couple of weeks of my food plan, I had my husband do the shopping with a strict list. I wouldn't go into any grocery stores. When I saw my progress and felt stronger about losing weight, I started to go shopping. But, I stayed to my list, unless I added healthier food, no junk. We all have to be on guard against the food companies and the psychology of where the grocery stores place their displays of junk food!
I've found that eating as close to the natural state of a food as I can helps me maintain good healthy eating attitudes. I avoid alot of processed foods, esp. junk. It has no nutritional value for me, and only triggers the bingeing. Lots of fresh fruit, veges, salads and good quality lean protein/dairy keeps me fueled up and satisfied mostly. The odd time now I still have sugar cravings (usually PMS) and these are challenging. Last night I had them for the first time in a very long time. I had to drink my water, have a cup of hot choc drink, and ask myself "What am I hungering for?" I knew it was directly correlated to an incident earlier in the day when someone had said something very unkind and destructive to me regarding a new (scary for me) step I'm taking in my life (adult study). I was not allowed to go to University after high school. My father made me go out the day I finished Sixth Form here in NZ (age 16) and get a job. I ended up working in an office for 30 years and hating it. So to try something new like studying is scary at the best of time.
This woman just "slammed me" and put what I was doing down (she is a registered Teacher and has degrees etc). It floored me! I carried the pain of this all day but talked about it with my hubby, and prayed about it lots. Realised this incident triggered the desire to "numb out". Thankfully didn't binge.
Like you, I find it wise to keep binge foods out of the house. I only buy the foods I can handle and pretty much my hubby eats healthy like me. He will have the odd treat etc but he is a "normal" eater. However he fully supports me and knows my trigger foods etc. He has said it's been good for him (as we are both not 21 anymore!) to eat much less sugary/heavy carb foods, and he feels better for it too.
Don't let anyone undermine you and question your strength and question your wanting to better yourself.
I sometimes give in to the binge food, but if I keep it out of the house I am not so inclined to go out and buy it. It is an ongoing battle, some days easier than others. Everything you said is true, but after a few weeks of eating fruits, veggies, and other good foods, the urge takes over. I have to do something different at the time of the urge. Like so many, I believe in the power of the sugar addiction. Sugar is all over. 25% of America is considered obese; it is terrible. There is such a difference in being 20 pounds overweight instead of 200 pounds overweight.
If I wasn't on top it, I would be in a lot of trouble. And I have type 2 diabetes, so I feel like I have a double whammy!
Anyway, you take good care of yourself. I admire you. Thank you for the help you have already given me.
(((hugs))) Evie
Evie,
You inspired me with the story of your education and graduating. I have nothing but admiration for someone who can do tertiary level studies at a later stage and graduate. Well done you!
Yes, I agree after a while of just eating healthy food, and fruits and veges, of course you will get cravings and the desire to "break out". This is only human because we need variety. I've done this cycle over and over, falling by the wayside.
This year I'm trying to do it differently and it has helped alot. I try to eat no processed sugar and keep the processed carbs down (like rice and pasta and bread etc) because they have been really hard binge foods for me in the past. I have found what works for me (and we are all different so may not suit everyone) is to have a foodplan rich in good quality protein and plenty of fibre to fill me up (not just rabbit food, i.e. lettuce which is mostly water). I also make sure my food is TASTY!! E.g. as it's summer here salads are great, especially if it's too hot but I make sure its not just lettuce and tomato and carrot. Boring! I add in a nice yoghurt and honey mustard dressing, baby beets, spinach leaves, a few dry toasted almonds (for protein) plus extra protein like smoked chicken or roasted ham (lots left over since Christmas), Etc.
I didn't realise (nor was it planned) but someone told me that I basically eat the Paleo type of foodplan. I make these little sweet treats which I can have a few of and enjoy/snack on for extra energy with my afternoon coffee. They are naturally sweet with dried fruit etc. Yes there is of course sugar in the fruit, but at least it from fruit and not processed. Moderation not restriction is the key thing that's helps keep me from feeling deprived (which triggers bingeing and "rebellion").
If you're interested, here's a couple of recipes. Just watch they how they might fit into your diabetes regime....
https://www.sophreakingood.com/recipes/fruit-nut-balls/
or
http://paleogrubs.com/raw-brownie-bites
Have a great day. Keep going, you're doing well,
Kim.
I have trouble with too much dried fruit, though I love them. In too large a quantity I get diarrhea. So I mainly stay away from them. I also can't eat too many seeds and nuts. I have some abdominal issues, so I am on medication. And I am lactose intolerant, so food is a complicated issue for me. I can take it in small doses, but I basically drink fat-free, lactose free milk and lactose free cottage cheese. I don't have any melted cheeses or ice cream ( I can tolerate frozen yogurt, so that is my treat once in a while.) Like my husband tells me laughing, I not only am a pain in the ass, I easily get pains in the ass.!!)
Thanks for the recipes you sent. They look delicious, but they would trigger me to binge. You know that saying, "One bite is too much, a million isn't enough." That is how it is for me. Such a hard battle, but a necessary one.
So I stay away, as much as possible, from breads, potatoes, and white rice. I allow myself barley and brown rice, oatmeal and rice cereal. No wheat! A bread I like is Ezekiel bread. It isn't made with wheat but with sprouts and other things. It tastes good toasted with a little peanut butter, or I use it to make a turkey sandwich.
When I am good with food, I don't eat any sugary desserts. I eat a couple of fruits a day, and a few veggies, meat or chicken or fish. those are the good days.
Anyway, thanks for the support. So glad you are in the warm weather now. Food also helps me get through the winter, so I have to be really wary right now. Winter here.
Take care. We will talk soon.
Evie
I hear you.
The paleo type of diet is good for me too, no wheat, no sugar (my triggers) but I'm also triggered by situations and when my addition takes hold, there's no stopping it. I'm giving the OA 12 step recovery programme a go, but still find I'm slipping...
One day at a time!!