Obesity Support Group
This community is dedicated to those of us struggling with obesity. Obesity is thought to be a significant risk factor in certain health conditions, leading to increased mortality. Find the support you need by sharing your story, asking questions, and learning from others on how they have coped.
I've got a craving for some carmel candy, so I went to the store and discovered the only way I can have this candy is to buy a large bag...which got me to thinking--all this stuff about why we're all getting fatter, and blaming it on soda and fast food restaurants when the real reason we're having a weight problem(imho) is the lack of small servings.
Think about it. Back in the 1960s I used to be able to go into a store and buy a small 5 cent candy bar. The larger sizes where reserved for theaters. It was the same for cookies. Used to be able to get a bag with only 14 cookies in it. Back in the 70s they used to have a commercial by Encore frozen dinners where this guy from Happy Days used to invite himself over to help finish off the rather large frozen dinner. I remember in the commercial the couple would complain that the dinner was too large for their small family and he would say, I'll help you eat it. Now, I remember in the 60s the dinner was much smaller and families were much larger. Go figure.
So, our weight problems started in the 70s they say. But so did large bags of chips, candy, etc. I remember going to the five and dime and asking for a quarter pound of candy. You'd get maybe ten pieces and when they were gone you'd have to walk back to the store. Now, you're sitting home with a large bag of something telling yourself not to eat it. But of course you will, we're hard-wired to eat when food is available. Goes back to when we were hunter-gathers.
Back to my carmel: I can't have it. And I'm really upset that there aren't any stores that you can go to and buy a small something. I want the penny candy back and the small 5 cent packages of stuff like potato chips and candy.
Just a rant.
Think about it. Back in the 1960s I used to be able to go into a store and buy a small 5 cent candy bar. The larger sizes where reserved for theaters. It was the same for cookies. Used to be able to get a bag with only 14 cookies in it. Back in the 70s they used to have a commercial by Encore frozen dinners where this guy from Happy Days used to invite himself over to help finish off the rather large frozen dinner. I remember in the commercial the couple would complain that the dinner was too large for their small family and he would say, I'll help you eat it. Now, I remember in the 60s the dinner was much smaller and families were much larger. Go figure.
So, our weight problems started in the 70s they say. But so did large bags of chips, candy, etc. I remember going to the five and dime and asking for a quarter pound of candy. You'd get maybe ten pieces and when they were gone you'd have to walk back to the store. Now, you're sitting home with a large bag of something telling yourself not to eat it. But of course you will, we're hard-wired to eat when food is available. Goes back to when we were hunter-gathers.
Back to my carmel: I can't have it. And I'm really upset that there aren't any stores that you can go to and buy a small something. I want the penny candy back and the small 5 cent packages of stuff like potato chips and candy.
Just a rant.
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I'm horrified! I knew my insurance would go up due to getting a new car but I didn't expect it to go up over $2,000. I did have an accident with the snow/ice in the winter. I was just telling my brother that I have had my car since March 2, 2026 and have only spent $75 on an oil change. Now this! I called another insurance company and their quote was over $4,000. I guess I have to pay...
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We all have 24 hours in a day. How we spend these hours is important. Watching a little bit of a video about how sitting affects us made me aware of how much sitting and laying down I do. Gonna have to work on that.Your turn. Tell me another truth.
I like my choice of veggies and get as much as I want.
I like the right amount of bread or pasta.
Just enough meat or fish.
Choice of fruits.
A small serving of dessert the way I like it.
I feel like I can get satisfied without paying the higher price at other restaurants. It doesn't take a lot to get my "money's worth."
Just my thoughts, but people started gaining more weight when they tried diets that leave you so hungry they promote yo-yo dieting.
I was thin until I was about 38 and pregnant with my 3rd child. I tried to "eat healthy" and avoid all sorts of foods with certain additives--but I failed to replace those foods with better ones, not thinking that it was the same as "dieting" while pregnant! I knew not to do that! But it sneaked in under my radar... I just grew very tired and weak and became a couch potato. I gained weight then that I haven't been able to lose since then.
also, a grocery chain here in ct/western ma has in their candy aisle "by the pound" you can literally buy like 4 pieces of whatever candy mix and match etc
I would look at the old mom & pop stores, general stores, anything smaller or more "local"
I know some health food chains sell things "by the pound" also so that could be something you look for
also by registers in groceries or that they usually have smaller portioned sweets for impulse buys
the convienence isn't there since you have to look for it
and I do get what you are saying about then versus now, but we do sort of live in a buy in bulk culture because that's how you can stretch a dollar - but who needs a 20lb bag of candy except at halloween. so what you are saying is making sense... but I feel like if you dig a little deeper you will probably find something similar to what you are looking for
oh, and I can't speak on taste of sugar free caramel (I don't really like caramel) as I have not tried it, but the sugar free chocolate is basically identical in taste so I would hope it would be for that also.
good luck!
In addition to the larger portions as you say, there is also the increase in sedentary jobs, plus the monetization of exercise - you can't really do much unless you pay high prices for gym membership, free public spaces are being eroded and becoming privately owned and closed to the public, and then food - well, healthy food - seems to be more expensive and because people all have to work in order to afford to live, that means they cannot afford the time to shop in different fruit/veg/meat shops etc and get good healthy food affordably, all shopping is done at superstores which do not sell healthy food and what fruit and veg there is is tasteless and expensive. And parents are more scared of allowing their kids to play and explore, more people children and adults stay indoors watching TV or playing computer games rather than exercising outside as there is nowhere to exercise safely. More people use cars and don't walk even short distances. It is seen as normal to get into a car and drive to a gym rather than taking a walk outside as the air is so polluted and foul with all the other car drivers. Parents drive their kids to school rather than walking. All of these things contribute to where we are now.
Have you been legally declaired incompent. Based on your post I think so.
Sometimes, I just want a bite of, oh lets say. sub way sub. I will buy 6", enjoy a bite,, n freeze the rest.
I have single serveing size of all types of candy/cakes/pies... in freezer.
Instead of potatoe chips, I have corn flakes r fiber cereal.
I'me trying to find my recipe for sweet potatoe tot's. Yummy. if anyone kknows recipe (?) do share.
Here's the thing: How many of us have had to throw something out because it went bad? I'm widowed. No children. I don't need a large cake, I want a slice of cake, and in the 1960s it was easily found. Now, I've got to buy the whole thing. I used to be able to purchase a celery stalk. Now, I've got to buy the whole thing. I wanted one onion the other day, but I had to buy a large bag that is now sitting in my refrigerator and most will end up in the trash. It's wasteful and fattening. And no, I don't have a neigbor or something to share with. I eat healthy foods and they enjoy other types of foods.
Back to control. I have it. I go without my favorite treats. I shouldn't have to. Blame corporate greed.
I joined this group for help, but I see from my short time here that that is not the case. There seems to be a I-have-all-the-answers-attitude by some, so I can't figure out why that person would even be in this group. Since, my weight is not crazy out of control(most wouldn't consider be obese), I'll say goodbye.
I have 5 kids at home so nothing goes to waste here, LOL!
Maybe a farmers market would sell you smaller portions of produce.
Ultimately we all are just trying to be healthy.
In any case, sorry you haven't found much success in relating well with the folks in this group. If you aren't obese, but would still like a support group for your journey there is one called Diets & Weight Maintenance. You can also search on here to see if there are any others that would suit you.
Best of luck.