Food Addiction--New for 2008

[Pcola Girl]

I never really knew how many people are addictied to food. Could it be all the preservities in foods today or what!
It seems like back in the 40's and 50' and even the 60's that people were not so as over weight as they are now.
I know there are more fast food places and people eat out more now and do not prepare family meals at home as much either so that may contribute to it also.
I got fat from mostly eating fast foods and eating out and not cooking at home a healthy meals like my mother use to do when I was growing up.
We always had a meat and veggies on our table everyday and maybe a dessert but we never over ate like we all do now. We were served a normal portion and ate that and was full. Now when you dine out there is enough food on one plate for two or three people..
Why did restaurants start doing that? To get business or what?
I know we could turn down the food and not eat all of it and bring the rest home in a doggie bag but who does that, i do sometimes but not all times...I usually sit there and pick at it until its all gone.

People today are just big eaters. We eat like we are starving to death.
I don't know what made me begin eating this way, maybe it was because the food was there, I don't know. But I do know I cannot continue to eat like this or It will kill me.
I know I am addicted to food like a drug addict is to drugs.
I feel there is no difference except for the what we get addicted to, food or drugs, cigerettes or what-ever it may be, its a addiction and hard to over come.
We have to treat food addiction just like any other addiction and wean ourselves off it.
Its hard but it can be done and I am doing it, how about you.

[LoraJR72]

We are all addicted to food. In America, we have fast food on every corner, the groceries are brimming with large bags of flour and sugar. This makes it very hard on deciding what is a sensible portion size. If we leave the table hungry or unsatisfied we become frustrated. Frustration becomes anger. Anger leads to going back into the refrigerator and/or cupboards to satisfy this frustration. In the end, your left with shame, guilt, and remorse for caving into your frustration and anger.

The good news is we can control it. Not by doing bootcamps or experimenting but by doing research and finding out what will work best for me? We can educate ourselves into buying the right food and eating in a healthy manner that'll last a lifetime. I, myself, didn't want to be a slave to the Food Addicts program. The very thing that should have worked for me went against me. I find the anxiety of binging has become less since I left the FA program! My nutritionist has become not only my sponsor but a good friend, too. She is only a text message away if I need support. (I'm not a chit chatterer on the phone.) I'm starting to slowly get my strength back. Very slow process but willing to work!

I have been sober for over 5 weeks and I pray I can continue! My vacation is 3 weeks away and in the middle of the biggest party scene. The best thing is my hotel is near a Nationwide Gym I belong to and that will help me in many ways!

Well, enough of my rambling! Talk to you all soon!

[doobee]

Food addiction is the hardest thing for me to deal with, simply because we need to eat. I have truggled with this all of my life. I am finally trying to get a handle on it once and for all. I have been reading the posts and want to thank everyone for being so supportive and encouraging. My biggest problem comes at work. I don't have a refrigerator in my area and sometimes I just throw in the towel and eat what I'm not supposed to just because it's convenient. Can someone recommend low carb/induction foods that I can take for lunch?? Also we are having a going away lunch of chinese for one of my co-workers...any ideas on what I can eat that will be low carb??Is that even possible? LOL!!

[Pcola Girl]

Doobee, for work I would cary a linch consisting of some tuna salad made with a green bell pepper and alittle mayo wrapped in a lettuce leaf. A hard boiled egg sliced with spices of your choice on it, I like garli and paprika.
Sliced cucumbers with some oil and vinegar on them and a Diet gren ice tea to drink.

You can also cut chicken breast into strips and make a nice lettuce tomato salad with tomato, egg slices, cheeses and top with the chicken. Put a couple of pork rinds on the salad for some crunch or sunflower seeds.
Use oil and vinegar for dressing.
Drink water or another diet green ice tea. I would stay away from diet soda's.

Also cut steak strips and slice some veggies for another lunch meal for work.
Get creative and try to eat something different eat day.
Make sure you drink your water to.

[LoraJR72]

Originally Posted by doobee

Food addiction is the hardest thing for me to deal with, simply because we need to eat. I have truggled with this all of my life. I am finally trying to get a handle on it once and for all. I have been reading the posts and want to thank everyone for being so supportive and encouraging. My biggest problem comes at work. I don't have a refrigerator in my area and sometimes I just throw in the towel and eat what I'm not supposed to just because it's convenient. Can someone recommend low carb/induction foods that I can take for lunch?? Also we are having a going away lunch of chinese for one of my co-workers...any ideas on what I can eat that will be low carb??Is that even possible? LOL!!

Get thee to Cleo's Blog! (Lighter Side of Low Carb)

I don't have her link handy.

Awesome low carb stuff..such as Pizza in a Cone and Donuts! Can you imagine low-carb donuts?

ETA: Here is Cleochatra's Blog.

[Pcola Girl]

I just added that site to my favorites. Will check it out later when I have more time.
Thanks

[Star123]

Originally Posted by doobee

Food addiction is the hardest thing for me to deal with, simply because we need to eat. I have truggled with this all of my life. I am finally trying to get a handle on it once and for all. I have been reading the posts and want to thank everyone for being so supportive and encouraging. My biggest problem comes at work. I don't have a refrigerator in my area and sometimes I just throw in the towel and eat what I'm not supposed to just because it's convenient. Can someone recommend low carb/induction foods that I can take for lunch?? Also we are having a going away lunch of chinese for one of my co-workers...any ideas on what I can eat that will be low carb??Is that even possible? LOL!!

Doobee, I agree. My problem with food starts after work because at work I have a schedule for when I'm allowed to eat. Then after work is finished, especially when I'm stressed about something, I eat. That's why I need structure with my eating. This is something I need to work on and I will get there with your help and support.

Mary, I briefly checked out Cleo's BLog and added it to my favorites too. I'll check on it later.

Lora, yes, we're all addicted to food. I agree that we can control this by doing research and by educationing ourselves in the process with eating heathy foods in moderation and mindful eating. WTG on being sober for 5 weeks and have a great time on your vacation when it comes up in 3 weeks time.

You'll have a great day!!!

[doglover]

Hello All!
I have been reading this thread for a few days and I am right here with you ladies! I too am a food addict/compulsive overater. I am currently involved in an OA online 12 Step program. But, I am having a hard time.
This addiction thing is terrible. If it wasn't food for me, it would be pills, alcohol or whatever.
I need to just take this one meal or one day at a time. But, it is not easy!

Take care

[LoraJR72]

Doglover!

Being in a program such as OA and FA isn't easy but because of my eating disorder I wound up feeling worse. It was fine for a week or two but I noticed how weak I was becoming mentally and physically. (I did the math and I was eating a vlcd - very low calorie diet with low protein.) I argued with my sponsor over protein levels and my gym. Gym 1. FA 0.

Eventually, I got the help I needed to break myself from my binge/purge cycles and concentrate on my physical health. With a support group that deals in eating disorders such as mine will help with my issues and fear I have about food.

I do think if you are ready to take those 12 steps, commit to a daily food plan with your sponsor, and go to the meetings, you can find the right support system. Make sure you ask lots of questions!

One more thing, Doglover, at these meetings you are encouraged to buy the Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book) and Twenty-Fours a Day (Small Hardcover). I am 6 weeks sober and read these on days when I know I could cave in and call my DB to meet me at our local watering hole. I attend AA meetings now that I'm done with FA.

[Star123]

Originally Posted by doglover

Hello All!
I have been reading this thread for a few days and I am right here with you ladies! I too am a food addict/compulsive overeater. I am currently involved in an OA online 12 Step program. But, I am having a hard time.
This addiction thing is terrible. If it wasn't food for me, it would be pills, alcohol or whatever.
I need to just take this one meal or one day at a time. But, it is not easy!

Take care

[COLOR="Indigo"] Doglover, good for you for being so honest. That's a positive step in the right direction. I'm also a food addict/compulsive overeater and find it hard to overcome this addiction. Food was my choice of addiction and I'm sure that I'd be an addict addicted to drugs, pills, alcohol or whatever. I know of the 12 step program, because I used to attend OA years ago. I stopped attending the program, because I was in denial and wasn't ready to admit that I had a problem with food. I thought I just had to get control of myself and lose a few pounds. But there's much more that's going on, then just food addiction.

It is a progressive disease, that gets worse over time if you don't exercise abstinence. I also learned that as addicts we have addictive personalities and can switch addictions if we're not careful. I use food to medicate myself and it works for the moment, but then I have regrets. Followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and disgust. But, beating myself up emotionally isn't healthy either. Got to take one day at a time, and ask God for help. You know, each time I do that, I have a successful day of good eating. It sure takes discipline and lots of support from family and those who care about me. Without that I won't be where I am today.

God Bless and take care, :a prayer:[/COLOR]

[doglover]

Hi Tammy!

Yes, I agree with you about asking God for help. This is something I cannot do alone. Yet, I still have a hard time turning it over to God. That is something I am working on daily and my abstinence!
Some days food is not a problem and other days it is torture! I try and do the 3 meals a day with nothing in between (3-0-1) and low carb works best for me.
Doing the Step work is hard...at times I just want to give up. But, I know what will happen, I will go back to isolating myself and overeating. My progress maybe slow, but I will keep trying and keep coming back.

Susan

[Star123]

Originally Posted by doglover

Hi Tammy!

Yes, I agree with you about asking God for help. This is something I cannot do alone. Yet, I still have a hard time turning it over to God. That is something I am working on daily and my abstinence!
Some days food is not a problem and other days it is torture! I try and do the 3 meals a day with nothing in between (3-0-1) and low carb works best for me.
Doing the Step work is hard...at times I just want to give up. But, I know what will happen, I will go back to isolating myself and overeating. My progress maybe slow, but I will keep trying and keep coming back.

Susan

[COLOR="Indigo"]Susan, I'm with you girl!!! Sometimes I should ask for God's help but don't and then I pay for it. I definiately can't do this alone or on my own merit. I haven't quite come to true abstinence yet, but should join OA to get back on track with my eating. Do you have any suggestions??

Like you said, sometimes food is not a problem and a have great days, and then the bottom falls out and I'm right back to square one. That's okay because I know I can do better tomorrow. And believe me, I know all about the isolation and overeating, because I've been doing it since the age of nine.

Yes, my progress is also slow, but I know I will not give up because God is on my side lifting me up when I fall, and supporting me all the way. Everything is in His hands. He is in control of my life no matter what. And I kept striving for the good that God has in store for me.

He has a plan, a purpose and hope for your future and mine, and is ever shaping us and changing us for the better.

"For God knows the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plant to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.

God knows what's best for us. And we are to be still and know that He is God in everything we do.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 NIV. [/COLOR]

God Is With You

Although each day brings challenges
and things are that are unknown,
You needn't face them by yourself
or deal with them alone.
For others care about you
and will keep you close in prayer.
And, above all,
God will guide you~
for His love is always there.

Emily Matthews

God Bless You,

[doglover]

Tammy, it is good to know that you understand and can relate to my situation. Have you been to any online OA meetings? That is what I prefer to do. I have not been back to a f2f meeting for quite awhile.
I have an online sponsor that I send my food plan daily to. It keeps me committed so I don't stray off program. But, I have to admit, sometimes I don't divulge everything to my sponsor. I feel like I have to be perfect sometimes. I don't want to have to explain myself. Hmm....that is my disease talking now.
I am trying to pray more on a daily basis...maybe several times, if I have to!
I tend to let my day dictate if and when I make time to pray. That sounds bad...it should be a priority. I must work on this!

Take care,
Susan

[comerjc]

Hi everyone! My name is Julie and I want to introduce myself. I am a late night binge eater. I have been for a few years. I have struggled with nutrition all my life but more in the past few years. I need to surrender it all to God and am working on that daily. I am a personal trainer and my problems help my clients relate to me but I want to be an example for them. I want to show them that they can overcome their food issues. I also want to start a support group at my church. I am going to log my food daily on here to hold myself accountable if thats ok. Nighttime is the worst. I eat pretty good all day.
Today's plan:
1. egg whites, black beans, salsa, grapes
2. chicken, broccoli
3. cottage cheese
4. chicken, broccoli
5. protein shake
1 gallon water

I am limiting myself to no food after 8pm because that is when I tend to binge eat myself into a sugar coma.

[LoraJR72]

I am back to square one with AA.

[Pcola Girl]

Glad to have you join us Julie. Post often so we can get to know you and to let us know how you are doing ok.

[Sugar Free Franny]

Well, I have been MIA for the last couple of weeks and I am glad to be back. It wasn't that I didn't want to be here, but for some reason my password was incorrect and I couldn't log in. I needed to wait for my computer to allow me to reset it. Just one more thing to be powerless over.

My last few weeks have been good. However, this weekend (Memorial Day) we went camping and it was cold and rainy so... I overate carbs. Yes, I did. I had some chips, some cookies, some red wine, even a smore. I know that I only sabotage myself when I do it. I was down on Friday another pound so I know I was doing the right thing before that. Then, last night after doing good all day, I decided to have an apple fritter. I did take a jog/walk in the evening and did some toning exercises so hopefully I will be ok this week. Backsliding can be so easy when it comes to food. I know I need to eat to survive, but I don't need to eat the foods that cause me to binge.

Here I am today, a new day. Started off with a protein shake and feel full and good about myself. I pray for God's will to get me through today and the next three for my detox. I know that being in constant detox mode isn't healthy for me. However, as with any of the 12 step programs, it doesn't mean you go back to the old behaviors. I have not checked into FA. I did do the online meetings of OA a few years ago. I belong to another 12 step program called CODA (codependent's anonymous). I have worked through many issues in this program, mainly childhood stuff and I have a sponser and I have a sponsee. I have become a new and improved person behind this program and therapy. Food appears to be the one area that I am still struggling with. I am not giving up on my journey. I am right where I am supposed to be.

Thank you to all of you for your honesty and for giving me a safe place to share.

[shayna5]

Hey Julie, just wanted to say Hi and let you know that it seems that I mirror your night bingeing problem and can completely relate. Let me know how your no eating after 8 pm plan is going. I always say I'm going to try that, but am terrible at following through! Good luck!

Shayna

[sky115]

Hi everyone, Im new to the boards and will probably not be terribly active. I just wanted to share EFT as a self treatment option to those struggling with compulsive eating. It can be extremely helpful, and I have found it to be so in my own battle. Its may seem a little odd to say the least to the newbie, but it works! I have not found relief in any treatment as I have with EFT (EFT = emotional freedom technique). Give it a try, it just might work for you! Dieting is not the answer for something like compulsive eating, the force behind the compulsion needs to be addressed.

Here are some links to whoever is interested
EFT specifically for compulsive eating
Dr. Carol Look's compulsive overeating and weight loss protocol
EFT training (download of the EFT manual to learn how to apply the technique)
Your Free EFT Get Started Package

[Pcola Girl]

Just wanted to say I am so sorry for being away for so long but my computer died on me and it could not be fixed so I had to go out and buy a new one.
Just got it all set up so I can use it.

How are you all doing? Sure missed you to.
Star how is everything going with you these days?

I did not make church today because my hubby had to work, there was a emergency on the job. I don't drive much and its hard to go anywhere alone without him to hang on and keep me from falling when I walk or push me in my wheel chair.

I saw my orthepedic doctor on Friday morning and he gave me some shots in my hips this time because they were hurting so bad and catching up on me when I walked.
I also saw my rheumolotist after I got out his office, *they are in the same complex at the hospital*, he needed to check all this fibromyologa I have that hurts me so bad, It was really bad Friday when I seen him and he changed my medication, took me off neurotin and put me on Lyrica. He said this may help better. I sure hope so. Have not been on it long enough yet to see if it will work for this fibro pain yet but will keep you all informed on it does for me.
I think it may help me not stay so hungry all the time to because since I have been on it I hardly have a appetite at all. That may be all in my mind I don't know, but it sure seems to keep me from getting hungry.

Will see you all again tomorrow when I have more time.

[Sugar Free Franny]

Wow, I have had a busy few weeks. Three kids and the end of school equal chaos. Today is the first day of summer and the first day of me really focusing on taking care of me. I have been losing and gaining the same 4 pounds for months it seems. I know that I am eating too many carbs (of course) so my goal in taking care of myself is cutting down on them and making healthier choices.

Hope everyone is doing good.

[Babymama]

Hello I'm new to this low-carb diet, I have a question If the only thing I've ate today was eggs and flaxmeal would my carbs be really low. The flaxmeal has 4 carbs but 4 fiber so its basically fiber. Would this cause me to gain any weight. I have found that I'm addicted to flaxmeal mixed with eggs. I eat this all day long. Snacks included, then for dinner I have some type of meat. Then before bed I might eat an egg with more flaxmeal. Please tell me am I sabotaging my diet or helping it? Help!

[Babymama]

Also need somebody to talk to when I binge at night. Can anybody help me?

[duece49424]

babymama - I don't know if I could help you, as when i binge, it's also at night. I think all my weight gain has come from that. I definitely have a problem in that department. Do you think there are any natural supplements that would help? I'm going to start researching and see what i can find out. someone told me magnesium would help - don't know yet. Maybe you could call me or write to me at night. I don't know what to do anymore.

[Babymama]

Originally Posted by duece49424

babymama - I don't know if I could help you, as when i binge, it's also at night. I think all my weight gain has come from that. I definitely have a problem in that department. Do you think there are any natural supplements that would help? I'm going to start researching and see what i can find out. someone told me magnesium would help - don't know yet. Maybe you could call me or write to me at night. I don't know what to do anymore.

Having someone to talk to when you feel the urge would probably be the best thing just to know that somebody out there cares is enough to stop me because I'm a loner and my dh works late night and through out the day so its pretty lonely on my part. My daughter keeps me busy throughtout the day. She is two months old and has down syndrome. The stress of thinking about that sometimes drives me to eating. I went into shock the first month and totally lost it and gained more weight on top of the weight that fell off from the baby. By the end of the first month I had gained the same amount I did the whole 9 months. Now thats some serious binging.

[duece49424]

I can totally relate. My son, who is now 24, has mild cerebral palsy. I have a 23 year old daughter in college, my husband died when they were 6 and 7 years old. My dad just died last year, and my dog died on my birthday in November. I have no one to talk to. My mother and daughter are very thin, and my friends don't want to hear about another diet I'm trying and failing at again. I have become more than a loner - more like a hermit, to the point I want to move out of the town I have been in all my life. I don't want to see anyone or do anything. I do work 4 days a week, and always hope I don't see someone from my "thin" days. I realized that I sometimes get up after I have fallen asleep to go eat - anything I can find. More later. Looking for help and an answer or two that would help cure me.

[Babymama]

I find myself doing the same thing do you think that maybe instead of going to the kitchen we should go to the computer or the phone and talking about why we feel the need to eat after 12:00 or whatever time it is. Is it because we are lonely for our missing other halfs or just bored I'm not quite sure why when I sleep and wake up I immediately start binging and so regret it when I finally come to my senses. Let me know if you want to exchange phone numbers or what not I think its easier to hear the phone ring than to sit by the computer and wait to see whos going to have a meltdown first. I mean I can't always be by my computer, but I always answer my phone.

[duece49424]

babymama - I was reading about your flax and eggs - I don't see how that's hurting your diet. I would think we should try and stick to something like that to fill us up and hopefully go into ketosis or something. I add flaxmeal to my breakfast protein shakes. It's interesting you have similar binges like mine. I can almost stop myself during the day, but at night it's like I'm almost in a trance and nothing will stop me....totally crazy and driving me crazy trying to figure out what to do. I will write to you again, but, I need to get up really early in the am to work for someone who is on vacation (4 am), so I'm going to shower and get ready for bed. We can talk tomorrow, hopefully, and exchange numbers or whatever we need to do. Tell me more about yourself. You must be quite young to have a little baby, although I had my last 2 kids when i was 36 and 37. I am now 59, my picture is with my youngest daughter (22). I have gained 90 pounds since my husband died, and did not binge quite like this when he was alive. I was brought up with food always around, and way too much of it. How can we all find the help we need so desperately????

[harley g-ma]

wow,you ladies have alot to bring you down.I don't have your problems but I do binge
when I eat carbs. I do alot better when I stick to protein. I'm not actually starting my diet until Monday but I will need some support then.I hope to keep in touch with you.

[Babymama]

Isn't it funny I wake up everyday at 4 too. we'll talk tommorrow.