Food Addiction--New for 2008

[LoraJR72]

Originally Posted by Off My Duff

Star, I ordered this book too, and have just started getting into it. Seems very interesting so far.

I'm glad this thread is still here. This whole weekend has been a washout for me.

Though I do not feel that I am "addicted" to food, I do believe that I am very sensitive--probably even over sensitive--to sugar and white flour. I do not have out of control binges, but I do regularly eat for emotional reasons, which is not a healthy behavior at all.

I've been struggling more the last few weeks because one of my sisters is doing a very high carb/low fat eating plan, is losing a bunch of weight on it, and she is constantly urging me to do the same things she is. The only problem is, my body does not react the same, and it just makes my cravings much worse, then I throw in the towel and eat a big bunch of junk.

I was also trying to do Intuitive Eating/non-diet, but I'm realizing that my body is too messed up right now, and it will never DESIRE healthy foods. It will only want junky carbs, so I'm going to have to cold turkey it and get back on low carb tomorrow.

I hope I can do it...

It appears Dr. Gould has not only a book but a fascinating website, too.

I bookmarked it.

[Star123]

Originally Posted by LoraJR72

It appears Dr. Gould has not only a book but a fascinating website, too.

I bookmarked it.

Lora, this is a wonderful support group and I'm glad I found it. You'll are so very supportive of one another. Dr. Roger Gould is a psycologist that has worked with many patients who are addicted to food and compulsive eating. I joined his support group about a month ago and I'm starting to understand the relationship with food and addiction from reading his book.

You have a great day!!!

[Off My Duff]

Hi, ladies...I've been participating on Dr. Gould's Shrink Yourself forums a little bit myself. The people are very helpful and friendly there. There is also an online program you can sign up for there, but that isn't in our budget at this time. Even though you can't post your own topics on the forums if you aren't a member of the online program, you can reply to topics, and others will reply back.

I woke up in the middle of the night with a pounding headache, and still have it this morning. I know it's because I didn't eat sugar yesterday.

I'm down 2.6 pounds this morning, which is all water, but it's still cool to see the scale DOWN for a change.

I didn't have much of a battle with food at all yesterday. We'll see how it goes today.

I hope you all have a good day too.

[Pcola Girl]

I have got to go buy another scale so I can start weighing myself at home.
I think I may be down some because it seems my jeans are fitting me looser these days.At least I hope I am down by at least a few pounds.
I am watching my eating ok but I still get these awful cravings for something spicy like I love so much.
Maybe some day I will get over it.

[Joy2health]

Mary,
Right now, I am having a tough time with my food addictions, which are mainly sugar, icecream, chocolate. I lie to myself about being able to handle it, and I can't. If it is in the house, I keep going back to it; and I am so ashamed of myself. I know I need to give it up. I just don't know how to really want to give it up. Does that make sense? I am so annoyed with myself.

[Joy2health]

Originally Posted by Pcola Girl

Oh why is it so hard for me to stop eating......
I hate being this way, whats wrong with me! I seem to have no control over what goes into my mouth. How can I get back to not letting food control me?

Low carb was working so good for me when I first began many years ago and I lost alot to on it but now it seems like everything I had learned about eating has just flown out the window.
I am trying hard to find out why. I have been racking my brain out to why am I eating like this. I know its a emotional thing but why can't I contol it?
I feel like I am being controlled by some force or something.
Am I the only one who feels like this?

No. I feel the same way. I know how frustrating it can be.

[Star123]

Hi Ladies, how goes it? I'm busy doing my laundry, because I have some energy for a change. Usually I'm so tired or fatiqued during the week, and can't seem to be able to do any house work, although I do do the dishes after dinner and such. I wonder if these 40 extra pounds make my body tired? I imagine that a pound of sugar is sitting on my counter, and then I imagine 40 bags of sugar sitting on my counter. LOL. Man, that's a lot to carry around all day, I don't want to carry it around anymore. What do you think?

Lately, I've been having some good days with my eating, and I'm making myself eat more during the day, so that I wouldn't be hungry after dinner. It seems to be working at the moment. But, I have to watch myself when I get stressed out, because that's when I binge, binge, binge. I can't seem to stop when that happens. Like turning on a switch that is broken and can't be shut off. Hunger sure can work that way sometimes, aye?

Berky, I'm glad you found the Shrink Yourself website. I'm not a member, because I can't afford it, but I still can log on and reply in the discussions. WTG!!!

Joy, I also need to stay away from icecream, chocolate and sugar foods. Sugar triggers my hunger, and I had to take all of the junk food at of the house, otherwise I would eat it on sight!!! LOL.

Mary, that's great that you're shrinking and your jeans are looser!!! That's a wonderful feeling isn't it? WTG!!!

Lora, I tried that tapping method that Paul Mckinna suggests and give up. LOL. I got tired of pushing my fingers together, just to much work I guess. It's wonderful that you can go to those FAA meetings. I used to go to OA years ago, which is based on the 12 step AA program. I wish I had sticked to it though.

Franny, your so very welcome!!! The book is quite interesting and helpful. I try to share as much I can. I feel the more we learn about ourselves, the more we understand our dilema with food addiction.

Sandy, so you took a holiday? how was it? I tried induction before and I know how hard it can be. Good for you going to a 12 step program. I'm familiar with the 12 steps, which I used to attend with OA and know it's a step in the right direction. Who knows, maybe I will try it again, but right now I have 3 support groups going at once and they seem to be helping at the moment.

You'll are so very supportive, loving and helpful of one another. I'm glad I found this wonderful support group and hope that it will continue.

Have a great night all.

[Star123]

Morning Ladies,

I have some good news, I've lost 3 pounds this week!!! doing the happy dance. Been eating more food during the day, making sure I'm eating snacks between meals and not eating anything after dinner. Whoohoo!!!

Have to get ready for work, will chat later.

Take care,

[LoraJR72]

Originally Posted by Star123

Lora, this is a wonderful support group and I'm glad I found it. You'll are so very supportive of one another. Dr. Roger Gould is a psycologist that has worked with many patients who are addicted to food and compulsive eating. I joined his support group about a month ago and I'm starting to understand the relationship with food and addiction from reading his book.

You have a great day!!!

Thank you!

I need all the support I can get at this point. It actually is called Food Addicts in Recovery but still basically the same. I have a meeting this evening and I look forward to it. Also the GS meeting is on Saturdays and my Doc said to try both for the next couple of weeks to see which one works best for me.

[Joy2health]

Woo Hoo Tammy. You go girl!

[Sugar Free Franny]

I am so glad to see this thread still going strong!!!

I am doing pretty good so far. Eating a few more carbs then the last couple of weeks. Not real bad ones, but nonetheless eating them sometimes really triggers my addiction.

I am going to check out that website Dr. Gould has. Thanks Star for the info.

You know Mary, I look at your stats and I think it's just great that you've already lost 100 pounds. That was quite an acheivement. If you could do that I am sure you can lose more.

As I said before it doesn't matter what the scale says we are all on the same journey. We all feel the same shame and guilt of a binge and we all feel good when we're taking care of ourselves.

Mary, I have been to a therapist and continue to see a marriage therapist with my husband. None of my issues were directly related to my weight, but then again, they were. Do you know what I mean? Seems as though with my weight issues, I have to be ready to make a change. I need to get sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I listen to a really good online radio station called hayhouseradio.com I get a lot of spiritual support from this station and enjoy listening to it. There is a lot more going on in me then just my weight issues. As I realize that, I treat myself kinder and gentler.

We all deserve to love and be loved. Sometimes I forget to love myself. Those are the times I reach for some external thing to make me feel good. It could be people, work, material things, food, tv... I can go on. I think you all get the picture. There is definitely a connection between our minds and bodies thats for sure.

Everyone have a blessed day.

[Sugar Free Franny]

Great job Star!!!!!!

[Pcola Girl]

Glad to see you all doing good with your eating. I am doing better but not as good as I would like to be. I have been praying about my eating and that helps me alot. I know I cannot do this alone and with God I am sure I can.

I can't stand long to do much cooking and my hubby does most of it now or he will bring me home a nice salad from someplace. I had to give him a talking to about all the pasta and beans and starchy stuff he cooks alot so lately he has been cooking better with meats and veggies. So hopely I can get to loseing thiw weight again.
When I do cook I use the crock pot or sit at the kitchen table and use my electric frying pan. I like to make stir fry in my electric pan but I have to sit because of my knees and back hurting.
See ya llater...

[Star123]

Morning Ladies, it's friday!!! T.G.I.F.

Mary, that's what I've been doing, praying about my eating. It's great that your hubby is helping with the cooking, he must be a good man. Oh, I didn't know that you lost 100 pounds!!! That's quite an accomplishment.

Franny, your right in saying that we're all on the same journey and that we have a mind-body connection. So true. I need to start treating myself better, with love and kindness too.

Joy, that's great that you're going to a support group and your getting all the support you can. Me too. I'm also trying to get as much support as I can. It helps keep me on track and keeps me accountable.

You'll have a great friday!!!

[LoraJR72]

Originally Posted by Star123

Morning Ladies, it's friday!!! T.G.I.F.

Mary, that's what I've been doing, praying about my eating. It's great that your hubby is helping with the cooking, he must be a good man. Oh, I didn't know that you lost 100 pounds!!! That's quite an accomplishment.

Franny, your right in saying that we're all on the same journey and that we have a mind-body connection. So true. I need to start treating myself better, with love and kindness too.

Joy, that's great that you're going to a support group and your getting all the support you can. Me too. I'm also trying to get as much support as I can. It helps keep me on track and keeps me accountable.

You'll have a great friday!!!

Thanks Tammy! The support group is really helping me!

[Sugar Free Franny]

I dared to weigh myself this morning. I gained two pounds from last week. I know what it was from, too many carbs. I know what to do. So, I won't go on a "feeling sorry for myself mode". I will just do the right thing today.

The weekends are always a challenge and I have a party to go to tomorrow where there will be high carb foods and cake

I will do my best to eat well before I go.

Everyone have a great weekend and remember to take care of yourselves. We are worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pcola Girl]

Here's a interesting article I found on emotional eating that I thought you all might enjoy reading.

--------------------------------------------------
"Emotional Eating, Strategy to Healthy Eating"

When you're angry or depressed, food becomes a good source of comfort. Maybe you start with a light snack which later turns into a 3000 calorie binge. You begin to question your will power and self doubt creeps in. Your best plan for eating healthy goes out the door assuming you have a plan.

Anger, depression and anxiety can play havoc with our eating habits because life revolves around food. Eating healthy can be difficult because we love to eat candy and desserts from childhood. We celebrate by eating fatty foods at birthdays, weddings and other special events.
We subconsciously use food as a reward or to subdue the pains of life. We naturally turn to food as comfort when things go wrong. That's why we must always be aware of our daily emotions to prevent emotional eating. Examine your feelings everyday. Are you feeling anxious, depressed or angry? Eating healthy becomes easier when you ask these questions.


Don't give up if you blow your diet for the day. Tomorrow is a new day for eating healthy foods. The worst thing you can do is beat yourself up with guilt after overeating or bingeing, and you're most vulnerable when anxious or depressed.


Plan the time, portion and content of your meals each day and stick to it. Many people eat to fill a void in their lives. Examine your life and keep records of your eating habits. If you eat when you're not hungry, you may be trying to obtain comfort from food. Learn to eat when you're hungry and plan to eat four to six times a day. Cut down on portion but eat more often.


Once you establish a habit of eating healthy by consuming smaller portions through the day, you will not be as vulnerable to overeating. Never eat spontaneously. Spontaneous eating in the absent of hunger is a sure sign of emotional problems, lack of discipline or lack of nutritional education.


Help prevent emotional eating by identifying issues that will cause you to overeat. Find supportive friends to talk with when you feel the urge to overeat. Weight Watchers is a good support and accountability organization for weight management. Regular exercise and good friendship help fight depression and anxiety.


Here are tips to help you fight the battle of emotional eating:

Determine your mood especially before eating

Develop interesting hobbies that take your mind off food

Plan your meals each day

Walk regularly through the week

Strive to develop closer friendships

Develop better spiritual health

Monitor your emotions. Be prepared for the urge to overeat when emotionally upset.

Drink 8 cups of water per day

Replace junk food with fruits or low fat treats

When you blow your diet.....Don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is another new day.

[LoraJR72]

Thanks for the article!

[Pcola Girl]

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.

[LoraJR72]

Doing fine, drinking my tea!

[Star123]

Morning Ladies, Happy Tueday!!!

It's Earth Day today in Canada, so we're all reminded to be a bit greener in our recycling. I've been trying to not use so many plastic bags, and instead use a reuseable tote bag that the store provides. It makes you think.

Mary thanks for the great article!!! I've been eating healthy, with a few setbacks, but the scale says I've gained!!! it's so frustrating, but I should wi on fridays instead of mondays. The weekends are what set me off, because I tend to relax and forget to watch what I'm eating, mindless eating.

Been using crest white strips to see if my smile will get whiter. Someone told me to try them and I've been faithful using them for a week, but don't know if they'll work. Will see.

You'll have a great day!!!

[Pcola Girl]

I never have used the Crest White Strips, let me know how they work ok.
I had my teeth whitened at the dentist a few years back and that did good but it was expensive even with my dental insurance.
Yes today is Earth day. we try to reduce waste everyday though by recycling and using those new funny curled flouresant light bulbs in all our lights in the house.
We all need to do our part to cut waste so we can have a healthy planet.

Had to pray about my eating today, I had a doughnit with my coffee this morning and I knew I shouldn't have but I did anyway. I feel so weak when it comes to my eating habits.

[Star123]

Originally Posted by Pcola Girl

I never have used the Crest White Strips, let me know how they work ok.
I had my teeth whitened at the dentist a few years back and that did good but it was expensive even with my dental insurance.
Yes today is Earth day. we try to reduce waste everyday though by recycling and using those new funny curled flouresant light bulbs in all our lights in the house.
We all need to do our part to cut waste so we can have a healthy planet.

Had to pray about my eating today, I had a doughnit with my coffee this morning and I knew I shouldn't have but I did anyway. I feel so weak when it comes to my eating habits.

Mary, I hear what you're saying. It's a tough road, but I need to remember to pray each morning before I start the day. When I do pray, I have a much better day with my eating and it's usually not an issue then. But, I still don't know why food is such an issue, except that I've being an emotional eater most of my life and need to retrain my brain to respond differently.

I was watching a program on channel 9, which had a special guest on. His name is Dr. Daniel G. Amen, M.D. Who has written a book called, "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life." In his book he deals with conquering anxiety, depression, obsessive behavior, anger and impulsiveness. He mentioned that you can actually change a pathway in your brain, by redirecting a habit. For example, you're on the verge of starting a binge, when the urge is coming you distract your attention by doing something different. You keep doing this over and over until it becomes a habit. What you have just done is created a new pathway by redirecting your thought pattern by doing another act. You follow me? So next time you get this urge to binge, you distract yourself with this new formed habit, and you have created a new pathway in your brain. It can be done! He also has a website, Brain Supplements, ADD, ADHD, Depression, Books, DVDs, CDs, Mindworks Press, Amen Clinics.

You'll have a great night!!! <<<<<< HUGS >>>>>>

[LoraJR72]

Sounds sort of what Dr. Paul McKenna does with his tapping technique.

[Star123]

Morning Ladies, How are you today?

Lora, your right! they do seem to use similiar technique. As long as they help people, I'm find with that.

Mary, thanks for the great article on emotional eating. Every bit of information helps. I'm praying this morning that I will have a good day with my eating. I'll let you know how the crest strips are working for me.

Fanny, how's your week going? I've gained a few pounds myself while eating too many carbs over the weekend. So, I'm with you girlfriend. Take care of yourself, 'cause you're worth the effort.

Joy, how are you doing? Keep those bad carbs out of your house and try to eat healthy for starters. I had to do the same, 'cause if I have any junk food in the house, I will eat it. Be good to yourself!

Duff, how's your week going? I'm having a good week so far and my food in take is better then it was last week. Need to read the shrink yourself book more often too. Glad your getting all the support you can get, take care.

You'll have a great day!!!

[Sugar Free Franny]

I am still here. I haven't checked in though. I am eating more carbs then I should. Not all bad carbs, but more then I know my body can handle. I am not beating myself over it cause I know that I am trying to be healthy. It is such a challenge to let go of an old behavior that you carried all of your life. It's like letting go of an old friend. That behavior is not my friend though and that's what I need to remember. In the 12 steps of my program the 4th step is "take a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves". I am slowly realizing that although I have changed my attitude toward others and have learned to treat people right, I seem to be the last person to treat well. Loving myself is really the key to eating right and being healthy. I would have the concept of not putting junk into my body, just as I would not let an individual abuse me. I abuse myself.

All is well.

[LoraJR72]

How would everyone feel if I started a Food Addicts in Recovery thread?

Otherwise, I'll do a journal instead.

I need feedback.

Thank you!

[shannyn_rose]

Thanks for the articles Mary. Reading them was good for my motivation!

[Star123]

Hi all,

Ladies, I had a good eating day today. I say that 'cause I prayed about my food compulsion 'before' I started the day and it worked! And I wasn't as hungry as I thought I was, knowing that I've been eating way too much lately and had no trouble cutting back on my consumption. Tomorrow I'm going to do the same thing and see what happens, 'cause I really am desperate to get a handle on this addiction.

You know, I was just thinking that I'm just like another 'addiction' who uses drugs, but in my case it's 'food'. When I need a 'fix' I go and get what I need to satisfy my addiction. That being food! If I wasn't addicted to food, I'd probably be addicted to something else. What a scary thought.

It a known fact that some people who stop smoking, switch addictions and food addiction is one that they chose. That's why some people choose not to quite 'cause they think that they will starting gaining weight. This could mean that I have an addictive behaviour and that's why I need to get 'serious'and even 'desperate' to change my behaviour and take each day, one day at a time.

Something to think about, aye?

God BLess,

[Star123]

Good Morning, it's Friday!!! T.G.I F.

I'm going to give it another go with cutting back on my food intake and eating healthy. Will see how things go. It's usually easier at work, 'cause of my breaks and lunch, but after work is when I need to really watch what I eat. I know I need to be accountable for everything that goes into my mouth, 'cause otherwise I'll be 'mindless eating' and not know how much I've comsumed.

You'll have a great day!!!