Food Addiction--New for 2008

[Pcola Girl]

Hi everyone, see some new ones here today, welcome to the Addiction Thread.
I sure wish there was a easier way for us to lose our weight but I know of none except to eat low carb and stick with it for the long run.
I am a food addict I know and a compulsive overeater to, I wish I wasn't but I am. I have been able to lose some on low carb where I could not on any other diet plan, so I am sticking to low carb in order to lose my weight. But it does not matter what plan you are on as long as you can stick with it and lose your weight.
Food has been like a drug to me and fighting to get off it has been terribly hard for me but I feel I am gradually doing it. it has created many health problems for me to that now I am having to have treatment for.
Why I allowed myself to get like this I don't know, I wished I did maybe it would help me break this food habit I have.

I found this article I wanted to share with you all. maybe it can be of some help to us. I sure hope so.
Will see you later. I am here anytime someone needs anything. You can PM me or just post here and I will see it ok.

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"Compulsive Overeating"

Compulsive overeaters are often caught in the vicious cycle of binge eating and depression. With compulsive overeating food is used as a coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable feelings. Many compulsive overeaters speak of using the episodes as a way to numb all that is going on around them. The amount of food eaten and duration can vary greatly.

For many individuals suffering from Compulsive Overeating, binges may not be able to be broken into specific episodes but rather days where the individual eats more than normal throughout the day. Triggers for compulsive overeating include depression, anxiety, interpersonal stressors, boredom, prolonged dieting, and body image dissatisfaction.

Compulsive overeating may temporarily relieve the stress of these unwanted feelings, but for the individual the overeating episodes are unfortunately followed by feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, and further depression. For the compulsive Overeater, episodes of Compulsive Overeating usually occur in secret and any evidence is often hidden from others.

It is not uncommon for the individual to eat normally or even restrictively in front of others and then make up for eating less by overeating in private at a later time. Late at night, when others are asleep or frequenting fast food restaurants and convenience stores alone, can also be common. Many even have a secret stash of junk food hidden for their personal use.

Similar to Anorexics and Bulimics, compulsive overeaters are constantly struggling and are unhappy with their weight. The number read on the scale often determines how they feel about themselves. Constant dieting and restricting food becomes a way of life.

Each new diet is tried in hope that it will be the one that works to combat the overeating. At first, there may even be some weight loss success with the diet, but unfortunately in most cases each diet ends in failure and all the lost weight is regained. Thus continues the devastating cycle.

Medical complications from this behavior can be severe and even life threatening. Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems are just a few of the dangerous complications.

[4devochki]

thank you guys so much for this thread. Mary, with two seven month old babies, lack of sleep is a constant for me. I'm going to try to get more.

I've found a grey sheet sponsor and am thus far just doing it on-line. I'm going to try to get to phone meetings soon. My food amounts are adjusted because I am nursing, but other than that I've been doing weighed-and-measured meals three (well, for me four) times a day for five days now. It's great. I have had a few teeth-gritting moments when I want to reach for something, but they have passed. I need to get a few phone numbers for those times...

Best to you all,
Cassandra

[LoraJR72]

Hello, Mary, Tammy, Cassandra, and all!

I had a great abstinent day yesterday. I went to my Monday FA meeting and believe me the meetings are what keep me going! Without them I would binge in the evenings after the gym. When I listen to other people's stories I realized food addiction isn't just about the flour and sugar but what was happening on the inside that made you reach for it. I am an emotional compulsive eater. It is hard for me to accept a power greater than myself and get down on my knees and Thank God. Someone at the meeting mentioned newbies should have an open mind. Thinking about God and actually saying it loud can be a scary experience for some (like me).

I hope I can continue with this program because it is tough.

[duece49424]

I am new to this - Mary - what a great article. It does sound like it should not be so difficult but addiction is addiction. Cassandra - what is a "grey sheet sponsor" and phone numbers you are looking for? I have literally tried every single diet that is out there. Not one thing has worked for me. I am overstressed, underpaid, trying so hard to change my life, but take 2 steps forward and 10 steps back. There is not one thing going right in my life. I am not feeling sorry for myself, I am trying so hard to correct myself so I can feel good and confident again someday - very soon, hopefully. Anything that you can suggest that I start with seeing this is so new to me? When I realized that when I can't get my eating under control no diet in the world will work for me. I joined the lc forum a year ago, trying to read and educate myself. I have since then, gained another 15 pounds. My bad habits have to go away. I need to be stronger. I have always loved food since I was a little girl, but when my husband died in 1993 I weighed 140 pounds and was 43 years old, now I was 220 and I am 59. I have a son with cerebral palsy and my youngest is in college. I am a foster mom to an abused boy who I have been working with. I raised my kids alone as they were 6 and 7 years old when their dad died. Now my dad just passed away. I turn to food. I need help. Thank you ladies so much for your words of advice.

Jane

[Star123]

Morning Ladies,

Mary, thanks for the great article. It sure makes sense and hits home for me, because I know I am a compulsive eater and binge when I'm stressed or depressed. The good thing is that we're not alone in all this!!!

Lora, FANTASTIC! I'm glad that you had a good day yesterday. It gives me hope and inspires me to try harder to get to the place I want to be.

Cassandra, that great that you've found the something that helps you. It must be difficult to manage 2 babies at once, and fight your food addiction at the same time, but I know you can do it.

You'll have a great day!!!

[Pcola Girl]

Hello everyone. I am glad you enjoyed reading the article. I like to read all I can on obesity and eating disorders. I am trying very hard to lose this weight of mine and I need to find the reason behind all my compulsive over eating.
I do alot of internet research on this subject trying to find something that will help me.
So when I do find something interesting I like to share it with you hoping it will help you to.

Jane I am so sorry you have so much going on with you. I will keep you in my prayers ok. I know your son that has cerebral palsy is a angel, remember God created him the way he is and did it for a reason and gave him to a special mother, YOU, to care for him. I know you love him very much. My sister had a son with MS and he was a angel to, the sweetest thing you could ever want, but now he is with the Lord Jesus and we miss him so much.
I know sometimes our weight becomes a problem for us when we are under alot of stress and hard work but remember we are here for you anytime, PM me anytime you want to talk ok.

Lora you are doing so good with your weight lost, keep it up. I know God can help you with your diet because i have been praying to about my eating and it has helped me alot. I now think of what I will be eating before I just stuff it into my mouth. I also tell myself am I really hungry or just bored, do I really want food or something to fill my void..I know God is helping me do these things because before I wasn't. He is showing me ways to curb my eating..

Cassandra I know children can cause you to get a lack of sleep, What I use to do was nap in the afternoons when our daughter was napping. That seemed to re-energize me. Try to relax at night before you go to bed with a nice hot bubble bath After the kids go to sleep.

Star we are not alone with our eating disorders, there are alot of people in our country with this same problem.
There is alot more on the news than before on obesity so it is being recognized now as a disease now and the insurance companies are beginning to recognize it as a disease now to like they do other eating disorders.

Its hard to lose weight, its just like any other addiction to me, you have to want to stop it and then act on that. It won't be easy but it can be done, and we need the support to do it, we cannot do it alone.
So lets join hands girls and fight this battle and show the world we are strong and can lose the weight.

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Compulsive Overeating/Binge Eating Disorder


Fear of not being able to control eating, and while eating, not being able to stop.
Isolation. Fear of eating around and with others.
Chronic dieting on a variety of popular diet plans.
Holding the belief that life will be better if they can lose weight.
Hiding food in strange places (closets, cabinets, suitcases, under the bed) to eat at a later time.
Vague or secretive eating patterns.
Self-defeating statements after food consumption.
Blames failure in social and professional community on weight.
Holding the belief that food is their only friend.
Frequently out of breath after relatively light activities.
Excessive sweating and shortness of breath.
High blood pressure and/or cholesterol.
Leg and joint pain.
Weight gain.
Decreased mobility due to weight gain.
Loss of sexual desire or promiscuous relations.
Mood swings. Depression. Fatigue.
Insomnia. Poor Sleeping Habits.
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FOOD IS NOT LOVE. FOOD IS NOT A WARM BLANKET. FOOD IS NOT A HUG. FOOD IS NOT AN EMPATHIC EAR.
FOOD IS NOURISHMENT AND ONE OF THE JOYS OF LIFE. PUT FOOD IN ITS PROPER PLACE WHILE RECOGNIZING ITS LIMITATIONS.

[Pcola Girl]

Hope everyone is doing ok with their eating.
This is going to be hard for to do but we have to hang in there and defeat this old habit of over eating so lets do it together ok.
We just have to keep telling ourselves that we can fight this obesity problem and make a plan to just do that.
I am making up my menu for the week and buying just what I need to make that meal and sticking to it and cooking only what I have on my menu for the week. its really not hard at all to do, why don't you all try it to.
I also keep a food journal, that will show you exactly what you eat all day. Sometimes you will be amazed of what you are eating and how much. I try to keep my calories around 1200-1500 aday and exercise alot to. I do water exercises in my pool and burn up my calories. Wish you all were here to get in the pool with me.
I look like a fat Hippo in my swim suit but who cares, I am losing this weight for me and not no one else. One day I will look hot in my swimsuit..................

Come back and post everyone, I miss you...

[duece49424]

So, Mary and whoever else may read this. I feel I have diet ADD; can't concentrate on a diet, have so many in my head. Don't really know what to eat anymore or what to do, then I give up and just eat cookies or whatever is around me. My cravings for sweets and carbs are huge. I enjoy reading your articles and trying to find some cure for me. Are you counting carbs or calories? I have done every diet there is for about 2-3 days, and then it's out the window with the celery!! I do want to be thin again and happy with myself, but I have all the signs that I have read from you so guess it is an addiction - definitely. I start out the day okay, breakfast is okay and lunch is okay. About 4 in the afternoon I go downhilll the rest of the day. Any supplements that anyone knows about that would get me through this? Thanks so much!!
Jane

[Pcola Girl]

Jane. I am doing Atkins low carb but also watching my calories to.
If you can get on Atkins Induction and stick to it for a couple of weeks you will see amazing results. I know I did. I lost around then pounds those two week on it.
When I did lose most my weight a few years back I just stayed on induction most days.
I know eating is a addiction for me,m I just love food thats all there is to it. I am a big sweet addict to and leaving them alone has been the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. I know it was all the sugar keeping me addictied. I mean I was like a dope addict getting off drugs when I stopped eating sweets. I had the sweats, shaking and even pain in my body from it to. It lasted about a two weeks for me and then it went away, never again will I become addicted to sugar again like that.
Now I am just fighting with my eating, my husband is from the country and loves country cooking and they are full of starches like lima beans and corn bread. I do cook them for him but seldom eat any of it, if I do I try to control my portions and eat very litltle.
My problem now for me is getting enough exercise to burn up my fat because of some health problems I am facing.
Try to get your focus off food awhile, do things that will fill your mind with other things besides food. That what i try to do, I do crafts, read the paper, do something beside think of food.
Tell yourself that you can lose the weight, that food does not control your mind anymore. You have now learned how to control food, it does not control you.
PM me sometimes and lets talk more ok.
I will help you all I can.

[Sugar Free Franny]

Haven't checked in for awhile. I am still a food addict.

Today is a new day. Yes Mary, it is true, Atkins Induction really does work and therefore, I am revisiting it today.

I haven't been doing so terribly bad, but my scale goes up four and down four every other week and it is bringing down my confidence. I am not being consistent with what I eat. Eventhough I mainly eat low carb I find myself having a piece of cake here and a roll of bread there and that just throws my body into a tizzy. Is anyone else exhibiting this same behavior?

I need to stay away from the Mother's Day cake and other goodies (or should I say badies?) in the fridge. I have enough low carb choices right here in my house so that's good.

Welcome to all the newbies. Keep coming back. You are worth it.

[LoraJR72]

Based on my doctor's advice I am back on the FA eating plan but without the hassle of meetings and a sponsor. I do however, have to check in with the nutritionist once a week and go over the menu, etc.

I know I'm a food addict.

[4devochki]

relapse. i feel so bad--physically and mentally. can anyone help?

[LoraJR72]

Originally Posted by 4devochki

relapse. i feel so bad--physically and mentally. can anyone help?

What kind of relapse? Binged on food this weekend? I did that. Did you take naps afterwards? Yup, that was me.

I want to learn why I do what I do. This time I have a real nutritionist helping me who understands my disorder and is planning my menu accordingly.

Is is boredom, loneliness, or perhaps depression driving your relapse?

[4devochki]

Binged on food, yes. It started Saturday. Our kids had friends over including their mom, and we ordered pizza for dinner. I didn't know when they were leaving or when I would get to eat, and didn't have much abstinent food prepared, so...I ate a slice. And then two more. I had no way of justifying it to myself other than to try to convince myself that I would stop there. But of course later that night I went on to the cereal, the bagels, the granola bars. And lots of milk (my carb drink of choice) to wash it down with.

Sunday was the continuation. I missed breakfast and then ate OK for lunch (at my aunt's house--cheese, raw veggies). For dinner I didn't pass by the pasta (just a little bit though), and gave in to the ice cream cake they got for my birthday. After getting home that night I binged again--cereal, cookies. And last night, Monday, I had another 2 cookies, 2 bagels, and a bowl or two of cereal. Some corn chips.

My best explanation is that I was really mad, sad and disappointed that my husband didn't arrange anything for Mother's Day on Sunday. Saturday I kind of knew there would be nothing special, because if there are plans my little girls can never keep it a secret from me. No breakfast in bed, no presents, not even a card. Since this is the first Mother's Day after our twins were born, I guess I expected to be made a fuss over. SILLY ME! So resentment, feeling sorry for myself, and anger were the feelings I was having. And I took it out on myself. I did tell not-so-dear husband about my feelings too, but to be honest his response was not so encouraging.

Today I am trying to recover from the ill effects, feeling bloated, weepy, dehydrated, foggy-headed and morose. And sluggish. I've had 2 eggs for breakfast, a chicken sausage mid-morning, and 6 oz. of roast lamb for lunch. Will have roast chicken for dinner and maybe some fish salad before bed. So I hope the all protein day will help with the recovery. I really need to do some thinking about why those feelings made me want to poison myself, and to justify doing it.

Thanks for listening,
Cassandra

[Pcola Girl]

Lora, I to wished I know why I do What I do when it comes to my eating. I have been trying hard to understand why but just cannot come up with any reasonable answer. I know when I was a child my father forced me to eat everything on my plate even if I did not want it or was full, he would say " we don't waste food around this house". I know somewhere back in my mind that had to be one reason why I eat like I do now. But thats not all and I know it.
I do eat when I get emotionally depressed or lonely to so I am trying to over come those right now but its been so hard but I can see some progress now. I try to do things to keep me busy and my mind occupied so I will not be depressed or lonely.
I just want to eat like a normal thin person would thats all and not be so fat.

Lora, what are some ways you are coping with your eating? Have they helped you any?

[LoraJR72]

I was definitely an over-eater that ate lots of carbs and I still crave them. I made bad food choices and I didn't care. I drank alcohol and abused diet pills (they contained ephedra at the time).

When I started my journey I was 186lbs. (but may have been as high as 210lbs. over the years) and lost 53lbs. +/-. I did not do low carb to lose weight. I counted calories and did vigorous cardio 5 days a week. However, my biggest problem currently is maintaining my current weight. My mind and body isn't used to being thin and I have an eating disorder.

This is what I stated on another thread. I hear you ladies when it feels so much easier to give in to those cravings.

Cassandra, hang in there and please try again. Stay away from the kitchen as much as possible. Watching too much TV is another thing I try to avoid especially on the weekends! Get back on the wagon and try again! Feeling sorry for yourself will only have you running back to the cupboards looking for something with flour and sugar.

Mary, one thing my doctor suggested was to go back to exactly what I was eating the first week I was in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous and stick with it this week until Friday when I call/email the nutritionist to tell her of my progress. We will go over the menu and adjust the portions accordingly. (The first week I did FA I lost 5lbs. rather quickly.)

Here is my menu for today:

6oz. lowfat cottage cheese, 1 green apple, 4oz. 1% milk, 1 oz. of Newman's Bran Flax Cereal

Lunch: 2 Deviled eggs, 6oz. Asparagus, 6oz. Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar and EVOO

Dinner: Grilled, Baked, or Steamed Swordfish/Mahi-Mahi/ or Tilapia with Veggies and Salad. Iced Tea with Lemon

[Sugar Free Franny]

Cassandra, I truly can relate to how you are feeling. I have been married for nearly 18 years and have three children. When our kids were really small, I put expectations on my husband in my mind. At least you shared with your spouse how you felt. I use to abuse my body in that same way thinking that I was hurting him somehow.

As it is said "Resentment is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die". We only hurt ourselves when we do this. This is part of the addiction that we have. I also know that once I have that "small piece of cake" I am going to crave other carbs and most likely have them. Please don't beat yourself for it. I have been working on taking care of myself, loving myself, being gentle with myself and most of all being with myself. Eating high carb foods is a way to get those "good feelings" that I crave. So, instead I try to find other ways to create those same "good feelings". I meditate, walk, pray, talk to a good friend, journal, read spiritual literture (there are lots of good books out there) and eat something clean. At the end of my day, I know when I have done the right thing for me. I have also learned over the years that if my husband didn't get me anything for a birthday or mother's day I can take a trip to the store and pick something special out just for me. Sometimes that works out better cause I know what I want

I hope I have helped you and somone out there. I know that I help myself when I talk about these things.

Have a great day.

[Pcola Girl]

Hi everyone. I am still doing ok with my eating low carb. Mostly stayin on my induction plan because its works so well for me.
Breakfast- 1 egg fried and 2 slices bacon & coffee
lunch- toss salad with tuna on top of it & diet green tea
Supper tinght will be--Baked Salmon in garlic butter, steamed cabbage, &
slice tomato with cottage chees on top. Diet Green Tea
________________________________________
"Eat Slowly - Enjoy Your Meal "

Conventional wisdom states, "Chew each bite of food 20 times." As it happens, there are a number of good reasons why thoroughly chewing food is healthier than scarfing it down.

Apart from the fact that medical research has shown that people who chew more slowly tend to burn up considerably more body fat than those who shovel it in, slower eaters also have fewer digestive problems.

Eating slowly will help you to enjoy the meal as well as to minimize overeating. Buddhists have coined "insightful or contemplative eating" for the practice of eating slowly and deliberately. When you eat fast, you may not realize when you are "full." The signal only comes later. You end up loading on the food in the mean time. Make your meal a social event by having wholesome conversations with your friends and family and watch what you eat.

[LoraJR72]

Hi, all!

My menu for today as follows:

Breakfast: 4oz. cottage cheese, 1 pear, 1oz. Newman's Flax Bran Cereal with 3oz. 1% milk

Lunch: 4oz. Chicken Pattie, 6oz. Broccoli, 6oz. Green Salad, 2tbs. EVOO

Dinner: 4oz. Chicken Pattie, 6oz. Cauliflower, 6oz. Green Salad, 2tbs. EVOO and threw some Spicy Mustard on top for added flavor.

I hope you have a great evening!

[4devochki]

Franny, you helped me A LOT!!! Knowing someone else has been here, had these feelings, and found a better way to deal with them is just priceless. Thank you!

(yes, I'm going to go pick out a mothers' day present for myself. And my birthday is on Thursday--tomorrow--I'll get one for that too!!!) Your reminder to be good--in a real way--to ourselves is what I needed to hear.

[Star123]

Morning Ladies, How is everyone doing?

I haven't been good with my eating [mindless eating] and with TOM being around this week it hasn't helped. Gained 5 lbs, feel bloated, my stomach is protuding and I feel a bit defeated and guilt ridden, but today I'm praying that this will change and that I will have a successful day. I feel ready to make the change back to normal eating and might just try weight watchers again, I can join online. I have to follow a food plan with structure or I will not stick with anything. I Know I can't do it on my own, that's why I here. I admit that I'm a food addict and a compulsive eater, and need all the support I can get. Thanks.

You'll have a great day!!!

[Star123]

Morning Ladies,

I'm feeling better about myself today and had a good eating day yesterday, plus I lost a pound!!! This weekend is the May long weekend, with monday being Victoria Day. Named after the late queen Victoria. It will be nice having 3 days off, and the weather here on the south coast of B.C. yesterday was about 20 degrees fahrenheit and today will be in the high at 25 degrees, and they say it will be even hotter tomorrow. I'm wearing my Capri's and a sleeveless long t-shirt to stay cool in the warehouse. Well got to go to work, will chat later.


You'll have a great day!!!

[Sugar Free Franny]

Cassandra and I hope you picked out some nice things for yourself. You are very welcome. Sharing my experience, strength and hope is good for us both.

I am down two pounds this week. I may have done better if I had been more cautious with the sugar free ice cream yesterday. I can't complain though. I am truly trying not to focus on the weight but more the feelings that I get when I know I am taking care of myself. I feel so much more confident, joyous, and in control of my life.

I am very grateful to have you all here to share my journey.

I have been making these really good protein shakes with cottage cheese, flax seed oil, protein powder, almond milk, splenda and some vanilla extract. I also add a little peanut butter or blueberries sometimes for a different flavor. They are really good and filling. I am all out of cottage cheese today so, back to Trader Joes. For lunch and dinner I am mainly eating meat and vegetables.

I haven't walked much this week due to the very warm weather. I need to adjust my time today to either early afternoon or later this morning. I have been using my weights though. I find that even just a little toning exercise makes a big difference.

Have a good Friday.