I'm pretty sure that healthy fats help keep me satiated and happy. Particularly nut/seed butter, avocado, and olive oil (and now, more recently raw nuts -- which used to be a trigger food for me but which now aren't a problem). I always find a little of these items goes a long way towards making a meal both physically and mentally satisfying!

Have a nice weekend all!

I also wish everyone a great weekend. I ate too much yesterday...not a binge by any means, but I just kept eating more than necessary. I think it's because I had sushi for lunch and I feel like they must have put some sugar into the sushi because it was somehow sweet. I didn't think much of it at the time, but then the rest of the day, I was just wanting to eat and eat. I'm sure I ate at maintenance calorie-wise so I'm not upset but I know I need to reign it in today.

Also, I'm PMSing and that's when I have the most cravings. I kind of think that's the time when my body actually needs more calories but it's very difficult to navigate the fine line (for me) between giving my body some extra calories vs. going overboard.

I've stopped doing OA too. I had a bad experience with my Sponsor, but that's only part of the reason. After doing it for 5 months, I feel like I have tons of knowledge about what I need to do. If I find myself struggling with my addiction (more than when I was still attending/involved) then I'll go back, but right now, I'm feeling strong. I'm hoping these aren't famous last words. It's a bit scary to be on my own but at the same time, I feel a bit liberated. I still highly recommend it to anyone who wants support and information and I know that just about all people who benefit from that program should not do what I"m doing. I'm just doing what feels right to me at this point.

Originally Posted by luckymommy:
I also wish everyone a great weekend. I ate too much yesterday...not a binge by any means, but I just kept eating more than necessary. I think it's because I had sushi for lunch and I feel like they must have put some sugar into the sushi because it was somehow sweet.

Traditional sushi always has sugar added to the rice. Sweet ingredients and even more sugar are also commonly added, especially in non-traditional, American sushi.

White rice is also fairly highly glycemic, so it can be an appetite trigger for anyone with carbohydrate issues.


On the support group issue, I'd just say that knowledge doesn't necessarily mean squat. Knowledge-wise, I've been an expert on mainstream weight loss science and research for at least 25 years. Doing is a lot harder than knowing for most of us.

If you can succeed on your own, without a lot of support, you probably are in the minority. You may find enough support from your family, friends, and here on 3FC and other online communities, or you may need irl, in-person support (which doesn't necessarily have to be OA).

I'm a person who needs an in-person, weekly meeting support group. I gave up my TOPS group, because I had issues with the way it was being run (candy and other sugary treats being brought to every meeting and given out after weigh-ins and shared in-meeting).

I haven't found a new group (because I told myself that "this time" I could do it on my own), and as always when I've tried to do so, I backslid.

I'm NOT saying you can't do it on your own, just saying you need to be aware that knowledge isn't always enough

kaplods, the sushi I had had no rice inside, but it was wrapped in rice paper and I only had 3 of the rice papers. With the rest, I only had the inside which was a combo of salmon, veggies and a crab mix. I suspect the crap mix had sugar but I wouldn't be surprised if the rice paper did too. I'm going to stick with just the raw fish and veggies next time.

With regards to knowledge, I'm not referring to diet. It's more about me not trying to control others and living in a state of acceptance, which helps me regulate my emotions and manage my anxiety (which has been out of control and I've just started taking meds for). I also refer to having a regimented eating schedule of 3 meals and one snack. Furthermore, I'm talking about having a reasonable plate of food without second helpings. There's a lot more but OA has taught me a lot about how to live my life and not give into the addiction.

It's very possible that this is a huge mistake and that I'll completely fall of track after being on my own for a while. If that happens, I'll gladly return. Right now, this feels right. I'm not justifying it at all...I know how sneaky my addiction is, but I feel really good and would like to explore a life where I can manage this on my own. Without everything I'd learned at OA, there's no way that I could ever entertain the idea. I'm also aware that in OA, we need to keep doing the footwork and going to meetings....but just like with everything in life, it's very individual and we all need to find what works best for us.

I completely appreciate your input.

Sushi can be loaded with naughty yumminess, I discovered. Cream cheeses and sugary sauces drizzled over top. Good thing I didn't really know about those on my way up in weight.

Kaplods, I had to leave TOPS too but for different reasons. I find the stress of weekly meetings, weigh-ins and external pressure to be too much for me and I get out of control. It doesn't take much to stress me out, I guess.

I was going to try an online OA meeting but not knowing how an online meeting works has kept me from making the necessary steps. Has anyone participated in one?

I misunderstood, because sushi isn't technically sushi without sushi rice (sweet rice, rice vinegar, and sugar).

Once you remove the rice, it isn't sushi anymore, because the word sushi refers to the seasoned rice. Just like a scoop of chicken salad on a plate isn't a chicken salad sandwhich - no bread or bread substitute, no sandwhich. No vinegar/sweetened rice, no sushi.

The only ingredient needed for sushi to be sushi is the seasoned sweet rice. Without fish, it's still sushi, but without the rice, it isn't sushi anymore.

Hahahaha, ok, I guess I called it the wrong thing. Either way, I learned my lesson to stay away from whatever the heck it is that I had.

Hi All,
As usual, very interesting stuff to read and learn here on 3FC! Luckymommy I hope you will keep posting about how it's going. Who knows what works until we try it? Following what feels right is about all we have to go on. If it turned out to be your addiction speaking, well then you would be that much more attuned to recognizing that wily entity.

I have mixed feelings about OA, but right now the fellowship & support is helpful. And their pamphlets are amazing for how to handle urges. I haven't committed to 12 step or sponsor and feel no pressure to do so. Like you though, I hope to do it on my own someday soon. I'd like to diet off the 10 lbs I've gained, but am on the fence based on what the program says, and part of me feels so done with dieting.

CoolMom The OA website will prompt you how to join a meeting. Under Find a Meeting, then click the "online meeting" tab and fill in the search items--it asks you for language, time zone, etc. A list of meetings will show up and you can click on any of them and it will tell you what to do, which isn't much--just pick a temporary name (I think). I tried a couple of meetings and while I didn't feel an "aha this fits"moment, it still got me re-focused on healthy eating. It's so convenient, too!

Still have my dry eye thing going on. I work in a dry environment too, so I guess it's a combo of things. But the eye doc says it's become very common with computers and smartphones. If you must be on the computer a lot, be sure to blink! Now who remembers to do that???? :)

mars, I'm so sorry you're still dealing with the dry eye situation. (please blink) I appreciate all your support so much. You're very level headed and wise so it's that much more meaningful. (please blink) I'm glad you're getting so much out of the OA meetings. There's lots of great info and there's also some info that isn't that great but you can see what helps you and use it to your advantage. (please blink). ;)

Hi peeps! Sorry I've been MIA, my laptop crashed. I had to get a new hard drive (boooo). The upside is that I'm still on track! I'm down to 225! Yay

BamaGalRN, I'm sorry you've been having computer issues again, but am glad you're back and doing well!

I wasn't doing well last week. I realized I do still need OA in my life. I went to a meeting this morning and feel recharged. Yesterday I managed to have a good day because I forced myself to work out in the morning regardless of how much migraine pain I"m in or how little I slept. This morning, despite a horrible headache, I also did a light workout. Just sweating helps me put my head on straight. I still don't have a Sponsor and I'm going to see how it goes. If I see that I still need one, I"ll go ahead, but right now, it's too overwhelming. I need to get adjusted to the meds so that I'm sleeping better and hopefully the migraines will become more manageable.

Anyway, I'm actually feeling really relieved to be back on track. I don't have the insane cravings that I'd had over the last few days. Luckily, I remained abstinent but I was eating too much. I just couldn't get enough food in me. It felt very out of control and I had no idea when I would get my sanity back, so it's nice to have it for now.

I hope you're all having a peaceful, pleasant weekend.

Hi All, Eyes are still red but now it's just at work. ;) Thanks for the good wishes Luckymommy!:rofl: ;) I'm so glad you are feeling recharged and hope the meds are part of that too. I like OA's motto 'take what you like and leave what you don't like".

Bamagal :bravo: Hope your computer stays up and running. It's practically a vital organ these days!

I have found OA to be a big help with keeping my focus. Their printed material fits me so well, esp the Q & A pamphlet and 'Just for Today' white pocket book. I'm not ready to stop dieting and don't have the mental energy for the sponsor thing. I'm looking forward to a hike tomorrow with a local chapter--can't wait to experience a social event with like-minded eaters & no agonizing about how to handle the food :)

I'm glad your eyes are better, mars! Just for Today is awesome and it's good to keep in your purse so u can read it when you need to get focused. It's awesome that you guys have hikes locally.

So far so good on my computer. LOL A new hard drive and it's working great!

I'm glad your eyes are doing better, Mars... And OA is integral to my success, LuckyMommy.

I decided to go low carb a couple of weeks ago and it has been WONDERFUL for me. No gluten, no processed sugar... It's made SUCH a tremendous difference in how I feel! I LOVE it!

And yet today, we were on a car trip (5 hours) and my low carb diet took a hit by "on the road eating." Meh. But, OK... Then, we get here and there is cake for my son's birthday. I had some icing from the ice and then half of a cupcake earlier and I feel yucky now. So... No no no. I can't do that again. It's definitely a trigger. Ugh.

Other than that, though... I'm doing OK. Heck, I'm doing WELL even. I'm so excited!

Bama, I'm so excited about all your progress! In OA they say when we see those certain foods, we eventually recoil from them like from a hot flame. It makes sense because they do hurt us so much. I'm glad you recognize your triggers..that is huge! :)