Hi Cinderlinda
Glad you are here. No, you don't need a brain transplant, but you do need to learn how to think differently. We've all been there, and this is a great place to come for encouragement and sharing with people who understand where you are coming from. It is good that you have recognized your obstacles. I will respond by following your points.
1. Oh do I understand this one! But, as you know, this is not a cause; it is an excuse and a choice we make. NOT an easy one to break but your awareness of it is key. Try to find something else you enjoy... whether it is something with your hands such as knitting, or play on the computer or whatever. Or just relax and consciously *think* about it. One thing that helped me break this habit was to keep a bowl of fresh veggies, chopped up, sitting on my kitchen counter. When I was just wanting food I would grab some of those and eat it. They are really not going to hurt you. I would realize that if those were "not good enough" and I wanted junk or something unhealthful, then I was really NOT hungry. Caused me to stop and think instead of just grabbing.
2.Been there, done that. But you honestly do not need "special low calorie foods." Fruit and veggies are relatively cheap. Supplemented by lean meats such as baked chicken, etc. you can eat very healthfully... and it TASTES wonderful once you get the junk craving out of your system. And if you are eating out several times a week, you could eat far cheaper by eating at home or (if it is work or somewhere you can't be home) find some healthul alternatives you can take with you. I have in my desk at work such things as foil tuna packets, cans of spicy beans, microwave brown rice, etc. On the occasions that you really do have to eat out, I have found that most restaurants will serve you a grilled chicken breast and steamed veggies even if it is not on the menu.. ASK!! And it is less expensive than an entree.
3. You CAN say no!! Just do it graciously. If someone tries to coerce you to eat it, just very politely say "no thank you." Or if necessary, be more direct... just do it graciously or even try to make a joke out of it.. but stick to your "NO." For a long time "just eat a little" didn't work for me either... so I had to go off of this stuff "cold turkey" for a long time. Now I can... IF I choose to and decide it is worth it, which is seldom... eat just a small amount.
These things DO work but they are not magic. You have to make a *decision* and get a plan and then go do it. You won't be perfect at it... none of us are. Please check out the forum and find threads or support groups where you feel you fit in and join right in. There are a LOT of people here who understand and who will be happy to help you find the plan that is right for you and help you learn to get with it.
You don't need a brain transplant... but you DO need to get rid of the negative thinking and focus on the positives. Please read the NSV threads (non-scale victories) and you will see there is JOY and excitement in achieving these things!!
It's all in my head.
