[Lexalicious51201]

Hi. I joined the forum today because I'm tired of stressing out about food and feeling uncomfortable in my own body. I don't want to be the frumpy, doughy white girl anymore but I'm having trouble changing that on my own.

I really struggle with my eating habits. I love fattening food, but sugar is particularly challenging for me. Today, I was doing fine until I gave into an M&M's craving at lunch, then I went home and had three (three!) chocolate frozen yogurt sandwiches over the course of the evening. I didn't even really enjoy eating any of it -- I often don't. It's like I just get this obsessive idea that I want sweets, and the only way to get rid of the thoughts is to give in and eat junk food. Sometimes I'll even eat cookies or candy I don't like because of it. While I'm eating, I'll feel relieved and sort of numb, then afterward I'll feel fat and ashamed. I don't understand why I sabotage myself like this!!!

It scares me a little that I don't have control over what I eat. For as long as I can remember, my mom has suffered from weight-related health problems (GERD, sleep apnea, high BP, early onset osteoarthritis necessitating the replacement of both hips and both knees). It breaks my heart to see her struggle with health issues, and I'm afraid of walking down that same path.

I hope that this forum will give me the strength, information, support and general kick in the pants I need to develop healthy eating habits. I already feel a bit better just having taken this first step...Thank you for listening.

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

to 3FC's ~ this is a very supportive place and there are lots of great people here who know just how you feel too. We have age & weight forums, food plan forums, exercise threads, tons of info, plus so much more.

Take your time, look around, read lots, then just jump right in wherever you feel comfortable ...

[Beautifully Flawed]

Well they say acknowledging your problems is the first step toward changing them. So with that said don't fret because you are on your way to living your best life! An although the road maybe at times extremely difficult, the best is yet to come. It's not easy at all to change eating and behavior patterns, so I completely understand where you are. I would suggest trying to figure out why you crave sweets. Sweets by their very nature are very addictive due to the spike in your blood system once they enter your body, and the resulting drop which keeps you wanting more. Are you possibly eating for psychological reasons, boredom, emotions, stress??? Think about it, and as you get stronger pick just one day to have something special. Your treat to get you through :-)

I wish you the best on your journey. Know that you can get it done, and you can REGAIN control... Best Wishes!!!

[purplespeckl3]

It seems like you are having the same struggles as I am. I struggle with giving into cravings too and it really puts me in a bad mood afterwards especially when I'm trying to lose weight. Good luck with your goals.

[Shellbell82]

I get cravings for sweets too...mainly dark chocolate. I agree with the previous responses.... admitting your problem and realizing what you're doing, is a step foward. I ate chocolate mainly out of habit, and when I was stressed or busy (psychological/emotional).

I try to fill my lunch bag with healthier snacks and eat more smaller meals a day (rather that 3 normal meals) to keep my hunger satisfied. My sweet cravings usually happen in late morning...shortly before lunch, so I'm trying to eat strawberries with a bit of fat-free cool whip, instead of chocolate bars. Its not chocolate, but its sweet enough to satisfy my craving.

[Lexalicious51201]

Thanks for all your supportive postings! I'd prefer nobody struggle with these issues at all, but it's comforting to know other people are in the same boat and can understand. I think I mainly eat junk food when I'm bored, craving stimulation maybe more than the actual treats. Purplespekl3, speaking of bad moods afterwards, I even get sugar hangovers on occasion a day or so after I eat too many sweets. And Shellbell82, dark chocolate is my faaaavorite. I do bring plenty of food to work and I eat numerous times during the day rather than three big meals, but I still find myself hitting up the vending machines too often. I like your strawberries idea; I'll try it.

Today was a good day for me. I rode my exercise bike for 45 minutes and I kept my eating in moderation. I did have a candy craving but I'm not sure I should get much credit for resisting temptation since we're snowed in and I couldn't go buy any! But at any rate, it was a good start, and I'm encouraged.

[purplespeckl3]

I have problems of getting snacks at the vending machines at work too. Especially if I'm having a bad day.