3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community - If sugar is addictive

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- - If sugar is addictive - why try and eat it "moderately" (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/weight-loss-support/292065-if-sugar-addictive-why-try-eat-moderately.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamondgeog (Post 4928821)

I was thinking more about this and I am not sure I was ever a 'sugar addict'. More like a carb addict. Potato chips were my carb of choice. I could eat a whole can of Pringles in a sitting or a 5 ounce bag.

And I eat a lot of fast food, bread, and pasta. I could also eat a bunch of ice cream and Reses cups. But potato chips were my 'drug' of choice. Frosting and sweet have always been way too sweet to me. Now candy is too sweet for me. But my carb loading drove everything. It kept me perpetually hungry and lethargic.

Yep, all of this for me, too. I had never gone a long period of time without any sugar, grains, starches and I was really apprehensive what would happen the first time I did. Everyone said, Nothing. And, lo and behold, they were right. But I didn't use that as a stepping stone to allow myself to add them back in. I went cold turkey again ASAP after a week of not always being able to eat on plan. Sure, I did take an entire week to finish that bag of my favorite chips so now I know I can do it like a "thin" person; but I believe that "moderation" for me means every once in a while, not a little at a time.

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Wait a minute wait a minute. White flour is NOT sugar. Bread is NOT sugar. You will have to understand the difference between sugar and carbs before you go throwing everything out the window

Trust me, anyone whose done low carb and knows what they're doing does not LITERALLY mean flour IS sugar or bread IS sugar or potatoes ARE sugar. It's just a quick way to acknowledge that high glycemic foods such as these -- including ACTUAL sugar -- metabolizes as glucose and causing higher blood sugar levels. I rankle at the thought that low carb almost ALWAYS gets interpreted as NO carb. I am finding "moderation" but in a way that works for me which means, for large parts of the time, I am completing abolishing sugar, grains, and starches. For me, those ARE inherently bad foods and I will continue to vilify them. And your Ruby Tuesday example sounds like something I might do, too, except I would eat a biscuit but not get the french fries because FF are not my favorite and yet previously, I would eat them just because they're there. Which is stupid and, to me, clearly an indication of an addiction to just eating without making a choice to eat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Donnelly (Post 4928975)

I rankle at the thought that low carb almost ALWAYS gets interpreted as NO carb. I am finding "moderation" but in a way that works for me which means, for large parts of the time, I am completing abolishing sugar, grains, and starches. For me, those ARE inherently bad foods and I will continue to vilify them. And your Ruby Tuesday example sounds like something I might do, too, except I would eat a biscuit but not get the french fries because FF are not my favorite and yet previously, I would eat them just because they're there. Which is stupid and, to me, clearly an indication of an addiction to just eating without making a choice to eat.

I try not to vilify foods because it leads to binging. And I have my own reasons for getting fries instead of the biscuit -- Potatoes don't make me as crazy as wheat does. It doesn't mean wheat is a bad food, it's just that I have to be careful not to eat too much of it, because it spikes my appetite. And I too would eat that biscuit if it was just there (I mean the dude brought it to me without me even asking for it!) which is why I had to make him take it away.

That makes so much sense.
Mind=blown.

Alcohols never drink alcohol again. Carboholics should never eat carbs again.

Glycemic index was very important for me to understand. And that whole wheat products can spike blood sugar more than candy bars.

I think it is important for people to not just focus on sugars but carbs also. I call bread cotton candy.

Interestingly though the GI does have a flaw: fructose doesn't show up but can have its own problems. Dr. Lusting points out GI measures rise in glucose. Fructose is only a 19!

But rising fructose has its own harm pathways in our bodies. I am not anti-fruit (fruit juices I am). But good to be aware.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...-pseudoscience

Everyone is different. I need to consciously avoid white flour, sugar, soda, processed food to be successful at losing weight.

For me, those types of foods ARE addictive....and I end up 'needing' more and more to be satisfied, but actually never really do feel satisfied.

I'm sure it's not that way for every overweight person; but for me 'abstaining' from simple carbs is a must.

I don't think that most people with weight issues are addicted to sugar, but some are. The reasons we battle weight can be very individual and personal, and can vary widely from one person to another. I've known a lot of people that could eat all foods in moderation and reach (and maintain) a healthy weight.

My personal issue with sugar is the lack of nutrients in it, so I don't think it's calories spent well. I'm referring to added sugar, not the sugars that naturally occur in fruits, veggies, etc. I eat a lot of fruit and I search out the darkest types since they contain more antioxidants, etc. My eating style does not completely exclude added sugar, but it strictly limits it. I retrained my sweet tooth and no longer crave sweets. I don't use artificial sweeteners, either. A bowl of fresh fruit can be very satisfying.

Regarding carbs - Food can be generalized as protein, fat, or carbs. Unfortunately, people that refer to how evil carbs are are usually referring to specific foods such as white bread, added sugar, etc. Carbs are also broccoli, carrots, salad, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, berries, and so on. All the foods that contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and thousands of phytonutrients and antioxidants are carbs and they can help us live long and healthy lives. To me, the idea of reducing them is very scary.

Some plant foods are low in nutrients, such as many grains and starchy vegetables, and of course sugar. Reducing or eliminating them isn't necessarily a bad thing for many people, especially those with weight or health issues. Unfortunately, when people lump all plant foods together as 'carbs', it becomes confusing to newer dieters or even seasoned dieters with health issues, and they may end up avoiding some of the healthiest foods on the planet.

That's just my personal viewpoint :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdpgolfer (Post 4928340)

Since most of us folks needing lose weight have some type of addiction / dependancy on sugar (in all forms) WHY WOULD WE EVER EAT IT AGAIN?
Second question: Is not eating sugar (in all forms) sustainable? Meaning, lean meats, cheese's, veggies, non sugary fruit, nuts, and eggs.
Would love to hear feedback.

Everyone is different. I've never considered myself addicted to sugar. I just love good food in all its forms. My brief foray into low carb left me not hungry but not satisfied, either. This time around I've been maintaining a 50-pound loss for 2+ years on a high-carb diet, including lots of bread products and some sugar. I'd rather eat "bad" carbs in moderation than not eat them at all, and I'm able to do that. People who find it next to impossible to stop at one bagel or oatmeal cookie will obviously do better with a different strategy.

F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlamourGirl827 (Post 4928500)

When we went away a few years ago, I smoked for the 2 weeks we were on vacation, then just stopped when we came home. So go figure. I have met a few other people over the years that do not form an addiction to cigarettes, but most people I know, once the quit they cannot start again, it has to be 100% abstenance.

I'm the same way. I smoke when I'm out of town on business trips. Before I get on the return flight, I throw out any remaining cigarettes and forget about smoking until the next trip, which might be a couple of months later. Having these clear boundaries is a way for me to continue to enjoy occasional smoking without jeopardizing my health or becoming a social pariah.

F.

Suzanne I agree that going completely carb free is scary. It's actually pretty ridiculous. I consider myself low carb and try to make wise choices over which carbs I will allow. But I always wonder what the heck people are thinking when they cut carrots out of their diet. I can't even imagine a healthy existence without carrots!

I am a self diagnosed sugar addict, but I prefer my sugar to be in the form of complex carbohydrates like who;e wheat pasta, bread and brown rice. I can not eat those foods without over indulging and then with in amonth I am back to eating vegan icer cream , nuts and raisins and dried figs, apricots etc... I know that I am a sugar addict because I also gravitate to booze. So now that I have shook my sugar monkey my gums feel better, my ankle stopped throbbing and low and behold my afternoon crash, mood swing and asthma has dissipated! The scale is slowly moving downward so I am committing once more to licking this addiction once and for all.

Our bodies run on glucose as a primary source which is why we are geared towards it. I eat plenty of carbs, mostly high fiber, high nutrient carbs. I prefer whole grains, fruits, legumes, veggies, etc.

I would say I like eating in general though. It can be a huge salad and I'll say I can eat and eat and eat. Sure I like high calorie things, but I like low calorie things as well. Improving my eating and monitoring my portions is what makes the difference for me, not cutting out high carb foods.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabeskinny (Post 4928948)

Wait a minute wait a minute. White flour is NOT sugar. Bread is NOT sugar. You will have to understand the difference between sugar and carbs before you go throwing everything out the window.

I'm not a scientist, and I've found the right way to lose weight --> now all I have to do is stick to it, stay within my caloric range and watch as the weight comes off. What you're doing is calling all food "bad food" and wondering why you can't stay away from it. You can't stay away from all food, that's impossible. Ok white flour is not as nutritious as whole wheat flour so stay away from that. Too much whole wheat flour aint' good for ya so limit it. But you can't say no to flour because it's a carb and then eat vegetables, because those are carbs too. And if you want to eat fruit, forget about it.

For me it all comes down to making better choices. An apple instead of a slice of cake. Only one carb per meal (can't have a sandwich AND fries, it's only one or the other). Just yesterday I went with a friend to Ruby Tuesday's and I order the grilled shrimp and my two sides were french fries and steamed broccoli. As we were waiting for our food the waiter brings over cheesy biscuits and I promptly said no thank you. He looked at us and said "too many carbs, I get it" and we had a good laugh. But I still got to eat my fries. Moderation is key if I'm going to maintain my sanity.

White flour can be addictive, but it is NOT sugar and calling it sugar is not helping your cause.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabeskinny (Post 4929083)

And I wish I had the freedom to think this way. I admit there was a time when I thought it was crazy to do something like eat mostly meat, let alone NOT EAT CARROTS! OMG! But here I am after many years of struggling with my weight finally having realized that I basically cannot eat carbs at all in any form if I want to lose. I lose fine if I'm under about 12 grams a day -- but that doesn't really allow for any veggies to speak of. I might be able to have a few greens, but not a decent sized salad or a cup of broccoli or, god forbid, carrots, if I want to lose. And ya know what, I have been eating super clean for the entire month of january, under 12 g every day and probably averaging about 1000 calories a day (today, for instance, I clocked in at exactly 1000) -- no grains at all, no treats/sugar, no fruit, but I have been eating broccoli and yellow summer squash and had a small salad last night. And even though I am still about 25, maybe 30, pounds from my ideal weight I have not lost a single pound. And I've been working out like a maniac. Sigh... But there is this piece of me that says that I *deserve* to be able to have broccoli! lol Hopefully I'll get over that soon and give it up again because I'm starting to feel like there's nothing worse than a broccoli stall. If I'm going to be stalled I should be enjoying some chocolate cake.

I have to tell you that it is not ridiculous if it is what it takes to get you to goal. I do not believe that I am healthier eating broccoli at 200-some pounds than I am not eating broccoli and able to sit comfortably in a chair and walk up a hill. And if I'm wrong about that, I'll tell you that my quality of life is a whole lot better this way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubidoux (Post 4929249)

I kinda wish you could walk a mile in my shoes! Sigh...

Anyhow... white flour and potatoes and bread are sugar after you've eaten them. You can call them carbs when they're outside your body, but once they're on the inside they are glucose and that is SUGAR plain and simple.

And I wish I had the freedom to think this way. I admit there was a time when I thought it was crazy to do something like eat mostly meat, let alone NOT EAT CARROTS! OMG! But here I am after many years of struggling with my weight finally having realized that I basically cannot eat carbs at all in any form if I want to lose. I lose fine if I'm under about 12 grams a day -- but that doesn't really allow for any veggies to speak of. I might be able to have a few greens, but not a decent sized salad or a cup of broccoli or, god forbid, carrots, if I want to lose. And ya know what, I have been eating super clean for the entire month of january, under 12 g every day and probably averaging about 1000 calories a day (today, for instance, I clocked in at exactly 1000) -- no grains at all, no treats/sugar, no fruit, but I have been eating broccoli and yellow summer squash and had a small salad last night. And even though I am still about 25, maybe 30, pounds from my ideal weight I have not lost a single pound. And I've been working out like a maniac. Sigh... But there is this piece of me that says that I *deserve* to be able to have broccoli! lol Hopefully I'll get over that soon and give it up again because I'm starting to feel like there's nothing worse than a broccoli stall. If I'm going to be stalled I should be enjoying some chocolate cake.

I have to tell you that it is not ridiculous if it is what it takes to get you to goal. I do not believe that I am healthier eating broccoli at 200-some pounds than I am not eating broccoli and able to sit comfortably in a chair and walk up a hill. And if I'm wrong about that, I'll tell you that my quality of life is a whole lot better this way.

Hi Rubidoux!!!! I haven't seen you around here in awhile?! Or maybe I haven't been checking the boards enough. Glad to see your ticker is going down. Mine has been all over the place in the upward direction =(

Anyway, sorry to derail the thread!! Just wanted to say, I think eating carbs even a little is what starts my cravings for sugar, maybe it's in my head, but I know by avoiding bread/rice/pasta (wheat/white), I can def lose weight faster! It's just being able to eliminate them that is hard for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubidoux (Post 4929249)

And ya know what, I have been eating super clean for the entire month of january, under 12 g every day and probably averaging about 1000 calories a day (today, for instance, I clocked in at exactly 1000) -- no grains at all, no treats/sugar, no fruit, but I have been eating broccoli and yellow summer squash and had a small salad last night. And even though I am still about 25, maybe 30, pounds from my ideal weight I have not lost a single pound. And I've been working out like a maniac.

Wow. I'm not doubting you, but that seems so hard to believe! Have you been to a doctor?

F.

rubidoux, that really does sound very difficult. It's hard for me to imagine that vegetables are bad for you so I don't follow any diet that requires me to omit them.... well I did once do Atkins for a couple of weeks and it was the most terrible time of my life. I was an angry maniac and was so constipated I was in pain.

Eating vegetables in raw and cooked form is a life saver for me. If I go 3 days without eat some raw veg I immediately notice a difference in how I feel and how my skin looks. I'm very vain, I never mess around with my skin lol.