Cutting out junk food vs. having self-control?!
Question: I was fat my entire life, up until relatively recently. After high school I lost a bunch of weight and eventually I got to the point where I really didn't eat much junk food. Somehow, over the past year especially, it's become a really bad habit again. I'd like to cut it out again, but I read a book called "Breaking Free From Compulsive Eating" and the author says that you'll never resolve your issues with food unless you allow yourself to have the things you want, like junk food. Eventually you'll just learn to eat a little bit of it and then stop once the craving is satisfied.
I'm finding this extremely hard to do. My fiance can do that -- just eat a few bits of ice cream or something. I can't. So is the author correct, that I should keep buying this kind of food and try and deal with it? Or should I just not buy it at all? She seems to think doing the latter means the food has power over you. Sounds good but I'm not sure it's realistic for everyone, me included.
Answers: I was fat my entire life, up until relatively recently. After high school I lost a bunch of weight and eventually I got to the point where I really didn't eat much junk food. Somehow, over the past year especially, it's become a really bad habit again. I'd like to cut it out again, but I read a book called "Breaking Free From Compulsive Eating" and the author says that you'll never resolve your issues with food unless you allow yourself to have the things you want, like junk food. Eventually you'll just learn to eat a little bit of it and then stop once the craving is satisfied.
I'm finding this extremely hard to do. My fiance can do that -- just eat a few bits of ice cream or something. I can't. So is the author correct, that I should keep buying this kind of food and try and deal with it? Or should I just not buy it at all? She seems to think doing the latter means the food has power over you. Sounds good but I'm not sure it's realistic for everyone, me included.
Ya I know what you mean. I started eating fast food more than ever last year and it becomes just that, A habit. I think the longer you are without those foods the easier it is. You can start craving for other things. For me; I cant have cookies in the house, just cant... I dont miss them cus honestly they never made me feel good. And Ive stopped eating fast food, But what I did was take the one thing I loved the most (jalapeno poppers) and got them store bought instead. Now I dont have to need a whole meal(& all those extra cals.& fat) and can just have 3 when Im in the mood. Plus it saves a hell of a lot of money. I think if you really love something, it may be best to cut cold turkey, the foods are addictive, so just like an addict, cut it out ur life till you can honestly only want a bite or two. When you know what works for you, you can write a book to:) if you know what i mean. (do you)
I am of the just have a little bit of what you fancy train of thought. There is no such thing as junk food, unless you eat it all day, every day.
Limit the amount of what you buy and eat, but don't not buy stuff at all, otherwise you are more likely to end up craving something and then bingeing on it.
if i have junk food in my house...i WILL EAT IT...best not to have it around to tempt you...try eating fresh fruits and such...salads with lo- calorie dressing...i cant control it at all...my red light foods used to be little debbies and bryers ice cream..butter pecan...i cant have them near me..would coNsume entire box in 3 days
I don't agree with the author. I think its different for everybody. Personally I find that if I start eating something that is unhealthy and tasts really good, I lose all self control and eat way too much of it. Best to stay away from it alltogether in my opinion. Once you get into the habit of avoiding junk food it is easier to maintain.
until you can get control of your eating I would only purchase single servings or small packages of junk food. that when you do eat the whole thing it's just a small container or package. eating healthy is about moderation but for long term health you need to consume far more whole foods than you do processed foods.