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Message
Spiraling Out of Control - Advice on Correcting Diet Mistakes?
Posted on 6/22/17 at 5:35 pm
Posted on 6/22/17 at 5:35 pm
When I get into a habit of eating healthy, I don't crave sweets nor do I struggle with reaching my daily calorie goals. In fact, I had a four week stretch where I actually couldn't believe how easy it was to eat 1900 calories. I didn't want any more food and enjoyed watching the pounds start to roll off.
But then two weekends ago, I went to the lake with the in-laws and was offered unhealthy options. I eventually caved when my MiL baked a new kind of cake. At 72 years old, her fulfillment in life comes from little things like making something enjoyable to eat.
So I had a piece and it was delicious. I cut a second piece. A few hours later, I snuck into the kitchen and had a third piece.
The next morning she made pancakes with real maple syrup. I had five. I had a big sandwich with chips and cookies for lunch. For dinner I had a burger, French fries, sweet tea, orange rolls, and mac and cheese and of course, more cake for dessert.
I told myself that cheat days happen and it was no big deal. Just get back on it that following Monday.
But I haven't eaten healthy at all since. I'm binging like crazy whenever I can. I drove by a Whole Foods today at 3pm, tornado sirens going off in BHam, and swung in to buy six of their cookies. Simply because I realized they were there. Not because I was hungry.
I've kept up with it all on MFP. I had a six week stretch of 1900 calories/day. I started at 175 pounds with a goal of 149 by the start of 2018. Macro calculator says my TDEE is 2450 and 1900 was an aggressive weight loss plan. I was happy with my eating but the last two weeks, I haven't eaten less than 3200 calories with half of those calories coming from sweets.
It's an addiction no doubt about it. I weighed 167 pounds two weeks ago and weighed myself this morning at 174. Even knowing I was gaining the weight back, I still gorged on M&M's (purchased to help my son with potty training, but I'm eating them all) and bought six cookies at Whole Foods.
This happens all of the time. Every time I've tried to lose the excess weight (I'm 5'7 so 150ish would be ideal considering I don't lift heavy weights), I succeed for a while and one goddamn bad choice leads to spiraling out of control.
Sorry for venting but it's gotten tiresome. I understand making poor choices or cheating too much but stuffing my face with sweets when I know I don't want to makes me think there's some hidden psychological issue I don't know about.
But then two weekends ago, I went to the lake with the in-laws and was offered unhealthy options. I eventually caved when my MiL baked a new kind of cake. At 72 years old, her fulfillment in life comes from little things like making something enjoyable to eat.
So I had a piece and it was delicious. I cut a second piece. A few hours later, I snuck into the kitchen and had a third piece.
The next morning she made pancakes with real maple syrup. I had five. I had a big sandwich with chips and cookies for lunch. For dinner I had a burger, French fries, sweet tea, orange rolls, and mac and cheese and of course, more cake for dessert.
I told myself that cheat days happen and it was no big deal. Just get back on it that following Monday.
But I haven't eaten healthy at all since. I'm binging like crazy whenever I can. I drove by a Whole Foods today at 3pm, tornado sirens going off in BHam, and swung in to buy six of their cookies. Simply because I realized they were there. Not because I was hungry.
I've kept up with it all on MFP. I had a six week stretch of 1900 calories/day. I started at 175 pounds with a goal of 149 by the start of 2018. Macro calculator says my TDEE is 2450 and 1900 was an aggressive weight loss plan. I was happy with my eating but the last two weeks, I haven't eaten less than 3200 calories with half of those calories coming from sweets.
It's an addiction no doubt about it. I weighed 167 pounds two weeks ago and weighed myself this morning at 174. Even knowing I was gaining the weight back, I still gorged on M&M's (purchased to help my son with potty training, but I'm eating them all) and bought six cookies at Whole Foods.
This happens all of the time. Every time I've tried to lose the excess weight (I'm 5'7 so 150ish would be ideal considering I don't lift heavy weights), I succeed for a while and one goddamn bad choice leads to spiraling out of control.
Sorry for venting but it's gotten tiresome. I understand making poor choices or cheating too much but stuffing my face with sweets when I know I don't want to makes me think there's some hidden psychological issue I don't know about.
6
Posted on 6/22/17 at 5:52 pm to StringedInstruments
So your goal is 150s? Are you trying to trim fast or over time? Either way you got to cut out sweets. Something here and there every now and then is fine but that can't be a consistent thing.
Trust me I love fricking donuts pancakes cakes you name it. Love that shite. But it needs to be I moderation. And on diets you should cut it out completely for an extended period.
Trust me I love fricking donuts pancakes cakes you name it. Love that shite. But it needs to be I moderation. And on diets you should cut it out completely for an extended period.
This post was edited on 6/22/17 at 5:55 pm
Posted on 6/22/17 at 5:56 pm to StringedInstruments
Sounds like you associate certain foods as bad and kind of have an eating disorder or at the minimum an unhealthy relationship with food.
Why not use something like if it fits your macros or avatar and use the flexible diet approach? Can still have sweets if you want.
Why not use something like if it fits your macros or avatar and use the flexible diet approach? Can still have sweets if you want.
Posted on 6/22/17 at 6:01 pm to lsu777
Because when I have one sweet, this happens. It's like a crack addict. Crack addicted can't just take a hit of crack every now and then.
Posted on 6/22/17 at 6:20 pm to StringedInstruments
how is your home life right now? anything really stressing you out at work?
are you working out at all?
are you working out at all?
This post was edited on 6/22/17 at 6:21 pm
Posted on 6/22/17 at 6:26 pm to StringedInstruments
You're going to have to go really really strict for 6 or so weeks in my experience. Once you get rid of them completey for a long while you'll lose the relationship with those foods. I love the sweets and canes, which was a big one for me. I started in March really cleaning up my diet, and had canes for the first time about 2 weeks ago. To be honest with you, it kind of made me feel like shite. It was delicious, don't get me wrong, but I'm good on eating something like that for a while.
Now for me the way I eat is more of a lifestyle, and eating horribly makes me feel horrible. I went on a bachelor party last weekend and ate like trash and it took me two days to recover from the bloated feeling.
Now for me the way I eat is more of a lifestyle, and eating horribly makes me feel horrible. I went on a bachelor party last weekend and ate like trash and it took me two days to recover from the bloated feeling.
Posted on 6/22/17 at 6:34 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
I appreciate everyone's comments and I know I rambled in the OP, but I think people are missing that I did go strict for six weeks. I did lose the cravings and was on track for my goal. But I got put in a situation where it would have been rude to tell an old woman no. I guess I'll have to in the future, but one taste of sugar sent me free falling. That can't be normal.
To the comment that asked about my stress levels, they're, um, well...
My mother had emergency surgery a week ago and needs lots of care. My family and I moved into a new house on Monday. I have a job interview tomorrow (been part-time employed for 10 months). My wife is scheduled for surgery next week.
I'm a bit stressed.
To the comment that asked about my stress levels, they're, um, well...
My mother had emergency surgery a week ago and needs lots of care. My family and I moved into a new house on Monday. I have a job interview tomorrow (been part-time employed for 10 months). My wife is scheduled for surgery next week.
I'm a bit stressed.
This post was edited on 6/22/17 at 6:35 pm
Posted on 6/22/17 at 6:52 pm to StringedInstruments
It's because you view those as forbidden. You think you'll never have it again and over do it every time.
My advice is to set up a certain amount of calories in a day that you need to adhere to. Pick out a macro profile that you can stick to. Now create somewhat of a base diet plan and follow it but leave yourself wiggle room for things that you like and have those things often so you don't feel like you'll never have it again. However, if you know you'll do bad one day, prepare the day before and eat a few hundred calories less that day and again the day of.
For example, I followed an IF diet for a long time for maintenance and left room for candy. I saw no ill effects from this and I did not stress.
My advice is to set up a certain amount of calories in a day that you need to adhere to. Pick out a macro profile that you can stick to. Now create somewhat of a base diet plan and follow it but leave yourself wiggle room for things that you like and have those things often so you don't feel like you'll never have it again. However, if you know you'll do bad one day, prepare the day before and eat a few hundred calories less that day and again the day of.
For example, I followed an IF diet for a long time for maintenance and left room for candy. I saw no ill effects from this and I did not stress.
Posted on 6/22/17 at 7:20 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
My mother had emergency surgery a week ago and needs lots of care. My family and I moved into a new house on Monday. I have a job interview tomorrow (been part-time employed for 10 months). My wife is scheduled for surgery next week.
well thats likely your culprit right there. I suggest exercising, it can relieve stress and you wont want to ruin your workouts with your diet. May i suggest a Crossfit class. Group setting, you'll have people to hold you accountable as you make friends. And no stress worrying about writing your own program. Show up, workout, leave.
Posted on 6/22/17 at 7:26 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
I'm a bit stressed.
Yep. shite kills me.
My situation is similar to your eating habits.
Was cruising along for a good 3-4 months. Got down to my lowest weight. Then the stress came and I haven't been back since. Been gaining slowly ever since and it's not good.
Went from being able to turn down every thing bad for me. To indulging 5 out of 7 days a week it seems.
This post was edited on 6/22/17 at 7:32 pm
Posted on 6/22/17 at 8:16 pm to StringedInstruments
I kind of know how you feel, but I never go full retard like that. I'll eat a bowl of cereal. I have noticed if I allow myself to go hungry for so long (like not snacking mid afternoon), I open myself up to temptation. I buy walnuts, almonds, etc and snack on those all day. Maybe some strawberries as well. Crushes my sweet tooth.
Posted on 6/23/17 at 8:48 am to StringedInstruments
I know is sounds simple, bc it is...just don't buy it at the store.
Go to the grocery after a workout when you have eaten healthy. Or tell your wife to not buy junk food. If it's not in the house, cravings are much easier to manage.
Go to the grocery after a workout when you have eaten healthy. Or tell your wife to not buy junk food. If it's not in the house, cravings are much easier to manage.
Posted on 6/23/17 at 8:51 am to StringedInstruments
is the rest of your life that undisciplined too?
or is it just food that you have no control over?
or is it just food that you have no control over?
Posted on 6/23/17 at 4:05 pm to georgia
Just food.
Posted on 6/23/17 at 5:59 pm to StringedInstruments
You need motivation to want to eat better. It's up to you. Does your wife eat right? That's another's thing. If the spouse eats like shite, chances are you will too. If y'all both eat right, makes things a lot easier.
I would suggest to do your best to eat right during the week(M-F) and don't cheat. You'll save money anyway if you avoid buying sweets at the store and not have it stocked in your pantry. Plus a heathly household is a happy household. And then... go nuts on the weekends if that's what you like to do. That's what weekends are for. Hit the gym hard during the week to burn off stress and get your body in shape. Or get a heavy bag and start throwing bows to get a work out. But there needs to be motivating factor to spark the progress to move forward. You can do it and you can fight those urges, just need some will power.
I would suggest to do your best to eat right during the week(M-F) and don't cheat. You'll save money anyway if you avoid buying sweets at the store and not have it stocked in your pantry. Plus a heathly household is a happy household. And then... go nuts on the weekends if that's what you like to do. That's what weekends are for. Hit the gym hard during the week to burn off stress and get your body in shape. Or get a heavy bag and start throwing bows to get a work out. But there needs to be motivating factor to spark the progress to move forward. You can do it and you can fight those urges, just need some will power.
Posted on 6/23/17 at 7:50 pm to AUtigerNOLA
I tend to have the same issues. It spirals to workouts too, or at least is related.
When I'm on a steady routine and good diet, it's easy. But 1-2 days of complete busts, and I spiral out of control.
For instance, about 2 months ago I was doing great. Down about 9 lbs, worked out 6 days a week for 85 days or so (P90X plan). Then got an atrocious stomach virus, missed 4 workouts, and could barely eat at all.
Now, I haven't been able to stick to a plan since then. Intermittent workouts and intermittent attention to diet. For me, it's just lack of motivation and weakness of willpower. I completely acknowledge that I'm missing the mark as I do it. But it's tough to stop.
One thing that always helps me is accountability to someone else. For example, if the wife and I make a commitment to a diet and/or workout plan, we hold each other accountable for it. She doesn't buy junk, and if I eat like shite she sees it and knows (MFP).
When I'm on a steady routine and good diet, it's easy. But 1-2 days of complete busts, and I spiral out of control.
For instance, about 2 months ago I was doing great. Down about 9 lbs, worked out 6 days a week for 85 days or so (P90X plan). Then got an atrocious stomach virus, missed 4 workouts, and could barely eat at all.
Now, I haven't been able to stick to a plan since then. Intermittent workouts and intermittent attention to diet. For me, it's just lack of motivation and weakness of willpower. I completely acknowledge that I'm missing the mark as I do it. But it's tough to stop.
One thing that always helps me is accountability to someone else. For example, if the wife and I make a commitment to a diet and/or workout plan, we hold each other accountable for it. She doesn't buy junk, and if I eat like shite she sees it and knows (MFP).
Posted on 6/23/17 at 8:55 pm to LSUtigerME
Yes stress is a factor and food can be used to regulate feelings. Although there's diminishing returns. You get habitual about eating loosely and without boundaries.
Healthy eating should be a lifestyle, not a temporary thing. Once your mind is programmed to that, you will be able to eat those things in moderation and not go "off the wagon." I disagree with the "cheat day" phenomenon because it is in the realm of binge/starvation. Not not exactly it, but it is disorderly eating. Allow some of your macros to go towards some treats. Give yourself a break. And if you have to add some calories to your plan, do it. You want to make long term. Perfection is nice (congrats on the streak), but you have to be able to sustain something.
Quit being hard on yourself, you made a mistake. It's ok. There's actually studies that show that self shame actually drives bulimics. They starve themselves then break down and binge, then get so mad at themselves for binging. They then feel bad and do what? Binge again (using food to regulate feelings).
Just stay the course, but getting upset with it is not going to aid you. Accept it and attempt to move on. You broke your pattern, but now you have to start another one. Yes dieting sucks, and some people can power through and be strict for 120 days straight, and maybe that's not you. Those people may also have another disorder like OCD that reinforces that. Maybe not, but realize everyone is different. Yes you gained weight back and lost your progress. Change it up and try again. Success is often found after you fail multiple times. It may be easy to say "well that diet worked well for a while, so it's good." But, you didn't get to your ultimate destination, so you may need to change it. It may work to do the same diet (calories on mfp) but to do it with flexibility to have the "forbidden" things and to do it without being so hard on yourself. But even at that point, I would consider it a "different" diet from the one you used.
Layne Norton is a big proponent on diets versus lifestyles.
Healthy eating should be a lifestyle, not a temporary thing. Once your mind is programmed to that, you will be able to eat those things in moderation and not go "off the wagon." I disagree with the "cheat day" phenomenon because it is in the realm of binge/starvation. Not not exactly it, but it is disorderly eating. Allow some of your macros to go towards some treats. Give yourself a break. And if you have to add some calories to your plan, do it. You want to make long term. Perfection is nice (congrats on the streak), but you have to be able to sustain something.
Quit being hard on yourself, you made a mistake. It's ok. There's actually studies that show that self shame actually drives bulimics. They starve themselves then break down and binge, then get so mad at themselves for binging. They then feel bad and do what? Binge again (using food to regulate feelings).
Just stay the course, but getting upset with it is not going to aid you. Accept it and attempt to move on. You broke your pattern, but now you have to start another one. Yes dieting sucks, and some people can power through and be strict for 120 days straight, and maybe that's not you. Those people may also have another disorder like OCD that reinforces that. Maybe not, but realize everyone is different. Yes you gained weight back and lost your progress. Change it up and try again. Success is often found after you fail multiple times. It may be easy to say "well that diet worked well for a while, so it's good." But, you didn't get to your ultimate destination, so you may need to change it. It may work to do the same diet (calories on mfp) but to do it with flexibility to have the "forbidden" things and to do it without being so hard on yourself. But even at that point, I would consider it a "different" diet from the one you used.
Layne Norton is a big proponent on diets versus lifestyles.
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