[Lexaproman]

Despite the fact that I used to be an exceptional athlete I have always loved to eat and eat things that are bad for me. And not care!

Over the years I have ballooned up to be a large man. And some of the meds don't help either.

I have eaten much better over the last year and have lost some weight but I can't stop wanting pizza and garbage foods all the time. And it's not like I don't enjoy salad or other healthy foods.

Honestly I know a big part of the problem is my self destructive nature!

[Seaswept]

Lexaproman,

You sound just like me. I too am self destructive and also have an addictive persononality, if its not food, it's pain killers or cigarettes. I wish I could get my fire back.

[(JD)]

HI I found I had to remove all sugars, and artificial sweeteners, from my diet for the cravings to go away. (the artificial sweeteners are so close to real sugar that the body responds like they were! )

I eliminated all white foods (except cauliflower.) White bread, white rice, cake, donuts, white pasta, etc fall into that category.

I also use sugar free jelly or jam, and low sugar on any other product I need.
Now I can remember how good something tastes, but it's not like I just gotta have it or I'll die. I insist upon having pizza from time to time though, making sure I put hot pepper flakes on it to crank my metabolism. (No fake meat on that pizza!

Find a picture of you at the weight you want to be again. Put it up where you see it daily and tell yourself that's you! (It IS you, under all that extra, right?)

[Lexaproman]

I appreciate the thoughts and I do make an effort to some degree.

But it is not really a craving for certain foods. I just love to eat. It is like entertainment and I am hungry all the time no matter how strict I am.

But you are correct it is still worth the effort. Recently I have done better by eating sensible Mon thru Fri and eat garbage on the weekend. It had worked for over a year now.

[(JD)]

I hear ya! Sugar is still behind the food cravings... that and the stuff they put into fast foods that MAKE you crave them so you will return! Honest. (I learned this from a restaurant owner, but think it's common knowledge now?)

Before you remove the unhealthy foods you really like, make sure you are getting in enough of the HEALTHY foods. Add in MORE food but make it all healthy. Raw veggies are the best for this, as they are easy to snack on too... celery, broccoli, carrots etc. and also fruits like apples, oranges, grapefruits, green (I prefer seedless) grapes (red grapes have too much sugar!)...

Eat something every hour!!! I'll bet that once you have the nutrition going in, you won't be craving as much of all food.

Now, regarding your "slob" remark I don't think it applies to you. For me, the definition of a slob begins with "someone who doesn't care about... " and you surely do care!

[Lexaproman]

I like that point. Although my mental problems absorb and drain me of so much energy I do care less about my other health than I should. Honestly my bi-polar consumes me!

You mentioned that you used to be an athlete. Maybe it's time to re-explore that part of your personality.

Sometimes, when we are unhappy, we stuff our faces. The human body (and mind) enjoys foods full of fat and salt and sugar. Fast food places know this and their foods are full of it. These substances, especially in combination, are full of them.

There's nothing wrong with having cravings - within reason they are normal. But, you need to explore your other cravings / needs other than that for food. Cravings to feel better physically and emotionally, to like your body and feel comfortable in it. Our craving for food is easy to satisfy. Maybe too easy. Dig deeper.

I am not a natural athlete. (You are so lucky to be naturally athletic and gifted with ability.) Yet, I still get a lot of satisfaction out of exercise and physical labor. Perhaps you can re-visit that part of yourself and bring in back into your life? It will take your focus off of food and help you to lead a fuller life.

[crazyxx23]

it's okay to like "garbage" foods i always say everything in moderation! don't beat yourself up over that, i am sure you know it is only a cycle. the more depressed you get for eating "garbage food" the more you end up doing it! hang in there

[Lexaproman]

At 46 almost 47 years old I cannot do the things I used to and my other health problems limit my athletic abilities but I do what I can there.

I have since replaced that with music.

But there still too much time for me to get addicted to food!

[flamingo5821]

Originally Posted by Lexaproman

Despite the fact that I used to be an exceptional athlete I have always loved to eat and eat things that are bad for me. And not care!

Over the years I have ballooned up to be a large man. And some of the meds don't help either.

I have eaten much better over the last year and have lost some weight but I can't stop wanting pizza and garbage foods all the time. And it's not like I don't enjoy salad or other healthy foods.

Honestly I know a big part of the problem is my self destructive nature!

Dear "fat slob",

You shouldnt be so hard on yourself. Many people struggle with "gluttony". You are very insightful to recognize your self'destructive nature as a big part of the problem. I don't think you can eliminate your cravings for pizza etc., so don't fight it. Allow yourself to have 2 or 3 slices of pizza when you want to. Remember what you resist, persists. So indulge when you want to, but then go for a walk, cycle, swim or whatever activity you enjoy. I guess, try not to be a "lazy" slob. Everybody loves to eat "junk" food sometimes; what's more enjoyable than a bag of chips and your favorite TV show. I can understand that you don't like looking obese, but if that's what you are then try to dress well and camoflauge it.

[Lexaproman]

Good advice flamingo. Actually I have finally come to grips with that and I eat really well for 5 days a week and then splurge a bit on the weekend.