How do I learn self-control?

[Anonymous]

I've gained 80 lbs since beginning to WHF 15 years ago. I simply cannot be around food without eating it. Now that the kids are growing up and need constant snacks in the house, it's even more difficult - I'll literally snack all day. I can't keep doing this. Yes, I've tried stocking things like celery, but DH brings home chips and other prepackaged things. Advice?

[Anonymous]

My self-control starts at the grocery store. I don't buy that sh** or let it into my house. If it's in the house, I'll eat it. If you have to, allocate a drawer that is yours and one that is theirs. Never ever open theirs.

[Anonymous]

I am someone with an extreme sugar addiction, as in I would stop by Krispy Kreme and get three donuts to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have a very high risk of diabetes (both parents type 2 and I have high post meal glucose numbers even though a1c is good) and was forced to cut sugar. Only one thing worked for me, which I know goes against current discourse on food: I shamed myself for indulging in donuts and cake. Literally would berate myself every time I did it. Finally, in January the guilt and shame got so bad that I just stopped! My daily trips to Wegmans to get two slices of cake stopped! I am so happy and so proud of myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am someone with an extreme sugar addiction, as in I would stop by Krispy Kreme and get three donuts to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have a very high risk of diabetes (both parents type 2 and I have high post meal glucose numbers even though a1c is good) and was forced to cut sugar. Only one thing worked for me, which I know goes against current discourse on food: I shamed myself for indulging in donuts and cake. Literally would berate myself every time I did it. Finally, in January the guilt and shame got so bad that I just stopped! My daily trips to Wegmans to get two slices of cake stopped! I am so happy and so proud of myself.

Unfortunately I already have extremely low self-confidence, so shaming would be the worst thing for me.

[Anonymous]

I am the PP. I will also add that I grew up in a household with a very relaxed approach to food, so I was allowed to eat as much junk as I wanted. That only served to intensify my sweet tooth. I advise you to stop buying your kids unhealthy snacks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am someone with an extreme sugar addiction, as in I would stop by Krispy Kreme and get three donuts to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have a very high risk of diabetes (both parents type 2 and I have high post meal glucose numbers even though a1c is good) and was forced to cut sugar. Only one thing worked for me, which I know goes against current discourse on food: I shamed myself for indulging in donuts and cake. Literally would berate myself every time I did it. Finally, in January the guilt and shame got so bad that I just stopped! My daily trips to Wegmans to get two slices of cake stopped! I am so happy and so proud of myself.

Unfortunately I already have extremely low self-confidence, so shaming would be the worst thing for me.

I have very low confidence too, and am even in therapy for that. But what I accomplished in changing my eating habits has made me feel empowered and really good about myself. So yes, I did shame myself quite a bit but the outcome is very much worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am the PP. I will also add that I grew up in a household with a very relaxed approach to food, so I was allowed to eat as much junk as I wanted. That only served to intensify my sweet tooth. I advise you to stop buying your kids unhealthy snacks.

I don't. DH does. I've talked to him about this, and he says they shouldn't suffer because I can't stop eating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the PP. I will also add that I grew up in a household with a very relaxed approach to food, so I was allowed to eat as much junk as I wanted. That only served to intensify my sweet tooth. I advise you to stop buying your kids unhealthy snacks.

I don't. DH does. I've talked to him about this, and he says they shouldn't suffer because I can't stop eating.

Well, he is harming them long term. I wish my parents didn't allow me to eat refined carbs every day (especially considering they know our family's history with diabetes). My sister doesn't have a sweet tooth so she's fine, but it was really painful for me to cut out refined carbs--cake and donuts bring me actual joy. If I hadn't grown up in a household with a relaxed attitude about food, maybe my sugar craving wouldn't have developed the way it did.

[Anonymous]

I think that instead of relying on self-control, you should change your environment. Is there any way you can get a different job where you're in the office at least a few days a week?

You should also figure out something else to do when you're bored. Keep your mouth occupied with carrot sticks, sparkling water, or even a sucker. I also find playing with slime helps me avoid snacking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the PP. I will also add that I grew up in a household with a very relaxed approach to food, so I was allowed to eat as much junk as I wanted. That only served to intensify my sweet tooth. I advise you to stop buying your kids unhealthy snacks.

I don't. DH does. I've talked to him about this, and he says they shouldn't suffer because I can't stop eating.

Well, he is harming them long term. I wish my parents didn't allow me to eat refined carbs every day (especially considering they know our family's history with diabetes). My sister doesn't have a sweet tooth so she's fine, but it was really painful for me to cut out refined carbs--cake and donuts bring me actual joy. If I hadn't grown up in a household with a relaxed attitude about food, maybe my sugar craving wouldn't have developed the way it did.

Fortunately-unfortunately, they are all very healthy athletes with normal weight. They need some carbs to participate in their sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am someone with an extreme sugar addiction, as in I would stop by Krispy Kreme and get three donuts to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have a very high risk of diabetes (both parents type 2 and I have high post meal glucose numbers even though a1c is good) and was forced to cut sugar. Only one thing worked for me, which I know goes against current discourse on food: I shamed myself for indulging in donuts and cake. Literally would berate myself every time I did it. Finally, in January the guilt and shame got so bad that I just stopped! My daily trips to Wegmans to get two slices of cake stopped! I am so happy and so proud of myself.

Unfortunately I already have extremely low self-confidence, so shaming would be the worst thing for me.

Give it a shot. It will help.

But more importantly, join something like a CrossFit gym. This worked for me AND for my wife. The group workouts and community are fun, everyone is very encouraging. And you quickly enter a cycle where when you start to reach for the donut, you recognize what it's going to cost you during tomorrow's workout. So it's way easier to eat a banana instead. Seriously--fighting this with diet alone is the absolute hardest way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am someone with an extreme sugar addiction, as in I would stop by Krispy Kreme and get three donuts to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have a very high risk of diabetes (both parents type 2 and I have high post meal glucose numbers even though a1c is good) and was forced to cut sugar. Only one thing worked for me, which I know goes against current discourse on food: I shamed myself for indulging in donuts and cake. Literally would berate myself every time I did it. Finally, in January the guilt and shame got so bad that I just stopped! My daily trips to Wegmans to get two slices of cake stopped! I am so happy and so proud of myself.

Unfortunately I already have extremely low self-confidence, so shaming would be the worst thing for me.

Give it a shot. It will help.

But more importantly, join something like a CrossFit gym. This worked for me AND for my wife. The group workouts and community are fun, everyone is very encouraging. And you quickly enter a cycle where when you start to reach for the donut, you recognize what it's going to cost you during tomorrow's workout. So it's way easier to eat a banana instead. Seriously--fighting this with diet alone is the absolute hardest way.

Literally not true.

[Anonymous]

Tell DH not to bring those things home. I use fruit and cut up veg, nuts and popcorn as snacks. Right now I have cashews, pistachios, blueberries, red pepper, and carrots at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am someone with an extreme sugar addiction, as in I would stop by Krispy Kreme and get three donuts to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have a very high risk of diabetes (both parents type 2 and I have high post meal glucose numbers even though a1c is good) and was forced to cut sugar. Only one thing worked for me, which I know goes against current discourse on food: I shamed myself for indulging in donuts and cake. Literally would berate myself every time I did it. Finally, in January the guilt and shame got so bad that I just stopped! My daily trips to Wegmans to get two slices of cake stopped! I am so happy and so proud of myself.

Unfortunately I already have extremely low self-confidence, so shaming would be the worst thing for me.

I have very low confidence too, and am even in therapy for that. But what I accomplished in changing my eating habits has made me feel empowered and really good about myself. So yes, I did shame myself quite a bit but the outcome is very much worth it.

Holy cow

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the PP. I will also add that I grew up in a household with a very relaxed approach to food, so I was allowed to eat as much junk as I wanted. That only served to intensify my sweet tooth. I advise you to stop buying your kids unhealthy snacks.

I don't. DH does. I've talked to him about this, and he says they shouldn't suffer because I can't stop eating.

Well, he is harming them long term. I wish my parents didn't allow me to eat refined carbs every day (especially considering they know our family's history with diabetes). My sister doesn't have a sweet tooth so she's fine, but it was really painful for me to cut out refined carbs--cake and donuts bring me actual joy. If I hadn't grown up in a household with a relaxed attitude about food, maybe my sugar craving wouldn't have developed the way it did.

Fortunately-unfortunately, they are all very healthy athletes with normal weight. They need some carbs to participate in their sports.

DP if you're the OP, your lax approach to food for your family is everything that's wrong. They need healthy carbs yes. They don't need junk food and sugar.