I'm really trying to change my life for the better but coworkers, friends, family...it seems everywhere I turn I'm being asked to go out to eat somewhere. Or any events that are planned include cake, cookies, cupcakes and other foods. Hell, I walked into a gym yesterday where they had a table of cookies and cupcakes set up for purchase. At a gym...Really?! It's like this food Devil knows my every weakness and is following me everywhere I go! LOL! I know there are other things to do besides eat. I need to be doing those things. Lord please help me overcome this food issue because it doesn't seem like there is any way I can avoid food altogether!

It is part of our culture to be surrounded by food. It is why we are the most obese nation in the world. It is only here that we have fast food every 100 yards. In the third world countries, their lives revolve around food too, only they are wondering where their next bite will come from instead of which tasty morsel to consume. We are spoiled brats!!

Yes it does make it very difficult for those of us who cannot resist, but that is the dark side of living a life of freedom and prosperity. What to do??? Kathe

Sad but true..... It's about keeping focus on what we want.... and the will power to say no.... this is easier said then done

It makes it rough at times when so many things end up food oriented. I wasn't sleeved yet, but a few months ago I was slightly disappointed maybe even a little peeved that the reward that my office received for doing well was a small luncheon...a sub platter, some chips and some soda. Granted, it was probably economical for my employer but considering my office was being rewarded for over a year of hard work, which we did without the benefit of a supervisor it was a little sparse. I think that most of the folks in my small office would have been happier with a gift card or something along those lines. I'm very much not into food oriented rewards...especially now.

because its a commonality among all people - all people have to eat. Makes people more comfortable as a general rule.

I'm one of those foodies that brings food to the office to share. I have always been conscious of people's different lifestyles - I always make sure to bring appealing healthy foods as well as the devilish ones

i dont stop myself from enjoying something that i really want, or it will just sit there in my mind until i break down and have to much. i instead take a little bit, and enjoy that little bit, savor it. that way it is finally out of my mind and i can move on. i think it is self sabatoging to say to ones self.....i cant have this or that any more. better to say, i can have that occationally and just a little bit. unfortunatly food is forever going to be a part of our every day lives...we have to learn how to manage it, and survive the bad stuff. that is why i believe that food addiction is the worst addiction there is. for all the other addictions you are supposed to stop completely and avoid it all together. for food we are supposed to have it every day. tell an alcholic or a drug addict to have just a little every day to survive...and see what happens.

good luck! thank god for the sleeve!

Yes, I too have come to the same realization. I've even dropped out of a motorcycle organization I belong to because of it. They met monthly at a restaurant for the monthly gathering, all rides revolved around a destination, almost always another restaurant. All parties were around a restaurant or someones house and involved just food. While I enjoy the company of the club I just could not be around food that much ALL the time.

We, especially here in the USA, have become a victim of our own prosperity. We have created this massive infrastructure that makes nearly ANY food cheap and easy to get. We've demanded more and more for our money so portions are larger than ever. And we eat it all and come back for more.

As Pogo said decades ago, "I have met the enemy, and he is us".

"Everyting is about sex. Except for sex, which is about aggression." And we manifest it as food.

I used to read literature that said obesity was a triple threat because it had physical, behavioral, and emotional roots. Bah. The social aspect is a big one (and we can't neglect the cognitive, and perhaps even economic, and...) How may social events do you go to that don't have food, and aren't WLS support groups? (And even those usually have food). And what is it about socializing that makes portions invisible? "I'm so full I can't eat another bite, as I sit here eating another bite."

Enjoy in healthy moderation. IMO, it's a much more healthier (in all aspects) approach that deprivation.

You know how people advise that if you're nervous, you should picture your audience in their underwear? Too bad there isn't something similar with food. Like picture Clint Howard rubbing that food over his naked body. Bet you won't want it then.

Food has been one of the main things in our society for many, many years. When people used to go visit they would take a desert or some dish. No matter when you went to visit they always had to get you something to eat. I guess the way I look at it is that most if not all things revolve around food and alcohol. If I am going to a party or out to dinner I try and plan on what I will be having or take something with me for the party that I know that I can have and not abuse my intake for the evening. When going out I always try and look at the menu online to see what I can order in advance. All of my friends know that buffet meals are out for me as I can not eat that much food and I am not paying the cost for a piece of meat, a veggie and a little potato.

You need to get involved in different clubs such as a running club, kntting group. scrapbooking or something where you can keep your hands busy with something other than shoveling food from a plate to your mouth. I know that when I sit and watch TV and see all of the food commercials I try to have something to do with my hands like a crossword or putting photos into an album or emailing etc.

You know how people advise that if you're nervous, you should picture your audience in their underwear? Too bad there isn't something similar with food. Like picture Clint Howard rubbing that food over his naked body. Bet you won't want it then.

LOL...thanks for that visual Wheetsin!

As Pogo said decades ago, "I have met the enemy, and he is us".

Thank you Rootman, I like that quote. You pretty much summed it up!