Probably gonna tick some people off.......lol

[Carlotta1 401]

Pjackson..I understood your message quite well.. I am surely not offended because I know what the "all or nothing mentality" does to someone who cannot enjoy one cookie and binges cause they were not " perfect " with their eating protocol. This " all or nothing attitude " is not sustainable..

[No game 14,436]

I think that we just have some apples and oranges here...

Excuse the spiritual stuff in the picture it was the best comparison I could find at the moment

Why “Everything in Moderation” is Killing People

Published on October 12, 2013

Written by: Kris Gunnars.

I can’t stand it when the “Everything in Moderation” mantra is pushed as the right solution for everyone.

There are biological reasons why some individuals can’t consume certain things in moderation, no matter how hard they try.

That’s because many people are literally addicted to the junk foods they are consuming.

Just like with other addictions, the only thing that works is abstinence.

For addicts, moderation fails… every time.

Many People Don’t Even Know That food Addiction Exists

In the past few decades, literally hundreds of studies have explored how certain foods can lead to addiction (1).

However, food addiction has yet to make it into the mainstream and many health professionals don’t even know that it exists… yet.

I’ve seen many dietitians and other health professionals literally discouraging people from completely removing the addictive foods from their life.

They say that such “extreme” methods are doomed to fail and will lead to feelings of deprivation.

Even though these people mean well, they fail to understand how hopeless this approach is going to be when applied to food addicts.

Chances are that people who are true food addicts will never succeed if they try to eat “in moderation.”

They will continue to eat large amounts of junk food and suffer all the horrible consequences for the rest of their (much shorter) lives.

There Are Biological Reasons Why Some People Just Can’t Consume Junk Food in Moderation

Food addiction has a biological basis (2).

Humans are hardwired to seek out behaviors that release a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the reward system of the brain.

This is interpreted by the brain as “pleasure.”

Many activities release dopamine… including eating behavior, sexual behavior and all kinds of things that make us feel “good.”

This dopamine-driven reward is NOT a bad thing when it happens under natural circumstances.

The problems appear when do things that release more dopamine than we were ever exposed to when our brains were evolving.

Whereas real foods cause a relatively mild dopamine release, highly engineered junk foods that are loaded with sugar can have a very powerful effect (3).

Interestingly, this is exactly what happens when people take drugs of abuse like cocaine… large amounts of dopamine are released in the reward system of the brain.

For people with a certain predisposition, this can lead to full-blown addiction (4).

When this happens, the “reward seeking behavior” takes over… logic and reason fail and the individual starts succumbing to cravings, despite knowing that it is causing physical harm.

This is the reason smokers can’t just decide to “smoke less” and alcoholics can’t just decide to “drink less.” The logical part of their brain doesn’t have control anymore.

People who binge eat and can’t control themselves around junk food have the exact same problem.

Of course, this is all a drastic oversimplification. Addiction and the brain are incredibly complex subjects and there are many brain centers and neurotransmitters involved.

My Personal Experiences With Addiction

I can support this with some personal experiences…

I am a recovering alcoholic and a drug addict… sober since January 4th, 2007.

I’ve been to 6 rehabs, a mental institution, jail more often than I can count and several trips to the emergency room due to overdose.

I was also a smoker for many years, but managed to give that up after multiple attempts.

The reason I’m telling you this, is to demonstrate that I know how addiction works.

I’ve been there… succeeded, and failed, many times.

A few years ago, I realized that I had been developing an addiction to junk foods.

Full-blown addiction, nothing more, nothing less.

I had completely lost control over my consumption… I used to binge all the time and often ate thousands of calories in a sitting.

I struggled with this for years. I tried literally everything… cheat meals didn’t work, cheat days didn’t work, pills didn’t work, supplements didn’t work and various different diets failed.

“Moderation” sure as hell didn’t work either.

Eventually, I realized that I was experiencing the exact same symptoms as when I was addicted to drugs.

The cravings, the thought processes, the failure to set rules, the complete lack of self control… being addicted to junk food was the same as being addicted to amphetamine.

Exactly the same.

Just like with drugs, the only way I have ever been able to stop eating junk foods is by completely removing them from my life.

Moderation failed, every time.

As soon as I managed to give up the addictive foods completely, I lost weight… with pretty much no effort.

I have since spoken to many of my friends who are also recovering drug addicts. They didn’t struggle with binge eating like I did, but they have confirmed that craving ice cream feels the exact same as craving a drug.

Even though there are no reliable statistics available, I am personally convinced that food addiction is much more common than most people think.

If you have problems with binge eating or have repeatedly failed to set rules about junk foods, then perhaps this is something you should look into.

It might end up saving your life.

The Other Side of The Story – Restrictive Dieting and Eating Disorders

There is a strange dilemma here… there are also studies showing that restrictive dieting can cause binge eating and lead to eating disorders (5, 6).

For this reason, being flexible with your diet may be a good idea for a lot of people.

Some people can and maybe even should include some junk foods in their life, without feeling guilty, in order to reduce the likelihood of developing an “unhealthy relationship” with food.

This approach can work for some people, NOT others.

I personally think that people who have already succumbed to food addiction will not succeed unless they manage to avoid junk foods completely.

For these people, the “everything in moderation” message, which literally discourages them from doing the only thing that works for addiction, is seriously harmful.

This is just one of many examples where there are very few “truths” in nutrition that can be applied across the board.

While including junk food in moderation can work for a lot of people, it is a complete disaster for others.

What is The Solution?

When it comes to addiction, abstinence is only the beginning. Sticking to it in the long run (preferably for life) is the real challenge.

People who truly have food addiction may need much more than just a firm decision to stop eating the addictive foods.

Fortunately, there are psychologists, treatment programs, self-help groups and 12-step programs (free) that can help with this.

One thing is certain… a person with true addiction will never, ever be able to consume their “drug of choice” in moderation.

Telling a food addict to eat junk food “in moderation” is just as ridiculous as telling a smoker to smoke in moderation, or an alcoholic to drink in moderation.

It simply does not work, period.

Edited December 29, 2013 by laura-ven

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

Some of us have very serious and dangerous food addictions. Would you tell a recovering alcoholic it's ok to have an occasional drink and not to beat themselves up over it? Because that's what it's like for me. All it takes is just one slip up and it's like I fell off the wagon. I'm so happy for you that you don't have these issues, sincerely, but please don't judge those of us that do. For some of us that little slip of really can seem like the end of the world. Just saying. .. lol

an alcoholic who has slipped should not beat him/herself up either. it is not the end of the world either. it is a sign he/she needs to take action. he/she should create a plan ASAP that actively addresses the slip so that it does not become a full blown relapse. identifying triggers, dealing with difficult situations and having a plan to course correct before its too late is imperative. relapse is like a train ride. it has a predictable route. you can get off at any stop. or you can ride it to the end. the key is learning to become aware that you have gotten on the train. eventually, you can learn to not even get on. its all about being honest and being willing to look at your choices and behavior with wide open eyes. beating yourself up and/or freaking out is not the answer.

[ribearty 544]

Laura, well said. It's not a one size fits all.

I was the same way with cigarettes when I smoked. I quit and after 9 months had 1 and was right back where I had been before I quit. It took me many times to quit. I knew it was like alcohol to an alcoholic one and hooked. I am happy to report that it has now been 28 years since I have had a cigarette.

Edited December 29, 2013 by ribearty

[liltoy 30]

I sometimes eat what I am craving also & sometimes I eat 2much of it or feel like I do n my mind no I do AOL but I don't do it often

[liltoy 30]

Lol not aol

[Arts137 1,811]

I'm only 16 days post op, so eating a cookie sounds awful. I would like a turkey sandwich, though, or something chewy.

I am regretting the surgery at this point. I am cold and tired and depressed. The sleeve is helping me lose---I'm down 5 lb in 16 days, which isn't amazing but it's ok. The problem is that I realized I don't have food issues as much as time management issues (not that I don't like treats, I do). I hate that I can't just quickly grab a taco or a chicken sandwich on the go. Everything has to be cut, chopped, seasoned, heated, thinned, pureed, and then I have to clean all the damn implements, scrub grainy Protein residue away. Then I eat, and it takes half an hour to eat 2 ounces of blended Beans, all the while cooking a different meal for the family. In the meantime, email is going crazy, dogs and kids threatening anarchy, and husband just looks overwhelmed.

Like most working parents on this board, I am going non-stop from 6 am to midnight everyday, longer if kids are sick. What's embarrassing is that despite husband and I having successful careers, we just can't get our act together on the food planning end. I know other people do it--I'm ashamed that I can't.

I'm thinking the sleeve money would have been better spent on some sort of meal-outsourcing service. As it stands, the sleeve is just adding a lot of stress to an overloaded life.

Nothing, hang in there.

This was also me... I grabbed and went... my problem is that most of the grab and go stuff is crap. I wish I had a magic wand for you, but I don't. Work stress definately played a part with my obesity. Thankfully I am well past the parenting stage! Bottom line, I am retireing. AND one of the key reasons is that work was killing me. I know that does not work for you, but felt the need to share.

I am also a food (sugar/carb) addict. I personally can't have ANY or I suffer from food desires for DAYS.

[planetheather 137]

I am 5 months out, I accidentially drank from a straw and boy oh boy did it remind me not to do it again, I wad sick as a dog my stomach hurt utill I started to throw up after the third time I fianially started feeling better. No more straws for this girl not worth it. Does anyone else get cold easier than before the sleeve.

Cold! Oh my goodness, yes! I almost asked the same question. I know it's winter but seriously, I was in Kenya a few weeks ago and freezing at 68 degrees! No, I don't have a fever. I suspect it's a metabolism thing but I prefer to think it's the 85 pound loss of blubber. :-)

[pjackson0523 158]

Yes, my blubber sure was warm.

[pjackson0523 158]

If you have a serious problem and addicted to things as sweets and carbs, then by no means don't even touch the stuff. I wasn't speaking for everyone, just my experiences. I don't think ANYONE can speak for EVERYONE. I am not addicted to carbs or sweets. I do occasionally have a little of each, but, not addicted. I have always been a fairly healthy eater, no fried foods, not an abundance of sweets or carbs. My problem was I just eat too damn much!!!! Instead of one piece of chicken, I'd have 2. Instead of a cup of veggies, I could eat a whole pan. Don't misunderstand me, I didn't ONLY eat good food. My one weakness is MEXICAN food. Love it!!!! I could eat 4 enchiladas, 2 tacos, 2 servings of rice, Beans, tamale all at one sitting. Now, I have to choose. What do I really want to eat? When my nutritionist saw my food journal, she was shocked that I was 264 pounds, because I really did eat healthy foods at least 5 days a week. I've never drank sodas or sugary drinks, just don't care for them. But, anyway, this surgery has definately helped me with MY PROBLEM, which was Portion Control.

I'm not telling anyone to go have a cookie, eat a pie, or pig out on burger and fries. Just saying, don't feel bad if you fall of the wagon. Get up, brush yourself off and realize we're still human. We make mistakes.

[sandisleeve 563]

I'm only 16 days post op, so eating a cookie sounds awful. I would like a turkey sandwich, though, or something chewy.

I am regretting the surgery at this point. I am cold and tired and depressed. The sleeve is helping me lose---I'm down 5 lb in 16 days, which isn't amazing but it's ok. The problem is that I realized I don't have food issues as much as time management issues (not that I don't like treats, I do). I hate that I can't just quickly grab a taco or a chicken sandwich on the go. Everything has to be cut, chopped, seasoned, heated, thinned, pureed, and then I have to clean all the damn implements, scrub grainy Protein residue away. Then I eat, and it takes half an hour to eat 2 ounces of blended Beans, all the while cooking a different meal for the family. In the meantime, email is going crazy, dogs and kids threatening anarchy, and husband just looks overwhelmed.

Like most working parents on this board, I am going non-stop from 6 am to midnight everyday, longer if kids are sick. What's embarrassing is that despite husband and I having successful careers, we just can't get our act together on the food planning end. I know other people do it--I'm ashamed that I can't.

I'm thinking the sleeve money would have been better spent on some sort of meal-outsourcing service. As it stands, the sleeve is just adding a lot of stress to an overloaded life.

--

I'm 17 days out and have regrets at the moment due to hernia pain and incredible lack of energy and feeling like I will faint every 25 minutes

I was in ER on day 11 for dehydration

I can't get down enough fluids due to hernia chest pain

I am losing weight pretty fast but I don't feel good and fear I may have to extend my time off from work -- I am sooo slow at doing everything these days which is the complete opposite of my pre op days; I'm 31 yrs old but feel so much older

I'm cold tired and depressed as well but hoping the sleeve helps me sustain long term weight loss and I'm able to eat without chest pain in the future

Hw in 2009: 293

Hw in 2013: around 260

Surg date dec12: around 236

Current weight: probably around 215 or less due to lack of nutrients & solids -- will verify soon -- I weighed 218 day 13 post op

[McButterpants 2,846]

Sandisleeve - hoping things get better for you very soon!!!!!!!

[sandisleeve 563]

Sandisleeve - hoping things get better for you very soon!!!!!!!

Thanks butter! I sure hope so too.

Just weighed in @ 216.2 this morning - 17 days out with 20 pound loss (a bit too fast to me)

[liltoy 30]

Cold! Oh my goodness, yes! I almost asked the same question. I know it's winter but seriously, I was in Kenya a few weeks ago and freezing at 68 degrees! No, I don't have a fever. I suspect it's a metabolism thing but I prefer to think it's the 85 pound loss of blubber. :-)

I stay so cold also my hubby say I am killing him with the heat wow I thought it was just me

[McButterpants 2,846]

I've been living in sweatshirts and fleece tops! Yeah, it's sexy for sure.

Last night I cranked the heat up to 75, had on a sweatshirt, wool socks and had a blanket over me.