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Original poster

Do you eat what you want?

262 replies

shrubgreen · 06/03/2023 20:16

Just wondering how many of you eat what you want, when you want on a regular basis - or if you tend to view food in terms of what you can/can't, should/shouldn't indulge in?

Was just wondering as I know so many people who have been on some sort of diet for most of their lives and wondering if anyone is really immune from this? Or do some people really not think twice about what they eat - I mean in terms of "guilt" and feeling like there's a right or wrong way to eat.

OP posts:
Gymmum82 · 06/03/2023 22:02

I used to.....I was also morbidly obese. Now I calorie count. I cannot be trusted to make good choices when it comes to food and I what I want. Is not what is good for my health.
As this thread shows. The only people who can ‘eat what they want’ and remain at a healthy weight are those who enjoy eating healthily. What they want isn’t unhealthy food. Or those with small appetites. Or those who don’t snack.
Ive never met anyone who can live a life off crap food and not be overweight

MrsJBaptiste · 06/03/2023 22:02

No, I definitely have to watch what I eat.

Hitting early 40s and WFH means it's so much easier to put weight on these days. So I stick to 1500 calories a day, exercise (hard) 4-5 times a week and follow 16:8 for my eating window.

Yep, it's rubbish and I'd rather eat what the hell I want but I like being slim more so have to be regimented in what/when/how much I eat.

Thighdentitycrisis · 06/03/2023 22:04

Yes but since being in my 50’s I’m no longer able to do this and stay slim!

Veryfaraway · 06/03/2023 22:06

I eat what I want but only because I have a really active job. My diet is middle of the road I'd say. When I didn't do this job I had to watch what I ate more, but moderation rather than a very strict diet.

Dacadactyl · 06/03/2023 22:08

I never feel guilt about eating, at all.

But I don't eat exactly what I want, when I want...unless I'm feeling slim. If I feel like iv put on a few pounds, I don't eat what I want and make a conscious effort to eat better.

RudsyFarmer · 06/03/2023 22:10

God no. If I ate what I wanted I would easily be two stone heavier.

Zipps · 06/03/2023 22:16

Yes I eat what I want, have stayed pretty much around 9stone for most of my life and have never been on a diet. I have a small appetite and a dislike for processed meat , fizzy pop and junk food.
I do prefer vegtables, fish, fruit, dairy but also my fair share of cake, biscuits, chocolate. Always in moderation though.

Shimmermetimbers · 06/03/2023 22:16

I do. I could do with losing a stone or 2 and cut back on pre dinner snacking but I'm happy and I'm never happy when I try to watch what I eat.

Doesn't mean I don't make healthy choices some of the time and sometimes think 'oh I won't have a biscuit this afternoon as I had a doorstep bacon sandwich at lunch' (today's example!)

But it's a gentle ebb and flow and I try to vary my diet throughout the week to ensure I'm getting a range of nutrients. Nothing regimented or planned though.

I had an eating disorder as a teen and beyond so prefer to keep my approach light towards food.

Rocket1982 · 06/03/2023 22:18

Have only been on a 'diet' once for 2 weeks but I guess I don't eat exactly what I want when I want... Sometimes I make an effort to reduce portion sizes. I don't snack but eat 3 good meals and for dinner I guess I would like to eat larger portions than I typically do (e.g. more than my 6ft DH!). I do eat and enjoy cake/chocolate/crisps/deserts when they are going but I don't buy them regularly. Not sure if I would want to eat them every day though even if I gave myself free reign!

VeryDiamondy · 06/03/2023 22:20

CheshGirl · 06/03/2023 20:54

Go onnnnn... 1200 or less?

Show quote history

@WaddleAway Sorry that was about this ^

QuertyGirl · 06/03/2023 22:20

I should add- that I spent 15 rhapsodising about a blood orange to my family this morning.

I also get really excited about mushrooms, have four types of tea and I'm teetotal.

My life is not for everyone

Bensmum1988 · 06/03/2023 22:22

No. I ate what I fancied (within reason - no bingeing) for about five days and put on four pounds, despite always getting my five a day and making healthy choices alongside heartier, rich stuff. I have a huge appetite so have to eat around 2000 cals a day if not exercising but I’m only short.

PonkyPonky · 06/03/2023 22:22

Yes, I eat whatever I want whenever I want. I have a fairly low level constant hunger. I don’t enjoy meals much but god I love snacks! I definitely have a sugar addition though which I would love to break for the sake of my teeth but it’s harder to quit than smoking was! My mum has been on a diet for my entire life and I remember thinking it was really sad when I was a child. I didn’t understand why she couldn’t just eat something she wanted to

QuertyGirl · 06/03/2023 22:25

I don't see the point in rice or potatoes but can polish off an entire roast chicken or beef roast all by myself in one sitting.

I'm an accidental paleo diet- possibly linked to being autistic.

LubaLuca · 06/03/2023 22:30

QuertyGirl · 06/03/2023 22:25

I don't see the point in rice or potatoes but can polish off an entire roast chicken or beef roast all by myself in one sitting.

I'm an accidental paleo diet- possibly linked to being autistic.

I'm the opposite - no interest whatsoever in meat, but could happily eat a plateful of just spuds/pasta/rice. I don't think there's a name for that diet unfortunately, so I can't claim to be a natural anything but a greedy guts.

DaffodilDiva · 06/03/2023 22:32

I calorie count and eat what I want within my daily calorie allowance, if I ate the amount I wanted to I’d be morbidly obese.

grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 06/03/2023 22:33

I don't see the point in rice or potatoes

Then you really are missing out. beautifully cooked rice or potatoes, there are nothing to compare.

thebear1 · 06/03/2023 22:34

No, I don't eat what I would really like to eat, if I did I would be more overweight than I am. I do apply some restrictions but not enough as currently in the overweight category on BMI. What this thread shows is even those that say they eat what they want are actually applying some restrictions.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 06/03/2023 22:35

No because if I do I bang weight on.Just managed to lose a stone calorie counting and low carb.

QuertyGirl · 06/03/2023 22:35

grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 06/03/2023 22:33

I don't see the point in rice or potatoes

Then you really are missing out. beautifully cooked rice or potatoes, there are nothing to compare.

They more texture than taste- like eating polystyrene.

Give me meat, fruit, nuts, veg, eggs and dairy

moppa · 06/03/2023 22:38

As I said upthread - my diet is restrictive and it makes me really sad.

But I was sadder when I was fat.

So yeah - I've chosen my miserable.

I love carbs, my PCOS doesn't.

On the plus side.. I'm pretty much used to OMAD and was able to successfully breastfeed my children for 18m, I might not sound healthy but my stats are good and I've energy to work full time and function.

Really, really wish I could eat Chinese and pizza every night. BlushGrin

daisypond · 06/03/2023 22:38

I eat what I want and am very slim and in my 50s. I’ve never dieted. I eat cake, chocolate, biscuits-whatever.

Beachhutnut · 06/03/2023 22:43

I eat what I want. I don't believe in dieting.

WalkAwaySugarbear · 06/03/2023 22:44

Yes, it's why I'm overweight.

GoingOnce · 06/03/2023 22:45

These threads come around regularly and it is always very clear that the posters who claim to eat whatever they want and still remain at a weight they are happy with…just don’t want to eat a lot, or too much of the wrong thing.

If all you want is creme eggs and you satisfy that craving on an hourly basis, you’re not likely to remain slim.