Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Addiction support

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Junk food addict

179 replies

JustLifeOnEarth · 24/09/2024 13:33

Sorry if this is in the wrong category but it’s not about weight loss.
I’ve been alcohol free getting on for 10 years. All that time I’ve been trying to kick the junk food habit. One time I went 6 months free—thought “I’ve got this now,” then one mouthful and back to square one. The best I can manage at the moment is a couple of days.
I know it isn’t in the same league as alcohol, but it’s is still harming my physical and mental health. Is there anyone who knows what I’m on about? Or should I just forget about it and be grateful I am no longer drinking?(I am so grateful).

OP posts:
ReleaseTheGoats · 26/09/2024 10:12

I'm the same @JustLifeOnEarth, I've given up Diet Coke countless times and all it takes is to have one can and I'm back in it again. The long term goal is why I'm reframing my thinking now that this is an addiction.

Original poster
JustLifeOnEarth · 26/09/2024 10:35

mikado1 · 26/09/2024 06:56

Well done on the alcohol 👏
I've heard it said foodbassictiis harder in some ways because you have to eat and there's a huge normalisation of sugar being a treat, everyone does it, a reward at the end of the day etc. But some of us can't handle it and can never have one.nfornme the snowball quickly becomes an avalanche and I almost sedate myself, feeling hungover the next day, cranky and low energy. For me, like many with alcohol, a community helped. I'm signed up with a programme online. I listen to quite a lot of quit sugar type podcasts etc andni eat three meals only each day, no snacking to keep blood sugars stable. Just a few days and your physical cravings will drop quickly. The psychological stuff is harder. I remind myself it's just for today and they do tend to pass quite quickly. Some days in flying and som in battling but I know this is the right way for me. I can't do moderation on this, sadly. I find exercise a great alternative/distraction. I look better, sleep better and everything in life is better without sugar. I still of course have the usual ups and downs but sugar doesn't help those.

Thank you for this. It’s good to know it’s not just me. I believe I can do it now. It just takes constant reminding myself of the truth (for me)—sugar is not a treat, it causes me a lot of pain and does not serve me at all.

OP posts:
Original poster
JustLifeOnEarth · 26/09/2024 10:37

ReleaseTheGoats · 26/09/2024 06:38

I’m the same, OP, it’s got worse and worse. Sugary stuff like biscuits (I eat a whole packet most days). I came on to this board today to see if anyone is in the same boat.
I’ve had therapy and I believe I eat through habit and because sugar and junk is addictive.

I am absolutely in the same boat. I’m day three free of it ☺️
if I can do three days, then I can do one more today 👍🏻

OP posts:
ReleaseTheGoats · 26/09/2024 15:07

Are you planning to taper off the junk, @JustLifeOnEarth ? I think I need to stop Diet Coke totally, as a separate thing, and then look at reducing everything else, eg buy a chocolate bar instead of a whole packet of biscuits.

mikado1 · 26/09/2024 16:21

JustLifeOnEarth · 26/09/2024 10:35

Thank you for this. It’s good to know it’s not just me. I believe I can do it now. It just takes constant reminding myself of the truth (for me)—sugar is not a treat, it causes me a lot of pain and does not serve me at all.

Show quote history

It's not just you by a long shot. I think there are huge numbers of people miserable because of this but maybe not fully aware. They think they need a diet or whatever. It's not about will power either, these foods are made to addict you, so don't feel bad or weak. It's such a scourge. I also read Allen Carr and liked it but it wasn't so effective for me as a pp. I may revisit. Food Addiction podcast on Spotify v good. Joan Ifland, Robert Lustig, Nicola Avena all v good. They explain how our brains are hijacked so we're in a constant loop and the freedom we get from recovering. Keep posting if it helps. I would have fallen back into it without support, and I have had slips but I've righted myself and kept going.

ReleaseTheGoats · 26/09/2024 16:26

What support did you get, mikado? I know all about why the addiction is there, I just feel powerless to stop it.

jefl011 · 26/09/2024 16:44

Another vote for moujaro

Original poster
JustLifeOnEarth · 26/09/2024 18:08

@mikado1 Thank you so much for the support

OP posts:
Original poster
JustLifeOnEarth · 26/09/2024 18:09

mikado1 · 26/09/2024 16:21

It's not just you by a long shot. I think there are huge numbers of people miserable because of this but maybe not fully aware. They think they need a diet or whatever. It's not about will power either, these foods are made to addict you, so don't feel bad or weak. It's such a scourge. I also read Allen Carr and liked it but it wasn't so effective for me as a pp. I may revisit. Food Addiction podcast on Spotify v good. Joan Ifland, Robert Lustig, Nicola Avena all v good. They explain how our brains are hijacked so we're in a constant loop and the freedom we get from recovering. Keep posting if it helps. I would have fallen back into it without support, and I have had slips but I've righted myself and kept going.

Show quote history

I read Robert Lustig years ago, it was a real insight. I will check out the others and the podcast thank you 👍🏻

OP posts:
Original poster
JustLifeOnEarth · 26/09/2024 18:17

ReleaseTheGoats · 26/09/2024 15:07

Are you planning to taper off the junk, @JustLifeOnEarth ? I think I need to stop Diet Coke totally, as a separate thing, and then look at reducing everything else, eg buy a chocolate bar instead of a whole packet of biscuits.

That’s great if it works for you. Dealing with the Diet Coke on its own first is a good idea.
Tapering doesn’t work for me, I just want more and can’t think of anything else until I get it. A bit like a toddler tantrum going on inside my brain.
I will just make sure I have good portions of whole foods at each meal and only snack on fruit, veg, nuts. And to begin with I’m not going to worry about how much snacking I’m doing. As long as it’s not junk, I’m winning. Whole foods will fill me up, I don’t get the endless need for more like I do with junk.

OP posts:
mikado1 · 26/09/2024 18:42

ReleaseTheGoats · 26/09/2024 16:26

What support did you get, mikado? I know all about why the addiction is there, I just feel powerless to stop it.

I'll PM you.

mikado1 · 26/09/2024 18:45

JustLifeOnEarth · 26/09/2024 18:08

@mikado1 Thank you so much for the support

You're so welcome. You deserve more than this.

mikado1 · 27/09/2024 06:58

Important detail that I didn't mention, I don't eat flour or sugar as was advised that the flour in my body keeps the drip of sugar there so more likely to crave junk. I've never has an issue with flour products or binging on them but I followed that anyway and it has worked. It sounds restrictive but later if helpful ill post some typical meals I eat really well and actually feel hungry sitting down to my meals .
Also HALT, are you hungry, angry, lonely or tired... these are the usual triggers for junk food. Might give you pause for thought.. my big one is tiredness so have to be very aware and watch myself. Have a good day!

Original poster
JustLifeOnEarth · 27/09/2024 07:48

mikado1 · 27/09/2024 06:58

Important detail that I didn't mention, I don't eat flour or sugar as was advised that the flour in my body keeps the drip of sugar there so more likely to crave junk. I've never has an issue with flour products or binging on them but I followed that anyway and it has worked. It sounds restrictive but later if helpful ill post some typical meals I eat really well and actually feel hungry sitting down to my meals .
Also HALT, are you hungry, angry, lonely or tired... these are the usual triggers for junk food. Might give you pause for thought.. my big one is tiredness so have to be very aware and watch myself. Have a good day!

This is so true! It’s often bread (even wholemeal) that starts me off.
Tiredness and anxiety are big triggers for me definitely. Also sometimes just watching TV.
I had the best sleep I have had in weeks last night. It was a beautiful feeling waking up this morning and not feeling like a dried out husk after bingeing. This is day four now.
I went to a pub quiz last night and our team won—the prizes are always chocolate and sweets. I had absolutely no desire to eat them. During the quiz everyone at the table was sharing crisps—again I didn’t feel I was missing out. The chocolates have been brought home for my teenagers, they are on the table in my lounge. At the moment they have no more effect on my mind than the table they are sitting on.
I have been in this place many times before—that feeling that I don’t need it, and why did I ever think I did? But there has always been something that dragged me back. Not this time. I would not pick up a drink anymore if I was tired, anxious or just because everyone around me was. I will model the same attitude towards junk food INCLUDING bread, because I know the effect it has on me. Absolutely no satisfaction and a craving for more.

OP posts:
Original poster
JustLifeOnEarth · 27/09/2024 07:51

@ReleaseTheGoats How are you doing?

OP posts:
hattie43 · 27/09/2024 08:25

Food addiction is real .

ReleaseTheGoats · 27/09/2024 08:58

Thanks for the PM @mikado1 .

I had a look on Spotify but wasn't sure which one you meant specifically by Food Addiction podcast you referenced upthread, if you could possibly share a link that would be fab, thanks.
I did listen to a conversation between Joan Ifland and Michelle Petties and did find it inspiring, the idea that we can take control over our own stories. I'm going to do some writing.

I'm feeling like I'm at a crossroads, @JustLifeOnEarth, I'm so pleased I found your post. Today is day 1 of no Diet Coke.

I was out last night and didn't have a junk drink (I don't drink alcohol so my go to would be something sugary). There was also a buffet of savoury food and I only took a small amount. I generally have good portion control for non-junk.

fourelementary · 27/09/2024 09:06

Just found this as it came up on active @JustLifeOnEarth you sound like you’re doing amazing! Well done. I love your idea of not banning snacks but allowing healthier snacks!

Im wondering if you, or others here too are like me as I feel I am so “all or nothing” that I often blow it all up for myself… I was doing so well in my eating habits til summer there and I could see a difference in my body and how I felt so much better. But then it was like I don’t know…being better was too much- like that’s not me…so I ate again and again and made bad choices again and like you said earlier it’s not even a treat it’s torture and I know it hurts me really. But still I stuff in the food anyway…

@ReleaseTheGoats what kind of writing helps? I was wondering if journaling might help me… figure it all out and work on myself.

Hope you don’t mind me following along for some more tips and inspiration…

ReleaseTheGoats · 27/09/2024 09:33

The thing I listened to on Spotify with Joan Ifland and Michelle Petties was about Michelle having recovered from processed food addiction through writing. I think she refers to it as changing your own story or something like that. I love nice pens and stationery (sp?) and I’m hoping that writing about why I’m addicted to UPF and my plan to change that might help it stick in my brain better. I know from experience that bursts of willpower are not enough for me.

ReleaseTheGoats · 27/09/2024 09:37

I’m very happy this thread is on this board. I don’t want diet tips, food substitute recommendations for low calorie this and that, or starting weight stats, for me this is about overcoming a very specific problem. This is the first time I’m looking at it like this, and I’m hoping that approach will help.

mikado1 · 27/09/2024 14:41

Definitely the journalling is useful. I must do it more!! So much of it, for me, is avoiding stuff and eating it all away!

My win today was so-called treat day I work - rubbish food that people will feel bad after - I had my lovely salad and it took me twice as long to eat that and it will fill me for twice as long too! The no snacking for me isn't about restriction but blood sugars and not kicking off any potential trigger etc.

I think it's called The Food Addiction Podcast. The icon is a white background with just Food Addiction written on it. It's excellent full of real life stories and a mix of experts. I feel free when I am not eating sugar and flour I really do. Outside that I eat lovely, nutritious meals that I look forward to.

ReleaseTheGoats · 27/09/2024 17:15

Thanks mikado. Today has been a tough day, stressful day at work and I was gagging for my go-to distraction of a Diet Coke and biscuits but I held firm. Did a bit of writing and got a bit of fresh air.

mikado1 · 27/09/2024 18:00

ReleaseTheGoats · 27/09/2024 17:15

Thanks mikado. Today has been a tough day, stressful day at work and I was gagging for my go-to distraction of a Diet Coke and biscuits but I held firm. Did a bit of writing and got a bit of fresh air.

Amazing 🌟 Definitely so many of us have used food for stress relief.. Fresh air and a walk is the perfect antidote! I'll bet you feel great. Friday I'm tired and lazy and feel that pull as well but I won't, I'll have a lovely dinner and get my pj's on and relax.

An obvious one as well is water... drink loads especially starting off. I have hard days and often realise I haven't got my eater in.