Sugar binger when stressed

[lindyloom]

I'm back yet again. I have still about 4 kilos to lose but if anything stresses me out I'm back on the sugar. Is there anyone who has found a way to overcome this bad habit?

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Welcome back, lindyloom

Being down to your last 4kg is a terrific result! Well done you!

Speaking for myself, the only way I could beat the sugar addiction, was to give it up completely and not have it in the house. If it's not there, it can't be eaten.

Try a different form of stress relief - yoga, meditation, going for a walk, listening to music, take up a hobby.

You know that this forum is full of like-minded people, so why not come on read posts and offer support, it really helps to focus on others when we're struggling.

As a reminder, you can find all the clubs, events and challenges here healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

Wishing you all the best

[lindyloom Restart Oct 2023 in reply to moreless]

Thanks for your reply. You're quite right if it's not there you can't eat it. I'll look at doing some meditation too, which I've done before and it does help me. Cheers. Lindyloom.

[2bfabnfitagain Maintainer 1 stone 2023 September]

I can only cope by banning refined sugar completely day to day. Treating it as poison! In the same way alcohol is used by some to relieve stress/ mask pain I used sugar which was equally bad for me in many ways. It created stomach acid causing reflux/ oesophagitis, weight gain, fatty liver.... all counterproductive to my health long term, versus the momentary pleasure ofa short term fix! ( and guilt / consequences that followed)

I think of sugar as addictive, when stressed I have less resistance to it, start and can't stop, thereforeI fo not buy anything with it. I do eat fruit and fructose is allowed as it isn't empty calories, fruit contains health benefits, vitaminsand minerals. I put grapes in the freezer, if I have a sugar craving I have one or two frozen grapes. I eat other fruit daily as part of my meal plans.

BUT I allow refined sugar as a treat on what I call celebration days. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. I treat alcohol in the same way now ( it contains refined sugar.) As a result celebrations are truly special but rare occasions I enjoy the treats more, really savouring them.... and guilt free.

I have mindfully switched the association with refined sugar from a stress coping mechanism to a savoured occasional treat.

I know we are all different and what works for me might not be right for you, but the key factor for me is health. I was sabotaging my health by bingeing so I took the above measures and it has worked for me. I am losing weight, my cholesterol level is normalised, bp better, fatty liver resolving and I no longer take the meds dealing with stomach acid issues.

Owning the issue isvthe first step, well done and all the best.

[lindyloom Restart Oct 2023 in reply to 2bfabnfitagain]

Thank you for all your help. Brilliant that you don't have to take meds for stomach issues, which I also have problems with. I will keep your advice and own my problem like you did. I'm glad everything is working out for you in your weight loss journey. xx

[2bfabnfitagain Maintainer 1 stone 2023 September in reply to lindyloom]

I didn't warn you.....Sugar withdrawal can be hard at first. I had several days of headache initially. It felt like drug withdrawal, lethargy too! But push through it and it gets easier, after a few days It really is worth it for the health benefits. Drink lots of water, take paracetamol if you get the headache Good luck if you decide to go for it let me know how you get on.

[Eryl Visitor]

Try the herbal remedy ashwaganda to normalise your cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Theis might make resisting the urge easier.

[lindyloom Restart Oct 2023 in reply to Eryl]

Thank you.

[teles Visitor]

Dear Lindyloom

I was 17 stones in my 20's I lost weight calorie counting.I managed to keep at a healthy weight ever since, but After working for Slimming Magazine I became a YO YO Dieter. I could eat a large Toblerone in one go. Slimming Magazine like so many other slimming businesses said that it was OK to have TREATS, useually sugar high foods. It was only in 2007 that I discovered The GI diet. I have adapted it to suit me.

It was developed after research into diabetes in New Zealand discoverd the harm that Refined sugars and refined carbohydrates have on our lives. It is like being addicted to alcohol. When we eat refined foods it sends a surge in our glucose levels, which results in us wanting to eat more. The best way I can describe it is say you are given a big bar of chocolate, you are not hungry , but you decide to have just one square, but you end up eating the whole bar and may go on craving more sweet things. You can find GI diets, but tred carefully, as they are often full of recipies that one can have, but part of the obesity battle is to stop thinking of treats we can enjoy, also try to think as food and drink as the fuel that you need to be healthy. You would not put diesel in your petroil car. We need water for hydration. I like hot water. Sugary drinks and alcohol and artificial sweeteners all have the same effect of triggering cravings. Tap water is almost free so whilst you lose weight you will also save money. It is a huge thing to change perhaps a lifetimes habbits, but it is so worth it. There is a lot to learn, but just take it slowly untill you fully understand it.

Doctor Hillary Jones, who is often on ITV. said the bset way to eat healthily is to eat only basic foods not the proccesed foods and drinks that have lables on them. You can have foods like lean meat, wholemeal bread and porridge oats, not the ready brek type. vegetables, fish, eggs, cheese in moderation, 2 portions of fruit a day. semi skimed milk, This is just a small list. Avoid labled food like chocolate, cakes, sweets. deserts, biscuits etc any food that ends in ose ie frutcose, maltose etc , brown sugar, all sugars, honey, white bread, etc.

My day is like this: a large bowl of porridge made with milk and water nothing else. I clean my teeth 1/2 an hour later that reminds me not to eat until lunch time, when Ihave 2 boiled eggs , or a tin of sardines and 2 slices of wholemeal bread. I have a big meal of fish, or lean meat cooked in olive oil with a large portion of vegetables. I have quite a few boiled potatoes The GI diet says have new potatoes, or sweet potatoes, but I get on well with plain boiled potatoes.this usually cause no cravings for me. I may have a little plain yogart sometimes. I just drink quite a few cups of hot water. I have no TREATS that are edible. This may sound terrible for you you may have loved eating sweet foods, but how healthy has this made you? I no longer enjoy Chocolate Ice creams etc. Belive me I could eat for England before, but I very rarely get cravings now, since I found the GI diet. This diet has proved so helpful for people with type 2 diabetes, they have lost weight and their sugar levels have dropped so low that they no longer need medication. TREATS for me now are socialicing with friends and family, swimming, walking in the countryside, having a cuddle, or a foot massage.

Best wishses from A 76 year old healthy weight lady, who can touch her toes, walk 5 miles, do yoga ect.

[lindyloom Restart Oct 2023 in reply to teles]

You've done so well overcoming your sugar addiction. Like you I clean my teeth after dinner to stop me munching anything else. Reading your advice is inspirational 😉😉 to me and it will help me get to a healthy diet. Your exercise routine is marvellous too. I walk on my treadmill and walk the dog and Tai Chi. I believe once my weight comes down I will have more energy to do more things. Thank you so much again. Lindyloom xxx

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg in reply to teles]

Hi again teles and thank you for your support. I have given you a visitors' badge for now as after reading your reply I assume that you're not actively trying to lose weight

Let me know if you would like to become a regular member. We do have a monthly post for "Maintainers". All the best

[lindyloom Restart Oct 2023 in reply to TheTabbyCat]

I would like to become a regular member. Thanks Lindyloom

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg in reply to lindyloom]

Hi lindyloom,you are a regular member, the above reply was to teles

[lindyloom Restart Oct 2023 in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Whoops!!!!

[Missionwoman Restart Sept 2023 in reply to teles]

Thank you for this. It is just what I am needing at the moment. I shall refer to it when I am struggling.