why do I associate relaxing with sweet... - Weight Loss Support

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why do I associate relaxing with sweet treats? 😳

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024
17 Replies

I haven’t been on here for a long time but I feel drawn back, as before I found it all so helpful and inspiring.

I lack the willpower to stick permanently to healthy eating despite good intentions. Why do I associate relaxing with sweet treats? Anything goes wrong - the answer really isn’t to cheer myself up with a choccy bar or cake. I know what I should be doing to lose weight, but still don’t do it.

Any tips to re-inspire myself please lovely people? Or maybe I need therapy! 🥴

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HJC321 profile image
HJC321
Restart April 2024
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17 Replies
springersrule profile image
springersruleModerator76kg

Hi HJC321 and welcome back, you are right this is a great forum so i hope as you join in, you will get help with the motivation and determination you need.

I think the problem with sweets/chocolates etc is they are always marketed as something to have when you take a break so the association is set in our brains from childhood. I know as kids, me and my brothers and sister were never allowed sweets adlib, it was at a certain time and we had to sit quietly while we ate them. No one ever says eat these while you are out on a run or in the gym lol I think the secret is to find something else to do with your hands so that that desire for sweets doesn't get a look in :-)

I don't think much has changed since you were last here but i'm addiing a link to the Pinned Posts as a reminder. Dont forget, we suggest you join in with the Weekly Weigh In and the Daily Diary as a minimum.

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

I look forward to seeing you active around the forum :-) xx

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024 in reply to springersrule

Hi springersrule (love that name! - bet your dogs are gorgeous)

Thank you for the welcome back and I quite agree, these sweet treat habits are formed from childhood mainly and advertising. A good idea to keep hands busy, I must find a craft I think.

Thank you again and I look forward to keeping up with other members stories and inspiration. 😊 xx

springersrule profile image
springersruleModerator76kg in reply to HJC321

You're very welcome HJC321 and yes my dogs are definitely gorgeous lol 2 Springers, 1 girl 1 boy, and a cocker girl that's here on foster ❤️❤️❤️ xx

Eternal_Flame profile image
Eternal_Flame2024 April

Hi, I have the same problem with reaching for sweet treats all the time! I know the theory of what I should do - eat more protein in meals so I'm not hungry, busy my hands when I'm stationary, drink more water - but in the moment, the treats win out! Hopefully we can work through this together. Let me know if you find a tip that works for you!

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024 in reply to Eternal_Flame

Hi 😊 - it does help to know I’m not the only one finding it hard to ditch the sweet treats! My very slim daughter gets exasperated and asks which is stronger - my desire to be slim or my desire to eat sweet treats? When looking at it like that, the answer is simple really….

Yes hopefully we can work through this. Here’s to feeling slimmer by summer ☺️ x

Eternal_Flame profile image
Eternal_Flame2024 April in reply to HJC321

It's good you have encouragement at home. I just have my husband who eats even more junk than I do! That's what makes it so hard, the feeling I'm missing out!

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024 in reply to Eternal_Flame

I hope you can encourage him to think more of his health risks with extra weight eating junk food. We’re not losing out by eating good healthy food. I always feel better mentally as well as physically when I eat healthier.

Have a good week! 😊

Eryl profile image
ErylVisitor

The reason that you reach for sweets to feel relaxed is that higher blood sugar makes the body release more dopamine so you're basically hooked on sugar like a drug. The answer is a low carb diet and fuelling yourself on fat.

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024 in reply to Eryl

Thanks for replying 😊

Really - eating fat? How can that be a good thing?. I can understand low carb though. I wonder if there are is anything I can read up on this….🤔

moreless profile image
morelessAdministrator7 stone in reply to HJC321

Maybe these could help, HJC321?

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

dietdoctor.com/low-carb (you do not need to sign up)

dietdoctor.com/new-study-lo....

There's more where this came from :)

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024 in reply to moreless

Thank you 🥰

moreless profile image
morelessAdministrator7 stone in reply to HJC321

You're very welcome :)

Eryl profile image
ErylVisitor in reply to HJC321

Because you need calories and if you reduce carbs which are high in calories you must replace them with fat. If you want to lose weight don't eat more fat which will mean that you'll burn body fat but if you don't want to lose weight you'll need to raise your fat intake. youtu.be/KueqqIlVDo4?si=LAQ...

Hectorsmum2 profile image
Hectorsmum2Visitor

I have found over eaters anonymous helpful and I leanrt there to plan my treats with somebody else. So I would plan with someone to have a peice of birthday cake or some mince pies at Christmas. I kept my eating sugar for special occasions and kept myself accountable by talking through my plans with someone. I am not able to eat suagr anymore and can mange fine with out now but for a long time I needed the occasional indulgence.

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024 in reply to Hectorsmum2

Thanks for your reply. Well done you! You stuck with it and it paid off. Sugar is definitely an addiction. Over Eaters anonymous? crumbs I’ve never heard of it. It must be great if you have someone to share the plan of cutting out sugar with as you did. Again, well done! 👏👏😊

focused1 profile image
focused1Maintainer13kg

Seems tough but we can only eat what we buy . Knowing I have those cakes etc in the house and I will crave my addiction. I don’t buy them anymore. I have a few low cal hot choc sachets . As they are boiling hot you sip so the drink lasts ages .

HJC321 profile image
HJC321Restart April 2024 in reply to focused1

Good idea to have various tactics. 👍😊

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