I'm 56 years old and have always struggled with a sugar addiction. I can feel myself ignoring any thoughts of self control and running towards that chocolate bar!!! đI also had a shoulder replacement in September, and feel that I've aged 5 years since then! While I was recovering, I got used to sitting in the house and it's become a habit.
I'm finding myself struggling to walk any long distance without getting out of breath. (I also have bad knees. )
I'm watching myself get old too soon and I don't seem to be able to help myself.
Written by
MeganMM
2025 February
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Congratulations for taking this step to come here. The first step is the hardest and youâve taken it.
Youâll find people here follow all different plans. As a fellow sugar addict, what worked for me is not even thinking of following a 0 sugar plan. I remember doing that about 15 years ago and I ended up miserable and I also remember having a bit of a break down in Starbucks when I saw a chocolate muffin and started asking myself âbut, can I never have a chocolate muffin ever again? But I like chocolate muffinsâ.
This time Iâve decided to focus on what I can add into my diet rather than take out. I am experimenting with cooking homemade meals which use a lot of veg and protein (I use a lot of recipes from Jamie Oliver Superfoods book and Emily English who is a nutritionist). I have found since making these meals I am not as hungry during the day and I am less likely to want sugary snacks.
You will find a load of different plans here and need to find what works for you. When I say work I donât just mean what makes you lose weight, I mean what can you see yourself doing forever.
It sounds crazy. But I don't even care if I eat in a day! Hunger isn't anywhere near the reason I binge, I crave nothing but chocolate all day, every day. I could eat it three meals a day and drink mocha iced coffees instead of anything else. It's that bad.
Hi MeganMM and welcome to our weight loss support community. As we age we should become wiser I'm sure that many of us have felt the same way especially after invasive surgery.
Movement is important but so is eating the correct foods. There's a saying, you can't outrun a bad diet.
I was in a similar position last year after a bad fall. I'm a little older than you. I suggest that you try to begin some new habits. I used to walk with a stick but after the fall, I use a trolley, I feel safer, can walk faster and further. I've also started wearing makeup and earrings even if my only outings are walking my dog. It only takes me 10 mins and it makes me feel good about myself.
This the link to our pinned posts where you'll find everything that we have to offer. The daily Diary and weekly weigh in are good places to begin.
Thank you! I will definitely participate, it's so past time for me!You mentioned about wearing makeup. I got contacts and some under eye wrinkle reducer to see, if that could make me feel better about myself. Unfortunately, all I can see when I look in the mirror is how fat my face is. đ
Hi MMDistraction is the thing that works for me , not always but more often than not , if you fixate on something then you will give in , but if you can hold off for say 15 minutes your mind often forgets that you wanted chocolate etc
Contact lenses and eye contour cream is a good start. Now invest in some foundation tint ,blusher and an eyebrow pencil.
As for the mirror, try to see past your face,it's difficult to explain but just concentrate on the makeup, experiment.
I "invested" in several pairs of new earrings, not real gold, just good quality bigiotterie. I change my style every day. From studs,to loops,to dangling ethnic feathers. All my "real "jewellery was stolen years ago. Now I love flaunting my coloured zircon đĽ°
I hadn't used my "piercing " for about 20 years, I also found putting earrings on to be fiddly. The first week it took me ½ an hour, at least, now 30 seconds and both ears are sparkling â¨ď¸
Have you tried journaling/keeping a gratitude journal?
I sometimes find it helps by looking at myself in a new light. The way I look at my children or my best friend, with love and compassion.
Do I have flaws? Of course I bloody do. But my body works so hard for me.
look at yourself and find one thing youâre fortunate for. It could be youâre grateful for your arms because they allow you to hug the people you love/create something.
It might be hard the first few times but once you get into the habit of it, it should get easier.
This then affects the way I eat, as I care about my body (you didnât even need to love it, caring for it is okay). I want to give it the nutrients it needs to do the things I love doing, like playing with my 2 young kids.
Hi Megan Have you tried rationing your chocolate? Or like making a deal with yourself: I can have a small chocolate bar once I've walked for 10 minutes. Or once I've eaten a healthy meal. The trick is to find something that will help you, more than it harms you. And at the moment it sounds like cold turkey is too much.
I know how hard addiction is - I've given up smoking in the past, and I'm currently in the process of quitting alcohol ( I'll be a full 6 weeks sober tomorrow). But it can be done. Just don't give up on yourself â¨ď¸
Thank you for your reply! It's good to talk to someone who knows what addiction feels like. For me, I think it has something to do what the dopamine? Or if not, it's just about immediate gratification, and feeling satisfied. My little promise to myself is that I will throw away any tempting sweets that come into my house, rather than eating them.
Why give something you adore up completely as I feel chocolate has a psychological boost .Just cut it down and have a few choc free days . Donât store any . Buy it and eat it . I have lost weight with balance not punishment . I donât snack but I tag the odd bag of crisps and chocolate on as a pudding . I also watch what I drink in terms of milky hot drinks . Swaps are ideal . Have a glass of water instead of a cappuccino then have a small bar of chocolate occasionally. I have learnt the hard way that if I cut something I love out completely I would then binge then eat more unassociated muck and rubbish or kid myself with a biscuit .
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Hi I'm new
Hi!
Hi.... I'm a newbie!
Hi i'm Suzyshug
Hi! I'm newđ
