Update on curbing the sweet tooth
September 9, 2009
Thank you all for the support following my last post. It feels good to acknowledge that I have a problem with sugar, and that the problem isn’t just that I like the stuff, I really feel like I am addicted to it.
Since the last post, I have avoided buying candy. My game plan was that I’d allow myself to have it if I really felt that I needed it. It hasn’t been easy resisting; a few times I have picked up a bag of something and been in line to pay for it before asking myself if I really need it, only to get out of the line and put the item back on the shelf.
But that doesn’t mean I haven’t had any sugar. A week and a half ago I went to the movies with a friend, and I was planning to get popcorn and she was going to get a drink. But then she thought it would be a better deal for us to get a drink and popcorn deal but that deal came with candy, skittles at that! I told her to keep it (I even meant it as I said it) but she insisted that I keep it and after some back and forth I caved and kept the bag. And polished it off later that evening. I bought a watermelon later that week to help me get my sugar fix.
And then a few days ago, while looking for something in the kitchen, I found a bag of Mike and Ikes that I had bought months ago in one of my cupboards. This was quite a fluke because when I used to buy candy, I always knew what candy I had at my disposal and where it was. Again, that candy vanished rapidly, and proved to me (again) how little control I have over eating it.
Since I’m no longer buying candy, the afternoons at work seem to drag a bit because tossing candy into my mouth as I worked was how I used to roll. Now I’m very aware that my hands aren’t busy. All last week I went home from work famished. I need to bring some healthy snacks to work to get through the afternoon without feeling ravenous.
I’ve also been getting sugar in the following ways:
- I love water but since my candy buying drought, I’ve been enjoying a sweet drink every other day or so at work. It’s better than the daily candy fix but I’ve recognized what I’m doing and stopped buying drinks.
- In the evenings, I have a bowl of icecream for dessert. I’m not used to having dessert because most evenings I’d just eat candy until bedtime. I didn’t go out and buy the icecream (it had been there for months) but once it’s gone, I won’t be buying any more.
So that’s the update. That and the fact that I weigh myself every morning now and I’ve made it a part of my daily routine. I’m not sure if it affects how I feel about myself but it’s good to actually know how much I weigh. If I step on the scale one morning and find I’ve gained five pounds, I’ll know that I need to take a closer look at my eating habits.
One last thing: I thought I was ready to head back to the gym environment so I signed up for a three-day pass. However, when I spoke to someone from the gym, he was asking me questions about my fitness goals and things and I just felt like they were trying to pressure encourage me to get a personal trainer and I just don’t feel up for all that. Or, maybe I’m being lazy. Either way, the thought of physical activity right now does not appeal. I think I’m cranky from the reduced role of sugar in my life.
That's so great to hear, baby steps. It won't be easy but the fact that you're really focusing on the issue rather than just the end point is great. I would suggest that you don't use the scale because you won't likely see what you want as quick as you want. Go on how your body feels (more energy, clothes maybe fitting better) rather than focusing on a number. At this point it will be discouraging I think. You can do it!
You have made a great first step! and Its great that you are dealing with one thing at a time. When you gain more control over the Candy and body no longer craves it as much you may feel more energized and the gym may become more appealing :)
Kuddos to you for taking this first step
It sounds like you are doing a great job of moving away from sugar and being aware of what you're eating and drinking. Good job!
Crankiness is definitely possible as you sort of detox from all that sugar. You will get through this stage!
Remember how you used to walk or run with coworkers? Is that an option again?
Fruit as a replacement for the sugar you get in candy is a great idea. And if you can ignore the pressure talk from the gym, it is so worth going! Once you've been going for a couple weeks it will start to feel really good.
When I was going through depression back in Ottawa, I made some signs for myself and placed them on a mirror in my room where I would see them every morning framed around my head as I got ready for the day. They were positive statements about who I was, rather than about what I was worried I wasn't!! I know it sounds cheesy but you can't help but start to change how you feel about yourself when you see it written in front of you day after day and it's how you start your day. "I am ….a good daughter, great speller, fabulous mathematician, above par nailpainter"-whatever it is that makes you feel better.
As for the candy, the reverse applies as well- think about what it is about each of your largest offenders that you don't like- "large pieces of cake make me feel sick", "I don't like the way Mike and Ike's stick in my teeth", "skittles are too sweet and grainy". If you start to think negatively about the sugary stuff, your eating habits will change too.
►Shannon
Yup, it's not easy at all and I had a relapse the day after this entry.
I'm using the scale more to ensure that I'm not getting bigger than to see any big changes. Since I'm still eating white rice regularly, and not working out very regularly, I don't expect to see any big losses.
I appreciate the continued encouragement.
►Oya
Thanks! Going cold turkey on the candy seems to be my biggest stumbling block…not surprisingly. But yes, exercising is the last thing on my mind right now.
►Emma
Oh, I have been so cranky! I caved unfortunately and had some candy on Friday and Saturday but I knew that would happen so I can't beat myself up over it. The house is free of candy again so I guess I have to get back on the wagon.
Good memory! Walking with coworkers is still an option but I'm feeling very lazy about being physical. Not good, I know.
►Jess
I just found myself exhausted by the thought of dealing with sales pressure from gym folks. Once I get into a gym routine I always feel good, but when I fall off the wagon it's hard to get back on it.
►Juli
I have never really tried this technique but I can see how "I do not need candy to be happy" or "Candy doesn't do any lasting good for me" might help me during the day. And I need to surround myself with healthy alternatives. Thanks for your comment!
It's hard to quit the stuff. I know! I ate some refined sugar in the form of cookies this weekend for the first time in a while and I felt so sick. My body just operates better now that I have cleared it of it. I never thought I'd feel that way! I know it's super hard to crack the addiction. I had mean headaches when I first started. That Potatoes Not Prozac book really helped me.