"Food Jail"

[LKZ]

I am a new poster here, but just wanted to share some info. I just read a great book called Breaking Out of the Food Jail, wondered if anyone else has read it or has opinions on the whole food obsession thing. I realize that the more I try to control my diet, the more I obsess about it and exercising! Does anyone else have these kind of issues? If so, how do you cope with them? I feel like I have to watch every little thing I eat, and it seems really silly at times. I'd love to hear if any of you share the same feelings on this. Thanks!

Lori

 

[tsut]

Hi Lori-

Hmmm think I need to read that book too! I definitely have an obssession with food. I love food! If I am having very bad cravings for a particular food I usually try to satisfy them. If I don't, I just feel unsatisfied. I love pizza so if I want some I'll have a slice or two. I know that I do not have to eat the whole pizza to be satisfied. I could eat the whole pizza though, but two slices is really enough. I tried the low-carb diet and low-fat and suddenly I started craving all the restricted foods. For me it's a mental thing I guess. I decided to eat everything in moderation eating clean 80% of time, but I don't deny myself anymore. I just count calories now and that seems to be working fine. And of course I love to exercise. I consider exercise a great stress-reliever so that's something I want to keep doing forever.

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Lori! Interesting question . . .

I've been in The Food Jail, sweating and obsessing about every calorie, carb/fat/protein gram, etc. Thankfully I'm out of it. I haven't read the book you've listed, but I do agree there's a very fine line between control and obsession.

For me personally, I've found over the past ten years or so that, as my exercise program has gotten consistently more intelligent, productive, and - well - consistent, my relationship to food has totally changed. This is especially true within the past 2 years, as I've increased my strength training in terms of sessions per week, actual exercises and weight loads. (I'm still in a weight-load increase mode, and probably always will be!) I've gotten to the point where the Olde Bod will tell ME what it wants/needs, in the form of complex carbs, proteins, fats, whatever it needs and I crave the foods that provide those substrates.

I guess I would consider that control from the inside out. As long as I give my body what it needs in terms of exercise, it will tell me what it needs for fuel and nutrients. Kinda neat, huh? These are days worth working for!

Again, interesting topic -

Annette

 

[StepEdith]

YESSSS someone else has finally discovered a favorite book of mine !!! Isn't it great? I just love that one.

It's probably been a good 5-6 years since I first got it but it's all highlighted and underlined. A 2nd bible for me for sure. Very freeing. Very well written. Packed with great information and encouragement.

Edith