Carb addicts like alcoholics-then here are some tips from one

[Paleoanth]

I have seen the carb addict is like an alcoholic analogy used on these forums several times. Since I actually am an alcoholic, I thought I might share some things that have helped keep me sober for 14 1/2 years that can be adapted to carb addiction. Perhaps subconsciously I am using these things to help me low carb as well. Where I use the word drink or alcohol just substitute bad carbs.

1. When I was newly sober (and even now) I could not think of not drinking for the rest of my life (double negative-sue me). The prospect was scary and daunting. Instead I made a decision EVERY morning, and still do, not to take a drink that day. One day at a time was all I could handle. There were certainly days where even one day was too much, so I would break it down into smaller increments. I would tell myself that I just wouldn't drink for the next half hour (or sometimes 10 minutes)-I could have a drink then. Then after that half hour, I would push it back another half hour. Eventually, I would have a whole day down without a drink.

2. I had a sponsor. Someone who had been sober at least a year who could talk me through a bad time and give me the benefit of her experience. I use this forum as a giant sponsor. I also have family members who low carb and have been successful. It is extremely helpful to have a person who knows you to give you feedback, cheer you on and kick you in the butt when you need it. I also called her when I wanted to drink. Instead of picking up a bottle, I picked up the phone. Now, I log onto here instead of eating crap.

3. I had no alcohol in the house! Seems simple, huh? In order to drink I would have to leave the house and go out and buy some. By the time all that would happen, I could either call my sponsor or talk myself out of it by using Number 1 or the following.

4. Think through the drink. This was a very helpful tool. I would think myself through taking a drink and all the effects it would cause. I knew I was not going to stop at one-so I would think about how I felt when I drank, how it affected me, what the consequences would be and how awful I felt after I did it. I knew I didn't want that-no drink tasted good enough for all the crap it caused.

5. Ate something legal. Part of the alcohol addiction is an addiction to sugar-Surprise! Sometimes eating something sweet helped. Since that is no longer an option for me, when I want carbs, I eat something high in fat or protein. I know that for me, I only really crave carbs when I am too hungry. Then, I want french fries. As soon as I eat a low carb meal or snack that craving goes away.

6. Prayer or meditation. Since I am a pretty devout agnostic, this was probably the hardest for me. But I was taught that all I had to have was a power greater than myself that I could turn things over to. I could deal with that. I actually had a box that I would dump stuff into. I would write down my immediate issue, say wanting french fries-and then put that in the box. Once it went it there, it was no longer mine and now belonged to my Higher Power to deal with. I wasn't allowed to take stuff out of the box! Turning things over is hard, as I try to take things back all the time. It is a continual process for me.

Those are probably the main things that have helped me over the years.

[Alina]

Dear Paleo,

Thank you for sharing this! You are a very strong person and it's no wonder you have a great success, ALSO on this WOE.
Take care, my warmest thoughts!
Alina

BTW - I relate to points 3 - 5 very much! ;)

[chelles]

Good post. When I describe my carb addiction to people, they think I'm exaggerating. My father is an alcoholic and my mother was addicted to pills, so I have 31 years of experience recognizing addiction. When someone can eat a dozen donuts in 20 minutes and want a brownie an hour later, and this happens every day, something is going on besides gluttony.

I've decided to treat myself as an addict, albeit one that only hurts herself with overeating. I'd always thought I just liked the taste of food, but I realized that I simply had no power over food, that it controlled me instead of the other way around. Low-carbing gives me so much control that I can't imagine eating any other way.

[Katana]

I almost slid out of here with no response, but I think this post deserves one - so ...

Thank you, Paleo - that is a very powerful statement, and I hope a lot of people read it.

[Iowagirl]

Awesome post, Paleo. :thup:

[Scarlet]

Very powerful post. Very caring of you to share it with us all. Im sure it wasnt easy.

God Bless You.

[Paleoanth]

Thanks guys-

Actually I just thought that some of these things might help someone else. It is all about giving it back. Getting over an addiction actually has nothing to do with willpower-it has more to do with trust in others and doing the next right thing.

[nawchem]

Great Post!!!

I really liked #4. Usually I only think how great something is going to taste and stop there, instead of the whole truth that I'll then want more and more, only taking a break when I'm sick, but still not satisfied.

[Kaillean]

Originally posted by chelles
I've decided to treat myself as an addict, albeit one that only hurts herself with overeating.

Good thread! Had to respond to this post. I think we DO hurt others with our overeating.

Feeling fat and overweight often causes us to withdraw from the people around us. At least that was my experience. My social life definitely suffered, and I think I hurt some of my friends by turning into a hermit!

Being overweight also affected my moods - I often felt sad or depressed and expressed this as dissatisfaction in other areas of my life.

Being concerned about my various fat and jiggly parts affected intimacy with my husband.

In short, I think being fat keeps a lot - not all -- of us from really being ourselves and getting out there in the world with a positive and happy attitude.

Gaining self esteem and confidence benefits not only ourselves, but also those who love us.

Have a great day, everyone!

:) Kaillean

[penelope]

Thank you Paleoanth ,

I needed to read this .

I also needed to read Kaillean :)

Pene

[gotbeer]

Nicely done, Paleoanth. Thank you for that.

(I imagine some of that carb-addiction talk came from me.)

[jers52]

thanks for starting it. I KNOW I am a carb addict - and I deal with only one meal at a time...

Hey, I liked the saying "Sugar Free" and maybe I'll have to get a siggy done up for Sugar Free ME!

Jan

lovin this WOE!!!

[Magicslr]

Thanks for sharing with us. I can totally relate and sometime in Jan. 03 I realized I was a sugar addict. When I think about eating sugar or anything that could even cause cravings, I think about how an alcoholic would handle it. Now I know.

I will be using points 3-4.

You are a very strong person, Paleoanth and I hope you are proud of yourself.
.

Magic

[paradise]

Paleoanth, all I can say is, "Wow! What a great post!" I really think #1 applies in my case. Thank you for sharing that with us.

[Karen]

Good thread! Had to respond to this post. I think we DO hurt others with our overeating.
I agree. Food addiction is just as insidious as any addiction. The difference is that it's a little more socially acceptable because we all have to eat to live. When we sacrifice other things in our lives because eating becomes more important than everything else- just as alcohol or cocaine can be - we've given our lives to a black hole.

Perhaps many of us obsessed over a favourite binge food. We couldn't wait until we were alone so we consume it. Our attention was not on what needed our attention at the moment because we were too busy thinking about food or eating it. And, in spite of our best intentions, our lives got messier. It's a hard thing to recognize because many of us lead lives that we can term as "successful".

Think through the drink.
Yep! Play the tape loop all the way to the end. The first bite may be heaven but what about an hour from now?

Karen

[Bloom]

What a great post Paleoanth, I thank you for sharing :)

I wonder if you are familiar with Kathleen DesMaisons 'Potatoes not Prozac' program? She came to her sugar sensitivity findings though working with alcoholic's

http://www.radiantrecovery.com

Im going to make myself one of those boxs (step 6) its something Id like to give a go :)
Step 5 is what really helps me, if I eat protein at regualar intervals the other steps are not so nessessary.

Thanks again and congrats on the 14 1/2 yrs :thup:

[Paleoanth]

That is really interesting, Bloom-thanks! I am deffo going to check it out.

I really think going through one recovery program and giving up meat as a vegetarian has helped me with giving up the bad carbs.

[Jones]

Like Tsipi, can't let this one go by...

As a drug addict (27 years) and certified extremist (read: addictive behavioral qualities manifest in every aspect of my life), I apply the same principles of AA. The "think it through to it's conclusion" process can be very effective. However, there may be times when rationalization creeps into this type of approach providing that deadly "I can get away with this. No one will ever know" mentality. Obsession has a way of "coloring our perceptions" and perspective. Sometimes what is needed is an escape from thinking. This is when and where the phrase "move a muscle, change a thought" comes into play. Redirecting our thoughts can be useful in managing many areas or times in our lives when truth becomes suspect, or at least blurred. Thus the sayings "count to ten", "take a deep breath", "walk around the block" etc.

Self-deception was a key component in the journey that necessitated our seeking this WOL. Addiction, in any form, relies, indeed thrives, on our propensity for justifying the unjustifiable. The role of self-deception, and it's tragic aftermath, in our lives warrants, actually demands, an ever-vigilant lookout for this devil. Satan is not known as "the great deceiver" for nothing.

Oops sorry, bottom line, sometimes it's better not to think. Sometimes it's better to refocus your attention.

Jones

[DDMariana]

Hey there Paleo...thanks so much for starting this thread...

I sure need those reminders on a daily basis. My comfort-eating and bingeing is a long-term problem that I struggle with 24/7.

For the past 6 years I've kept off a good deal of my lost weight, which makes me feel that I can 'loosen" up a bit here and there...but the cycle starts all over with that mindset.

Lots of good ideas here...thanks for sharing. :wave:

[ladybugvv]

I needed this post today. I am finally acknowledging to myself that I am addicted to carbs. I went on a carb binge this weekend that continued through today.

I thought since I ahd controlled my carb cravings for several weeks, that I could have just one piece of pizza. Well, then I decided it didn't taste so good without soda, so I had one glass. the two. Then another piece of pizza 'cause I still had soda.

And now, 5 days later, I am crawling out from a carb-induced haze and realizing what I have done. And I am ashamed.

I came back to the forum seeking support and encouragement. And your thread is just what I need.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are an inspiration in so many ways.

[Paleoanth]

Originally posted by Jones


Self-deception was a key component in the journey that necessitated our seeking this WOL. Addiction, in any form, relies, indeed thrives, on our propensity for justifying the unjustifiable. The role of self-deception, and it's tragic aftermath, in our lives warrants, actually demands, an ever-vigilant lookout for this devil. Satan is not known as "the great deceiver" for nothing.

Oops sorry, bottom line, sometimes it's better not to think. Sometimes it's better to refocus your attention.

Jones

I agree Jones. Self deception is something I always have to look out for. I was in denial about my weight problem for a long time. I always thought I looked better than I did. AA and other 12 step programs force you to deal with reality and to take personal responsibility.

The "think it through" technique is certainly not the only thing I use and that is why I listed several little "tricks" that have been successful for me depending on the situation. One thing I didn't list but dovetails nicely with your suggestion to refocus your attention is helping others. If you can help someone else with their carb problem, you can get out of your own head.

[Jones]

Originally posted by Paleoanth
The "think it through" technique is certainly not the only thing I use and that is why I listed several little "tricks" that have been successful for me depending on the situation. One thing I didn't list but dovetails nicely with your suggestion to refocus your attention is helping others. If you can help someone else with their carb problem, you can get out of your own head.

Oh Paleoanth, "helping others" is a cornerstone to one's own recovery and the absolute best means of "refocusing". Thank you so much for, in effect, finishing my incomplete thought. You have done a real service with this thread, for me, as much as anyone. I am most grateful. I needed to be reminded of these precepts as an addict in all it's forms.

Thank you,

Jones

[EvenLower]

I've been able to do this diet with no slip ups so far.....so I think i'll try and use your info to quit drinking myself.

[Iowagirl]

Good luck! :)

[SLMDezi]

wow, thank you so much for those powerful words...God Bless!

[Paris]

Wow, this was just the thread I needed today. :D

Thank you, Paleo! :rheart: Paris

[Paleoanth]

Holy camole! I totally forgot I even wrote this.

[Alina]

Great thread....I did remember it.....

Corrupting the young <----- I love this! ;)

Hugs

Alina

[patigayle]

I sure needed to hear what you had to say ! I'm an alcoholic also, been in a program for 4 years. I've tried applying some of the things I've learned to my addiction to carbs. You've given me a guide now.............thank you !

[potatofree]

Holy camole! I totally forgot I even wrote this.

That's because you're an evil genius.

Thank you. :D

[tomsej]

Carb addicts like alcoholics-then here are some tips from one

Thanks for the re-enforcement. People shove plates of sweets in front of me all the time and I have found that only one statement makes them understand:

"Would you offer an alcoholic a drink? I have the same obsession with sugar; I must stay "sugar" free to protect my health."

Only a person who has spent enough time to look inside themselves can recognize these obsessive and destructive behaviours.

Great posting and awsome thread. I use the techniques I learned in meditation to calm my mind and realize that as long as I eat a variety and keep it low in carbs, the easier it is to "fight/brush off" cravings.

Tom.

[Jade74]

Great thread... thanks so much for sharing Paleo. Your experience will help someone here, undoubtably.
I agree that the addiction affects others, no question. I'm sure there are plenty of alcoholics who think they are only hurting themselves too, but the reality is that when you hurt yourself you invariably hurt those who love you too.
I consider myself to be a carb addict, and I too feel that people think I'm going a bit overboard with that description so I generally keep it to myself. But, you can't tell me that first week wasn't withdrawl...

Thanks so much for this...

Jenn

[MsTwacky]

Paleo!!

I don't know how I never saw this post before!

It was awesome!

All of it is wonderful. What I have found myself dealing with for the last 10 years before I actually got abstinent was that I admitted I was addicted to carbs yet for whatever reason, I did what they talk about in Chapter 3.

I'm in a hurry to get to a yoga class this morning but I'd really like to try my best to type out my version of it.

Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real carb addicts/Compulsive Overeaters. No person likes to think he is bodily and mentally different from their fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our eating careers have been characterizied by countless vain attempts to prove we could eat like other people. The idea that somehow, someday they will control and enjoy their eating is the GREAT OBSESSION of every abnormal eater. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity, death or obesity.
(I see it done here often, usually when I hear someone who is struggling with the food talk about someday having control)

We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were Carb Addicts/Compulsive overeaters. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we we are like other people , or presently may be, has to be smashed.

We carb addicts/COE are men and women who have lost the ability to control our eating. We know that no real Carb Addict/COE EVER recovers control. All of us felt at times that we were regaining control, but such intervals - usually brief - were inevitably followedby still less control, which led in time to PITIFUL AND INCOMPREHENSIBLE demoralization. We are convinced to a man that Carb Addicts/COE of our type are in the grips of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period we get worse, NEVER better. :eek:

We are like men who have lost their legs; they never grow new ones. Neither does there appear to be any kind of treatment which will make Carb Addicts/COE of our kind like other men. We have tried every imaginable remedy. In some instances there has been brief recovery, followed always by a still worse relapse. Physicians who are familiar with Carb Addicts/COE agree there is no such thing a making a normal eater out of a Compulsive Overeater. Science may one day accomplish this, but it hasn't done so yet.


(Here's what was the hardest part for me!!!)
Despite all we can say, many who are really Carb Addicted/COE are not going to believe they are in that class. By every form of self-deception and experimentation, they will try to prove themselves exceptions to the rule, therefore non eating disordered. If anyone who is showing inability to control his eating can do the right-about-face and eat like a gentleman or lady, our hats are off to them. Heaven knows, we have tried hard enough and long enough to eat like other people!

[Paleoanth]

Ms Twacky-

That is excellent and a great reminder for me. I have been struggling myself with the self delusion that I can be a normal eater (normal meaning all the bad carbs, which is not normal at all, is it?) even with my thyroid issues.

[potatofree]

...and you're still an evil genius. ;)

Thanks for bumping this up, MsTwacky, and what you've added makes a lot of sense, too.

Eating "normally" is what got me to 300 lbs. I'm going to tattoo that on my fork-holding hand.

[black57]

Wow! This is post is 2 1/2 years old. It still hits home. This is why experts cannot come to the conclusion that the brain cannot function on fewer than 130 grams of carbs/day. They too, are addicts and can't conceive of consuming so few carbs.
Paleoanth, I liked that you shared the importance of relying on a higher being, especially coming from an agnostic. How many of us believe in a higher being but have never considered including HIM/HER in our dietary dilemmas? As a believer, you have really taught me something about my relationship to God.

Thanks,
Black57

[MsTwacky]

Absolutely!

How many people actually pray and ask God (Higher Power) for the strength needed to stay away from carbs. I know I do. Every day is a new day that I have to ask. The food that kept me full yesterday doesn't feed me for today, and all I have is a daily reprive. Each day I start over with a fresh clean slate. Granted that if I was abstinent yesterday, my chaces are better today (physical cravings).

However, there is more to it than this...this is only the first half of the 1st step. There's more. What people (myself included) dont' realize is that eating fills a void. I found out that unless I fill that void, I am restless irritable and discontent unless I could once again get the ease and comfort that carbs bring to me at once.

In other words, when it comes to sugar and crabs, I can't live with them because they are ruining the quality of my life and causing me pain, yet I can't live without them because they do something for me that they don't do for normal eaters. How many times has food been the object of pleasure, happiness, celebration, comfort and escape for me? The feeling it gave me was so subtle and sublime that I pursued it even though it caused me some of the worst pain. I believe that is a major reason why people fail on diets and even while low carbing.

There are many who find low carb and that's it....they change their lives forever. I believe that phenomena is because as described on page 20 of the Big Book....there is a certain type of (hard) heavy eater.

I'll quote it.

"He may have the habit badly enough to gradually impair him physically and mentally. It may cause him to die a few years before his time. If a sufficiently strong reason - ill health, falling in love, change of environment, or the warning of a doctor - becomes operative, this man can also stop or moderate, although he may find it difficult and troublesome and may even need medical attention."

This is dangerous for me, because I wanted to think I was in this category for a long time. 10 years. However nothing but our own experience under an HONEST appraisal of our actions could convince us.

I see it here often, but I have to refrain from pen and tongue often, because people don't want to hear it. I can't preach to anyone, it keeps me from being help later.

sooooooooorry so long.

[Jen B]

I'm so glad this thread was brought forward. This is just what I needed. I am addicted to alcohol and carbs. I've been on low carbs this time since Sept. 1st, and abstinent from alcohol this time for only 5 days. I'm in a very precarious position right now. I'm spending a lot of time on the forums to help keep myself accountable. All of the posters that I gain strength from are my "sponsors."

This is very, very difficult. It's so stark and harsh, like facing into the bright headlights of an oncoming car at night. I have always used alcohol to tone things down, numb me out a little bit, and take the edge off. As I am losing weight, I'm uncovering and releasing emotional baggage that seems to be buried in the layers of fat that have cushioned my body for so many years and have protected me from feeling the pain. This is hard to describe, but there is a lot of pain embedded within my body and my psyche that now seems to be unraveling. It's as if I am disintegrating, and I have no idea who I am going to be when the unraveling is complete.

Without alcohol, I feel so totally raw and vulnerable....

Paleo, can you tell me how long it took for you in sobriety before you knew you had "made it"? Or how you knew that this time, I'm not going back? I have quit alcohol for a whole year before and still went back. I know it's not possible to ever feel "safe" from it's allure, but what indicators did you have that took you out once and for all?

[belueiris]

Jen,
As a sober alki let me suggest that you get to as many 12 step meetings as you can find, get a real live sponser who can walk you through the steps, and pray (to who/what) you believe in, like your life depends on it, cause if you drink like I did, It does.
Surrender to win.
Tammie

[MsTwacky]

Jen,
As a sober alki let me suggest that you get to as many 12 step meetings as you can find, get a real live sponser who can walk you through the steps, and pray (to who/what) you believe in, like your life depends on it, cause if you drink like I did, It does.
Surrender to win.
Tammie

Jen,

I can't agree with this more! It's extremely difficult to get sober alone. Reading peoples posts is not sponsorship. I have an AA sponsor who I see at mtgs 3-4 times a week and I call her everyday!! Now, I'm also in 12 step food program and I call and commit my food to my sponsor every day as well. (Yes, I am that sick)

There are steps we work in the program to keep us from going stark raving sober from untreated alcoholism, because yes, even if you stop drinking, the disease centers in your mind.

I come from a group that believes in regular mtgs on regular mtg nights. So that people in your area can get to know you and I suggest getting a sponsor from one of those meetings. It's known as a homegroup.

I know you asked Paleo for her experience, strength and hope but I wanted to respond to you as well since I have a lil bit of time in the program myself and had 4 years before and I relapsed.

I don't think anyone really knows that they "made it" all we have is a daily reprive contingent upon our spiritual condition. I have seen people with 20 years sober drink again because for whatever reason they thought they made it.

[zajack]

Just wanted to agree with the rest...old thread or not...it's wonderful and thought provoking.

[Paleoanth]

Paleo, can you tell me how long it took for you in sobriety before you knew you had "made it"? Or how you knew that this time, I'm not going back? I have quit alcohol for a whole year before and still went back. I know it's not possible to ever feel "safe" from it's allure, but what indicators did you have that took you out once and for all?

I liked Ms Twacky's answer. I don't ever feel like I have made it. I make it one day at a time like everyone else. There are a couple of things that help me make that decision not to drink each day.

1. The program makes sense to me. I "got" it. I understand that I cannot drink-but as it says in the big book (and I am paraphrasing) understanding don't mean a whole bunch when it comes down to crunch time. That is when the HP thing steps in. I have to remember that my alcoholism is like a bad voice in my head that wants to lead me to self destruction. I cannot listen to it. I am not cured.

2. When I am having a bad day or am really stressed out, my first thought is not a drink anymore. That is a huge relief. I got to that point by having other tools to use when I am stressed out or having a bad time in my life. I don't have just bad days, really-I have bad periods. It was a long term process. I had to rewire my brain by constant repetition and usage of other things besides drinking. I am working on that with food! Now, I want doughnuts! I should talk to someone or write what is bothering me down. I need to work on that by applying all my step stuff to doughnuts. Stupid carby, sweet things.

3. Having to tell my parents I had a drink. Believe it or not, this one has helped me not drink more than once. Especially early on. I DON'T WANT to tell my parents I drank. I have not "offically" made amends to them. My mom and I talked about it and my continuing sobriety is my amends. I really, seriously don't want to have to go to them and tell them I blew it.

4. I really like being sober. A lot. More than I want a drink. I like remembering what I did last night. I like getting my Ph.D. I like teaching anatomy. I like being close to my family. I like who I am now. I like being alive. All of those things are only possible as long as I am sober and/or not obese. In short, I make a list of things I am grateful for.

Good luck to you in your journey. It is hard and sometimes painful, but it is well worth it.

[Jonahsafta]

Paleo....what an inspiring post. It is not coicidence to me that
alcoholism and carb addiction often run together.

I am truly a carb addict. I get people who simply roll their eyes at me when I say that, but that truth is painful to admit. Yes it has affected the others in my life...I am painfully aware of that as well. Once I start I go on a binge that truly creams me physically, emotionally and spiritually.
And yes I go one day, one hr at a time....

[Beeblebrox]

Thank you for resurrecting this thread! A good discussion.

Regarding #4, "Think through the Drink". I find this concept to be the hardest for me, with carb addiction, because there is such a fine line between productive thinking and obsessive counter-productive thinking. I can just as easily talk myself into eating carbs, rather than talk myself out of eating carbs. I try to limit my thinking/rationalizing either way... just the facts, short and brief. Too much internal dialogue is bad for me! LOL!

[jjwhatever]

wow, what an incredible thread! i'm so glad that i found this. i'm in my fifth month of recovery from alcohol, and i definitely take it one day at a time.

i'm making good progress on being all-around healthier:
- going to the gym a few times per week for the past 2 months
- gradually cut down on smoking (1-5 cigs/day)
- back to atkins/lc WOE.

so far i'm doing very well with these changes. i can't say what tomorrow will bring, but i know that as of today the obsession to drink has been lifted.

it's amazing, i never thought that would be possible.

anyway thanks for all your writings. i look forward to talking with you all on the forums. you're amazing people!

[Earthgirl]

Very good post, and it came at a really good moment for me. I am slowly comingto terms with the idea that I am a carb addict.

Ways to tell if you are a carb addict;

1. If carbs and food have negatively impacted your life

2. If you spend a large part of the day thinking about carby foods or eating them

3. If you have any (several) private stashes of carbs

4. If you become irritable when you can't get your "fix" of carbs

5. If it takes more carbs to satisfy your cravings

6. If others have ever "spoken" to you about your intake of carbs

7. If you catch yourself eating more carbs than everyone else at social events

There's probably a better list somewhere. This one is just taken very loosely from what I remember of the alcoholic/addiction quiz.

Thanks for posting this.

Michelle

[liddie01]

I'm sober 14 and a half years, and still have not "made It" I know that as long as I work the program, go to meetings, keep in touch with my sponsor, and help other Alcoholics I can stay sober one day at a time, I was able to quit smoking 6 years ago with the help of my AA principles and now I am trying to apply all I have learned to this carb addiction, thank you for reminding me.

[goldfish]

thank-you thank-you thank-you

I just printed this post to save it. wonderful.

[Paleoanth]

Hey! When did this get moved to Best of? Very cool.

[doreen T]

Hey! When did this get moved to Best of? Very cool.
Hey, I can recognise a gem when I see one .. especially as a graduate (cum laude :lol: ) of the Been There Done That School of Life Sucks When You're a Food Addict.

Thank you Paleo, for starting it :bhug:. And thank you jjwhatever for reviving it yet again :heart:.


Doreen, xo

[doreen T]

...... Despite all we can say, many who are really Carb Addicted/COE are not going to believe they are in that class. By every form of self-deception and experimentation, they will try to prove themselves exceptions to the rule, therefore non eating disordered. If anyone who is showing inability to control his eating can do the right-about-face and eat like a gentleman or lady, our hats are off to them. Heaven knows, we have tried hard enough and long enough to eat like other people!
It occured to me as I read this, that maybe self-deception, such as "eating like a gentleman or lady" isn't such a bad thing. My image of eating like a lady involves restrictive clothing. You know .. the little black number, underneath which we (well okay, "we" who have issues :rolleyes: ) must wear industrial strength garments labelled "control top" or "with extra-firming tummy control panel". You cannot overeat while wearing these. You can hardly breathe while wearing these. Perhaps when the urge to binge strikes, I should consider getting dressed up "like a lady", instead of my usual baggy "eating clothes". It just might force me to be more mindful.

I've been low-carbing for over 6 years, and for all this time I've been 90% "clean" with my diet. My cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function and blood sugar are all excellent (I took Accutane for acne in my late 20's, which affected my liver; I was told that my blood lipids and liver enzymes would be permanently elevated as a result. They're now reversed, and perfectly normal). However .. for 10% of the time, I still struggle with bingeing :(. It's not an issue of carbs per se; I can binge on meat and veggies just as easily as cookies or chips. Bingeing is my way of keeping those nasty emotions stuffed down all nice and quiet where I don't have to deal with 'em.

*sigh*

We are all a work in progress. Congrats to all of us who never stop trying, every day, one day at a time.


Doreen, xo

[Fauve]

Fantastic thread!
This is going to help me in so many ways. Thank you all!

[mirielle]

Paleoanth, thank you for starting this thread. I too am a recovering alcoholic with longterm sobriety...just celebrated 19 years July 6...had my last drink on July 5, 1987. I am practically an antique. :wave:

Ever since I was a youngster, I knew that carbs were NOT my friends and that I could not eat like normal people. Later on I used cigarettes to control my compulsion to eat and keep my weight down. Well, I quit smoking 99 days ago and my weight ballooned, along with all the symptoms of hyperinsulinemia. I am dealing with the recovery from nicotine and food by using the steps...and the Heller's CALP, which works for me. It requires total surrender, total honesty.

And to help those who are still struggling with surrender, here are the Promises of AA, which apply to any addiction, obsession, or compulsion. I suggest reading The Promises every single day and keeping them taped up where you can see them. During the times that I cannot think my way out of wanting to do a destructive behaviour, where deep breathing, prayer, and calling my sponsor seem too hard, I read The Promises, and they remind me of what I would be throwing away if I indulged.

The Promises

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are
half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret
the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we
will know peace. No matter how far down the scale
we have gone, we will see how our experience
can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness
and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest
in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
Self seeking will slip away.
Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will
change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity
will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not
do for ourselves.

Are these extravagant promises? We think not.
They are being fulfilled among us
- sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.
They will always materialize if we work for them.

- - - - - - - - - - - -
From 'Alcoholics Anonymous' - 4th. Edition - Page 83 - 84

[Paleoanth]

Excellent Mirielle. The promises are so important. I am kicking myself for not posting those too.

[Earthgirl]

The Promises

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are
half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret
the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we
will know peace. No matter how far down the scale
we have gone, we will see how our experience
can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness
and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest
in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
Self seeking will slip away.
Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will
change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity
will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not
do for ourselves.

Are these extravagant promises? We think not.
They are being fulfilled among us
- sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.
They will always materialize if we work for them.

- - - - - - - - - - - -
From 'Alcoholics Anonymous' - 4th. Edition - Page 83 - 84
Well, this is a good meditation for me today.

I have recently lerned that I replaced alcohol with food and smoking and shopping.

I had already gotten past the shopping problem. I just quit smoking last week, and I continue to battle compulsive eating.

So right now where that leaves me is; I must face life and its challenges head on and with awareness. I can't numb-out anymore. Which is terrifying sometimes.

ANd because DH and I are both in recovery, I can't make him responsible for my peace of mind.

My thinking has been pretty screwy lately. I know that even when I'm not drinking or doing other things compulsively, I can still have addict thinking.

So, today I'm going to meditate on the above promises...each and every one of them.

[bookwormre]

My first post...just realized that I am an addict...not weak, or dumb, or have no follow through. It is not my fault but it is my job to take care of it.

So thank you for the post...it was like a hug from cyberspace!

[gweny70]

Great thread...thankful I reread this today. :)