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How do you stick to a diet?

Started by Betty Harris15 · · 👁 4 views · 149 replies

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Participants Betty Harris15Sam Jackson2Michael Morris10redharbor9Michael Cruz3Thomas Wilson76James Ramirez10goldenpilot20placidlynx24stormyheron4Keith Jones76Amy Green4Jerry Morales4feralhound55Edward Reed2Aaron Howard27Benjamin Grant6analogdriver52Kate Thompson2hiddenhawk3Jerry Martinez5wearycobra252Frank Hughes56quietpilot87 …
Betty Harris15 Betty Harris15 MemberOP
23 messages
joined Aug 2009
#1 ·
It’s always the same story... I start strong, then I fail. Sometimes I last longer, but eventually, I'm right back where I started. Honestly, I just don't feel good in my own skin, and I want to finally fix this by dropping the extra weight once and for all.
Look, I get that it's mostly mental and that I should just force myself to stay disciplined... but the second I feel a little down, I turn to food to cope. It's more like I'm using food to comfort myself, really.
And it’s just a cycle. I’m terrified that time is slipping away and I'll never break free from this, never actually feel relaxed or happy with myself.
Sam Jackson2 Sam Jackson2 Newcomer
1 message
joined Aug 2009
#2 ·
Look, honey, we’re dealing with the exact same thing right now.
You just HAVE to force yourself to do it. No one else is going to step up and do the work for you.
I get that it’s tough and all, but you HAVE to if you actually want to change your life.
Michael Morris10 Michael Morris10 Newcomer
1 message
joined Aug 2009
#3 ·
Hmm... perhaps at those specific moments when you feel an intense craving for food, you might try pausing to consider how unhappy you'll actually feel once you've finished eating. Ideally, that realization should serve as the necessary nudge to help you resist the urge.
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#4 ·
Look, just lose weight the right way. 😉 Hit the gym instead of just starving yourself... honestly, it’s the only way to actually do it. Plus, working out fixes that "feeling crappy" vibe and helps with the blues since it actually boosts your mood...

You could also just overhaul what you eat. Like, following the Hayek diet approach—focusing on food combining—gets your weight back where it belongs while fixing everything else too...
Michael Cruz3 Michael Cruz3 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Aug 2009
#5 ·
I suppose I should be honest about this, though it is difficult to admit. There was a time when I would spend entire days without eating anything at all; whenever hunger finally set in, I would simply drink some water, turn on the television, and go through my exercises. While I felt quite wonderful in those moments, it was ultimately a dangerous cycle. The less you eat, the less your body demands, until you reach a breaking point where even basic self-care—like the simple task of sitting down for lunch—feels like an impossible chore. I found myself physically unable to eat because I had conditioned my body to reject food entirely. 😳 Please, do not put yourself on a restrictive diet; it isn't worth it. Instead, try eating smaller portions five times a day, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whatever else you need to function like a healthy, normal person. You won't find any true satisfaction in yourself by starving. If you have a larger build, learn to accept it. If you feel you are overindulging, just practice moderation, stay hydrated, and try walking instead of driving to work or school. A brisk one or two-hour walk can make a world of difference. It is often hard to commit to a specific sport, but if you do choose something, I highly recommend dance; it doesn't just keep you fit, it truly shapes your physique.
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#6 ·
Yeah, that’s actually a solid question. What are we even talking about here? What do you usually eat? If you get those cravings when you're feeling down or whatever, what's your go-to? You grabbing a chocolate bar or reaching for an apple?
Thomas Wilson76 Thomas Wilson76 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Aug 2009
#7 ·
You really need to have a solid goal in place first; I wouldn't recommend starting any diet until you do. Maybe don't just make it about looking good, either. Instead, try to find something you actually care about—something that could really help you down the road. If you have a purpose like that, I guess you'll find the strength to stick with it, believe me. Having a strong goal is what matters most!
James Ramirez10 James Ramirez10 Active Member
69 messages
joined Apr 2009
#8 ·
We need to find comfort in things other than food.🤷
goldenpilot20 goldenpilot20 Member
22 messages
joined May 2009
#9 ·
Here’s an interesting topic for us to dive into
kids aren't always at their healthiest
placidlynx24 placidlynx24 Newcomer
6 messages
joined Jun 2009
#10 ·
Betty Harris15 said:It’s always the same story... I start strong, then I fail. Sometimes I last longer, but eventually, I'm right back where I started. Honestly, I just don't feel good in my own skin, and I want to finally fix this by dropping the extra weight once and for all.
Look, I get that it's mostly mental and that I should just force myself to stay disciplined... but the second I feel a little down, I turn to food to cope. It's more like I'm using food to comfort myself, really.
And it’s just a cycle. I’m terrified that time is slipping away and I'll never break free from this, never actually feel relaxed or happy with myself.

Is there someone you absolutely despise who looks better than you do?
Stick their picture on your fridge. That should give you enough pause to think twice before you grab something. 😉 It worked for me. 😁

And forget about "dieting." Just eat normal portions—eat healthy, sure, maybe have a square of chocolate here and there. But if you want results, hit the gym at least four times a week. You can run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, or hit the machines for abs, glutes, or hips 🤷 whatever works for you. And you know the drill: No pain, no gain! 😁

Good luck!
stormyheron4 stormyheron4 Active Member
86 messages
joined Aug 2009
#11 ·
Betty Harris15 said:It’s always the same story... I start strong, then I fail. Sometimes I last longer, but eventually, I'm right back where I started. Honestly, I just don't feel good in my own skin, and I want to finally fix this by dropping the extra weight once and for all.
Look, I get that it's mostly mental and that I should just force myself to stay disciplined... but the second I feel a little down, I turn to food to cope. It's more like I'm using food to comfort myself, really.
And it’s just a cycle. I’m terrified that time is slipping away and I'll never break free from this, never actually feel relaxed or happy with myself.

The core issue for any diet is actually sticking it out until the end. And even then, you have to maintain those results, which basically means living your whole life eating less just to avoid packing it all back on.
James Ramirez10 James Ramirez10 Active Member
69 messages
joined Apr 2009
#12 ·
The issue isn't really about the food itself; it's about what food symbolizes. We need to tackle that mindset first.
Keith Jones76 Keith Jones76 Active Member
174 messages
joined Mar 2009
#13 ·
I’m on the same page as James Ramirez10.
Stress doesn't just trigger eating out of nowhere; there's always some underlying belief driving the impulse. You have to tackle that mindset first and swap it out for something more rational and constructive. For instance,
Amy Green4 Amy Green4 Member
32 messages
joined Oct 2008
#14 ·
I have never been a proponent of dieting, particularly those restrictive regimens that feel more like punishment than health management. In my experience, true wellness comes from a much more balanced, intuitive approach to daily habits. I find it far more effective to simply be mindful of what you put on your plate and to prioritize staying active throughout the day. Rather than obsessing over calorie counts, I suggest focusing on portion control and being more intentional about limiting processed sugars and heavy fats. It isn't about deprivation; it’s about making better choices most of the time.
I suspect the primary reason most people struggle to stick with any dietary regimen is that they are attempting to use food as a temporary substitute for the deeper sense of affection and emotional fulfillment that might be missing from their lives. In many ways, eating becomes a fleeting placeholder for the genuine connection and comfort we all crave.
When life throws you a curveball and you find yourself feeling miserable, frustrated, or just plain on edge—though there are those rare, fleeting moments when things actually go right—your first instinct is almost always to turn toward food.
It all begins within the mind, particularly regarding how we choose to perceive our own identity.
The real question we need to address is why you are actually overeating—and please, don't just give me that surface-level answer about being constantly hungry. 😉I find myself wondering what that experience actually signifies to you—the act of intentionally denying yourself food right when you feel the need most.
If nutrition serves as a tool that helps you navigate the day, keeps your nerves steady, and bolsters your overall emotional well-being, then denying yourself that sustenance feels like a reckless gamble. I have found that when you deprive yourself of what your body actually needs to function, it almost always backfires; you either end up spiraling into an uncontrollable binge later on, or you find yourself trapped in that frustrating cycle where the weight you worked so hard to lose comes rushing right back.
It feels like you’re just spinning your wheels in place, and every single time you fail to make progress, that sense of frustration starts to build and weigh even heavier on you.

James Ramirez10 As I was reflecting on this earlier, I found myself thinking about how much weight we tend to place on certain perspectives. It reminds me of a conversation I had once while sitting in a quiet corner of a coffee shop in Seattle, where the topic of individual agency came up quite unexpectedly. There is a certain gravity to these discussions that often gets lost in the noise of modern debate. When someone makes a point like this, it forces you to slow down and really consider the underlying logic, rather than just reacting to the surface level of the argument. It’s a measured way to approach things, even if it feels a bit heavy at times.
I am not entirely sure what you intended to convey with that brief message, but I am here and ready to engage whenever you have something more substantial to discuss. The issue isn't actually about the food itself, but rather... There is a profound depth to what food actually represents in our lives, far beyond mere sustenance or nutrition. I often find myself reflecting on how a simple meal can act as a bridge to our history and our deepest connections to one another. When we sit down to eat, we aren't just fueling our bodies; we are participating in a silent language of culture and memory that shapes who we are. It is much like the way a well-composed piece of music or a classic novel can evoke a specific moment in time, pulling us back to a sense of belonging that is hard to articulate. Food carries the weight of our traditions and the essence of our shared identity, serving as a constant, grounding force in an ever-changing world., That is the first hurdle we need to clear.

👍
Jerry Morales4 Jerry Morales4 Member
16 messages
joined Sep 2007
#15 ·
I’d suggest looking into Emotional Freedom Techniques everywhere
.
Maybe it could help you tackle those cravings for sweets or whatever else is causing weight gain. It might actually solve the issue.
Or perhaps it could address the sadness, since I was just reading about what you've been going through.
Betty Harris15 Betty Harris15 MemberOP
23 messages
joined Aug 2009
#16 ·
redharbor9 said:Yeah, that’s actually a solid question. What are we even talking about here? What do you usually eat? If you get those cravings when you're feeling down or whatever, what's your go-to? You grabbing a chocolate bar or reaching for an apple?

Well... I eat junk because I have a massive sweet tooth and giving it up is too hard. Chocolate, cookies, ice cream, burgers, pizza... do I really need to keep listing them?
Betty Harris15 Betty Harris15 MemberOP
23 messages
joined Aug 2009
#17 ·
Michael Cruz3 said:I suppose I should be honest about this, though it is difficult to admit. There was a time when I would spend entire days without eating anything at all; whenever hunger finally set in, I would simply drink some water, turn on the television, and go through my exercises. While I felt quite wonderful in those moments, it was ultimately a dangerous cycle. The less you eat, the less your body demands, until you reach a breaking point where even basic self-care—like the simple task of sitting down for lunch—feels like an impossible chore. I found myself physically unable to eat because I had conditioned my body to reject food entirely. 😳 Please, do not put yourself on a restrictive diet; it isn't worth it. Instead, try eating smaller portions five times a day, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whatever else you need to function like a healthy, normal person. You won't find any true satisfaction in yourself by starving. If you have a larger build, learn to accept it. If you feel you are overindulging, just practice moderation, stay hydrated, and try walking instead of driving to work or school. A brisk one or two-hour walk can make a world of difference. It is often hard to commit to a specific sport, but if you do choose something, I highly recommend dance; it doesn't just keep you fit, it truly shapes your physique.

As for sports and staying active, that’s never been the issue. I've always been athletic; I played volleyball for eight years. The real problem is my temperament. The moment I get sad, I turn to food and I can't seem to stop... and then no amount of exercise helps. I can't even resist chocolate sitting on the table or force myself not to run to the convenience store for snacks. A total disaster, I know.
Betty Harris15 Betty Harris15 MemberOP
23 messages
joined Aug 2009
#18 ·
Thomas Wilson76 said:You really need to have a solid goal in place first; I wouldn't recommend starting any diet until you do. Maybe don't just make it about looking good, either. Instead, try to find something you actually care about—something that could really help you down the road. If you have a purpose like that, I guess you'll find the strength to stick with it, believe me. Having a strong goal is what matters most!

Yeah... solid advice. I tried that once... my whole goal was looking hot for this guy, but he ended up marrying someone else. Now, food is my only true friend.
Betty Harris15 Betty Harris15 MemberOP
23 messages
joined Aug 2009
#19 ·
Amy Green4 said:I have never been a proponent of dieting, particularly those restrictive regimens that feel more like punishment than health management. In my experience, true wellness comes from a much more balanced, intuitive approach to daily habits. I find it far more effective to simply be mindful of what you put on your plate and to prioritize staying active throughout the day. Rather than obsessing over calorie counts, I suggest focusing on portion control and being more intentional about limiting processed sugars and heavy fats. It isn't about deprivation; it’s about making better choices most of the time.
I suspect the primary reason most people struggle to stick with any dietary regimen is that they are attempting to use food as a temporary substitute for the deeper sense of affection and emotional fulfillment that might be missing from their lives. In many ways, eating becomes a fleeting placeholder for the genuine connection and comfort we all crave.
When life throws you a curveball and you find yourself feeling miserable, frustrated, or just plain on edge—though there are those rare, fleeting moments when things actually go right—your first instinct is almost always to turn toward food.
It all begins within the mind, particularly regarding how we choose to perceive our own identity.
The real question we need to address is why you are actually overeating—and please, don't just give me that surface-level answer about being constantly hungry. 😉I find myself wondering what that experience actually signifies to you—the act of intentionally denying yourself food right when you feel the need most.
If nutrition serves as a tool that helps you navigate the day, keeps your nerves steady, and bolsters your overall emotional well-being, then denying yourself that sustenance feels like a reckless gamble. I have found that when you deprive yourself of what your body actually needs to function, it almost always backfires; you either end up spiraling into an uncontrollable binge later on, or you find yourself trapped in that frustrating cycle where the weight you worked so hard to lose comes rushing right back.
It feels like you’re just spinning your wheels in place, and every single time you fail to make progress, that sense of frustration starts to build and weigh even heavier on you.

James Ramirez10 As I was reflecting on this earlier, I found myself thinking about how much weight we tend to place on certain perspectives. It reminds me of a conversation I had once while sitting in a quiet corner of a coffee shop in Seattle, where the topic of individual agency came up quite unexpectedly. There is a certain gravity to these discussions that often gets lost in the noise of modern debate. When someone makes a point like this, it forces you to slow down and really consider the underlying logic, rather than just reacting to the surface level of the argument. It’s a measured way to approach things, even if it feels a bit heavy at times.
I am not entirely sure what you intended to convey with that brief message, but I am here and ready to engage whenever you have something more substantial to discuss. The issue isn't actually about the food itself, but rather... There is a profound depth to what food actually represents in our lives, far beyond mere sustenance or nutrition. I often find myself reflecting on how a simple meal can act as a bridge to our history and our deepest connections to one another. When we sit down to eat, we aren't just fueling our bodies; we are participating in a silent language of culture and memory that shapes who we are. It is much like the way a well-composed piece of music or a classic novel can evoke a specific moment in time, pulling us back to a sense of belonging that is hard to articulate. Food carries the weight of our traditions and the essence of our shared identity, serving as a constant, grounding force in an ever-changing world., That is the first hurdle we need to clear.

👍

Yeah. True. You eat when you're sad or miserable. Honestly, I'm both. It feels like my issue goes way deeper than just being addicted to food. The truth is... food is how I survive the day. Everything feels fine for the first few days, then I hit an emotional wall once reality sets in... and it starts all over again. I binge to comfort myself. It's just a total lack of love.
redharbor9 redharbor9 Regular
272 messages
joined Aug 2009
#20 ·
Betty Harris15 said:Well... I eat junk because I have a massive sweet tooth and giving it up is too hard. Chocolate, cookies, ice cream, burgers, pizza... do I really need to keep listing them?

Well, there's your problem right there. You're hitting the chocolate, the cookies, and the ice cream... swap that crap out for some almonds, grapes, or fruit instead.

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