Making bad choices! HELP

 I am making A LOT of bad food choices and drinking SODA!! Ugh, I am kicking myself in my ass telling myself that I have to smarten up! But for some reason I keep going back to the carbs and soda! I do eat my protein first and I don't drink and eat at the same time. I do exercise (3x a week at the gym plus trying to get into jogging). I am throwing myself a pity party here lol! I am part of OA and I do have a councelor (sp). I am not in any mood when I eat the carbs/soda I just like them. SO What I would like to know from you, my friends on OH, is how can I stop eating the carbs and soda? I have offically cut the soda out (as of today). So what can I replace the soda with? I cannot do anything with aspertame (sp) because it gives me really bad headaches! I need something with flavor because I cannot drink water all the time! Thank you in advance for you help and advice!

I loooove soda, so I feel your pain! I'm afraid I can't offer you much advice, as I do just drink water now. I fill up reusable water bottles and keep them in the fridge. I could never limit the amount of soda I drank, so I just cut it out completely. Do you like sparkling water? I used to drink that in lieu of soda because I liked the fizz. Add a wedge of lemon and you have a refreshing drink. I only stopped the sparkling water because I got tired of buying it by the case. I also like hot green and chamomile tea

I am a carb addict- I can't allow refined carbs in the house- if they are there, I will eat them. I just don't buy them. For grazing, I do a lot of cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and sugar snap peas, and rarely air-popped popcorn.

I drink Sobe Water and Vitamin Water- lots of it, and neither of them have aspartame. Some people do Crystal Light, but I don't know if there is aspartame in it. I find it way too sweet.

I'm glad you're getting good support. I am grateful to OA.

Forgive yourself and climb back up on the horse! You can do it! It is so important especially early out during those precious losing months!

HI, I'm right there with you , I recently just regained 5 lbs back..stayed on track for over 4 years..I noticed when i am around other people that have not had Wls I get off track, so i am making a pledge to go be alone, there's no temptation when i am alone... I have an annual app with my surgeon who did my WLs in 3 weeks , I" HAVE TO" lose 10 lbs before i go see him... dont eat after 8pm and absolutely stay away from White rice, I believe thats where i went wrong right after i ate that , the lbs started creeping back on.. I cant tolerate soda, makes my toes cramp badly..I drink crystal light... Peace Wendy

 Thank You! Crystal Light-Does that have aspertame in it?? I am hoping that by recogonizing my weakness early and getting support from my OH Buddies I can get back on track!

Just stop drinking it. Have Crystal Light if you need something sweet. You can do it.

There is no "how to do it." You either do it or not. You control what you put in your mouth. When you want to eat, make it protein. It'll stick with you longer and it'll have more nutrition.

Make your own flavored water. It's not hard. Cut up some melon chunks and throw them in a pitcher of water in the fridge.  Or slice some oranges, or some cucumbers, or combinations of things. You don't need any special sweeteners to do that. Bottle it up and take it with you.

There is no "how to do it." You either do it or not.

"Like".

That is the absolute bottom line and there is no getting around it.

I have no suggestions for you on the carbs, I do eat them, but in moderation (most of the time).
 
As far as something to drink, have you tried a liter of ice water with 1/2 or 1 whole fresh lemon squeezed in and NO sweetener?  It is wonderful and refreshing and you  don't have to worry chemicals or any calories.  I love soda too, and do drink Diet Coke but not nearly like I did pre-op and the lemon water has actually become my go-to beverage. 

Best of luck to you however you choose to resolve your situation.  It IS difficult at times, but as someone always reminds me here on OH, we can do hard things=)

I haven't had soda since probably March.  I quit before I had to and really don't miss it or crave it which surprises me.  But I know if I let myself start again it I could get back into old habits.  I like SOBE Water (Fugi Apple Pear,  Yummy Berry), Diet Lipton Green tea (Citrus or Mixed Berry) or Fruit 2 O.

Carbs:  I try not to bring them into the house.  I my family has something, I try to have a whole grain alternative.  Or  I buy portion control items  (nuts, chips).  If I am somewhere I can't control what is there (like work) I find it easiest to not even start.  It is too hard for me to stop.  I keep items I can eat, (yogurt, string cheese, protein bars) that I can eat instead if tempted.

I make iced tea at home... I use an decaf or herbal tea I like brew it double strength anmd I sweeten it with splenda  make it hot, sweeten it heavily then pour over ice (in a plastic cup please)  ta-da fresh tea every time.

I can't help you with the soda addiction as that's not one of my demons....

i eat protein first
i do not drink and eat at the same time and follow the 30 minute rule after eating...
exercise is critical but I'm having a bad recovery from two surgeries this summer so I'm not exericising yet...

I love carbs and eat them... but I did not for nearly a year (we are taking JUNK carbs right not fruits and veggies)....  at 2 years out I've clearly still got decent malabsorption and I'm blessed... 

can you replace the simple carbs with say  peanuts... or other nuts that require shelling... keep the hands busy???   nuts while high in calories have some redeeming qualities including some protein and good fats...