Question:
Can I get Back In Control?

I have skimmed through these messages daily since my June 2001 surgery. I have been so busy getting on with my life that I did not really change too much. I started eating small amounts of candy a couple of months ago, (dump if more than a few squares). Even though I can only eat a miniature or two, I am now spacing them out during the day and managing to eat quite a few. I know I have GAINED weight. I only weigh at the DR's but I can feel my belly growing. I know all the answers you can tell me, I am really disappointed in myself. I have started exercising more and drinking more than I have etc. Bought some good protein food and I am really trying to get rid of the junk!! Any encouragement or kicks in the butt are appreciated:o) I had only lost around 50lbs in 6 months, although I am really greatful for each and every pound gone. Thanks for being here.    — Mandy M. (posted on January 3, 2002)

January 3, 2002
Hey Mandy! I find it hard to believe that a few pieces of candy a day are causing you to gain weight. Now, I am not saying this isn't bad...beacause it IS BAD!! Stop it right now! Throw out the candy. Buy sugarless gum, or sugar-free Jolly ranchers. Or when the urge to nosh on Candy grabs you...go grab some WATER. Water sipped all day long will keep you feeling full...YOU CAN DO IT MANDY!! This isn't easy, but you have the tool.
   — August S.

January 3, 2002
You HAVE to get that candy OUT OF YOUR HOUSE!!!!!! If you already KNOW that you don't have the willpower to resist... why do you buy it?? I've certainly wanted that chocolate covered cherry.. or that piece of holiday fudge. But after what I've just been through(3 wks post-op), there is NO WAY!! I have children, and have STILL managed to remove the JUNK from my house (except what hubby has stashed for his lunchbox for work) because not only am I eating healthier - but my FAMILY is learning new eating habits again!! I have a 15 year old daughter that is going to be overweight (and suffer like I did) if I don't do something NOW to teach her PROPER eating habits...and I hope it's not too late. She's already about 20 lbs overweight - but we're TRYING. Someone gave me a helpful hint the other day... When TEMPTATION knocks at the door.. just say, "Jesus, will you get that for me?" Good luck.. and God bless...
   — Diane E.

January 3, 2002
There are some great sugarless candies out there. But some of them are VERY high in fat and calories. Then some of them like "Sweet & Low's" pepermint patties, are low fat and calories. I take one or two of them (size of a quarter) when I get a "sweet attack". Just knowing that I can have something, and something that has no sugar and low fat too makes it so much easier to resist the bad stuff.
   — Danmark

January 3, 2002
I am also having a similar situation--starting of course around Halloween. I think that I reached the point where sugar and bread didn't make me as sick and I went a little carb-crazy for about 6 weeks. I have since gone back to high-protein/low carb and feel much better. HOWEVER, I think it is important to satisfy those cravings in as positive a way as you can. I sometimes chew a couple of Viactiv caramels in the evening if I want something sweet. They taste GREAT--better even than real caramels (of course I still take my calcium citrate, too). I also like sugar free hot chocolate. It tastes like a treat without loading up on carbs. Also good is a graham cracker with peanut butter. If I want something sweet, I have something sweet. For me, to deprive myself just guarantees that I am going to rebel and do something totally stupid. That's how I got fat in the first place--starvation diets to crash my metabolism then eating everything in sight when I couldn't stand it anymore. Just try to be sensible and if something is a problem (I can't keep candy in my desk at work--I'll nibble a little at a time all day) don't do that, find something else that will satisfy you.
   — ctyst