This post was sponsored by Meta Appetite Control as part of an Influencer Activation for
Influence Central. As always, all opinions are my own.
I’ve shared about my weight loss highs and lows in the past. Today I want to share a real #baremom moment with you. I am a mom with a food addiction. Addicted may seem like a hard word, but it is my reality. I’m sharing because I know there are many moms like me out there who are eating their way through stress, happiness, frustrations, lack of sleep, and on and on. When we are happy, we eat. When we are sad, we eat. When we are mad, we most definitely EAT!
Here is the real confession…
Back in undergrad, I kept a secret from my family and friends. I started binge eating and then throwing it back up. Yes, me. I lost my grandmother during sophomore year and dealt with my pain by binge eating. A college friend discovered my secret and helped me get back on track. I’ll share more about that journey another time but just know I fight daily not to go down this path again.
Addicted: physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.
That’s just the basic definition but it definitely applies to me. I’ve struggled with weight and pain issues since having my gall bladder removed. Plus high cholesterol and I’m late on getting my follow-up thyroid check, yet I eat and eat all the junk I want. But I’ve been taking steps to help with my addiction.
Taking Control of My Food Addiction
Fitness
I am back on my workout regimen. Even if I can only do 5 minutes of exercise, I do it. I can usually get five 30 to 45-minute workouts in during the week. I am for a 20-minute workout tape and 10 to 20-minute walk plus 5 minutes of stretching. Working out is a great distraction from eating. Sometimes I’ll bust out in a jumping jack session when my mind wonders to some goodies in the pantry.
Food
I also make sure to enjoy a high protein, high fiber, and water based diet. I opt for a high protein option for each meal. Take eggs, for example, they have been so good to me on this journey. They are the perfect food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Lean proteins are my friend. And my kids and I enjoy water-rich fruits and salads. I make fun creations like these Cucumber Watermelon skewers which we love plus they are great when we need something sweet. I’m also tracking my food intake with friends through MyFitnessPal. The level of accountability works for me.
Meta Appetite Control
I’ve incorporated Meta Appetite Control into my daily routine. A friend told me about her success with controlling her appetite using it. I was excited (read desperate) to give it a try so I went to my local Walgreens and picked up a package in the digestive wellness aisle. This is my go to for increased fiber in my diet. I’ve replaced my post-meal unhealthy snack with a glass of Meta Appetite control. It’s made of 100% natural psyllium fiber that thickens and forms a gel when mixed with water. It gets pretty thick so make sure you mix it and drink it right away. It works! On the very first day, I noticed a significant difference in my hunger between meals.* I actually did not feel the need to grab a snack. By day 3, I was convinced and see why it’s the #1 doctor recommended fiber brand. Plus increased fiber eventually helps to get things regular (ahem).
Journal & Friends
I write out my feelings, share them with my best friends a few of which are going through the emotional eating struggles of motherhood too. I am working on sharing more with the hubs too. He definitely tries to help and even signed us up for a 5-K fun run in August. Now it’s the bacon run but I won’t be indulging in a mountain of bacon. He can enjoy that, I’m just excited to do something I enjoy (running) as a couple. We will be getting serious with our training because we have our eye on our first half marathon later in the year or early 2017. And a certain princess mom wants to run in a certain Princess Half Marathon!
Meditation
I’ve found that meditating and prayer has helped me with my food addiction. It did back in undergrad and definitely helped me avoid a downward spiral during grad school. So I am committed to meditating daily. 10 minutes is my max right now and I use an app to help me stay focused. I thought my mind wondered before but motherhood has brought on a whole new level of mind wondering.
Here’s an opportunity to try out a sample and a $5 digital coupon for Meta Appetite Control. The first 100 entrants that signup for the $5 Walgreens digital coupon will also receive a Meta Appetite Control product sample. Influence Central will select and handle all product and coupon fulfillment.
Are you struggling with food addiction or emotional eating? Have you tried any of the steps I am taking or have another step I can add to my routine? Let’s talk mamas. It’s time we stop hiding behind food.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
26 Comments
kita bryant
June 27, 2016 at 11:59 AMi know all to well the addiction to food. Thank you for sharing that! When my mother died I went from 120lbs to 240lbs in 3 months. I know all to well what food can do to you. I am still over 200lbs and I am in need of help. I have a confession…..I want to lose the weight and I have tried many things but I always give up. Giving up for me has to stop because if I don’t get off this weight my kids won’t have any parent left alive. Great post!
M J
June 27, 2016 at 2:00 PMHugs Kita! We are right here with each other. The fight within our mind as it comes to food is such a hard one. I want to be here for my children long after they think they need me. LOL. Let’s work on this battle together. Hugs.
Vashti (veepeejay.com)
June 27, 2016 at 12:05 PMAww, hugs. I too have high cholesterol issues so I can never have too much fiber in my diet. Thanks for sharing your truth, it will definitely help others who may be going through the same thing.
M J
June 27, 2016 at 1:59 PMThank you, Vee. I’m feeling vulnerable but free. Tired of hiding the many layers. Ugh, this cholesterol thing. I am due for a follow up to check my levels soon. Hoping it’s back to normal. It was a concern during pregnancy. I appreciate your support.
rattlesandheels
June 27, 2016 at 1:41 PMGirl, I had no idea about your experience back in college. Motherhood is so tough with all the long hours and lack of sleep I know I’ve turned to the wrong food choices when I’m too tired to think. You will get past this soon with such a thorough plan and the kind of will only mamas have.
M J
June 27, 2016 at 1:58 PMThank you Adanna. I couldn’t write about my current state with food without acknowledging that part of my past. I appreciate your support and we will all rock this! Praying for more sleep girl. Praying! LOL
Sheena
June 28, 2016 at 1:00 AMGood for you for staying on top of your health. I think we all laugh and play about being addicted to food, but it’s a very real challenge especially since like you said we eat not only through negative feelings, but the good also.
I was talking to my husband this evening trying to brainstorm on how to cut some of the bills. He then addresses the grocery bill and I’m like nawl, we can’t cut that, I love food too much. Certain levels of stress make me crave the junk as well, but then there’s a debilitating stress that will take my appetite away. I’m still breastfeeding and like clockwork it wrecked havoc on my body and caused me to lose too much weight. I went on a mega mission eating like a body builder to gain it back and then some. I packed on the pounds so fast and realized how things could totally go left especially as I get older. The women in my family thicken up during middle age and so I need to change my mindset before this fast metabolism winds down and I’m crying over not being able to eat all.the.carbs. I don’t feel all that great after consuming them anyway.
Fitness is a struggle for me. I think to get started, I’ll try to schedule daily walks in with the hubs. Thanks for reminding me to get my life together, lol.
M J
June 28, 2016 at 2:23 PMHey Sheena,
Girl, you know I understand. The breastfeeding and eating is a beast all in itself. Add emotional ups and downs and oh boy. Last night my kids were up. Z from 1 to 3:30am. E from 2 to 8am! I was defeated but I did not give into the food. I went out and did day one of 5K training and then came back and had a high protein breakfast. We are a work in progress but we got this!!!
Mimj
June 28, 2016 at 8:30 PMI’m the opposite. I won’t eat and that is just as bad. Those college years can be rough, life’s stages come and go but these mechanisms you’ve listed can keep us motivated and grounded.
M J
June 30, 2016 at 2:18 PMThank you Mimi. Girl, I thought college was full of emotions. This whole adulting while mothering thing takes the cake.
Eva
July 5, 2016 at 11:31 AMI go between emotional eating and stress starving (I think I made that up). I am all over the place, but I am willing to give this a try.
M J
July 8, 2016 at 10:16 AMEva it is so hard! Give it a try. Once you get in your groove, encourage yourself to keep going.
Joyce Brewer
July 5, 2016 at 12:55 PMThanks for the transparency and openness. I’ve had issues w/ weight and diet since junior high. I’d starve myself and drop a lot of weight. Stop eating for emotional reasons. Now I’ve swung to the other side where I tend to overeat.
It’s a day by day process.
M J
July 8, 2016 at 10:16 AMIt sure is Joyce. Such a hard struggle! I support you. We deserve to be happy.
Saisha
July 5, 2016 at 1:05 PMThank you for your honesty! This is a struggle I have faced as well. My struggle started even before college. I am happy to see progress! Keep it up!
M J
July 8, 2016 at 10:15 AMThank you Saisha. It is definitely a hard battle I fight daily. I wish you well on your journey.
Janelle
July 5, 2016 at 10:28 PMAwww.. thank you for sharing. I can honestly say that yes mediation works best too!! I do this daily (for 20 minutes a day). Motherhood will totally give us a 360 with mind, body, and our soul yes… Mind sharing with me which app you’re now using to help you with mediating? xo
M J
July 8, 2016 at 10:14 AMThank you Janelle. I use the Calm app. I’m working my way up to 20 minutes.
Morgan
August 8, 2016 at 4:14 PMCongratulations! Addiction is a very real thing for so many of us, and it’s incredible how many different forms it can take. Thanks so much for being so honest and open about your experience. I really enjoyed your story!
M J
August 9, 2016 at 10:24 AMThank you Morgan. Every day is a new day that I keep pushing forward.
Catriona
November 23, 2016 at 6:37 AMHello M J !
Firstly, i want to say that thanks a lot for sharing your views and experience with people. I was suffering from a problem of high cholesterol and never thought about a diet in my life. I think that it will definitely help me and also other. Once again thanks a lot….!
James
December 25, 2016 at 5:55 PMHey M J !!!
your article inspire me alot . This is an informative article. i like it very much . i was suffering from many diseases but with the help of hypnotherapy i am now feeling well and living a happy life . Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Katy
May 20, 2017 at 8:10 AMInteresting post and great tips. One thing that works well for me is just plain keeping busy. Whether it is work or hobbies, the more I keep myself busy with other things the less I am thinking about food!
Rebecca privilege
August 17, 2020 at 7:55 AMJust a Good Stuff I Read.
Clive Girdham
February 20, 2021 at 4:00 AMThis article is the perfect example of how small changes in our habits and addiction can lead upto a bigger change in our health. Great work!
John Gatesby
June 15, 2021 at 12:32 AMI can totally relate with this as I am also addicted to food. I can control the temptation during day hours but during night especially the midnight binging is something I enjoy the most and also causes the greatest harm.