I really like that!! "Snap NOT Snack!"
I may try this behavioral modification strategy too now.
Have you truly found it has worked??

You best be reading labels as gum is usually full of artificial sweeteners

Warning: product endorsement ahead.

Something that I like to do as a way of keeping an eye on things is to periodically take my measurements. I do this quarterly, it is long enough to show significant progress between measurings. It can also be really encouraging when it seems that progress seems slow. (and helps when shopping for replacement clothing)

I have always just used a cloth measuring tape meant for sewing. I ended up getting this specific body measuring tape as sort of an accident, it ended up being free when I had it shipped with something else.

The Myotape

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L160_SL90_.jpg

Getting the measurement right if you don't have someone to help is kind of tricky. I would keep dropping it, or pulling it too tight, or leaving it too loose.This little thing makes it really simple. You just put it really loose around the body part and put the little pin on the end in the holder, then you just push a button and it automatically adjusts to the proper tension and holds it there. Then you can just unhook it and easily get the correct reading. You get the same tension every time. It seems like a little thing, and I never would've bothered with it, but I find it is a really cool little device.

It's $5 on Amazon.

What is the diabetic plate method? Don't want to assume.

First of all, Mopsie, I want to thank you for sharing since I know it is difficult for you. Secondly, I did not know that is what it was called!! I am not diabetic, but the High Risk Obesity Clinic gave me a picture of this method. They include it with all packets they give to patients. The page also had a picture of a deck of cards, a baseball, a golf ball, a poker chip, a hockey puck, etc...It is used as a visual method of learning measurements. I have tried to switch to this method because it is easier to see how much I should be eating and then adhere to that amount versus what actually is taken onto my plate and ingested when not keeping a food log or thinking about it.

I think one thing I am battling for me is the actual addiction part. The sensational aspects of food: the smell, the texture, the taste, the visual component...I have realized it was never about hungry or full. As a matter of fact, I have not known hunger in many years. I do not know what it is like for my stomach to growl and tell me that it needs nourishment. Drinking a glass of water a half hour before meals does not diminish my appetite because in my addiction I entered a pattern of eating past the full point. During those times I would keep eating and then be able to eat more and without pain. That to me is just plain scary when I think about it in hindsight!!! That is insane! I guess addictions are crazy like that!

My next appointment with the doc is on the 18th. I have a nutrition class beforehand. It will be my first actual class because before I did not attend those. When going through my paperwork from all the times I have been there, I realized I have went there off and on since 2000. That is 13 years!! I think it is time to buckle down now and git 'er done! I am really struggling, but I am determined as I have said before. I also am grateful for this thread and the supportive friends I have here. Thanks to all of you for contributing to my recovery.

Thank you for explaining Mopsie.

I so need to remember this...
 

link about stopping food addiction
 

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/1...ood-addiction/

I read this today and learned a few interesting things so wanted to share.

thank you Papa

Still on the prednisone but soon to be done,.. got get back on track!


and the test shows i have a food addiction tendency!

Truth? If we as humans only ate when we were hungry, and stopped when we were satisfied, we would not have a problem... that's my opinion anyway

Food is comfort and lack of it is comfort for me too, so when i go from starve to binge it plays havoc on me.

Progress always ongoing....

I just saw this: http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2013/06...fat-acceptance

I do think we (I) need to get out of the mindset that fat=unhealthy. Not necessarily. People are the size they are for all kinds of reasons, including genetics. If there's health problems due in part to being heavy, then it makes sense to sensibly reduce. Otherwise, it makes much more sense (and costs far less) to focus on good habits instead of getting to some unrealistic shape or weight.

This week, I was diagnosed with mild, very early arthritis in one knee. I have anti-inflammatories if needed, was instructed to do gentle movement several times a week, and stretch. The doctor did recommend that I lose some weight, as excess weight is hard on knees.

So, onward. This will become a well-read thread for me, and especially the last few posts on mindful eating. I have to confess it's quite overwhelming, though. Maybe one habit at a time, done well.

(oh, and I also show "food addiction tendencies". I knew that deep down, anyway. That's the kind of thing I think I need to go back to OA for, not necessarily a focus on "losing weight").

Thank you for the words of encouragement Miss Scarlett. Congratulations on your own growth and awareness. I think as I too raise my cognizance to my habits and be more mindful of my actions/reactions I will be able to get this addiction under control.

Glee Gum is a really good natural brand that does not have aspartame or any of the nasty other artificial chemicals. They even sell a home kit for making you own gum. Spry gum is also another good brand.

I avoid any of the major national brands because of the chemicals, dyes and artificial ingredients they put in the gum.

i could skip eating all day and eat nonstop after 6pm.

Anyone else?

i love crunchy things and munching.. and thats my downfall. i spend the whole day being *good* then crave carbs and milk after 6-7 pm!