"Forbidden" foods

United States
April 10, 2007 2:42pm CST
I think that perhaps one problem with dieting is that we sometimes restrict ourselves too much on what we're allowed to eat and what we're not allowed to look at, much less let pass our lips. Then there's the guilt when we 'slip up' and eat a "forbidden" food. So my question to you is how much do you think guilt over eating "forbidden" (fattening, high in calories, etc.) foods plays a role in hindering our weight loss?
1 person likes this
4 responses
• United States
11 Apr 07
I think it all depends on what kind of eater you are. I tend not to have trigger foods around because I'm an emotional eater. And I tend to hoover it up when I'm stressed. And that is ALOT of the time these days, so I don't buy that stuff much anymore. I have something chocolate about once a month. Right now I'm indulging a little more than I should, but thats because I know I will need a restriction after the baby is here. I cannot continue to eat the things I love, because for me, the decision is unwise.... That's my POV. :)
1 person likes this
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
11 Apr 07
alot...ive tried alot of diets that cut out certain food groups and i always end up gaining back the weight..now i'm counting calories and eating healthier and i'm losing about 2 lbs a week...its not fast but i think its going to stay off this time
1 person likes this
• United States
26 May 07
So true! I'm doing WW right now but I am letting myself eat goodies every so often. Realistically I cannot give up all these wonderful foods for life so I'm training myself to do it in moderation.
@breepeace (3014)
• Canada
25 Apr 07
A weight loss coach referred to this as 'the deprivation factor'. Woman are notorious for it. We obsess over how much we can't eat the food in question so much that it's ingrained in our heads. Then we want to eat it because our mind is telling us how much we want it. So we do eat it, and then we are consumed with the guilt over eating it, so we eat something else comforting that's also a no-no. This is often described as the biggest factor in the reason why men lose weight faster than woman. Men have slipups, too, but they don't beat themselves up over it like woman do. They calmly finish the twinkie, and then promise themselves they'll just have to jog for 10 minutes longer tomorrow.