Loaf of bread, that is. :) It's been a while since I've given you guys an update on my weight loss adventures in PCOS, and that's because I haven't lost anymore weight, haha. In fact, I've gained 5 lbs--but that's actually pretty awesome considering how completely I fell off the low-carb wagon!
It's been difficult and frustrating trying to figure out how to combine all of the information I got from those three diet programs into something that will really work for me long term both physically and financially. My issue has been that, if I allow myself to eat any bread at all, I end up binging (looked that up in the dictionary, apparently it's spelled right). We're talking half a donut leads to the whole dozen, one cookie turns into the entire package, one slice of pizza.....etc. It's embarrassing and I always feel a little self-loathing afterward.
I think what a lot of people don't understand about food addiction is that it really can be just that. An addiction. As with any addiction, there's a degree of will power that you are expected to have, but that will power can often take a back seat to the chemicals in your body that are telling you you NEED whatever it is you're craving. I have a better understanding of this now that I've been diagnosed with PCOS because of the role that insulin spikes play in creating those intense cravings for bread and sweets.
It really clicked for me (the fact that I've been subconsciously craving bread in a bad way) when our friends were over helping us move the other night (more on that to come!). After all of the heavy lifting was done, we ordered pizza to celebrate. I told myself I'd have one piece and eat some other stuff if I was still hungry. After that piece, I went to choose my second (because who eats one piece of pizza, right?) and my heart literally started beating faster and I got so excited when I saw a really thick piece with giant bread bubbles on it. It had practically no cheese or sauce on it, just bread. I was like....check out all that bready goodness! That's going in my belly!
It wasn't a big deal, just kind of an "a-ha!" moment.
Anyway, we simply can't afford for me to follow a no-carb diet because of the amount of fresh produce involved. I need to get my cravings under control so that I can supplement my meals with cheap stuff like grains, but I don't know how I'll go about it.
I've started taking Chromium Polynicotinate supplements. Apparently, they're supposed to help with suppression of cravings. I guess we'll see!
Semi-related side-note: My hair started falling out, so I have to go on birth control to hopefully regulate my hormones. Maybe that'll help with cravings, too!
Luckily, I can still stuff my muffin top into my jeggings!
I think what a lot of people don't understand about food addiction is that it really can be just that. An addiction. As with any addiction, there's a degree of will power that you are expected to have, but that will power can often take a back seat to the chemicals in your body that are telling you you NEED whatever it is you're craving. I have a better understanding of this now that I've been diagnosed with PCOS because of the role that insulin spikes play in creating those intense cravings for bread and sweets.
It really clicked for me (the fact that I've been subconsciously craving bread in a bad way) when our friends were over helping us move the other night (more on that to come!). After all of the heavy lifting was done, we ordered pizza to celebrate. I told myself I'd have one piece and eat some other stuff if I was still hungry. After that piece, I went to choose my second (because who eats one piece of pizza, right?) and my heart literally started beating faster and I got so excited when I saw a really thick piece with giant bread bubbles on it. It had practically no cheese or sauce on it, just bread. I was like....check out all that bready goodness! That's going in my belly!
It wasn't a big deal, just kind of an "a-ha!" moment.
Anyway, we simply can't afford for me to follow a no-carb diet because of the amount of fresh produce involved. I need to get my cravings under control so that I can supplement my meals with cheap stuff like grains, but I don't know how I'll go about it.
I've started taking Chromium Polynicotinate supplements. Apparently, they're supposed to help with suppression of cravings. I guess we'll see!
Semi-related side-note: My hair started falling out, so I have to go on birth control to hopefully regulate my hormones. Maybe that'll help with cravings, too!
Should have said something that night girl! You know I would have had your back helping you stick to the one piece. As for produce, ad-matching at walmart has helped us get stuff cheaper. I just got 6 avacados for 99 cents! and didn't have to travel all over to get all the deals.
ReplyDelete$0.99 for 6 avicados is insane! Whose ad were you having them match??
DeleteAvocados*
DeleteOh honey, I'm so sorry! PCOS sucks! I've started doing bountiful baskets with my mom. We split the cost so it's not too bad. The hubs hates veggies so I get to scarf (or shove?) them down myself. Maybe there's another family that would like to split it with you. Are you still in Eagle Mountain? We should quit talking about it and just get together already. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm trying to say! I'm in West Jordan, now. I've done BB in the past and loved them, but there's a CSA nearby that has a special that ends today where you can sign up for weekly produce shares for the month of March and you get April for free! Belleorganics.com - you should check it out! They also have a program set up where you can volunteer service hours on their farm and get your share for free. They take applications starting in April and I'm hoping I get to do that! You only have to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week!
ReplyDeleteBelleorganic.com* :)
DeleteI have found that when I have more self control in other aspects of my life (time management, where I let my thoughts wander, etc.) the more self control I have with food.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya on the carbs! They are a demon of mine as well.
Hey Liz,
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand where you are coming from with your cravings and where you are in your weight loss journey. Last summer I really needed to lose the weight that I gained during my pregnancy. There is an amazing book/eating plan that I followed that is all based on solid nutritional principles. It all just made sense the way she explained it. The book is called "Eat Right for Life" by Ann G. Kulze. You can get it on this website www.welcoa.org. I lost a little over 30 pounds just following what she was saying. Sorry this is such a long comment. :)