The last year and a half have me thinking about what’s really important and how I want to spend these few remaining years of my career.
So, I’m working on something really special, but before I put the finishing touches on it, I really need your input…
What are your two most difficult eating challenges right now?
Please post about your two challenges on this blog post (just scroll down), comment on our public Am I Hungry? Facebook page, or if you prefer, email us.
I really appreciate your input and I look forward to hearing from you!
(NOTE: We received over 220 responses! Click here to read a summary of your Four common eating challenge.)
73 thoughts on “Your most difficult eating challenges”
Because of prior injuries, it’s especially difficult to exercise like I used to.
So I’m struggling with staying away from so many carbs. Mainly the ones that come from flour.
I’m also struggling with the ability to stay active because of those injuries. The pain sometimes interferes with what little exercise I do get done.
Greatest challenge is partially wanting to zone out and partly stay present to each bite.
Also inflammation seems to be part of this cycle for me , I would like to learn how to achieve balance. This is appealing to me.
Working from home has made snacking very accessible. I have used food for emotional regulation my whole life. So work stress leads to more grazing and eating outside of meal time.
Keeping my ability to limit my intake of sweets and high carb foods. Once it gets out of control I cannot seem to stop myself. I then get angry with myself and cannot understand why I felt I had to over indulge.
First is restaurant eating. Finding a choice that is healthy but then not knowing how it is prepared so is it really healthy? Also the portions are almost always too much. Second is socializing. Food is almost always included and the choices are often poor. In private I can do this easier, in public it is extremely difficult.
Eating when I am stressed or bored but not even hungry.
My most difficult eating challenges are staying motivated to eat healthy when the world is such an uncertain place and staying focused once I get on track. It is so easy to just eat what I want quickly and without being mindful. Food seems to be on the forefront of my mind.
1. Emotional eating when under stress.
2. Even if I feel satisfied by my healthy meal, feeling I need dessert to complete it.
My two biggest eating challenges – 1. Unconscious eating, 2. Deprivation mindset from years of dieting. I also feel depressed about my weight.
My concern is snacking out of boredom or anxiety.
My hardest times are at night wanting dessert. Very hard to shake that urge.
Mindless eating – knowing I should, but not paying attention to and enjoying what I’m eating.
Multi-tasking while eating (working, reading, watching tv while eating, instead of taking a break to enjoy the food). This prevents me from noticing the “I’m full” queues, etc.
Those two tie together for the most part.
Cutting carbs and managing eating with prediabetes.
Scheduling time to eat and Eating unhealthy food socially
1. Stress eating, to get through a busy/intense work assignment
2. When I have a little time to myself. I could never figure out why I like to indulge at these times when I should be celebrating the rare “me time” (as a busy mom!) that I so crave. But I think I’m seeking pleasure/relaxation and haven’t otherwise identified better options. (Aha moment here!!)
my two biggest challenges are making the healthier choices and keeping my eating on schedule.
I eat emotionally and am not consistent with my eating plan.
At this time my eating challenge is obtaining the ingredients, supplies to do so; there is a lack of availability here.
My challenges are: 1) adding variety to my veggie intake… not a big vegetable eater so I tend to get bored when I eat a lot of the same thing over and over, and 2) eating out… it is hard to go out with friends and find restaurant offerings that are low carb.
Eating in secret, and treating food as my reward and my comfort.
What are your two most difficult eating challenges right now?
#1 – I love sweets! This is challenging right now because Halloween and the holidays are coming and the candy corn and other fall sweets are coming out!
#2 – portion control. I go back to over eating around this time, because everything is so delicious!
I am having trouble with drinking water and eating the right foods. I have the worst sweet tooth and I struggle saying no to baked goods. I drink coffee and I know it’s bad for me but water is meh even when I flavor it.
Right now the most difficult challenge is cooking healthy meals. It’s very hot in AZ this time of year and cold food isn’t appealing all the time. I’m also struggling with overeating a bit. I have been having some health challenges and eating comfort food has been top of the list.
One of my most difficult challenges is time. I work full time here at ISU but also coach as well. I know that I need to practice what I preach, but I am finding myself TOO busy! Some days, too busy to breathe and I need to let go.
Second, just taking the time to plan AND to invest what little time I do have in preparation. I buy it, but either use it differently than first planned or it spoils etc. I can only eat so much popcorn in a season–
My biggest problem would have to be ‘stopping when I’ve reached enough’. It just tastes so good.
Also, convincing myself the pear is the choice that will help me live the vibrant life I desire versus the cheezies I really want.
Portion Control is the hardest!
Usually wanting hi cal, hi, fat, high carb foods instead of lean and green choices. Combined, these 2 challenges are a problem.
Not eating when I’m board and listening to what my body needs vs. what I think I want
The most difficult things about eating
Being worth what I eat
Too much information from many sources and can’t decide what to do
I am a bored eater I need to stay active
Anxiety eating . . . and I always turn to sugar!
My biggest challenge is trying not to use eating as a delaying tactic/a way to distract myself from unpleasant situation/actions that I need to do. I am a teacher at a community college and I really don’t like grading (haha), so I find myself looking at the Oreos and other snacks…
The funny thing is Katie, my Arizona State University students say they eat Oreos when they don’t want to do their homework!
Head hunger (wanting to eat when not hungry) and eating at restaurants (making good choices).
I have stayed busy during this pandemic, I have actually had more time to exercise and be outside. My constant frustration is that I don’t eat a lot of food and I still gain weight. I eat when I am hungry, eat small meals, I eat with consciousness, try to eat mindfully and eat mostly health conscious foods and I still gain weight. Very frustrating.
I have lost my job due to a medical condition. I have to watch every penny I spend. Learning to make choices with food and not spend money is my biggest issue. Sometimes I have to eat to be full, those choices are not always completely healthy. I am not a junk food eater. Sometimes I cannot always afford fruits or fresh veggies. I keep my busy with reading, painting and crochet. This help keep my mind happy. I believe things will change soon.
I am constantly thinking about food and I eat when I am not hungry.
1. Figuring what I truly want to eat instead of what I think I “should“ eat. This is especially challenging on a bad body image day.
2. Slowing down while eating, or finding the right amount to eat for my body when it’s a food I don’t usually get.
I struggle with not “snacking”. I let myself get too hungry and then I only want to eat unhealthy food. Healthy food sounds disgusting to me if I’m hungry but not if I have small meals throughout the day.
Overeating when eating out is a struggle. I always want to enjoy a little of everything, but we all know that isn’t how menus work so I get a bigger meal than I can eat, but then feel guilty for not “cleaning my plate”.
My biggest challenges with eating right now are eating gluten free and snacking when I’m not hungry. I have a slight allergy to gluten and it makes me feel gross, but it seems like everything has gluten in it so it’s hard to avoid it. And also sometimes I tend to snack when I’m not hungry, usually as a distraction from other things like studying and homework that I don’t really want to be doing.
1-Over eating at night
2- emotional eating especially an upset with families or husband – have to learn better ways to deal with it rather than eating!
Staying away from chocolate and pastries. I don’t mindlessly eat unless I walk by those two items. If they are in my line of view, I’m gonna snag one up and enjoy it.
My two challenges seem to be eating in the evenings while watching tv -I seem to think I deserve a bowl of ice cream by then – And secondly. trying to eat 3 meals a day. I usually eat 2 meals a day and the second one is huge – Then I go 15 hours or so before eating again. Not good, but the way it is.
1. When I am stressed out, anxious, tired, bored, lonely, etc. I crave sugar and junk food. This is the first thing I want when I get home from work even if I am not hungry. I know I am addicted to junk food and I know it is really bad for me!
2. I have allergies all year round & I have been seeing an allergist for many years. I can barely smell or taste food most days. Maybe the cravings of sugar and junk food is because there is so much sugar and fat in these types of food that I can actually taste the foods.
When my eating takes a compulsive turn, it’s not for hunger. It’s often want vs hunger, though I’ve worked on this. I try to slow down and savor the taste but other times I just want to eat until I feel satisfied. Probably this is more emotional than physical, though.
1. Making sure that I have nutritious snacks in the house (and resisting/ignoring the “junk” that other family members have within my eyesight).
2. Assessing whether I’m hungry or thirsty.
3. Grazing while working from home.
4. Persisting with meal prep.
Digestion! I’m a medical student, physique athlete and vegan. we always learn and teach about the benefits of fiber. But I go through cyclic periods where fiber helps and fiber really backs me up. Tried elimination diets and tracking for years. But still can’t solve this one.
Other thing is occasional water retention or inflammation due to salt or artificial sweeteners??
This post is upsetting to me. This person seems to eat a very rigid and restrictive diet for the purposes of a “perfect” physique. I didn’t think that is what is being taught on here.
No Andrea, it’s not the purpose of this program. We are a non-diet, weight-neutral, mindfulness-based approach. However, I initially approved the comment because I asked the question and this person seems genuinely curious about how/why his body responded to different foods. Perhaps I shouldn’t have.
Eating in the evening! My mind says no and my body does it anyway. Oh. And butter..
The challenge is the behavioral-based changes needed to make it a reality. I took a class with you, which was wonderful, so I understand the process. The challenge is living the process. Being confident that I am taking the right few steps forward.
Late night eating and late night eating
Changing, consistency. – saying no to old habits that are BFFs. Example: my soda has been there for me through everything. The celebrations, the pit falls and every day stresses. I could rely on it being there for me, even if others were not. I could rely on it.
Similar to consistently above on breaking old habits – staying the course. Two weeks is about as long as I seem to be able to make changes before I fall back on old habits/comfort foods.
Grazing while working from home and eating to avoid something stressful, or eating because I’m bored. This all seems to happen between lunch and dinner.
(1) Eating healthy while being very busy (full time job, 3 kids, working out, masters student, AA member) while cooking food my kids will eat and (2) Not binge eating when I am feeling strong emotions.
SUGAR. sugar. Did I mention, sugar??? #2 Emotional eating
1. Using food to distract and sooth myself
2. Unable to stop obsessive thoughts about food and weight
I am a BIG exerciser: Have run all my life since track/cross country in H.S./college. I was a SKINNY kid who never had to learn how to eat “right” for weight purposes and was able to easily lose any weight I gained by just cutting back a little bit on calories up until I was about 42 years old. Because I didn’t learn any “willpower” or “mindfulness” young, I really struggled. I have done pretty well and this year turned 60. I am still able to run, although with some previous injuries I have stopped marathons and run 3X/week but can still do 5Ks, 10Ks and 1/2 marathons if I space them out-no more 30 races/year!!! My biggest issue remains: I get RAVENOUS after running-I have been able to drink milk prior to a run and eat before I go to try to curb the hunger than ensues afterwards. If I “eat right” such as fruits, veggies, etc after running, I am still HUNGRY-“need” to eat other carbs such as grains, nuts, etc. in order to feel satisfied. In addition, I have a horrible “sweet tooth” which is my “elephant” after running. I do some cross-training as well but only in order to complement running, strengthen myself for running, keep myself agile, etc. I have not particularly enjoyed the cross-training but do it twice a week for the above discussed reasons.
Late night eating when I’m watching a tv show as part of my relaxation time after the kids are in bed. Also, my life tends to be go go go, so it’s hard to slow down and check in with myself when I’m eating to make sure I’m not full and still eating.
Two of my current struggles are:
1) Due to covid safety concerns, eating something for lunch that is healthy and raw when ordering out at work.
2) Due to work deadline constraints, trying to make time to walk away from my desk and eat a healthy lunch and take a walk.
1) being consistent with mindfulness re eating choices. Good sometimes—eating favorite foods but in small amounts as I don’t like feeling too full and the first few bites are the most satisfying.
2) still wanting to “treat” myself in evenings as I relax from stressful day of caregiving of spouse with cognitive and mobility issues. Could make more optimal choices.
1. While traveling we use the executive lounge where we pick up candy and soda all day. It is a challenge to ignore those treats and instead, pick up fruit and vegies.
2. While working at home there is opportunity to, ‘Run downstairs and pick up something’, usually cookies or crackers and cheese.
Help me, please. I have always been fit, but working at home is causing unintended consequences.
Social Eating in 2 ways:
Restaurant eating – portion sizes, distraction (social).
Friends/family events – distraction, emotional connections to the food
During COVID it was great to be less “tempted” by this but now that things are opening up again, I’m feeling all the stress that comes along with Social eating.
I’m new to mindful eating so still trying to get out of the diet mentality.
I agree, I think most of my eating problems can be linked to getting out of diet mentality and really being okay with my body right now!
Two challenges are social gatherings with eating and drinking and restaurant meals.
I lost 10 pounds during Covid-19 and now that we are out again I am working hard to chose wisely.
Evening eating, not related to hunger. Also not stopping at the ‘satisfied’ point. But mainly number 1.
My biggest challenge is I’m an opportunist. If can eat something, I usually will. If I don’t have it, sometimes I’ll got get it. It’s like I get determined that I want to eat something so I do and then comes the guilt.
Knowing when I’m satisfied and stopping before I am uncomfortably full.
Planning when served a meal with many courses, one of which would be enough
-Seeing and smelling yummy food and then choosing to eat past a fullness of 5.
-Wanting is more powerful than needing.
So portions are much larger!
Eating after my evening meal with junk food when I don’t eat it during the day
Following a good food plan, going off plan, guilt, frustration, eat a few days off the plan, go back to plan.
1. Getting started and maintaining the initial momentum.
2. Sustaining the commitment to be consistent on a daily basis.
I am 60 years old. Middle age spread is the problem for me. I eat healthy and exercise but I haven’t been able to do anything about this expanding waistline. It has leveled off, but not in a good place.
In a nutshell- when I have time alone and I impulsively grab something sweet/or crunchy trigger food that I don’t want to be “accountable” for.
Impulsive.
And once I’ve gotten that behavior going I finish that entire 24 hr period on an impulsive eating day. And I totally sabotage the time.
I am very much like Mildred….I am an emotional impulsive eater of non-healthy choices. I feel like during this pandemic is has become even worse because work is more stressful, time alone is more plentiful (and no one keeping me accountable), an ankle injury at the beginning of COVID has made working out almost impossible, etc.
I have also been a binger since my college days and once I start I cannot stop until the next day (sometimes 2 or 3 days later if there is still cake [or whatever is my binge of choice] needing to be eaten. I will then starve myself to “make up for my binging”.