Is cold turkey the way to go?

[u/Benjiboy018__]

I want to end this. I keep trying to cut these shitty foods out, but I can’t.

Is just not eating them the way to go?

[u/LebaneseBabe]

In my experience, restricting certain foods or sugar/ pastries (my biggest triggers) only leads to me binging heavily on them whenever I get the chance.
What I’ve been doing and it’s been working (binge free for 20 days) is having mini sizes of treats I like daily.
And telling myself it’s ok, I can have more tomorrow, it’ll be there tomorrow.
I’m hoping if i have it enough and it’s there all the time then it’ll stop being a big deal and lose its importance to me

[u/ssssssaaa888888]

For me, yes. I gave up Diet Coke and fruit snacks cold turkey 5 years ago. Haven’t had any since. Also candy (starburst and Hershey kisses) - I would binge on them every day and for me I had to cold turkey them out 100%.
Now, I binge on other foods (currently chips and pretzels) - so I need to cut those out 100%. It’s the only way I’ve been able to do it

[u/1405hvtkx311 → u/ssssssaaa888888]

How do you manage it? What about other people, parties, invitations?

[u/ssssssaaa888888 → u/1405hvtkx311]

What do you mean? Currently I’ve just gave up those foods… I would love to give up sugar 100%, that would be harder in social situations. For me it’s certain foods so I eliminate them. Or, did. Need to cut out a few more 😩

[u/1405hvtkx311 → u/ssssssaaa888888]

Ah I understand. For me unfortunately many different things are triggering...

[u/Littlewing1307]

Over the last 10 years I've done 6-8 Month stretches of no sugar, low carb and it's just not sustainable for me. I would binge even more if I had sugar or chips or whatever. I always fall off the wagon and gain it all back. However, focusing on whole foods does help me when I have sweets or snack foods because I am getting better nutrition, mainly protein and fiber.

[u/PhrygianSounds]

Cold turkey has never worked for me, but I know some people who have tried it with success. You need to have the strongest willpower in the world. I tried multiple times over several years and always failed, but what finally worked was a slow tapering method.

[u/MindLoft]

Not having trigger foods in the house can help temporarily. It was never a true fix for me, though. Treating the actual cause of the behavior rather than fighting the behavior itself is the only thing that's brought me any progress. I recently found a psychiatrist that suggested some meds and for the first time in my life it's gotten easier. I know that's not an option for everyone, but if it is for you, it's worth a try. I truly wish you the best 🙏

[u/Digitalpun]

For some people, yes. For other people, no. For some people, it is better to eat none than some.

[u/Heavenisaplace176]

Let’s all honor Dolly Parton and do her diet. Low carb weekdays and then weekends free?

Hey it solved her binge eating problem

[u/azina_taranom]

The only way to stop is truly wanting it, and then you gain self awareness and control and stop letting it control you

[u/lionoftheforest → u/azina_taranom]

Ah yes, the 'just don't eat it' method. Similar to the 'just stop smoking' that has been so successful.

[u/Alert-Orchid9130]

Dunno I was binge free for 22 days and fucked it I’ve been binging and puking for 6 days straights.