#8 - 100 Day Goal - Abstinance from Obvious Sweets - Want to Join? Please Do!

[cali]

The good news is I have a new day to work on my recovery. I am honest today about what happened.

Fub, absolutely!!!! Honesty has set me free!!!

Pony--wishing you a wonderful time at the wedding!! I am so sorry i forgot to comment well wishes to you

I am on the balance beam today!!

[Nina Kay]

Well that Easter Bunny was out on the balcony again this morning trying to tempt me with his chocolate treats. I did not give in but I will be having some hearty rabbit stew for dinner.
Let's all get together and boycott the chocolate Easter egg pushers of the world and give our kids carrots for Easter.
__________________

Oh my goodness, Fub !!!! That Easter Bunny is really trying to do a number on you.
I really like the idea of boycotting the Easter egg pushers.

[Nina Kay]

Cali, I'm a little slow, but what do you mean when you say:

I am on the balance beam today!!

I know that this could mean several different things unless I'm supposed to take you literally?!

[Nina Kay]

I hope you got to get out on your bike yesterday Dave. I really need to start with some kind of physical exercise. I'm just so exhausted all of the time. This age thing is not going well with me. It's unbelievable. Keep up the great exercise Dave, but don't overdo.

[Astro]

Hi everyone, I'd like to join in, thanks Nina for the suggestion.

I'm Scott and I'm an alcoholic, codie, and a compulsive sweet eater. When I sobered up in 2005 I cross-addicted to donuts and cookies and put on 30lbs right away, I carried around that extra weight for awhile. A couple months ago I started Weight Watchers with my fiance, I've been doing well and dropped 24lbs, I eat as healthy as possible, but I still give in to cravings for sweets almost every day. This week my issue has been a huge jar of Jelly Belly's at my office, and my daughter baked brownies on Wed. night which I couldn't resist. I've noticed smiling jack mention those sweets at AA meetings, yeah those are a problem for me too. Nothing like a handful of cookies to go with my mug of black coffee at a meeting.

So by what I understand the idea here is to abstain for as long as possible, 100 days or longer being the goal. But can someone define for me what an obvious sweet is? I've been curbing some of my cravings with sugar-free candy at work, and at home I sometimes have the Weight Watchers desserts that use Splenda or a similar sweetener. Are those obvious sweets too?

I'd like to thank you all for sharing your experience and strength so freely here, and especially for your honesty. This seems more difficult than sobriety or even quitting nicotine was. I don't post much on SR over the weekends, but I'll try to check in and see how you're all doing, and I'll post my progress.

[Nina Kay]

I'm so sorry to hear that you had such a struggle, Jack. I wish that you would have been able to just run away from the temptations & triggers, that you faced yesterday. I wish that you would have had access to the computer at that time so that you could have come here to be with us during your peak trouble. I'm so glad that you came here and kept it honest and got right back on the recovery wagon to go at it again. We are here for you Jack. Just as you've been so faithful to be here for us. Hang in there, you know that you're getting better at this. Just look how far you have come since you first came here.

(((((((((((Supportive Hugs)))))))))))

[Nina Kay]

Welcome Scott !!!! I'm so happy that you've joined us here.

[Nina Kay]

Okay...... Those letters turned out to be a whole lot bigger than I thought they'd be.
As for defining Obvious Sweets. To each his own, but this thread started with Obvious Sweets being just that. Very obvious sugary goodies, as in cakes, pies, cookies, pastries, candy. I would think that if you only eat desserts that are sugar free, that you will still be obvious sugary sweets free or abstinent. I've tried it before, but for me, the taste of something sweet, even if it doesn't have the calories, triggers be to go off on a binge. That's just my personal experience though. For me, one of the keys is coming here to report in and check on the others, daily, so keep coming back.

[cali]

Hi Scott Welcome!!
I agree with Nina's listing but I would add for me, that any food that I end up "abusing", I can't have--like "sugar free" foods I can't do because I end up eating it ALL.

I do use splenda. There are some "cereal bars" that I used to "try" to have in moderation--but nope, I ended up abusing them.

I rarely eat sweets at meetings, but sometimes it happens---so what do now is bring a snack, or make sure I eat before going. I tell myself that this is the only life I have....I want to live it to the fullest and be around to see my children grow up. Listen to your small voice within-if you don't feel right about eating something, then maybe you aren't supposed to...I know for me, every time I had a thought that "maybe I shouldn't", I ended up slipping at some point with that food. Sorry to ramble--keep sharing so we can get to know you!!

[Astro]

Originally Posted by Nina Kay

the taste of something sweet, even if it doesn't have the calories, triggers me to go off on a binge.

Well, near-beers like O'Douls have been mentioned in this thread too and those are a no-no for me, to me they're too close to the real thing. My opinion is why drink something that reminds me of what I'm in recovery from?

So it makes sense to me, those sugar-free sweets might have to go too. But then my question would be, are there things you're using to curb the cravings, healthy alternatives? I've used sunflower seeds to help curb the chewing tobacco cravings, and sugar-free gum too.

Or is the answer "all or nothing", total abstinence? I just have to stop putting things in my mouth when the urge strikes?

[Fubarcdn]

Welcome Scott.
It seems that a lot of us are hopping on this wagon.
The way I understand OS is that it includes whatever you want it to include that you wish to avoid.
I use splenda and drink diet pop (coke0) but processed sugar is a definite deal breaker. Jack keeps a running chart so try to check in as often as possible.
It is based totally on being honest as you will see by the number of times some of us restart.
Good luck with this and weight watchers but since you are getting professional help I am going to propose that each of your days only count for half. Just kidding.

[smiling jack]

Welcome, Scott. Processed sugar in candy bars, donuts, cookies, ice creams I am powerless over. I cannot stop myself at only one for long..............OS's are foods I abuse. I look at ingrediants on packages...and if sugar is #1 or # 2...it's an OS. For the most part, I avoid sugar as #3...and that becomes a gray area for me...usually I wind up pigging out soon...so the gray area ultimately leads to a binge.

My alternatives have been fresh fruit. They have as much sugar as candy, etc.,...but the sugar is processed differently in the body, I believe, so I have eaten bananas, pears, apples, peaches, mangoes, papiya, instead.

I like it when I am OS sober. When I am not OS sober...I can rationalize...minimize... hide...cheat...before I finally reach enough pain to be rigorously self-honest.

I believe working on OS sobriety helps me with my AA sobriety. Food addictions are different from alcohol/drugs my shrink says...more like gambling and other process addictions. Now, I can walk pass a cooler full of beer and not look or think about it...but a plate of warm cookies folds me like an accordian.

But that is just my thinking...and my thinking got me here. Take care.

[Nina Kay]

I am still OS free, but tomorrow will be a big test for me. Goodies all over the place !!!!

[smiling jack]

I don't remember seeing so many posts in one day...it's great for me to read!!! Scott, it wasn't clear to me if you want to be listed...so I'm ready if you are..

I want to be OS sober today. Take care all.

Nina - 3/8/2009 - 34 Days
Pony 3/13/2009 - 29 Days
Roxie-3/27/09 - 15 Days
Mike -3/28/2009 - 14 Days
Cali - 4/1/2009 - 10 Days
Dave - 4/2/2009 - 9 Days
Fubarcdn - 4/5/2009 - 6 Days
Cathy 4/7/2009 - 4 Days
Jack- 4/10/2009 - 1 Day

[Fubarcdn]

I come here with my head held low today.
After fighting off the Easter Bunny the OS beast back doored me by sending in the Apple pie monster to the tune of America the Beautiful. Being patriotic to our neighbors I thought a small piece wouldn't hurt but I pigged out on three large pieces instead.
I couldn't sleep because I was stuffed so put the sticks away as that was punishment enough.

Today will be OK but tomorrow is another challenge.

[Nina Kay]

Jack, I'm happy for you that you've made it through that 1st hard day. I remember when you actually accomplished that 100 day goal. I've never done that myself yet. This makes me know that you have what it takes to stay away from those sweets. You CAN do this. One day at a time. Just for today.

Fub, I'm so sorry that the trickery was used on you. I know that you were very prepared to stand against all that the Easter Bunny offered and you weren't at all expecting the temptation that you did get. I wouldn't have either. Just get back up and go at it again. It took strength for you to come here and be honest to yourself & us. So you do have what it takes to beat this OS thing.

As for me, I am still OS free, but didn't realize that I had dodged the bullet until this evening. I was too exhausted to go to my family easter reunion & egg hunt and I stayed home in bed all day. I was thinking how I missed my grandkids & neices & nephews hunting eggs all day, but then this evening I realized that by not making it there, I was able to avoid that temptation that I was very concerned about. At least SOMETHING good came out of this awful day.

[dave47]

Welcome Scott, can't add much to what has been already said but I do have sugar free gum sometimes(at least they give you fresh breath). I do drink diet coke and lemonade sometimes as well but am trying to drink more water.
A regular supply of fruit is absolutely essential for me or I will start to slide.
As for the mention of alcohol free beer, can't agree more and I would be going down a dark alley if I started on that.
Well, with a week and a half of good behaviour behind me, I face Easter Sunday totally optimistic that I will not give in.
I did get out on the bike thank's Nina, and am just in this morning from a long run. This was the first run of the year when I felt the temperatures starting to rise and it was hard going, but now it is done I can enjoy the rest of the day.
Thanks eveyone for all the posts, I can't believe how many are here in just a few days.
Hope you all have a very happy Easter.

[smiling jack]

Thanks to all for the humor, the sincerity and support, the personal accomplishments, the honesty and the willingness to change today. May each of us have a wonderful day, today. Happy Easter.

Nina - 3/8/2009 - 35 Days
Roxie-3/27/09 - 16 Days
Mike -3/28/2009 - 15Days
Cali - 4/1/2009 - 11 Days
Dave - 4/2/2009 - 10 Days
Cathy 4/7/2009 - 5 Days
Pony 4/9/2009 - 3 Days
Jack- 4/10/2009 - 2 Day
Fubarcdn - 4/11/2009 - Day 1

[Nina Kay]

Hey Mike !!! Where are you? How are you? Please check in soon.

[Nina Kay]

So far today, I am still OS free.

[cali]

Hello OS pals! I had to be around sweets all weekend--preparing baskets etc-I told myself I have had more than my share of sweets over the years.
I have to let others have some now

I continue to remain OS free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you all are having a nice day!

[Astro]

Originally Posted by Fubarcdn

since you are getting professional help I am going to propose that each of your days only count for half. Just kidding.

You crack me up Fubar

Sorry I didn't post sooner, been busy this weekend with home improvement projects and motorcycle riding & repairs.

Jack, thanks for your interpretation of OS free, makes perfect sense and since fresh fruit is part of my WW diet I'll do my best to get my sugar the natural way. It'd be great if you could add me to the list, I haven't had any OS's since Thursday afternoon.

It's been kinda strange to try this, but in a freeing and enlightening way. Friday I didn't have any cravings, but Saturday morning found me staring down 4 dozen donuts at my AA meeting. I can see where that would be a good time to have a healthy snack with me to curb my appetite, so in the future I'll prepare for that.

Today we had chocolates and stuff for the kids, but even when I was filling the plastic eggs last night I didn't have any strong urges to dig in.

I was at my local Sprouts market Sat. morning after the AA meeting, picked up a few bags of snacks to curb my US cravings. Corn nuts, wasabi snackin' peas, and dehydrated vegetable chips. I love that stuff, but gotta eat it in moderation too.

I'll be checking in during the week, thanks to all for your posts, hope everyone is well and enjoying a very happy Easter Sunday.

[dave47]

Well I survived yesterday, even though there was chocolate all around me.
Is it my imagination or is it when I say I am trying not to eat something, then everyone get's really generous and keep's offering it to me.
My daughter will probably disappear for the day, having been stuck with us all day yesterday. If she's not with her friends she is on the computer with them or texting them, they seem to live in each others pockets.
My boy has one of his friends round today, and he is a lunatic. I might try and slip out for a couple of hours, sure the wife will love that.
Have a good time everyone and thanks for your posts.

[californiapoppy]

Hi everyone, You can count me in today, now that Easter is over, all the family has gone home, no more big family feasts until my granddaughter's first birthday on May 17. I'll take it one day at a time, DAY 1 here I come !!!

[smiling jack]

Good Morning All! Wow!! Welcome to the list Astro and Poppy. I am looking forward to your experiences, strength and hope.

I made it through Easter myself...I got scared straight when Fub recounted his battles with the Easter Bunny...I didn't want to go there at all.

I want to take care of myself today...in healthy ways.

Nina - 3/8/2009 - 36 Days
Roxie-3/27/09 - 17 Days
Mike -3/28/2009 - 16 Days
Cali - 4/1/2009 - 12 Days
Dave - 4/2/2009 - 11 Days
Cathy - 4/7/2009 - 6 Days
Pony - 4/9/2009 - 4 Days
Astro - 4/10/2009 - 3 Days
Jack- 4/10/2009 - 3 Days
Fubarcdn - 4/11/2009 - 2 Days
Poppy - 4/13/2009 - Day 1