I actually finally started taking Adderall a couple months ago, and while I absolutely would NOT suggest anyone take ANY sort of pill to help with weight loss, by treating the ADD, I've managed to calm myself down with the medication to the point where I'm not constantly eating, because I'm not really doing things as impulsively/compulsively anymore, which includes reaching into the chip bag. Honestly, I don't think it's a "natural" way to control the incessant desire to chomp down on things, but it's made life much simpler not to constantly be dealing with thoughts about food. It's not about weight loss for me, or I wouldn't dare post this on here, it's about controlling the constant urge to eat to calm myself. Of course, I'd take the medication anyway for the ADD, and maybe it wouldn't have that affect in people who don't have ADD, but I almost think it is cruel to expect people who may be having those similar thoughts about food just to control them because of the stigma of taking something like Adderall. I probably eat about the same amount that I did before (because I don't need to diet or lose weight), but it is a godsend not to have to agonize over it anymore.

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What I'm trying to say is that I don't understand is why this study doesn't address insulin resistance, PCOS for women, etc., because clearly weight issues have a lot to do with endocrinology. [en.wikipedia.org] Essentially once your body hits a certain weight, if you are genetically prone, you'll have insulin resistance problems and then it will become nearly impossible to lose the weight. And in fact, because you can't process insulin correctly, you will just keep gaining weight. Or you will loose weight on a strict diet and exercise regimen, but not enough to not be insulin resistance-free. Moreover, hypothyroid patients typically experience insulin resistance after treatment even stabilizes their T3/T4. levels.

And in terms of preventing insulin resistance, it just shows why eating patterns in childhood is so important, and honestly, why people should be aware of their thyroid health, since it can screw up your entire system. I feel like a broken record when I comment on the "health/weight" items on the blog, but seriously, it's important. I don't want anyone else to have the year I've had!

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My grandma and grandpa eat very hearty, rich food. They eat a lot of meat, eggs, cheese, and flour. They eat fried breakfast stuff (sausage, bacon) and eggs every day, but here's the thing--they eat small portions and they're always on the go.

Grandma makes the most beautiful baked dishes with melted cheese, and roasts and pan-seared meats and whatever, with sides of mashed potatoes and butter-drenched veggies--but instead of snarfing down gallons of it, she carefully places reasonable portions on an attractive plate. She freezes extra portions so she doesn't have to waste anything. She doesn't have huge giant ice cream bowls--she just has cute tiny little crystal dessert dishes.

Grandma and Grandpa eat slowly, too, and while they do keep sweets and ice cream in the house, it's not something they eat every day.

I think it's a different approach to eating. They have never really been in a hurry for any reason, either. They both work from dawn to dusk on the farm, but they never have any reason to snarf down something fast. They do everything promptly and efficiently in the fields and pastures, but when the day is done, they don't have to hurry. They can dawdle lovingly over a decent, reasonable portion of food, take pleasure in it, and savor it.

For me, my commute in the morning can be an arduous ordeal. I wake up starving at 6AM, and I need something that will fuel me for an hour-long bus ride and a long walk and frustrating deadlines. Then it's busy, busy, busy all day--I could slow down and pay attention to my food, but I seriously have better things to do-- and by the time I finally manage to do it all in reverse and get home and think about dinner, it's like 7:00PM and I have to wash dishes or try to work on freelance stuff or mop or sweep and then I still have to get in a workout, somewhere, and make dinner, and take a shower, and do laundry, and I don't even have academic obligations or children! I can't imagine how insane my life would be if I added more to the mix.

No, it's no excuse to eat like shit, but I think people today are overscheduled and crushed for time, and prepackaged unhealthy stuff can be really appealing. If you work full-time and you're trying to have some semblance of a meaningful personal life/interests outside of work, it can be very difficult to find time to prepare healthy meals, and the time to savor them.

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But once I start craving food, it's hard for me to stop wanting it. The more I tell myself not to, the more I want it. Fuck.

Now if you'll excuse me, my SlimFast should be close to getting chilled now.

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My body is getting used to eating less. Sometimes, I take out my journal when I have a craving after finishing a meal and write: You are not hungry. You are not hungry. You are not hungry.

Sad, but it works for me.

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It's grand at home as you can have a smaller portion in the first place but eating out means wearing pants that have some give and being on you main course when people have finished their desserts and are onto their coffees.

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But seriously, I think it does have a lot to do with how much we eat out and the amount of fast food available. How much more accessible is food now that we have fast food, microwaves, and efficient refridgerators?

TRY making or getting a "quick meal" without the three and you'll see why, back in the 60s and earlier, eating was not the hobby it is today.

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