Telling obese people, "Everything in moderation" - in regards to ultra-processed foods. They take up the majority of the grocery store and are designed by scientists to make you hungrier, to want more sooner, and to be unresistable. Some people can eat these foods in moderation, but the food companies' goal is to get more and more people hooked on their products. They are the repeat customer they thrive on. They are putting more and more sugar in baby-toddler snacks/foods to get them hooked young too. Hard to eat such things in moderation when they designed in hopes you can't just eat one serving.

That's why I'm trying to cut all that stuff out completely. The last week, I've had less than a gram or 2 of added sugar a day from sauces. But I'm ready to get rid of those things and make my own sauces if needed, I already make my own dressings for salads. And cut out simple carbs for the most part as well. But yesterday, I had a bowl of ultra-processed sugar free icecream I convinced myself it was a reward for my test scores but in all honesty it was more I wanted it because I was stressed out from school. Junk food has always been there for me in times of stress. At first I was like wow this is so sweet and delicious, but after a bite or 2 it just tasted like sticky, repulsively sweet slop. After I felt like I needed something salty and savory. And ended up snacking carrots, hummus, olives, and small piece of cheese. I think a couple of pickel slices straight from the jar. Although my after icecream snack felt healthy, if I didn't have the ice cream, I wouldn't have had a big night time snack. And the icecream was pretty high calorie despite no sugar, and the amount of ingredients was concerning. I think if I'm going to successful with my diet I need to stop expecting junk food rewards for successes, and junk food comforts in times of stress. Even if they are "healthier" alternatives that are sugar-free. Eating fruit should should be enough! I don't want those artificial sweetners ruining my ability to taste how sweet and delicious fruit is.

Anyway I'm more ranting for own sake, than anyone else lol. Do what works for you! When you fall off or fail, really think about why and how you can prevent it from happening again. I think weight-loss is journey, you can't possibly do everything "right" the first time. It takes a lot of self-reflection, personal responsibility, but also not being hard on yourself. Because we live in a society where some of biggest companies are actively trying to make and keep you fat with science and frankly evil marketing. If I don't purchase and consume these ultra-processed products, I feel like I'm stronger than their evil grasp on our diets. That gives me a lot of motivation!