Survey Finds Overeaters Racked By Guilt

PARK CITY, Utah -- The vast majority of Americans who are trying to lose weight admit they cheat on their diets -- and feel guilty about it.

A survey by eDiets.com, an online diet and healthy living concern, says 81 percent of those surveyed confessed to feeling guilty about eating what they know they shouldn't eat.

And the dieters aren't trying to pin the blame on anyone else -- 78 percent of respondents blame no one but themselves for giving in to their vices. However, 18 percent agreed with the statement that "other people buy (the guilt-inducing foods) and I indulge."

Asked how they try to resist food vices, 45 percent of respondents agreed with the statement "What's the point -- I give in."

According to the survey, 38 percent stray from their eating plans every day. Another 33 percent admitted doing so at least once a week.

The most popular craving was for chocolates or candy, as confessed by 25 percent of respondents. Twelve percent craved cookies or cake, 8 percent pined for potato chips, 8 percent preferred fried foods, and 7 percent screamed for ice cream. But 21 percent of dieters surveyed said they just plain overeat.

Julia Griggs Havey, master motivator at eDiets.com, said feeling guilt about overeating isn't anything new.

"I went through all this myself, but I found some helpful ways to cope, including a reward system," she said. "The key to successful vice busting, particularly in the areas of overeating and avoiding forbidden foods, is to follow a step-by-step plan that can help you maintain control when temptation strikes."

Some dieters try to distract themselves from cheating -- 28 percent said they engage in hobbies to take their minds off the vice, and 16 percent work out.