Food addiction is a serious condition, just like alcoholism or drug addiction.
Food addiction is when your willing to put food into your body regardless of its potential to harm you. Do that and your abusing food and an addict.But is food addiction for real? I mean when was the last time you hear of someone holding up a deli for a bag of cookies?But in recent years there has been a growing acceptance that people may be addicted to food in the same way. The logic goes something like this: When any substance is willing put into the body regardless of its potential for harm or need, that substance is said to be abused. A person who abuses any substance in this way is an addict. They’re physically and mentally dependent upon a substance, in this case food. Food addiction is a fairly new term used to describe the uncontrollable craving and consumption of food. This condition, in the end, is dangerous to the individual. Food addicts come equally from all age, race, and gender groups. They’re linked by their obsession with food, constantly thinking about what to eat. They do not eat to survive, they eat for recreation. They’ll spend all day thinking about food. These addicts often suffer from depression, low self-esteem or loneliness. But they find a high when ingesting large quantities of food or certain foods such as salt or chocolate. The immediate high gives way to a sick feeling or guilt, leading to more depression. Because the addict is out of control, they will repeat the same eating pattern in an effort to feel better. The individual understands that their way of eating is harmful, but continues the destructive behavior. Food addiction is a serious condition with many adverse health consequences. Obesity, psychological disorders, diabetes, and gastric anomalies are just a few. The first step to recovery is, of course, acceptance of the problem. There is no easy way to combat food addiction; it will require intense discipline in modifying eating patterns and lifestyle. What follows are some tips to help you along the way. 1. Deal with your emotions and your work / relationship problems as they occur. Don’t dwell on them, letting them fester, take care of them right away so you won't feel the need to use food as a tool to cope with unpleasant feelings. 2. Change your lifestyle to include activities that don't revolve around getting your next sugar fix. Running, for example, is a way to get a similar high as you would from eating sugar. But, without any of the nasty side effects. 3. Stick to a meal plan that includes 6 meals a day so you’re never hungry. You’ll have 3 main meals with 2 snack meals in between. Don't keep food in your car, desk or in your bedroom and no more midnight runs to 24 hour restaurants. 4. Put your personal health first. Measure foods out ahead of time into single serving packages. At mealtime only eat what is on your plate. When that’s gone, you’re done. 5. If you fall off the wagon and indulge in some overeating of the wrong foods, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s okay; everybody slips once in a while. Forgive yourself and get back on your path to your goal. And last but not least; check out support groups in your area. Groups are great for keeping you on track and helping on a daily basis. It’s a tuff road you’re going down, take all the help you can get. Smiles…Gigi
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