 Food addiction can be overcome
Although people are overweight for many different reasons, I have found that a large percentage of these people belong to one of two groups: those who need education and those who suffer from an addiction to food. I am going to address the latter group.
When I say that I am a foodaholic, never think that I use that term lightly. Food addiction is like other addictions, such as alcohol or gambling, but with one important difference: Our bodies can survive without alcohol or gambling. We cannot survive without food.
Other types of addicts can avoid bars, casinos or other places where their addictions are fueled. But we cannot avoid restaurants, parties or even dinner with our families. Well, we could, but life would certainly hold very little joy if we did.
So, let’s talk about how we can feed our bodies and not our addiction.
According to Dictionary.com, an addiction can be defined as: 1. The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something, or 2. An abnormally strong craving.
Think hard about the different foods that you eat. Do you really have either of the above problems with ALL foods, or just some foods? Likely, you do not have abnormally strong cravings or compulsions for broccoli, but you may have a problem with ice cream, donuts or chips.
All food addicts have certain foods they have great difficulty resisting. Mine are cake and Chex Mix. I find it hard to say no and next to impossible to stop once I’ve started.
Once you have identified the problem foods, then you can make an action plan to avoid them:
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Get them out of your house as soon as possible. Your home must be a place where you can exist without temptation.
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If you find yourself with one of your problem foods available, don’t take that first bite. This goes back to the heart of the addiction. Once you start you can’t stop. So don’t start.
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Find acceptable substitutes, such as frozen yogurt, baked chips or a low-calorie, pre-portioned cake.
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An appropriate portion of a food in and of itself is not harmful. Don’t tell yourself you can never have this food again. Instead, once you are months into the habit of healthful living, allow yourself one serving. Do this with others present to help you stay accountable. Do it away from home and whatever you do, don’t bring any leftovers back home with you.
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Finally, if you find that your addiction and its causes run too deep for you to get a handle on, please get help.
There are many counselors out there trained to deal specifically with food addictions who can give you the tools you need to get a handle on your own addiction.
Until next time, stay healthy and be happy.
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