Are you a food addict
When you think of addictions what sort of things come into your mind? If you are like me, you’ll think of things associated with substances like illegal drugs and alcohol. Very few of us would think of food as being a source of addiction. However, scientists are looking at food addiction as a leading cause for the rise in obesity. A few days ago I read an article from a well known health magazine and I found some interesting information about food addiction and obesity. I’d like to share some of that information with you today.
Did you know that there are similarities between the brain of a drug addict or alcoholic and someone who is an overeater? Like any substance abuser, a food addict struggles with overeating all of the time. They “can’t help themselves”. A food addict is one who will indulge in eating food in an attempt to satisfy an emotional need. In other words, a food addict uses food for self medication. For example, an alcoholic may feel the strong urge to fix a drink to help them “unwind’ after a hard days work. Many times an alcoholic will use alcohol to help them cope with the problems of everyday life. This is done on a regular basis. A person addicted to food may not reach for a bottle of Rum or Vodka to “take the edge off”, but they will reach for their favorite ice cream, candy bar, or cookie and binge. It’s a way to feel better or ease the pain of a situation.
Now I personally have family members as well friends who have struggled with either alcohol or substance abuse as a way to escape from the pressures of everyday life. However, I never thought that any of my family or friends could possibly be addicted to food! What deceives people is the fact that food is not just abundant but necessary. We have to eat in order to live and we are surrounded by food… literally. Just drive two miles in any direction and I’m sure you can find a fast food place ready to serve you hot French fries at your beckoned call. With this in mind, addiction to food becomes very easy.
Is it wrong to have some of your favorite ice cream for desert? Is it wrong to crave some of those delicious hot fries on occasion? No, however all of us, not just those who want to lose weight, need to be aware of our eating habits. We not only need to be aware of what we eat but how we eat as well. Ask yourself questions like, do I eat because I am hungry, or do I eat when I am emotional? It’s OK to crave food and snacks sometimes but am I craving them far too often? Am I eating more helpings than usual? These are just a few of the questions we should begin to ask ourselves if we begin to notice a pattern of overeating.
It’s important for us to get the proper nourishment our bodies need on a daily basis. There is nothing wrong with deserts or having a nice evening out with family and friends. However, we have to be careful of what and how we eat on a regular basis. Over the next few days we will discuss how to handle food addiction and the steps you can take if you or someone you know is addicted to food. In the mean time, do you know someone who is addicted to food? If so, please write to us and tell us how they handled their addiction.
