Food Addiction : I know this is a term... - Weight Loss Support

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Food Addiction

19 Replies

I know this is a term thrown around by many people, some disagree its a thing, some use it to cover greed, some think it is a thing.

My concern is that it is a thing and that I suffer from it. No matter what I try food takes over my life. I don't know what to do about it.

19 Replies
moreless profile image
morelessAdministrator7 stone

Hi Gemma, type food addiction into the search box in the top right hand corner of your screen and you'll find 10 pages of threads devoted to the very same subject. You are not alone! I believe food addiction exists, I believe I'm addicted to sugar, which Is why I've eliminated it from my diet.

There's a whole library for you to read, but start with this one :)

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

You can beat this! :)

in reply to moreless

Thanks. I found some interesting posts/articles.

moreless profile image
morelessAdministrator7 stone in reply to

I thought you would Gemma and it's a relief to know we're not the only food junkies, isn't it?! :)

in reply to moreless

Yeah. I get a bit frustrated about the time it takes to change things. Despite knowing a slower journey is worth it.

moreless profile image
morelessAdministrator7 stone in reply to

I used to be like that, but have taken the time to slow down and smell the roses now. It may take a long time, but what else would we be doing? :)

MW50 profile image
MW50

You could try to turn a food obsession into a positive. Research healthy ways of cooking your favourites, read up on the guidelines for a balanced diet, invent recipes based on the guidelines and try new healthy ingredients. Think of food as a complete science rather than just the end product that you put in your mouth, and when you do eat take the time to enjoy every mouthful.

in reply to MW50

Thats a good idea :)

I like to cook and experiment with flavours.

DartmoorDumpling profile image
DartmoorDumplingRestart Feb 2024

If we are food addicts (and many of us are), then treat this forum as your own personal FA group - We could be called Foodaholics Anonymous!

We all try to provide each other with mutual support, advice and shared tales of "falling off the wagon" and "getting back on board"!

It is not so much the food itself that we start to rely on, more likely it is the pleasure sensations and feelings of comfort that we get from our favourite snacks and comfort foods.

Sadly, we can't ban all food out of our life like you can with other addictive substances, so we have to learn to set limits and on the odd occasion when we exceed our limits, we must forgive ourselves and start again the next day.

Find other ways of giving yourself a warm happy feeling through friendships, hobbies, sport, dance, music, art, reading and most of all, value your good health which results from a healthy diet.... and everything else will follow on from that.

in reply to DartmoorDumpling

Its certainly something Im trying now. I realised that Im unintentionally using food as reward/celebration. Something Im keen to change.

I am finding myself starting again a lot recently :(

IndigoBlue61 profile image
IndigoBlue61

There is a lot of evidence that eating disorders are linked to other deep emotional feeling 😕 But I believe we can overcome these with time patience and research into the causes 😊 You are most definitely not alone!! Good luck 😊

in reply to IndigoBlue61

Im definitely an emotional eater. However this doesn't appear to be my only issue with food. I totally agree that its worth exploring all the possibilities.

DartmoorDumpling profile image
DartmoorDumplingRestart Feb 2024 in reply to

Now you are beginning to sound more positive...thats the way to go!

Next time you feel peckish, make a large mug of tea or coffee, put on your favourite music (or log on to this forum for a chat) and sit down with your feet up for a bit and see if it passes.

If you really need to nibble, have a small bowl of dried fruit and seeds to chomp on - they keep the jaws going, and are good for your fibre intake too!

I'm struggling with this even more now. I've broken a second desk chair at work which has made me anxious and self conscious rather than motivated. Where do I find help for something like this?! I'm feeling desperate now.

IndigoBlue61 profile image
IndigoBlue61 in reply to

How did you get on with the links suggested? Also, have you spoken to your GP? They can refer you to a dietician and psychologist if needed 😊

I've also recently read an excellent book called "Energy is Everything" which I reviewed in the Resources section, the section on Mindset is very interesting 😊 The brain really is a powerful ally 😊

Hope you find solutions that work for you 😊

in reply to IndigoBlue61

I'm gonna have to go back to the links. When I spoke to my GP about being hungry all the time she basically told me that its down to me and to try harder.

I just feel like I'm stuck and alone and its hard to find a way that fits.

IndigoBlue61 profile image
IndigoBlue61 in reply to

Unfortunately GPs don't have the time and often their dietetics training is outdated 😊 Look at the links, go back to basics if necessary, work out your bmi and target calories, plan some decent wholesome meals plus soups and snacks, (hunger is my downfall too 😕) and try to have a little faith in yourself 😊 You are more than just a number on the scales ❤️

in reply to IndigoBlue61

Its going to have to be back to basics I think, and be quite strict in my regime (not extreme calorie cutting or anything just no going 'off plan') and get into exercise.

I feel like I'm just sinking constantly. Hard battle right now.

IndigoBlue61 profile image
IndigoBlue61 in reply to

But you will win the battle, one step at a time 😊

Have you seen the reboot thread?

Colermatthes profile image
Colermatthes

Food addiction is a serious problem. It can cause physical harm and can lead to several diseases. Healing from food addiction needs a total lifestyle change for many people.

Try these steps - foodaddictionresearch.org/q... .

You can also seek for profession help from some eating addiction treatment centres - edgewoodhealthnetwork.com/w... . All the best!

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