I think I have a food addiction.any serious tips?

Question

I feel really guilty about it

Someone down there said "my drug of choice". Ive used that exact phrase to describe it. I can get this way over sex too sporadically. Its food or sex they take it in turns. Im actually not overwieght but I could become that way andd I think its still a health issue. I already take anti's.

Answer 1

Food addictions are finally becoming recognized as a serious eating disorder. There are many ways to go about getting help. One is to get some conselling. As with other addicitions your eating usually has a basis. You eat to stuff in something. What is it?

Also, is there an Over Eaters Anonymous Chapter in your area? A very scary idea, to walk into a room where all of the people would know that you have an issue with food. But all of the people there have the same issue and a well run group is supposed to be very successful in treating food addictions.

I would start with yor family doctor. And if he doesn't listen don't give up. It sounds like you really want help and it isn't as simply as just stopping the eating. It means looking at why you eat and replacing the eating with healthy behaviors. Congratulations on recognizing that you need help. Takes a lot of power to admit that.

Answer 2

It's not that easy: Just quit eating. If it were, there would be no overweight people. Food can be an addiction. Just like alcohol or drugs. It gives you a "high" while you are eating but follows up with an intense feeling of guilt. But you can't stop, even though you know that you may look and feel terrible.
I recommend Overeater's Anonymous. It is a great organization that follows the 12 step program, much like AA or NA.
Look online and it will give you listings of groups near you.
Good luck. Email me if you have any other questions or concerns. It's a tough battle, but admitting you have a problem is a great start.

Answer 3

Try to keep on a schedule for eating - 3 meals a day, 2 snacks in between, each around the same time every day.

If that doesn't start to help a little bit, at least make the food you eat healthy. Celery, is great. Vegetables and fruits.

You might also consider seeing a therapist if you believe you have a serious problem.

Answer 4

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling. When you've realized that you've overeaten or binged, try to ask yourself what was happening before the episode? Were you upset? Angry? Lonely? Trying to connect up the feeling/event that happened before the binge might help. If you find yourself in the beginning or middle of a binge, try to stop and check in with yourself. Ask yourself what you are hoping the food will do for you. Are you still tasting it? Does the tenth bite taste as good as the first? Just try to cultivate more awareness and remember, be gentle with yourself! Beating yourself up over it often induces guilt, which may then trigger another binge, keeping the cycle going.

If it's something that happens frequently, and is interfering with your life, there are some really good therapists that specialize in treating binge eating disorder. http://www.edreferral.com/

Here's a great book for anyone struggling with overeating/binge eating: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0449003825?v=glance

Good luck!

Answer 5

Its sounds like you do have an addiction to food - especially having the "guilt" factor..that is a dead giveaway.
Talk to your doctor about this: There are some anti-depressants, that as a side effect, actually cut down appetite - thus causing weight loss.
Your addiction to food may also be a sign of depression. Why? because your addiction to the pleasure of eating is used as an escape mechanism from an "unpleasant" reality.

Answer 6

I have a food addiction also. It is my drug of choice. I need to control it like an alcoholic or drug addict needs to control their addiction. I currently go to Weight Watchers because there is no Overeaters Anonymous near me. OA meetings deal with the coping skills required to live with this addiction so as not to ruin your health.

Answer 7

FOOD AND SEX. TWO WAYS TO GRATIFY YOURSELF. YOU NEED BOTH, BUT IN MODERATION.

ASK YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU MEDICATE WITH FOOD? IS IT BECAUSE YOU LACK OTHER, HEALTHIER COPING SKILLS? TRY NEW THINGS. MASTER A SKILL OR TALENT YOU HAVE. DO SOMETHING THAT CONSUMES YOU FOR A LITTLE WHILE.....

SALSA DANCING, KICKBOXING, RACKETTBALL, POTTERY, ARCHERY, WEAVING, BASKETBALL, BILLIARDS, TANGO DANCING, TENNIS, WRITING, SILVERSMITHING, AND HACKEY SACK.......THY SOME OF THESE THINGS. GET REALLY GOOD AND TEACH IT TO SOMEONE ELSE.

EAT WHAT YOU NEED TO STAY ALIVE AND HEALTHY. EAT 5-6 SMALLER-SIZED MEALS SO YOU DON'T STARVE AND THEN BINGE EAT. EAT NO MORE THEN THE SIZE OF YOUR FIST PER MEAL. DRINK LOTS MORE COLD WATER, AND DRINK A FULL GLASS BEFORE EATING. QUIT DRINKING SODA AND SWITCH WITH GREEN TEA OR COLD WATER. USE SMALLER PLATES AND DON'T EAT IN FRONT OF THE TV. DON'T SKIP MEALS AND TRICK YOUR BODY INTO GOING INTO "HOARD MODE" THINKING IT IS STARVING.....

IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE WITH THIS, THEN JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP OR ENLIST THE HELP OF A BUDDY OR THERAPIST.
TAKE CARE!

Answer 8

Food is a social, spiritual, and necessary part of life. When it becomes an issue, such as partaking in gross over consumption, there are underlying problems that are present. Meaning, there are other problems that need to be addressed. Please seek professional help and work to achieve that happy place. It is work but it is possible. Wishing you well.

Answer 9

Do you mean you overeat? I never heard it called food addiction before. I guess that could be a term for any eating disorder.

Try this website, to Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous.

Answer 10

you could try FA. It is like AA but for food addiction. My friend tried it and lost 100 pounds and kept it off now for 2 years.
Good luck

I think you can even search on line for them