Smoking addiction vs food addiction. Are they similiar??

Question

I used to be a smoker for 15 years and stopped completely five years ago. I gained 10 lbs from this process, it may not sound a lot but I needed to lose weight and having to gain 10 just makes it harder. In total, I need to lose 20 lbs. Some things I noticed about smoking is habit, having a cigarette with a drink or coffee. Or smoking after work. With all that said, i completely changed my habits and circle of friends and have become an ex smoker.

Now, I'm putting my energy with losing weight. I enjoy being around people that care about their health. But I need help with finding ways to stay slim... Helping my sweet tooth without it being out of control. It seems stopping smoking is easier because it's elliminated from your life. Food is there for you to stay alive...What are your thoughts??

Answer 1

Unlike other addictions.. Food is something you have to have to stay alive.. So its much more problematic as an addiction.

Cigs - you can avoid and still live.
Alcohol - you can avoid and still live.
Drugs - you can avoid and still live..

And with each of those addictions.. you know darn good and well when you're backsliding because there is no other reason to partake in them. Not like people are hiding them in your water. :)

Food however is a totally different bandit. You have to eat.. but each person is different in how much is necessary, and what foods are best for them. Some people do better on a high protien diet, while others need a more balanced diet with carbs.

Is one bowl of ice cream a week "falling off the wagon"? or is does it take two? :)

While all addictions are essentially the same.. a food addiction is much harder to manage and control.

As for battling your sweet tooth.. when craving something sweet.. don't go for anything with corn syrup as it is not filling and mildly addictive in its own right. Try to eat sugary foods to squelch your craving with real sugar in them, and try to only eat 3 bites at a sitting. You can always eat more later if you absolutely NEED to. :) Also avoid fake sugars, they'll only make you crave sugar more.

Answer 2

Yeah, addictions are similar, no matter what you're addicted to. In fact, some people who are addicted to food and then have obesity surgery tend to take up another addictive behavior, like drinking or smoking. Maybe you could try having healthy things on hand to put in your mouth: sugar-free gum, veggie sticks, fruits (dried or regular), whole grain snack crackers. Just realize that when you feel the urge to eat something, realize that you might not be hungry, it might just be the oral fixation setting in. Then try a piece of gum. If that doesn't work, try drinking a glass of water with lemon in it. And if you still feel like you're going to go crazy without eating something, then just snack on things I mentioned above. They all have a lot of chewing motion, which will also help you trick your body into thinking you're eating a lot. Good luck, and congrats on not smoking anymore!!

Answer 3

I agree, you can stop smoking completely and do things to avoid it while food is necessary in some capacity.
As for your sweet tooth - - I just found a new thing, Chiquita (yes, the banana people) makes cut up apples with caramel dipping sauce that comes in pre-measured baggies. ITS FAT FREE and the sauce is remarkably sweet - - helps me big-time.

Answer 4

foodstuff is a psychological habit. Nicotine is a actual addiction. anybody that asserts they can't supply up foodstuff? Get the **** out, mentally susceptible human beings annoy me greater suitable than non secular extremists.

Answer 5

I believe that all addictions are equal. Some are much worse than others.