| View Blog
|
| Breaking the Food Addiction Cycle
|
|
|
I've been a yo-yo dieter all my adult life. Over the years, I've weighed anywhere between 126 and 211. Looking back, I can see that the weight gain happens when I'm in a difficult emotional space - so it's no surprised that I've been at the higher end of my weight range right now. I lost my Dad last year, I broke off my engagement earlier this year. Work has been very difficult (though thankfully I have a new boss who is wonderfully supportive - my last boss enjoyed tearing people down).
I used to think it was just a discipline issue - that I just needed to get serious about eating healthy, and exercising. But there seems to be something stronger in the mix this time. I began to wonder if I had an addiction to food. It's my comfort when I'm stressed, my coping mechanism when I feel out of control, and seems to come into my thoughts when I'm bored (it's hard not to eat when I'm watching TV or reading - that mindless eating that doesn't do anyone any good!).
I checked out the Overeaters Anonymous Website, http://www.oa.org/index.htm and here are the questions they asked:
Are You a Compulsive Overeater?
This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive overeater.
1. Do you eat when you're not hungry?
2. Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?
3. Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?
4. Do you give too much time and thought to food?
5. Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?
6. Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?
7. Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?
8. Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?
9. Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?
10. Do you resent others telling you to "use a little willpower" to stop overeating?
11. Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet "on your own" whenever you wish?
12. Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?
13. Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?
14. Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?
15. Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?
Have you answered yes to three or more of these questions? If so, it is probable that you have or are well on your way to having a compulsive overeating problem.
------------------------------------------
Well, that settles it - I guess I need to call it what it is. A Food Addiction. Calling it that is a bit scary, but sometimes ya just gotta call a spade a spade!
I did begin a liquid-fast last week - partly as a way to enter into the grief over my Dad (the anniversary of his death is Dec 22nd), and partly to break my fast food habit (I travel a lot, so I usually just eat on the go). I dropped 8.5 pounds in a week - so I guess there's something to be said for cutting out fast food. Though there have been days where it's been SUCH an emotional battle to not just stuff my face with an extra long coney dog from Sonic!!
I have this mindset of losing 42 pounds in 42 days - but as long as it's something that just I know about, it makes it easy for the addiction to take control again. So, I'm blogging about it. Not that I expect a gazillion people to read this - but it's more about putting it out there, and the accountability that holds.
I know there are others that are blogging about their weight loss struggle - so if you're reading this, then know you're not alone in your battle. There's strength in numbers - so we'll all get through it together! 
|
|
Posted by Shallandra on 2007-11-18 08:00:58 | Rating: | Views: 104
|
| |
|
|
| Blog Comments
|
|
|
|
|
Just take it easy and don't lose it too fast or it will all come piling back on. The good thing is you realise what's wrong so you're half way there. Good luck Shallandra!
|
|
Posted by overthehillandfar...
on 2007-11-19 02:39:25
|
|
|
|
|
I also have struggled with weight and eating my entire life. I had anorexia and bulimia and now struggle with emotional eating and overeating in times of stress, bored, similar to the ones you mentioned. I am just wondering if you have sought any kind of treatment (therapy, meds, etc.) and what if anything has worked for you.
|
|
Posted by kat1013
on 2007-12-10 17:36:09
|
|
|
|
|
how is your weight doing and how about you
|
|
Posted by bessy
on 2007-12-17 22:59:34
|
|
|
|
|
i have a food addiction as well. i'm in therapy working on it, but i've recently thought about going to an OA (over eaters annonumous) meeting, but have been scared/nervous to go. have you gone?
|
|
Posted by soyandsublime
on 2007-12-21 10:14:48
|
|
|
|
|
|
