Depression, poor body image and low self-confidence go hand-in-hand with food addiction. Many people turn to food for comfort in stressful or unpleasant situations, which can lead to major risks to their physical and emotional health. Physicians, nutritionists and therapists can play a role in helping you overcome your battle with food to reach better health. There are also organizations geared toward providing support if you're struggling with your relationship with food. Consult your doctor before moving forward with any of these organizations' eating plans to ensure they are safe for you.
Understanding Food Addiction
Being addicted to food could be more adequately described as being addicted to how eating makes you feel. Eating several doughnuts gives you something other than your problems to focus on, providing feelings of comfort or reducing your ability to feel at all. The positive feelings are short-lived, however; you eventually have to face your problems and your shame over eating too much. Common food addiction behaviors include eating large quantities quickly, hiding food and eating despite being full, says HelpGuide.org.
Food Addicts Anonymous
Food Addicts Anonymous is an international organization offering support to those battling food addiction. Local meetings are held throughout the United States and other countries including Canada, England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Russia. You can also join in on phone and online meetings if you're unable to attend in-person events. The organization uses the Twelve Steps in dealing with food addiction, similar to the method used for drug addiction. FAA offers an eating plan for weight loss that encourages consuming foods from the major food groups. Sugar, flour and wheat are prohibited.
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous serves people who are obsessed with food or have no control over their eating. Based in Massachusetts, this international organization serves obese people needing weight-loss support in addition to thin people still battling food addiction. The eating plan is focused on removing all flour, sugar and any individual foods that cause you to binge from your diet. FA theorizes that these foods are like drugs, making abstinence essential. Measuring your food to avoid overeating is also a key component of the organization's plan. Local meetings are held around the world, and a list is available on the FA website.
Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous also follows the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, similar to other addiction support organizations. Meetings share experiences and support for each other in overcoming compulsive overeating. There is focus on physical, spiritual and emotional recovery. OA does not prescribe a particular diet and encourages you to consult a health care professional to develop a suitable eating plan. You can get one-on-one weight loss support through working with a sponsor who has been successful in dealing with food addiction.
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