Food addiction can be fairly compared to drug and alcohol addictions. Addicts feel the need to eat as a form of comfort or enjoyment. In return, the excess food causes weight gain and lowered self-esteem, which make you feel worse. This can lead to more serious eating problems such as bulimia, where you purge yourself of the food that you have binged on.
Step 1
Admit you have a problem with food addiction. Until you are able to admit your shortcomings, you will be unable to effectively treat the problem. When you notice that you would do anything to get the food you crave, even performing outrageous acts, it is time to fess up to the issue at hand.
Step 2
Consult your doctor and local hospital regarding counseling and group therapies for overeaters. Overeater's Anonymous is an organization that helps people with eating addictions by utilizing the same 12-step program as Alcoholic's Anonymous classes. You will find a sponsor to help support your during your recovery.
Step 3
Remove certain foods slowly from your diet. Consciously removing sweets one week, then chips the next will help you get used to living without these foods, avoiding placing too much of a shock to your system. This will also help you succeed in avoiding these foods once your recovery is complete.
Step 4
Identify what makes you sad or angry enough to reach for food. Identifying the triggers to your overeating will help you treat the root cause of your problem. Once you have identified your triggers, seek counseling from a licensed psychologist to learn coping mechanisms that are healthier.
Step 5
Call a friend or your sponsor whenever you get to the point where you want to reach for food. If you cannot reach anyone, go for a walk or clean house. Do something constructive to take your mind off of food. Once you are too busy to eat, the urge will subside.
References
- Today Health: Addicted to food? How to break your habit
- "From the First Bite: A Complete Guide to Recovery from Food Addiction"; Kay Sheppard; 2000
- Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Welcome to the FA Website
