Food Addiction

If you didn't see 'Dr. Oz' the other day, the topic was 'Can you really have an addiction to food?' I know, you're all screaming 'YES!' right along with me. It was interesting as the polls of people were pretty split as were the expert's opinions. The Nutritionist's view was that over-eating is behavioral...driven by emotions, learned behavior, and will power. OK, umm, as a yo-yo dieter now skinny b*tch I can personally tell you that anyone who has ever lost big weight dieting has WAY more will power than the average skinny b*tch...When did they ever white knuckle off 50 pounds while starving and shaking waiting for the next meal (I still wonder why I don't get the shakes now on this teeny amount of food). Anyway, the Doctor's view was that there are certain foods (four of them...at least at this point) that trigger the release of natural opiates in our brain that make us feel good and want to come back for more. I think it's a combination of both addiction and emotions.

One study used a medicine that is used to help heroin addicts from overdosing by blocking receptors in the brain that the heroin attaches to. They gave it to chocolate addicts and found that 'chocolate hijacks your brain chemistry, triggering the same receptors that heroin affects'. Great...I'm officially an addict. Apparently those around me knew this before I did...Here's a present I got from my SIL for Christmas this year:

You can read the Doctor's article and see the three other foods that are addictive on the Oz site HERE.

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Ha ha love it!! Yes, I do believe that we can be addicted to simple carbs.  Some people take a few drinks of alcohol and are alcoholics.....something in theie genes send them straight to addiction.  Well, I feel that way about carbs.  Nasty little boogers, and I am so addicted!

I didn't see the show, but it sounds like that nutritionist needs to get with the program. There's a LOT of research that shows that obesity, and the overeating that causes it, is related to dysfunctions in the neuro-endocrine system and immune system. Insulin resistance is also a factor. So, contrary to popular belief, overeating is NOT only the result of poor decisions made by the overeater.

Jean

I know something is up with the carb addiction thing.  Like some political and religious topics, most people just don't want to hear it.  I'm good until I indulge in simple carbs & sugar.  One taste and I spiral downward until I make a concious decision to fight.  It's only brought under control after a 7-10 day detox.  That's my personal living experience.  Some people can do them in moderation, but I'm an all or nothing girl.  I'm just not made like that.

I'm still trying to see what Skinnyville is like.  Hopefully I'll make it there one day and not just for a visit.  Thanks for the info.

Very interesting post by the way. I would never think that chocolate has such effects.
Just checked out the blog as well.