Food Addictions

Hi Chris,

Boy you are so right.  I used to think that I just over ate.  It took me a long time and a lot of reading to figure out I had an addiction to food. And how do you give up food?  The next challenge was so I have the addiction--what do I do next.  Writing on this board had helped me a lot too.

Hugs,
Suzanne

Suzanne!!! (HUG),

The first step is recognizing the problem.  And, knowing you can't handle it alone...  You can do this!  there is a lot of help available!  Don't be too proud to try it alone.

Best,

Chris

Hi Chris,

I have learned a lot in my life.  I also learned it is OK to ask for help or to lean on someone now and then. I got marred to a wonderful man in May 2010 and I am 66 years old. He fell in love with me when I was fat and was there for me when I was skinny too! He is fabulous. I also learned that I love who I am now in life and I am a survivor and can do ANYTHING I want in life.  I love all your words and what you write.

Hugs,
Suzanne

For me, because I'm SUCH a hardhead ... the real key is thinking with a broad bru****s not so much about disciplining myself not to eat that extra cookie when i want it ( this is only a VERY short term fix for me) ... but to build a life where extra cookies are extraneous ( ie unnecessary ) .

This is a complicated way of saying that I try to fix my LIFE so I fix my eating ...

This is why I try to have a beautiful organized home ( it makes me strong ****ep myself busy building and renovating it also ( which gives me exercise and stimulation ) ... I try to stay on a financially secure and stress - free keel so I have no EXCUSES to overeat . Ditto with my health .. I take care of myslef and dont overwork or overstress .

If I am craving food or " relaxation" like mad .. ( usually as a result of stress) .. I try to substitute the endorphin rush of running , a beautiful hike or sunset sail , or even a long hot relaxing bath reading ...

I am even consciously working on modifying habitually stressful RELATIONSHIPS to be more more positive and healthful...

Well stated!  After all, eating is just the symptom.  We can't treat the symptoms; we need to address the root causes.  When we practice nurturing ourselves in healthy ways such as the ways you suggested, it is soothing and can help calm compulsive behaviors.  When we soothe with food, we may become self-loathing, which is a nasty cycle. 

*raises hand*  I am a to-the-curb, full-fledged, card carrying food addict. No doubt about it. Thanks so much for the post. So good to know I'm not alone in this terrible addiction. I'm not a 12-stepper but I have to take life one day at a time literally with respects to my food addiction. It's just too overwhelming not to.

Hi,

I was wondering what the response would be when I wrote this. It has been great.  It is a daily struggle like you said.  My poor head gets tired of me having talks with it about food.  Like you I take this addiction one day at a time.  It would be so nice if you could just give up food, but that isn't going to happen. 

We are so lucky that we have had WLS and that has helped me a lot.  I know all the right things to do, and I just have to do them each and ever day.  Thanks for you note, you are NOT alone. 

Hugs,
Suzanne

 Have always and forever been a food addict; got full blown after I started college and started using food daily to cope with stress.  Food, like every addiction, works well in the moment, but all addictions have a price that is paid down the line.  I think the most insidious one is a separation from ourselves and our own feelings.  Being an addict means I don't have the luxury of numbing out -- I have to acknowledge and face my feelings on a daily basis.  (And no, I don't always do this well).  But when I do, it offers a path to growth that I find invaluable.  I would not be the person I am today had I not been forced to travel this path.  

Hi,

You said something that rings so true to who I am too.  I have had to face a lot of things like you--many I didn't like and didn't want to face.  But, I wouldn't change one of them, because it has made me who I am.  And I love who I am.  I learned that I am strong and I am a survivor and I can do ANYTHING I want in life and be successful.  So sometimes we don't always see the reason that things are happening to us.

Now I see the reason and I am so blessed to have gone through the good, bad and ugly in my life to be just who I am.

I loved all the things you said and they are so true.  Never give up on yourself.

Hugs,
Suzanne

Thank you for writing this post.  I am addicted to food.  I have been addicted my whole life.  It makes it even more difficult for me to learn new eating habits and not overeat even with this surgery.  Again, thank you so much.