People with substance dependences often tell concerned loved ones that they can handle it. In other words, “it” doesn’t control them. I think this mindset is true of most people with obsessions of any type.
Perhaps you can say “No” to substances like drugs or alcohol but, what about food? Does it have a bite on you?
Consider these questions: Is there something in your daily meal plan (or snack drawer) that has you hooked? Could it be that you’ve become dependent on a food element lingering in your kitchen or hideaway at work? Addictive behavior is a real problem that tempts our tastes in many forms.
A doctor weighs in
Recently I read an article titled “Break Your Food Addictions” on webmd.com. It pointed out how Neal Barnard, MD, believes that cheese, meat, chocolate, and sugar are addictive foods in the diets of millions of Americans. Barnard, the author of Breaking the Food Seduction and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, says, “These foods contain chemical compounds that stimulate the brain’s secretion of opiate-like, “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine, which drive our cravings for them.” No wonder it’s so hard to walk past the office candy bowl!
Many think of food cravings when it comes to the sweet stuff. But I’ve learned firsthand that it’s not just sugar that entices our tastebuds beyond what is good for us. Other elements in favorite foods can have the same grip on our palate—one being fat.
A while back, I had an attack of sorts with my gallbladder. Although it was not serious enough to require surgery, it became clear that I needed to make a change in my diet. This meant going on a low-fat plan of eating. I never thought that I was one who felt dependent on higher fats in foods until I started tracking them in what I ate each day. It became clear that I had a problem that needed to be changed.
How to kick the habit (involving food)
There are several ways one can get on track when it comes to breaking up with their [food] dependences. But just as other matters in life, each person needs to make the best choice for himself. Here are a few coping methods when it comes to food dependencies:
Moderation is key. Some people who have a very strong will can do this method with ease. The idea is to decide how much of the “bad” food item they can eat each day/week/month and then keep themself accountable for doing just that. This method requires someone who has a strong sense of boundaries when it comes to their food passion(s) as well as their ability to step away from it without crossing into the danger zone.
Name it with a diet plan. Many individuals find helpful boundaries with named diets, and truly there are a lot of plans out there! It may help to look on the internet at the types of plans that are specific to your obsession. The good news is that many of these plans are linked with tons of resources to give encouraging support along the path to wellness.
Go cold turkey. This may be one of the harder roads to go when it comes to breaking food dependences, but it works for a lot of people. With this method, you make up your mind to eliminate the items from your diet and never look back. Removing the problem items from your meal plan (and pantry) will eventually slow down your desire for them—especially as you replace them with foods that give you more energy, satisfaction, and other health benefits.
It’s possible to break your dependence on foods. Research your options, pick one that fits most closely to your needs and ability to follow through, and then tackle it. Consider asking a friend or family member to join you in the effort which will aid you in the accountability and simply make it more fun!