How Do You Know If You Are Addicted To Food?

We are living a nation of people that are overweight. Statistics say that more than two thirds of Americans are overweight with many of these people being obese. The sad thing is that we have passed this problem on to our children and that is unfortunate. They are doomed to a life of medical problems and low self esteem, if we don't make the necessary changes.

Many people have gotten to the point that they are using food for comfort rather than dealing with problems the way that they should be dealt with. Mindless eating can cause a person to gain weight, but generally these people can lose the weight relatively easily by becoming aware of the problem and making changes to their diet. However, a person that is 100 pounds overweight rarely gets that way just by eating a few extra potato chips in front of the TV. Obesity comes from eating when you are not hungry and eating long past the point of being full.

Here are some signs that you may be addicted to food:

*Being obsessed with food. Do you find yourself thinking about what you are going to have for lunch at 9AM in the morning?
*Having no control over what you eat. Can you eat something just because you think it tastes good even when you have just eaten a large meal? Even if you are not hungry, you can't say no.
*You binge eat even though you know it will lead to negative feelings and regret.
*Using food to create a pleasurable experience. People eat to live and addicts live to eat. It is all about food no matter what.
*Eating food that will cause cravings. People without the problem of addiction will avoid foods that make them feel uncomfortable while addicts tend to gravitate towards foods that cause cravings.

There are many people with the disease of addiction. Unlike an alcoholic and drug addict, a food addict cannot abstain from their drug of choice...food. You have to learn to deal with whatever it that causes you to eat compulsively. Twelve step programs are great option for dealing with addiction. For food addicts, the best thing they can do is to avoid foods that are triggers. These are the foods that you know that you cannot have just a singled serving of. Eating compulsively is not going to be easy to overcome, but with willingness, you can find the help that you need.