With over 70% of Americans overweight, food addiction is one of the most dangerous epidemics in the United States. Food addiction is quite comparable to drug addiction, as the brain develops patterns of behavior that are difficult to change. Over time, food addiction can cause serious health problems.
Here are a few ways you can start to break your psychological dependence on food.
Change It Up
The first step to beating the psychological addiction to food is to no longer have commonly binged foods readily available. Remove excess carbohydrates like bread, rice, and pasta and sugary substances from your pantry and refrigerator. On the go, begin to pack healthier snacks and meals so you have less inclination to cheat.
Plan Ahead
If you work long hours or frequently eat out, it is best to look ahead. Plan your meals before you go grocery shopping and only purchase healthy items. If you are headed to a restaurant, check out the menu online to decide healthy and carb-conscious items before you sit down to eat. Many people concerned about food addiction choose to enlist the help of a meal planning service to take away the hassle of planning and cooking their own meals.
Cut Out Soda
Soda is one of the most common substances people suffering from food addiction consume. Unfortunately, the amount of sugar in a single soda alone puts you well over the recommended daily value, with no nutrition in sight.
Talk to a Professional
While it’s tempting to view challenges with food as just a matter of willpower, it’s important to treat food addiction as a real health challenge, just as you would drug or alcohol addiction. Speaking with a professional can help alleviate some of the confusion that may surround breaking your addiction to food.
Turning Point of Tampa’s goal is to always provide a safe environment and a solid foundation in 12-Step recovery, in tandem with quality individual therapy and groups. We have been offering Licensed Residential Treatment in Tampa since 1987.
