Drugs and alcohol are not the only things that people can be addicted to. While they may seem like the worst for your health, some food addictions can be just as detrimental. If you have ever watched any of the shows on television about people suffering from severe morbid obesity you have seen what addiction to food and eating can really do to the human body.
Overeating and an unhealthy diet can kill you. It’s a mental issue, just like the need for drugs or booze. You can also simply be addicted to caffeine or sugar, and not the entire concept of eating. Both of which can also have negative health effects, especially on your heart health.
The Signs Of Food Addiction
Many people eat certain foods because they release dopamine in the brain, which is just like being high on certain drugs. Both fats and sugar can make you feel this way, which is why they are some of the foods that most people have cravings for, and they are some of the worst foods for you healthwise. Salt also belongs on that list.
You may think that you just like food, and that you have no problems with the way that you eat. However, there are some signs that come along with being a food addict. Probably one of the most common and well known signs is binge eating, when you eat more of something than you had planned to, like that whole box of cookies.
Some of the other symptoms go right along with the binge eating, like eating even after you’re no longer hungry, or eating so much that it makes you sick. Those that have a severe addiction to foods will go out of their way to get the foods that they want, as well.
Getting Help
Once you realize you have a food addiction you can work to correct it. You can attend overeater anonymous meetings and go to therapy. These are places where you’ll find out that you are not alone, and even learn anecdotes to help you free yourself from your impulsive need to eat.
You can also learn to be more aware of the food that you are eating, and learn the difference between foods you need and junk food. You can tame a sweet tooth with healthy foods, like berries and other fruit. You don’t need cakes and cookies to survive and they only provide empty calories.
Don’t let that fix you get from fatty and sugary foods control your life. Find happiness in healthy foods and fitness. A good cardio workout can give you a high from the endorphins your brain releases. You’ll be eating healthier and get fit.