Sunday, January 23, 2011

Food addiction or not?

Eating is necessary for humans to survive; however, eating to survive looks a lot different than eating as an addict.  Following are a series of questions I found on the Overeaters Anonymous website.  I have answered the questions for myself in my current situation and came to the conclusion that I am a compulsive eater. This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive eater.
  1. Do you eat when you’re not hungry?  yes
  2. Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?  yes
  3. Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?  yes, before, during and after!
  4. Do you give too much time and thought to food?  yes, every waking moment it seems on some days
  5. Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?  yes
  6. Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?  yes
  7. Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?  yes
  8. Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?  yes but getting better...
  9. Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal? made goal, back up a few and starting over...
  10. Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating?  yes
  11. Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish?  yes
  12. Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?  yes
  13. Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?  yes or is it just boredom?
  14. Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?  no
  15. Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?  yes; definitely me!
These questions have made even more sense since going on the Take Shape for Life program.  The 5 and 1 meal plan eliminated the 'opportunity' to 'snack' on inappropriate food items while providing foods that help to satisfy my sweet tooth. 

How do you deal with food?  Are you an emotional eater?  Are there triggers that make it difficult to avoid the cookie, candy aisle or fast foo drive-thru?

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