Beating eating addiction

March's article discussed the general nature of food addiction. Some people experience problems with food as much as an alcoholic does with alcohol.

We know a large percentage of overweight people do not respond well to traditional diets because these plans focus on food restrictions. Yet, the food addict finds it impossible to reduce the amounts of certain foods because they result in intense cravings. So, food addiction is a progressive, physiological condition characterized by the inability to control the consumption of certain foods; the persistent craving for those foods eventually leads to physical, emotional and social crises.

Here is a list of the most common signs and symptoms of food addiction:

• secret eating
• rapid eating
• using food to alter mood
• purging and fasting
• excessive exercising
• growing concern over weight
• disappointment over many failed attempts to diet
• preoccupation with food
• emotional problems and mood swings
• neglecting proper nutrition to pursue certain addictive foods
• feeling defeated and powerless
• negative feelings toward oneself

The substances that usually fall into the category of addictive foods include refined sugar, flour and other refined carbohydrates. Food addicts report an obsession with foods that contain sugar. On ingredient lists, these may appear as corn syrup, dextrose, honey or molasses. Flour in any form poses a problem for the food addict, as do other refined carbohydrates such as white rice, corn and potato chips.

This explains the obsession with pizza, ice cream, candy bread, cake, pie and essentially any food that contains sugar, flour and high fat. Food addicts will never be able to control their intake of these foods. The only solution is abstinence.

Caffeine and nicotine also are problematic for food addicts. These drugs further destabilize their blood sugar level, which in turn intensifies cravings. Alcoholic beverages similarly are detrimental because of their alcohol and sugar content.

So, if you're a food addict, what can you eat?

You'll need to focus on quality carbohydrates such as fruits (which contain natural sugar that can be eaten in moderation), vegetables and lean meats. Substitute brown rice for white rice and use oatmeal as a primary source of grain.

Because food has been a focal point for years, your biggest challenge involves a change in lifestyle. Attaining abstinence will bring on a period of discomfort, much like the drug addict experiencing withdrawal. Your body will react to the absence of the addictive foods; there will be cravings, sleeplessness, irritability and anxiety for several days.

But one thing you don't need to experience is hunger. You should eat whenever you are hungry, avoiding big meals in favor of frequent smaller meals. And finally you will be pleasantly surprised. The craving for addictive foods will end and you will discover the difference between hunger and craving.

To learn more about food addiction, I recommend you read Food addiction: The Body Knows, by Kaye Sheppard. This is an excellent source for beginning your recovery from food addiction.