America has quickly become the food addiction capitol of the world. When you have this disease, thoughts of food and the need to eat in private are two of the many symptoms. These people tend to eat very quickly and don’t stop eating until they feel sick, a condition known as binging. Guilt, shame and depression are just some of the feelings that often follow a binge. Many food addicts know they have a problem, however, this addiction is just as hard as any other addiction to overcome.
Anxiety, stress, loneliness, and boredom are a few of the triggers that can cause emotional, compulsive overeating. When you learn how to control your emotions, food addictions are more easily overcome. In some cases, trigger foods cause serotonin to be released in the brain, a calming chemical that can influence mood. Sleep and exercise are two additional ways serotonin is released and these activities can help you avoid overeating. Calming hobbies or activities, such as receiving a massage, enjoying a sunny day, or the simple act of laughing may give you the same effects as eating.
At least two separate modes of compulsive eating have been identified. One form of compulsive eating includes manic, uncontrolled, frantic overeating all in one sitting. Eating in this manner, is called binging. The second form, snacking all day, is known as grazing. Grazing, when done using nutritional foods has proven to be an effective way to keep the metabolism working at a healthy rate. Most often, however, people that graze, tend to choose their favorite comfort foods. Unless healthy foods are consumed, there is a daily over-consumption of calories with both types of compulsive eating. Long-term health issues often arise from this type of overeating, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. It can also lead to mental issues such as feelings of depression and overwhelming guilt..
In many cases, outside therapeutic help is needed to find the root of the problem. Regardless of whether they find help on their own, or with the help of family and friends, the majority of food addicts will need therapy eventually. Binge eaters don’t like people to know about their personal lives, so therefore, privacy is one indicator of food addiction. Emotional awareness, is a great aid in overcoming this addiction.
Control of emotion is an important step in overcoming compulsive eating. Uncontrolled emotions can lead to unhealthy amounts of stress, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Personal preferences should be considered when planning for each individual. Healthy habits, such as exercise, proper sleep, and a nutritional diet will help to fill the emotional void and put you on the road to a healthy rewarding life. [youtube:a0WvMWA6kfU?fs=1;Get over your [link:food addictions] today, in Austin!;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0WvMWA6kfU?fs=1&feature=related]
Overcome your food addiction before it consumes you. With healthy, nutritional weight loss programs we will help you overcome emotional eating and break your food addictions.