Weight Loss And Food Addictions

Hi Ideal Weight Seeker

The first question to answer is, are there really such things as food addictions? I’m sure it really feels like to you, but if you were to speak to someone in a detox centre who is addicted to hard drugs they may not feel any sympathy for you.

This may sound harsh but it is important to consider the language we use around food. Many people casually say they are addicted to chocolate etc, but if they can’t get any then they survive with maybe some minor irritation.

For those who have strong connections to food there may seem to be a bio-chemical response to those foods. I would ask you to consider a few things that may be driving your so called addictions.

1.The food most likely to be addictive is a carbo-hydrate of some kind. Because all carbs become glucose in your blood stream. These carbs can cause a release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter which when released makes us feel good.

2. It’s really important to note that there are so many other ways to release dopamine, such as patting an animal, having fun with friends, watching comedies on television. Basically any activity that gives you a good feeling is because you released dopamine.

Dopamine has been described as the reward chemical, and we quickly learn how to get that reward, and food is one easy way. But then you feel bad because you overate or ate bad foods.

3.These same carbs can lower cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone. This works by raising insulin, which works against cortisol. The cycle is simple, we become stressed, we eat, we feel better. But soon the cortisol begins rising again. This time your original stress is added to by the guilt of overeating.

The problem with using carbs to lower cortisol is that it’s these same carbs which are making you fat. Of course lowering the stress hormone doesn’t change your stress or your thoughts it just takes the edge off the bad feelings.

Any addiction is about chasing a feeling. You are lonely or sad so you do something that makes you feel better. The solution is always upstream of the food you are using as a solution.

To solve this upstream problem you need to take some specific action. The obvious is to remove yourself from the cause of the negative emotion. This isn’t always easy or even possible. Next step is to engage in some therapies which will help you manage your feelings such as hypnosis or EFT.

As the intensity of these feelings subside, you will find it easier to make better decisions about diet and exercise. This in turn will have a positive effect on the brain, and so you will enter into a positive loop, rather than the negative loop which has been driving you to eat and to gain weight.

To get started on your journey you can join our Free 30 day Anti-Aging wellness programme, just click here.

Wishing you Vibrant Health

Ian & Dr Susan Newton