What are Signs of Food Addiction?
We all have our days where we munch a little extra. Be it from the stress of work from home or just general cravings. But when does this become an addiction? And how do we identify it?
Like any other addiction, this is an effect of some foods on the brain which makes it almost impossible for people to resist, even if we want to. And like any other addict, it might be hard for us to admit that we indeed have a problem.
So, here are some tell tale symptoms of food addiction:
Craving foods on a full stomach
Have you ever wanted to top your meal with a bag of chips or something crispy right after finishing a good, filling, nutritious meal like muesli? This happens because of our brain’s need for dopamine, a chemical that our brain releases after eating sugary and deep-fried foods (or any other pleasurable experience). So even though your stomach is full, your tongue is asking your brain to reach for that extra bag of chips in the pantry.
Feeling guilty but still eating
That undying feeling of guilt and shame while munching on ice cream but doing it anyway is one of the most common signs of food addiction. Our rational brain understands the unnecessary indulgence but we can’t help but do it anyway.
Making excuses and giving into cravings
“I’ll stop eating chips from Monday” Have you ever said this and then found yourself eating your 4th bag of chips on Wednesday? Making excuses to give in to food cravings isn’t a lack of willpower but more a signal of how deep your food addiction is.
Eating till you can’t stuff yourself anymore
Eating till you can’t move or feel acidic and nauseous is common. Especially if you are doing this more often and follow it up with over-working out, that can be a signal to a deeper-rooted eating disorder.
Hiding and eating alone
When we hide from others and eat food, it’s generally because we feel ashamed to do it in front of them. Judgment from society and the fear of being perceived a certain way is a big sign of dependency on food.
Food addiction, although it sounds simple, can be extremely harmful not only for a person’s physical health but also mental health.
If you read through these points and related, don’t worry. The first step to recovery is acceptance. Identify the foods and situations that cause your addiction and start noticing how they affect you.
In the next blog post, we’ll discuss some effective techniques to counter this food addiction.
Remember. All bad habits take a while to fade, so don’t be hard on yourself. Take account of what triggers your addiction and go forth.
More power to you.
