Do you believe that food addiction is real?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I am convinced that processed foods have appetite stimulants in them. I crave chips more after I eat the first one. If I don't start, I am fine.

[Anonymous]

I do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Yes, but we don't all have addictive personalities. Personally these cravings aren't as severe as addictions - I can wean myself off, and that heavily depends on where I am in my cycle.

Addiciton is a "personality" thing; it is a body and brain chemistry fact.

It can be both - addiction as coping mechanism for something (comfort food?) and
body and chemistry. Don't know how that can be separated, but I would start from addressing physiological part first, and address whatever mental issue later.

Solution as I can see it - start monitoring blood sugar levels, test your reaction to different food and different circumstances - on empty stomach or 1-2 hours after the proper meal. Also - eat regularly, it helps to keep your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Besides, even half a donut might satisfy you if you had a proper lunch an hour ago. Set an eating window - like 9 to 6, nothing drastic, but still have at least 12-14 hours without food.
All that helps you stabilize your body chemistry.
Just my 2c

[Anonymous]

I’m convinced that chips have additives that cause you to eat and eat and eat. My DD who had/has significant digestive problems (physical) never eats chips or fries. But during a period when she could eat she tried chips and said “I can’t stop eating them even though they don’t taste good …” I have had this same result. Oh no. Craving a chip now.

[Anonymous]

Since I just accidentally ate an entire bag of pretzel crisps in 3.5 hours this morning, yes.

[Anonymous]

Yes I do think it can be addicting, but not on the same level as heroin. I think it can be controlled, sometimes with the help of pharmaceuticals

[Anonymous]

Hmm, what you’re describing sounds intense. When I have sugar in my life, it’s definitely addictive. I alternate sugar-salt-chocolate crunch combos. But, I am able to say no. My eating is more mindless bored eating rather than intense cravings that I can’t refuse.

I think it’s best to avoid sugar, and with time your cravings should dissipate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmm, what you’re describing sounds intense. When I have sugar in my life, it’s definitely addictive. I alternate sugar-salt-chocolate crunch combos. But, I am able to say no. My eating is more mindless bored eating rather than intense cravings that I can’t refuse.

I think it’s best to avoid sugar, and with time your cravings should dissipate.

I'm like the OP and gave up sugar/sweeteners back in 2019. The cravings lessened but never went away and when the pandemic hit in 2020 and I had that first taste of sugar, it was full-on addiction mode again. I liken it to a smoker who has quit smoking but then has just one cigarette and goes back to a 2-pack-a-day habit. I'm completely addicted and so far nutritionists, health psychologists, doctors, and prescription meds have been unable to break the addiction. My sibling is an alcoholic so it seems like addictive personalities run in our family.

[Anonymous]

Of course food addiction can be real. Look at Elvis.

[Anonymous]

I think it is. I have never had a eating disorder but when I’m vulnerable (exhausted and stressed) I have eaten waaaay to much even though I know it won’t help and I’ll feel terrible later. It’s so hard to stop, especially later in the day.

[Anonymous]

I think you would benefit from a therapist specializing in binge eating disorder..

[Anonymous]

Have you ever watched My 600lb Life? Food addiction is real.

[Anonymous]

I have a real sweet tooth and once every year or two I get a bit out of control. the only thing that stops it is doing keto for a few months. The first week sucks, but after 10 days I don't get hungry and I don't miss any of those foods, it's crazy. I feel so energetic, clear headed, and my skin clears up. I wish I could eat low carb all the time, but it's just not realistic in my world where I feed a family too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m convinced that chips have additives that cause you to eat and eat and eat. My DD who had/has significant digestive problems (physical) never eats chips or fries. But during a period when she could eat she tried chips and said “I can’t stop eating them even though they don’t taste good …” I have had this same result. Oh no. Craving a chip now.

Lots of mainstream books about how addictive processed food is

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Yes, but we don't all have addictive personalities. Personally these cravings aren't as severe as addictions - I can wean myself off, and that heavily depends on where I am in my cycle.

Addiciton is a "personality" thing; it is a body and brain chemistry fact.

PP you replied to. I know. I used the word personality as a short-cut, but it is absolutely a genetic predisposition.