More on Food Addictions

I'd like to address some of the responses to an earlier blog about food addictions. Many wrote passionately of their personal stuggles and ways of coping. The blog title was "are food addictions real?" Judging by many comments, pehaps the title should have read "what are food addictions" ?

I do believe that food addictions are very real to many people, who struggle daily. The question is whether this is a biological drive, an emotional drive, or some combination of the two. From the feedback, it seems that there are many ways to deal with these overwhelming drives to eat. And, as with many body-issues, both biology and behavior need to be addressed.

In my own practive, I have seen that each response is so individual. For some, abstaining from the problem food is the issue. Many people "just do it". Out of sight out of mind. For others, the cold turkey approach doesn't work, and leads to deprivation and overeating. For this group, finding a reasonable substitute is a help. Portion control seems the least helpful when people are trying to make that initial change. Better to learn another way to manage.

Is professional help needed to help manage these overwhelming urges to eat? You be the judge. When some of the strategies I talked about earlier do not help, it is important to reach out for help. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, but a sign of strength.

What are your own views on food addictions? I'd like to hear from you - and learn how you define this term, and what it means to you.

June 11, 2007 at 09:39pm | Permalink | Comments (5)

Comments

Reach out for a professional and experienced coach if you need assistance. I know coaching works as I have connected hundreds of clients and coaches over the past 7 years.

However, be certain that you need coaching and not therapy. According to the ICF, the leading association for coaches worlwide: "Coaching supports personal and professional growth and development based on individual-initiated change in pursuit of specific actionable outcomes. These outcomes are linked to personal or professional success. Coaching is forward moving and future focused. Therapy, on the other hand, deals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict within an individual or a relationship between two or more individual."

This is a very important distinction. If you just want to talk about coaching or if you are looking for a coach, feel free to email me coaches@coachingcircles.com I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Posted by Janice Gjertsen-Caillet on June 13 at 08:30am

I'm 5' 4" and I weigh 150lbs. I've been on anti-depressants and can't seem to lose my weight. Lately I've been overeating. I'm a single mom and don't have the financial resources to go work out at a gym. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on this matter.

Posted by Cynthia Casanova on June 17 at 08:02pm

wel food is gr8 choc iss fatting very unhealty i recommend bananas n cerial

Posted by chantelle on June 17 at 10:40pm

I've lost - and maintained for over five years - over 60 pounds inOvereaters Anonymous. It offers a program of recovery from compulsive overeating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. Worldwide meetings and other tools provide a fellowship of experience, strength and hope where members respect one another's anonymity. OA charges no dues or fees; it is self-supporting through member contributions.

Unlike other organizations, OA is not just about weight loss, obesity or diets; it addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is not a religious organization and does not promote any particular diet. To address weight loss, OA encourages members to develop a food plan with a health care professional and a sponsor. If you want to stop your compulsive eating, welcome to Overeaters Anonymous

Posted by anonymous on June 20 at 01:40pm

i am 24 and i am 4'9 i weigh 100lbs i need help on to lose weight

Posted by Michelle on June 22 at 04:35pm

Post a comment

Name

URL

Comments


characters left.
 

This Blog is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your family’s health provider or go to the emergency room.

close
Back to Total Health

About Me

Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, CNS, is the founder and director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Weight Management Center..

Disclaimer


Recent Entries

RSS

Favorite Posts

Archives

Favorite Links