Food addiction can be one of the hardest addictions to deal with because food is cheap and readily available, unlike cocaine or heroin which can disappear if the dealer is not around.
There are two basic strategies, ‘cold turkey` when the addict is removed from the source of the problem to a neutral situation. This is the hardest, but quickest remedy, the body will take about ten days to get back to ‘normal`.
The other is a slow withdrawal; the person gradually reduces the intake of ‘bad` food, either replacing it with healthier options or just going without. It can be problematical because the source of the problem is always there albeit in ever decreasing amounts.
Even after affecting a cure, it is going to be extremely difficult to keep it up, given the fact that there is temptation everywhere, from the sweets conveniently placed by the supermarket check out, to the number of fast food outlets you pass, just walking down the street. It may be a good idea to seek help to discover and treat the original cause of the problem as this will ensure that you keep to the straight and narrow.
How to spot the signs of food addiction.
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Do you get sudden and intense urges for food, especially chocolate or other sweets, or burgers, pies, pizza or other fast foods?
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Do you always carry candy bars?
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Do you find yourself thinking about your next burger, pizza or lasagne?
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Are you always snacking between meals?
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Do you get anxious if you are aware that there is no food available, like on a bus or train?
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If you are upset or angry, do you always turn to food to make yourself feel better?
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When you go for a coffee, do you always buy a muffin or pastry.
