I thought I had to have something to eat at 4pm everyday, and late night TV was made for enjoying with a snack in-hand. Little did I know that I was in the grips of a food addiction. If there is a specific food you simply must have or specific time of day when you think you must eat, you have a food addiction. Food addictions are usually a coping mechanism, a tool used to comfort and soothe oneself, or as I used food to de-stress for a few moments. The good news is food addictions can be overcome and overeating can be stopped. Here are some tips for breaking food addictions that have worked for me.
Switch to Healthier Coping Tool
If diving into that quart of ice cream or bag of cookies every day is your way of self medicating and de-stressing, switch to a healthier coping tool. Instead of reaching for food, I grab a bottle of water and go for a walk . Exercise relieves stress and boosts mood by releasing ‘feel good’ hormones into the body. Exercise will also help keep you from reaching for the food your are addicted to while helping you lose weight and get into shape.
Develop a hobby as a healthier coping tool . A hobby can provide a creative outlet for pent up negative emotions and distract you from food cravings. Hobbies in which something is created, such as a bird house or quilt, (I turn to quilting which keeps my hands busy) will also boost your self confidence when you see what you can accomplish with your own two hands.
Healthy Entertainment and Snacks
Music can shift your mood, so can a good movie. Keep favorite songs and movies on hand so when the food addiction cravings come around, switch on the CD or DVD instead of heading for the refrigerator.
Breaking a food addiction doesn’t mean giving up all snack foods. Rid the pantry of all un-healthy snacks and replace them will healthy snacks like fresh fruits and veggies. I keep a bag of frozen edamame on hand and steam half a cup in the microwave to nibble on when food cravings hit. The crunch of the edamame satisfies me, plus they’re a healthy low-cal snack. Low fat popcorn is another option – it’s filling, adds fiber to the daily diet and aids in weight loss.
Make a Bucket List
Write down everything you have ever wanted and still want to do, no matter how big or how small. When a food craving hits, take a look at the bucket list and map out a plan on how you can accomplish at least one thing on the list. A list of goals that you want to reach is a powerful motivation to not give in to a food craving.
Sources:
WebMD
menshealth
