Food addictions are more than just emotional eating or overeating. There are very specific behaviours associated with a food addiction. Here are five ways to tell if your eating pattern signals a food addiction.
- Your mind goes to food at the first sign of stress.
- You have an uncontrollable urge to eat when you feel uncomfortable, regardless of the situation.
- You eat forbidden foods out of sight of others, i.e. the bathroom or the car.
- You feel ashamed when you buy a candy bar, chips, or ice cream, often making excuses to the cashier during the purchase.
- You continue to eat as if you are starving, even after you feel full and continuing to eat is making you feel uncomfortable.
When you are addicted to something, you feel as though you cannot live without it, as if you will cease to exist if you cannot get what you need immediately.
Food addictions are no different from other types of addictions. First you feel out of control (stress) and then you act out of control (stuffing down your feelings with food).
Regaining control is the only way to pull out of the situation. Sometimes that happens in a matter of minutes. At other times, it may take hours or even days. When my sister died, I ate for several days non-stop.
Everyone is different but two things remain constant. Emotional trauma is always at the root of a food addiction, and stress is always the trigger.
There are many warning signs when it comes to food addictions but if you have these five, chances are you’re in deep. It may be time to ask for help.