How to Stop Being Addicted to Food

Food addiction, like any other type of addiction, and can take over a person's daily routine. In many cases, those suffering from food addiction not only eat too much, but constantly think of eating. The result can lead to obesity and all the health problems that go with it, along with decreased self-esteem and a feeling of failure. Addiction is not easy to overcome, but with dedication and the willingness to understand where the problem came from, it can be done.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Support group
• Network of friends and family

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Instructions

• 1

  Find the motivation. It might come from an eye-opening trip to the doctor for a physical or shopping for a swimsuit. Without motivation, the incentive to overcome a food addiction will not weather the ups and downs. Addiction is a powerful thing, so the motivation should be powerful as well. Decide you want to be there when your children get married, you want to live to a healthy retirement or run a marathon in support of a cause close to your heart.

• 2

  Set a goal and be realistic; major changes cannot happen overnight. Make your goal something you can expect to complete in a year. It can be anything from purchasing an outfit that you promise yourself you will fit into in 12 months, to signing up for a fund-raising bike ride that you will need to be in shape for.

• 3

  Find people with a similar problem who are actively tackling it. Addiction can be lonely, and finding a support group can defeat the feelings of being alone. Support groups open up opportunities to speak with others in varying stages of overcoming addiction, and who have experienced the same feelings and desires that are driving you.

• 4

  Determine where the addiction came from and what it is you are addicted to. Not everyone is addicted to all foods, so determine if your weak spot is for chocolate, pizza or fast food and figure out what it is you associate with that food. Does chocolate bring about feelings of comfort and love based on memories of Valentine's Day? Does fast food remind you of busy summer days with friends at a younger, happier time?

• 5

  Reassign those feelings. One of the keys to overcoming food addiction is to stop viewing the food that is your downfall as a pleasure. Once you accept that fast food, for instance, is never going to satisfy any cravings, it will be easier to drive past the drive-thru.

• 6

  Keep a food journal, and code it. Writing down everything you eat in a day will help put things into perspective. List each food item in the journal before you eat it, and ask yourself if you are eating because you are truly hungry, or if there is another motivation.

• 7

  Find new activities. If examination of your eating habits indicates that you eat to fill time or while partaking in stationary activities like watching television or surfing the internet, find things to do where eating is not an option.

• 8

  Reach out to your personal social network. Chances are, friends and family have seen the pattern of addiction well before you. Make them aware that you are trying to overcome your addiction, and do not be afraid to lean on them.