Addictive food personality

lporter229

First off- I'm going to warn you: this post has the potential to get crazy.... don't take offense to what anyone says; everyone is trying to help in their own way. You're probably not going to like a lot of the responses, but there will be a lot of good info that comes your way. Now, having said that...

Willpower- there's a notion that it is an exhaustible resource, that as we make decisions (even pleasurable ones) or become stressed, our willpower depletes. Do some reading on ego-depletion. The upside of this is, if it can be depleted, it can also be replenished!

There can be myriad reasons why one overeats... emotional reasons, stress reasons, nutrient deficiency reasons. Figure out the driving force behind your overeating and you can better address the issue. Since this seems to be a relatively recent issue, I would suspect this is a situational problem, but only you can figure it out.

Perhaps keeping aforementioned foods out of your reach until you figure out *why* you're eating this way is a good idea; although the vast majority of us on MFP advocate moderation, sometimes it doesn't work when lack of willpower is an issue.

ETA: Protein. Make sure you're eating enough protein, especially in the morning. I've found when I eat a proper, protein-filled breakfast (as opposed to carb-heavy or skipping it) I make better choices throughout the day.

Most definitely agree with this. Finding out the underlying cause for your eating is key. I am not saying it's going to be easy, but when you have these urges, ask yourself, "why do I need to eat this? What void am I trying to fill?". You will figure it out. Good luck.

mojohowitz

Sounds more like an lack of self control stemming from immaturity (sorry, that's the only way to put it). You gotta ask yourself "when do I want to grow up and hold myself responsible for my decisions?" If the answer is "not right now," then eat all the cookies and blame an addictive food personality. If the answer is "now," then put them away and snack on something else, or enjoy them in moderation like the others in your boat choose to do every day.

Well intentioned but incorrect. This is NOT about being immature or lacking self-control. That approach completely ignores the psychological element of food and/or eating. We are not merely automatons who require fuel to keep our machines moving. We enjoy eating. We use food to celebrate events like weddings, family gatherings, birthdays, graduations, etc. As a result, happy times become equated with unhealthy but delicious foods and those happy memories etch deep neural pathways in our brains equating crappy food with feeling good. This process begins in childhood with unwitting parents and continues until one decides to take responsibility for making the change. The OP is here and asking for help. The OP has taken a very mature step to gain control of their health and/or weight.

Telling yourself that you are just immature and lack self-control is only self-defeating. I suspect a healthier objective would be to take responsibility for one's health WITHOUT taking the blame. These habits were engrained way before you were ever conscious of them and require some understanding of them to change them. Often, as adults, we reach for those "comfort" foods that make us feel better when our self-esteem slips. The we gain more weight. Then our self-esteem slips more. Its a tough cycle to beat but not impossible.

Yeah. It sucks. You've been dealt some sh*tty cards but you have taken the first mature step of taking responsibility for it. If you find out WHY you eat they way you do you will be able to determine HOW to stop doing it.

Ok. Bring on all the condescending special snowflake comments.

tennisdude2004

Compulsion and addiction are two different things. They are similar, but different. Compulsion is entirely psychological while addiction is psychological in combination with a physical dependence. The good news is that compulsive overeating is easier to conquer than addiction. But first, you have to make up in your mind that you want to overcome this. That is true of any compulsion or addiction. If you feel in your heart of hearts that you truly want to change this behavior, then you are going to have to learn to tell yourself no. You're going to have to find ways to moderate yourself. You are also going to have to understand that no one is responsible for what goes into your mouth, but you.

Ultimately, however, if you find all of the above completely impossible, then the only real solution for you is to see a psychologist, or at least, some kind of counseling or therapy. Because compulsion is completely psychological.

Wow, great descriptions of the difference between compulsion and addiction.

Wrong but good effort.

I think how you should have worded it was - this is my interpretation of the difference between compulsion and addiction.

Okay... well, I've been in recovery for addiction for many years, I've also had therapy for compulsory behavior, and I've had several psychology classes (though not a psychologist). I think I have a clear understanding of the difference.

I noticed that, while you felt the need to call me out as wrong, you didn't offer any interpretation of your own.

I have 2 family members who have addictive personalities which have both manifested in different thing and both are entirely psychological.

The AMAS definition (short version is):

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

Compulsion

A compulsion is a ritual that someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder performs in order to relieve anxiety.

I'm not saying the OP has an addiction, but it sounds more addiction than compulsion.

But all that said - no point to it now as OP has de-activated her account (another one bites the dust).

UsedToBeHusky

Compulsion and addiction are two different things. They are similar, but different. Compulsion is entirely psychological while addiction is psychological in combination with a physical dependence. The good news is that compulsive overeating is easier to conquer than addiction. But first, you have to make up in your mind that you want to overcome this. That is true of any compulsion or addiction. If you feel in your heart of hearts that you truly want to change this behavior, then you are going to have to learn to tell yourself no. You're going to have to find ways to moderate yourself. You are also going to have to understand that no one is responsible for what goes into your mouth, but you.

Ultimately, however, if you find all of the above completely impossible, then the only real solution for you is to see a psychologist, or at least, some kind of counseling or therapy. Because compulsion is completely psychological.

Wow, great descriptions of the difference between compulsion and addiction.

Wrong but good effort.

I think how you should have worded it was - this is my interpretation of the difference between compulsion and addiction.

Okay... well, I've been in recovery for addiction for many years, I've also had therapy for compulsory behavior, and I've had several psychology classes (though not a psychologist). I think I have a clear understanding of the difference.

I noticed that, while you felt the need to call me out as wrong, you didn't offer any interpretation of your own.

I have 2 family members who have addictive personalities which have both manifested in different thing and both are entirely psychological.

The AMAS definition (short version is):

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

Compulsion

A compulsion is a ritual that someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder performs in order to relieve anxiety.

I'm not saying the OP has an addiction, but it sounds more addiction than compulsion.

But all that said - no point to it now as OP has de-activated her account (another one bites the dust).

That is not at all very dissimilar from what I said. I love how you draw upon a textbook definition for addiction, but not for compulsion.

Either way, I have personal experience with both while you don't.

Have a good day!

tennisdude2004

Compulsion and addiction are two different things. They are similar, but different. Compulsion is entirely psychological while addiction is psychological in combination with a physical dependence. The good news is that compulsive overeating is easier to conquer than addiction. But first, you have to make up in your mind that you want to overcome this. That is true of any compulsion or addiction. If you feel in your heart of hearts that you truly want to change this behavior, then you are going to have to learn to tell yourself no. You're going to have to find ways to moderate yourself. You are also going to have to understand that no one is responsible for what goes into your mouth, but you.

Ultimately, however, if you find all of the above completely impossible, then the only real solution for you is to see a psychologist, or at least, some kind of counseling or therapy. Because compulsion is completely psychological.

Wow, great descriptions of the difference between compulsion and addiction.

Wrong but good effort.

I think how you should have worded it was - this is my interpretation of the difference between compulsion and addiction.

Okay... well, I've been in recovery for addiction for many years, I've also had therapy for compulsory behavior, and I've had several psychology classes (though not a psychologist). I think I have a clear understanding of the difference.

I noticed that, while you felt the need to call me out as wrong, you didn't offer any interpretation of your own.

I have 2 family members who have addictive personalities which have both manifested in different thing and both are entirely psychological.

The AMAS definition (short version is):

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

Compulsion

A compulsion is a ritual that someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder performs in order to relieve anxiety.

I'm not saying the OP has an addiction, but it sounds more addiction than compulsion.

But all that said - no point to it now as OP has de-activated her account (another one bites the dust).

That is not at all very dissimilar from what I said. I love how you draw upon a textbook definition for addiction, but not for compulsion.

Either way, I have personal experience with both while you don't.

Have a good day!

Wow, so you know everything about me and my life now, aren't you magnificent.

I must disagree your definitions were very vague and not really like the AMAS definition (but what to I know, I've never been a phycology student - but of course you know that).

I can see if I can find a text book definition of compulsion (but do I really need to expand on the one liner above)?

neandermagnon

Sounds more like an lack of self control stemming from immaturity (sorry, that's the only way to put it). You gotta ask yourself "when do I want to grow up and hold myself responsible for my decisions?" If the answer is "not right now," then eat all the cookies and blame an addictive food personality. If the answer is "now," then put them away and snack on something else, or enjoy them in moderation like the others in your boat choose to do every day.

Well intentioned but incorrect. This is NOT about being immature or lacking self-control. That approach completely ignores the psychological element of food and/or eating. We are not merely automatons who require fuel to keep our machines moving. We enjoy eating. We use food to celebrate events like weddings, family gatherings, birthdays, graduations, etc. As a result, happy times become equated with unhealthy but delicious foods and those happy memories etch deep neural pathways in our brains equating crappy food with feeling good. This process begins in childhood with unwitting parents and continues until one decides to take responsibility for making the change. The OP is here and asking for help. The OP has taken a very mature step to gain control of their health and/or weight.

Telling yourself that you are just immature and lack self-control is only self-defeating. I suspect a healthier objective would be to take responsibility for one's health WITHOUT taking the blame. These habits were engrained way before you were ever conscious of them and require some understanding of them to change them. Often, as adults, we reach for those "comfort" foods that make us feel better when our self-esteem slips. The we gain more weight. Then our self-esteem slips more. Its a tough cycle to beat but not impossible.

Yeah. It sucks. You've been dealt some sh*tty cards but you have taken the first mature step of taking responsibility for it. If you find out WHY you eat they way you do you will be able to determine HOW to stop doing it.

Ok. Bring on all the condescending special snowflake comments.

humans have been doing social food sharing for millions of years. Equating food with happy memories and socialising isn't the problem. Eating too much and being sedentary is the problem. If someone has happy memories of eating, then the parents didn't do anything wrong. It's a normal part of being human. Being more active means you can enjoy eating more food without gaining weight.

I sympathise with the OP's problem though, and I'm not one of the people who are telling her she has no self-control or whatever. You can read my advice earlier in the thread. I used to have this problem myself, and I explained how I fixed it. Most of your advice above is good, I just don't think that there's anything wrong with enjoying food, socialising with food or having happy memories associated with food. Sorry but if someone has no happy memories of social eating events in their childhood then they had a miserable childhood.

mojohowitz

Sounds more like an lack of self control stemming from immaturity (sorry, that's the only way to put it). You gotta ask yourself "when do I want to grow up and hold myself responsible for my decisions?" If the answer is "not right now," then eat all the cookies and blame an addictive food personality. If the answer is "now," then put them away and snack on something else, or enjoy them in moderation like the others in your boat choose to do every day.

Well intentioned but incorrect. This is NOT about being immature or lacking self-control. That approach completely ignores the psychological element of food and/or eating. We are not merely automatons who require fuel to keep our machines moving. We enjoy eating. We use food to celebrate events like weddings, family gatherings, birthdays, graduations, etc. As a result, happy times become equated with unhealthy but delicious foods and those happy memories etch deep neural pathways in our brains equating crappy food with feeling good. This process begins in childhood with unwitting parents and continues until one decides to take responsibility for making the change. The OP is here and asking for help. The OP has taken a very mature step to gain control of their health and/or weight.

Telling yourself that you are just immature and lack self-control is only self-defeating. I suspect a healthier objective would be to take responsibility for one's health WITHOUT taking the blame. These habits were engrained way before you were ever conscious of them and require some understanding of them to change them. Often, as adults, we reach for those "comfort" foods that make us feel better when our self-esteem slips. The we gain more weight. Then our self-esteem slips more. Its a tough cycle to beat but not impossible.

Yeah. It sucks. You've been dealt some sh*tty cards but you have taken the first mature step of taking responsibility for it. If you find out WHY you eat they way you do you will be able to determine HOW to stop doing it.

Ok. Bring on all the condescending special snowflake comments.

humans have been doing social food sharing for millions of years. Equating food with happy memories and socialising isn't the problem. Eating too much and being sedentary is the problem. If someone has happy memories of eating, then the parents didn't do anything wrong. It's a normal part of being human. Being more active means you can enjoy eating more food without gaining weight.

I sympathise with the OP's problem though, and I'm not one of the people who are telling her she has no self-control or whatever. You can read my advice earlier in the thread. I used to have this problem myself, and I explained how I fixed it. Most of your advice above is good, I just don't think that there's anything wrong with enjoying food, socialising with food or having happy memories associated with food. Sorry but if someone has no happy memories of social eating events in their childhood then they had a miserable childhood.

Agreed. A person must understand WHY they are eating to excess and HOW to stop. You offered some very helpful ideas.

easjer

Yes, I struggled with this in college and was tested and diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and I was 1 pt away (based on the testing I did) from Obsessive-Compulsive Overeating Disorder. Fun times. I did therapy and a lot of nutritional classes, and worked on identifying the triggers for binging and was taught various ways to distract and disengage before I reached a full binging state.

It worked ok, but the habits stayed with me and are ingrained to the point now that my immediate reaction to stress or high emotion is to reach for food and shove it in my mouth as quickly as I can. I mostly don't, mind you, but I'm under a lot of stress right now and it's taking a lot of willpower and focus to stay within my calorie goals for the day - forget macros or anything else right now.

For me, where I am right now, there is a huge aspect of self-control and willpower. I stop myself from eating or I make a deliberate decision to eat something knowing what my options are afterwards (eat less somewhere else in the day, work out to offset the intake, accept a smaller deficit). I know now that I am the responsible party - that I am the only one who can make myself eat or stop myself from eating.

But you know, I was NOT there in college. Or while in therapy. I'm just at a different place in my life now.

You say you can't stop - but can you elaborate and be more honest about what you mean? There is a difference between mindless eating, boredom eating, emotional eating and binging. What are you thinking and feeling when you are eating these foods? What are you thinking and feeling when you are full but still reaching for these foods.

If it's boredom, you can learn to occupy yourself.

If it's mindless, see above. You might also do well in both scenarios to simply remove these foods from your home for now. If you don't have them there you can't eat them. That isn't necessarily practical long-term advice, and I'm not suggesting you cut them entirely from your diet - just don't keep them in your home.

If it's emotionally based, then you need to learn to identify the emotions prompting you to eat and you need to ask yourself why you believe food will help. You may need professional help in learning to identify emotions (I did. I had the emotional maturity of a child - no real nuance, and no real skills for coping with emotion), and help learning how to appropriately cope with and handle emotions.

If it's binging, where the compulsion to eat is overriding everything, even the voice in your head saying you don't really want anymore - where you cannot stop eating, no matter what attempts you make to prevent it, then you need professional help. No stigma, nothing bad attached to it. No guilt or shame. You are simply in over your head and need someone with experience to help guide you.

SonicDeathMonkey80

Sounds more like an lack of self control stemming from immaturity (sorry, that's the only way to put it). You gotta ask yourself "when do I want to grow up and hold myself responsible for my decisions?" If the answer is "not right now," then eat all the cookies and blame an addictive food personality. If the answer is "now," then put them away and snack on something else, or enjoy them in moderation like the others in your boat choose to do every day.

Well intentioned but incorrect. This is NOT about being immature or lacking self-control. That approach completely ignores the psychological element of food and/or eating. We are not merely automatons who require fuel to keep our machines moving. We enjoy eating. We use food to celebrate events like weddings, family gatherings, birthdays, graduations, etc. As a result, happy times become equated with unhealthy but delicious foods and those happy memories etch deep neural pathways in our brains equating crappy food with feeling good. This process begins in childhood with unwitting parents and continues until one decides to take responsibility for making the change. The OP is here and asking for help. The OP has taken a very mature step to gain control of their health and/or weight.

Telling yourself that you are just immature and lack self-control is only self-defeating. I suspect a healthier objective would be to take responsibility for one's health WITHOUT taking the blame. These habits were engrained way before you were ever conscious of them and require some understanding of them to change them. Often, as adults, we reach for those "comfort" foods that make us feel better when our self-esteem slips. The we gain more weight. Then our self-esteem slips more. Its a tough cycle to beat but not impossible.

Yeah. It sucks. You've been dealt some sh*tty cards but you have taken the first mature step of taking responsibility for it. If you find out WHY you eat they way you do you will be able to determine HOW to stop doing it.

Ok. Bring on all the condescending special snowflake comments.

humans have been doing social food sharing for millions of years. Equating food with happy memories and socialising isn't the problem. Eating too much and being sedentary is the problem. If someone has happy memories of eating, then the parents didn't do anything wrong. It's a normal part of being human. Being more active means you can enjoy eating more food without gaining weight.

I sympathise with the OP's problem though, and I'm not one of the people who are telling her she has no self-control or whatever. You can read my advice earlier in the thread. I used to have this problem myself, and I explained how I fixed it. Most of your advice above is good, I just don't think that there's anything wrong with enjoying food, socialising with food or having happy memories associated with food. Sorry but if someone has no happy memories of social eating events in their childhood then they had a miserable childhood.

Agreed. A person must understand WHY they are eating to excess and HOW to stop. You offered some very helpful ideas.

I'm not getting all armchair psychologist over this 19 year old girl's post. She said she was obsessed with Belvita crackers, cereal, crackers, etc, and would eat the entire container. She admits to knowing she needs to quit this habit, and didn't indicate any barriers to doing so, hence why I said she needs to just grow up and hold herself accountable, if that's what she really wants.