Food addiction

I understand. I have never understood those people who never think about food. My friend often forgets to eat. That's something that I just have never comprehended. How does one FORGET to eat? My thoughts are constantly focused on food. Before cutting back, it was just what I was going to have at the next snack/meal and how long until that time. Now that I'm calorie counting, my thoughts revolve around what I can squeeze into my calorie allotment.

Thankfully, my DH is trying to cut back also so we don't have tempting foods around the house. I really don't know what I would do if he came home with tons of tempting foods that I can't self-regulate. So I have no advice for that part. But wanted to at least say that I understand and you're not alone with your love of food.

If you can't afford a therapist, have you thought about trying self-therapy? There are CBT self help workbooks available on Amazon like "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dummies" (really, that's the name of one of them) that you might find helpful in sorting out some of your issues.

Editing to add that I remember someone on Reddit recommending "The Beck Diet Solution" as a CBT based read for behavioral/addiction-like issues with food. She said it was life changing for her. I remember her mentioning it was the pink book. I'm not sure if that matters, but thought I'd throw that in.

I am completely in the same boat as you. My husband is underweight, so I am trying to help him gain weight. I am overweight and am trying to lose weight. I have issues with food and have had them all my life. My family was abusive towards me in many ways and one of those ways included encouraging me to eat a bunch, than harassing me and calling me terrible names afterwards. It was super messed up.
Whats helped me is facing those issues along with the additional problems those issues caused. For example, I have very recently discovered that I am a self sabotager. I believe I hurt my own efforts due to the deep rooted fear of change along with the fear of missing out. Food is heavily ingrained into our culture as a large part of our socialization with others, so when I am the one not eating or eating small portions I not only feel left out or that I am missing out but others are also making comments because of how important food and socializing is in general. Accepting that I am not really missing out (I am right effing there, duh lol) and simple sternly stating to others that I don't want that or this is all I am going to have has helped me out in social situations.
In private, what has come to help me and my husband is getting him weight gaining stuff that isn't like stocking up on high calorie foods. For example, I get my husband ensure shakes and drinks which helps him gain weight but doesn't tempt me at all. I also have cancelled my subscription to cable TV which has helped tremendously with not seeing all the tons of food advertisements. I would suggested getting a subscription to Netflix or Hulu since there's no commercials and you still get to enjoy your shows. Also, don't watch food shows; I have come to the realization that even if i had just eaten and am not hungry, I end up wanting to make something or go get something when I'm watching some type of cooking show.
Try to plan your meals and prepare them so that you aren't tempted to eat other not so good things. I spend loads of time planning, prepping and cooking so by the time I'm done I have no further interest in any kind of food lol. I plan my meals for a whole month in advance and have it printed and placed in the kitchen so that I can always see whats on the menu and be prepared instead of always winging it.
I would like to suggest trying the app called Vida, where you have access to a health professional that can help you work towards you goal and be there to coach you through you situations. I have Vida and I picked a registered dietitian as my coach and we video chat every week, email each other, and text each other through the app. I would say it has been extremely beneficial to overcoming my problems because not only do I have someone that is an addition to my support system, but also someone who will hold me accountable for my choices and help me through those difficult times.
Some insurance companies like (BC of California) offer a video chat type of set up where you can see/speak to a therapist anytime, so that may also be something to look into.
Being honest with myself and holding myself accountable for my actions has been what has helped me the most; not the diet or exercise (although that does obviously help) but the psychological aspect of my relationship with food and addressing the issues is what's getting me to finally loose some real weight.
I hope this has helped and wish you good luck on your journey!

I once thought I was 'food addicted' too. My every waking thought was about food and what my next meal would be. For me, I managed to soften the edge off my issues by speaking to a counsellor and learning about 'mindful eating'. Yes, it sounds corny but it's something that really helped me. I would actually start listening to my body (my stomach, in particular). Is my BODY telling me I'm hungry or is my head? Listen to your body. When you eat, chew your food properly and TASTE it properly too. Eat slowly and mindfully. When you've finished your portion, wait 20 minutes before reaching for more. Your body will tell you if you NEED more once it's had time to digest what it's already eaten. Your head will tell you to reach for more straight away.

Yes it sounds incredibly cheesy but I found it helped me overcome my addiction. It's a work-in-progress but I know exactly what you are going through- and it doesn't have to be this way.