Summary: <p>Counseling Continuing Education hours are available for this podcast at: <a href="https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/product/id/493/c/">https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/product/id/493/c/</a></p> <p>In American society food is often associated with good times and happiness. Highly processed foods also have a significant impact on the neurochemicals in the brain. For millions of people eating becomes a coping mechanism of sorts. In this episode we will differentiate between over eating and food addiction, identify triggers and interventions for food addiction. This is a very cursory overview at a problem that is contributing to the high rates of obesity in America.</p> <p> </p> <h3>Show Notes</h3> <p>Objectives<br> Examine the difference between overeating and food addiction<br> Evaluate myths about food addiction<br> Explore the behavioral and biological mechanisms underlying food addiction<br> Identify ways to address food addiction triggers<br> Why I Care/How It Impacts Recovery<br> Excessive food consumption is socially acceptable and food addiction rarely causes imminent legal problems, so it can go unchecked for a long time<br> For some people, addictive behaviors started with food addiction<br> For others, when their substance of choice was removed, food was available for self-soothing<br> Regularly using food to self-soothe is, at the very least, a relapse warning sign if not a full-blown relapse.<br> Food Addiction vs. Overeating<br> Food can become an addiction, when it is used to<br> Escape from negative feeling states AND<br> Continues to be used despite negative consequences<br> The person experiences psychological withdrawals and cravings when he or she cannot access food to cope<br> Overeating is often a bad habit, but can be stopped with education, planning and mindfulness<br> Food Addiction vs. Overeating<br> Experiments show that, for some people, the same reward and pleasure centers of the brain that are triggered by other addictions are also activated by food, especially highly palatable foods.<br> Highly palatable foods are foods rich in:<br> Sugar<br> Fat<br> Salt</p> <p>Signs and Symptoms<br> You frequently crave certain foods<br> You often eat even when you are not hungry.<br> You eat much more than you intended to, sometimes to the point of feeling excessively “stuffed.”<br> You often feel guilty after eating particular foods<br> You sometimes make excuses in your head about why you should eat something that you are craving.<br> You have repeatedly tried to quit eating or setting rules (includes cheat meals/days) about certain foods, but been unsuccessful.<br> You often hide your consumption of unhealthy foods from others.<br> You feel unable to control your consumption of unhealthy foods, despite knowing that they are causing you physical harm (includes weight gain).</p> <p>Signs and Symptoms cont…<br> You eat certain foods so often or in such large amounts that you start eating food instead of working, spending time with the family, or doing recreational activities.<br> You avoid social situations where certain foods are available because of fear of overeating.<br> You have problems functioning effectively at your job or school because of food and eating.<br> When you cut down on certain foods (excluding caffeinated beverages), you have symptoms such as anxiety, agitation<br> Eating food causes problems such as depression, anxiety, self-loathing, or guilt.<br> You find yourself eating more and more often due to stress<br> Myths<br> Food addiction is an excuse for over eating<br> FALSE: Someone with a food addiction is using food to cope and activate reward pathways to help them feel “normal” or “calm.”<br> Any emotional eating is wrong<br> FALSE: Just like having a few drinks occasionally after a hard day does NOT qualify a person as an alcoholic, occasionally eating to self soothe is a no</p>
