The addict in you

Meth

M&Ms

Addiction is the continued use of mood altering substances or behavior despite adverse consequences from such behavior.  Many of us who have battled extra weight can, in our own humble way, relate quite closely to the alcoholic or drug addict.  Our "addictions" are actually more complicated in some ways.  The alcoholic can choose to stay out of bars, but it's hard for a "foodaholic" to avoid exposure to her drug.  Unlike meth, M&Ms are not illegal.  In fact, they're advertised and promoted as a cute, innocent bit of Americana.

Like other addicts, foodaholics experience emotional triggers that set off binges.  Food addicts are just as good at rationalization as any other substance abuser.  ("A little bit won't hurt."  "I deserve it after a hard day."  "I can quit any time I want.")  They feel the same remorse after a bender.  They swear off the forbidden fruit with fervent passion. ("Never again!"  "I can't believe I did that."  "I hate that stuff now!")  Yet, in a nanosecond, that subtle trigger mechanism can wipe out all our good intentions.

Do you like being compared to a meth addict?  Probably not.  But when you realize the power that food has over your brain, you feel a kinship with these toothless, hollow-eyed, ashen-faced, walking skeletons that would literally kill themselves trying to get a fix.

Don't be that person!  Know your triggers, and keep yourself armed against them at all times.  When you hear yourself starting to rationalize a pending behavior you know is destructive, take a step back and change your path.  You are stronger than you think.

Bucket List Weight Loss
By Jan Manning

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