I have a powerful need to kick a sugar addiction. Any advice?
Asked by anonymous on Jun 02, 2008
in Emotional & Behavioral Issues
I'm desperate - eating junk (cookies and ice cream) that I don't want to eat. I have a sugar addiction - all the symptoms of dependency are there: hiding consumption, eating alone, and particularly eating without wanting to. Can you give me an idea of what needs to change?
Answer
Binging is a misguided attempt to self-sooth. When you go to binge, ask yourself, "What am I feeling?" You could be lonely, fearful, frustrated and more, but you have to recognize your feelings and cope more effectively or change them because anything less is a Band-Aid approach. I like the book, Breaking Free from Emotional Eating by Geneen Roth, New York: Penguin Books (2003) because it sheds light on why you binge and how rigid dieting contributes to it, and then it provides tools to break free from emotional eating. It is best to work with a licensed mental health therapist who specializes in helping people with eating disorders.
Figure out what type of eater you are and you might just find the answer to permanent weight loss.
Take the Diet Profile Test and learn to avoid the pitfalls and self-sabotage that often come with your personal profile.