We often see campaigns specify how drug addictions, alcohol addictions and being addicted to smoking can affect our lives, but it is quite rare for such a campaign to focus on other particular areas where addictions may also take over a person’s life. Even though less discussed, the rate at which people seems to become addicted to food is quite alarming and should be addressed alongside the effects that other addictions may impair on a person’s life. A study conducted in Germany, the United States, and Italy found that between 8.8% and 11.4% of students who are at a healthy weight have a problem with binge eating, while also providing details that as much as 25% of those who are obese suffer from food addiction.
The Holidays are probably the most stressful time f the year when it comes to weight. The otherwise cheerful season is marked with weeks of parties and gathering, not to mention heaps of sweets and edible gifts. If you want to enjoy this Holiday season without gaining weight, these tips will help you.
Don’t skip the gym
If you already exercise, there is no reason to stop now. In fact, it is now more important than ever to maintain your fitness regimen. Staying true to your work out schedule can compensate for those extra cookie calories. It will also help you stay in the right mindset, and avoid falling off the wagon.
Be active
In addition to your excursive session, try to be generally active. Take the stairs, walk to the mall instead of driving and choose fun season-appropriate activities like skating, sledding, and snowboarding.
Track your food
It may feel like a chore in those joyful Holiday days, but tracking your food is the only way to stay honest with yourself about how well you’re eating. It is easy to tell yourself that you have made the best choices over the day, but those holiday-treats pack a bunch of calories, and a little too much of those sugared cookies or creamy mashed potatoes can take your calories overboard without you noticing.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will keep you full, and you will be less likely to mistake thirst for hunger. When it comes to those savory dishes, every bite comes at an expense, and you will appreciate your calorie savings soon enough. Keep a cup of water close at hand, and sip at it before and during your meal.
Don’t drink your calories.
Limit your alcohol consumption. Alcohol is generally very high in calories, not to mention you will be less likely to stay true to your nutrition goals after having a few drinks. So pick your drinks wisely, and keep count of every one of them.
Eat your favorite foods.
Don’t skip the food you have been looking forward to on account of being on a diet. This will leave you feeling bad, and it is the Holidays, you get to splurge and have fun. Instead, simply make adjustments to allow for your favorite dish to fit nicely into your daily nutrition. For example, you can have nutrition, yet low-calorie breakfast, and avoid snacking that day to prepare for a hearty dinner. Or you can fill your plate with low-calorie options except for that special dish you have been craving.
Don’ skip meals
Many people skip breakfast during the holidays in order to see calories for the big calorie dense meals. This is counterproductive, and it simply leads to a very hungry person roaming a very tempting buffer. Instead, eat a healthy breakfast, and preferably a healthy snack before dinner as well.
The idea of being addicted to food may sound strange or even impossible to some, but there are thousands of people that have experienced this before. Food addiction leads to overeating and often causes a person to opt for unhealthy food choices, which may contribute to many consequences. Obesity and malnutrition, as well as poor mental and physical performance, are only some of the adverse effects that constant binge eating has.
You Can Overcome Your Food Addiction
Once you notice signs that you may have a food addiction problem, such as finding yourself depressed when there is no chocolate left over in the house, it may be time to take appropriate measures. Let’s take a look at seven particular methods that have been proven useful to help you overcome your addiction and to help restore a better balance in your life.
- It may seem like a good idea to give up all that constant eating at once, but gradually slowing yourself down might be a more effective method. Take it slowly for best results.
- Don’t go out buying an inventory of the items that you find yourself binging on. Rather keep these items out of your home to ensure you do not grab for chocolate or packet of chips.
- Exercise has the ability to increase dopamine, something that happens in your brain when you eat food while suffering from food addiction. Go for a run the next time you want to eat something you know you shouldn’t.
- It is also important to realize when you are hungry and when you are simply craving. Eat when you are hungry and have a glass of water when you are experiencing a craving.
- Go on a detox that introduces healthier food choices into your body, which will help you recover from having to opt for seconds during dinner, as well as help you get rid of the unhealthy food choices.
- Depression can be linked to eating disorders in some cases. If you find that your depression is causing you to binge, then see a therapist to work through your mental problems.
- Eat more whole-foods that are known to stimulate dopamine product, which will help you experience the feeling you are after when binging, but without the unhealthy options.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season need not ruin your weight loss efforts. The above tips will help you go into those decadent buffets, eat and enjoy your time, while still enjoying weight loss success. Food addiction is a serious problem that needs to be addressed more often in media publications, as well as in awareness campaigns. The consequences of frequently consuming food include a higher risk of obesity, as well as many other problematic issues. Here, we have shared seven excellent ways a person may overcome their food addiction; thus allowing them to restore their natural eating habits and enjoy a life where not having a constant supply of food will not make them feel sad or depressed.
