Food is a Drug

I often think about drug addicts or alcoholics and how difficult it must be for them to stop using the substances that are killing them and ruining their lives, because I am an addict also. My drug of choice is food. It's legal and readily available everywhere I look.

It's not illegal to eat while driving, but get caught with an open can of beer or some leftover pot, and I could go to jail. It also wouldn't be appropriate to pull out my crack pipe or Jack Daniels bottle and indulge at work, but no one has a problem with my Dunkin Donuts Coolatta and sugary coffee roll snack at 10 AM.

The evidence that I overeat? I'm fat. I can still go to work as a fat person. I couldn't go to work as a drunk.

I've always known I've had a problem with food, but the last few years I've really zeroed in on how it makes me feel. When I'm upset or anxious, something sugary, doughy, or creamy calms me right down. Within minutes of the carbs hitting my bloodstream, a soothing feeling washes over me. Other times when I'm nervous or angry, something crunchy like chips or cookies are what I crave. The physical act of chewing or chomping is what makes me feel better.

Pre-Diabetic or Just Carb Sensitive?

I started to notice the effect simple carbohydrates had on my body and mind after our weekly Saturday pizza outing routine a couple of years ago. Feeling sluggish and foggy in the brain; unable to attempt any activity of value, I'd come home and nap for a few hours. What a waste of a day off. Paying attention to this, I started to balance any kind of sugary or white carb food with extra protein or fat to slow the absorption into my system. All this did was help me pack in twice as many calories.

In order to beat the dieting roller coaster I knew it would be necessary to avoid the foods that have always given me the most pleasure -- anything made with white flour and sugar. I seriously believe these two ingredients are the devil. One tiny slip of a nibble and the cravings for MORE begin. It's a vicious cycle that makes it difficult for me to be successful on any eating plan that allows me to eat "whatever I want" in moderate portions.

After all, no drug rehab program would allow an addict to use a "moderate" amount of cocaine or heroin each day. That type of plan requires more self-control than I possess.





Photo Credit: Nara Vieira da Silva Osga, Brazil