Common Types of Food Addiction You Should Be Aware Of

Junk Food
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The stress, the noise, the relationships we have with other people, the work that drained the life out of us, and other external factors contribute to our lifestyle. You may have unhealthy habits, and it may be hard for you to let go of it. And if one of your unhealthy habits includes obsessive eating, you may want to take a step back. 

We know food offers comfort. If you had a bad day, then make sure to get a Baskin-Robbins on your way home. Or if there's something to celebrate, it's always nice to eat out for dinner with your best friends and family. Are you going through a heartbreak? Down on that beer and chips! 

This may be the standard go-to of most people, and while it may be immediately comforting, it can be rather unhealthy. How do you know if you have a food addiction? Here are three types of food addiction and the factors which cause them.

Overeating

Remember those scrumptious-looking palpable Big Mac? With advertisements in every corner you look at, those vibrant-looking Big Mac burgers are hard to resist. Or when you're simply a big cookie monster, it may be hard to stop eating one cookie after another. 

Don't worry. This is totally understandable. However, after binge-eating on your favorite junk foods and snacks, you may be overridden with guilt. To deal with this, make sure to take a short walk to help your metabolism. This will also make you feel better. 

Make sure you drink plenty of water. If you can, cut off the sugary carbonated drinks. It is better to wash off the sodium you consumed from salty food. 

Emotional eating

Unhealthy eating habits can occur due to the emotional stress one experiences. Eating is a coping mechanism, so many people, mostly those at low points like nursing a broken heart or experiencing failures, resort to emotional eating. 

This unhealthy habit slowly becomes a routine. Emotional eating is often mindless, and hunger may immediately kick in. To resolve this, make sure you identify the emotional triggers that compel you to eat. List down what makes you emotional; it may be a situation, people, or anything that causes you emotional distress. It may be impossible to disregard these triggers, but as a recourse, try looking for other healthier outlets instead of emotional eating. You can talk to someone you trust about what stresses you or what makes you a nervous wreck. You can also preoccupy yourself by trying out new hobbies. 

Compulsive eating and binge eating disorder

Compulsive eating may be harder to address. People who suffer from compulsive eating or binge eating disorder feel like they always have to eat large portions of food even when they are not hungry. This often leads to an uncomfortable feeling of guilt afterward. 

Those who have binge eating disorders or are compulsive eaters cannot control their food intake. Managing the food you eat, and discipline may not be as easy as it sounds for those who have these conditions. 

This type of food addiction often requires medical assistance. Visit a doctor to make sure your health can be attended to. Try booking an appointment with a professional specializing in the field of food addiction to provide you subjective views and support. 

Remember, for simple overeating and emotional eating, it is vital to keep things in moderation, while keeping your health in mind. Always weigh the short-term comfort offered by your favorite food, and if it's worth it to delight in these foods. However, in more severe cases, such as compulsive eating and binge eating disorders, make sure you consult experts to help you overcome your health disorders. 

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