I used to laugh at the idea of food addiction as a bunch of bull manure. Yet, I've been thinking about why it is so difficult for me to transition diets. The extreme feelings I get when thinking about changing my diet. Perhaps there is a scientific reason behind why subtracting food from a diet seems like such a herculean task for me.
Apparently according to WebMd, food addiction is real. Can you believe it? I can't. I'm still not buying that food can be addictive.
"Some argue that recovery from food addiction may be more complicated than recovery from other kinds of addictions. Alcoholics, for example, can ultimately abstain from drinking alcohol. But people who are addicted to food still need to eat." WebMd
"What I found, over four years of research and reporting, was a conscious effort — taking place in labs and marketing meetings and grocery-store aisles — to get people hooked on foods that are convenient and inexpensive." Ny times magazine
"Consuming highly processed carbohydrates can cause excess hunger and stimulate brain regions involved in reward and cravings, according to a new study. These findings suggest that limiting these "high-glycemic index" foods could help obese individuals avoid overeating." Sciencedaily Boston Children's Hospital
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/magazine/the-extraordinary-science-of-junk-food.html?_r=0
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130626153922.htm
Replies
Processed foods are scientifically designed to be addictive, this is true. Only eat natural whole foods and change you gut bacteria so then you won't find junk food appealing anymore.
I eat raw till 4 and I tried a gummy candy someone offered me today. I had to spit it out because it tasted like a fake piece of rubber
Thanks for the response. A lot of people when they hear of veganism let alone removal of salt and oil have the immediate response. "I rather stick needles in my eyes." Or "what's the point of living then?" In other words they loathe the idea.
I know on one of the Neal Barnard films Barnard mentions that people say "I would rather die than give up x, y, and z food." Barnard states that this is a sure sign that the food is addicting.
I'm not sure this is going to be feasible at all. In my family history I have ancestors who despite debilitating chronic diseases continued to drink and smoke. Reminds me of the person with a thoracotomy due to lung cancer smoking via the breathing tube. Fighting addiction feels a little like wresting with an eight hundred pound gorilla.
Yes certain foods like dairy etc are addictive.
You simply do not care about the animals, your health or the environment etc enough to change your diet. All it is is a choice in the moment and you're choosing to make excuses for your inaction.
"You simply do not care about the animals, your health or the environment etc enough to change your diet." Jacob Jones
Sounds a lot like Arnold from Arnold's Way. What do you want, and how bad do you want it? The idea is if you want to be vegan bad enough you will change.
Personally I have a habit of overestimating every dilemma I encounter. In other words I make mountains out of mole holes. I remember feeling a lot of stress and anguish about checking my car's engine oil. Also, a lot of anxiety over adding engine oil to my car. Now its no big deal. Yet, when first presented with the problem, I was surprised how much mental barriers I created to such a simple task.
To be fair the very first time I did almost open up the radiator cap and sprayed myself with hot water, so there must be some advantages to my problem solving.
Perhaps, this is less addiction and more fear of change. Fear that I will mess something up. Something invisible is blocking me, I estimate if I could find this invisible barrier and label it, that the obstacle would have less power over me.
I guess what I am really asking myself is why is this so difficult? What obstacles are in the way? Why do I feel so much stress about my diet?
If you want some insight into my thought process, lets use the engine oil example, its something like this.
0. Innocence, "hey, lets check the engine oil!"
1. Pain, "ouch hot water, how was I supposed to know the difference between the radiator cap and the oil cap? "
2. Recuperation. "I'm staying away from car engines until I have a better idea of what I am getting into."
3. Book learning. I'll read every car manual/document and book I can get my hands on. This in turn helps soothe my fears and prepares me for taking another attempt to solve the problem.
4. Return to fight. I slay the dragon, in this case I check the engine oil.
5. Reflection. "Gee, what was so hard about that?" Often forgetting about almost scalding myself with hot radiator water.
I'm on one of those steps, I'm sure, its just a matter of which one. I'm pretty sure something scared me pretty good, and I'm on step 2 or 3 preparing for another attempt.
I know at first I was like veganism, lets do this! Can't remember why I stopped though.
You need to chill bro.
You are choosing to feel this way.
By getting enough sleep, hydration, exercise, nutrition, that choice gets WAY easier.
Sleep by 8 until 5-7
Water enough to pee clear and roughly 8-12 times per day. 1L before bed, in the morning, and before every meal. Sip water in between meals/during training
Nutrition; 2500-6000 calories per day high carb low fat Vegan
Exercise daily 1-2 hours. Cycling is best for mental issues/weight loss
and get off any drugs you are taking like caffeine etc.
I've had the anxiety you do and if you do not take my advise you will stay this way for a very long time. Stop wasting your life
Take action and make changes as you go.