True food addiction - anyone else?

So, it's only been in the last eight to ten years that I've admitted to myself that I have an addiction to food. I think I was scared to think about it before, and just dealt as best I could, but now that this issue is becoming more real and more PUBLIC, I'm wondering, who else out there feels they struggle with a true addiction to food? In my life, it's defined as the inability to get FOOD out of my head. My days are spent with food thoughts constantly running through my head - when will the next meal be, WHAT will the next meal be? How in the world am I going to stick to the diet today? When will the cravings kick in? Because they ALWAYS do, and they make it ever so much harder. Just seeing a commercial on t.v. sometimes has me literally shaking for want of whatever it was. It's just hideous, and I hate it. Please tell me I'm not alone in this...and does anyone have any tips on how to deal??

Who cares if it is a true physical addition of just a psychological addiction. Either way we are hooked! I know when I am stressed I long to curl up with a sweet creamy . . . (you fill in the blank)to take all my cares away. I'll deal with the consequences tomorrow. Trust me, you have lots and lots of company!

I too struggle with saying no to the good things. I know that I don't want it and I know that I don't need it, but I do it anyways, if I'm not careful.

I have recently (last Friday) discovered something new, that has truly helped me. I've been able to simply ignore cravings and haven't had snacks for a full week nok.

I highly recommend you read this thread:
http://fatsecret.com/Community.aspx?pa=fp&t=80703

The effect is real. It works. If you find it interesting, I highly recommend the DVDs.

Keld.

My addiction is nuts. I can't say no to them. I'm hooked on this mix of dried fruit and nuts and will sit and eat the whole bag if I don't hide it. I've tried not buying any nuts but when the craving hits, I'll eat everything else until I get my nuts. I feel it is better to just give in and try really hard to eat just a few instead of consuming everything else in sight. You are not alone.

My addiction is compulsively recording my weight and food intake.

Lol - I watched the video, but if you're supposed to do that every time you want food, I'd be tapping and humming all day!! I'd probably be insitutionalized within a week. That's what I just don't hear from other people, that makes me wonder if I'm just a total mess - other people talk about cravings here and there or several times a day, but for me, with the exception of early morning, the whole day is one roller coaster of craving - from one thing to the next to the next, and sometimes I don't even know WHAT I want, but just that I want or even NEED something...I never knew how all-encompassing it really was until the first time I was put on phentermine and it all just went away for 3 months. My mind was peaceful and calm, and I had room and energy for things in my life other than food. It was beautiful, and I'll never forget it. Wish I could get back there again. I will try the tapping though! Fortunately my worst time is in the evening - at home, so I'll just warn my family that I'm not crazy - just trying something new - lol!

Sometimes, restricting ourselves makes us focus on the things we can't have. Are you on a very restrictive plan? Maybe you need to find a system where you can do as you like, but in moderation instead of completely denying yourself the things you like? Maybe, as an alternative, consider professional help. In my line of work I see many people with addictions and unwanted behaviors. Often, a few visits with a psychologist helps clearing your mind.

Tsmamma, I took a look at your food journal. I hope you're eating more than what you're recording. Otherwise I'm not surprised that you constantly thinking about food... Står by eating until you're close tonyour RDI. Record everything. Then see what happens.

Keld I watched that video, so encouraging, and tried it and it works, thank you for sharing it. I also constantly think about food, I am actually thinking about throwing all my "dieting" out the window for a while, and just focusing on those 4 steps. It is almost freeing just thinking about the fact that I can eat whatever I feel like! Can't hurt to try it!

Keld- thanks for sharing! I am going to try this, though it seems a bit odd. However, if it'll help then I'll do it!

To the OP: I try to eat a healthy diet throughout the day (lean protein, whole grains, fruits & veggies, LF or FF dairy). Then, if I want chocolate,I'll have chocolate! However, I try to do it in a controlled amount. If it isn't, then my whole day (and sometimes week) is screwed up.

Well, I felt a bit sick after watching the tapping; just like the host!