As a person recovering from food addiction one of the tools given to me was the ability to determine if my eating was being done while I was conscious? Or was I unconscious? Individual’s reading this don’t have an eating disorder that may sound funny, however, those of us who are in recover know firsthand how simple it needs to be. Early on in life it became clear that if something stressful was going on and I wasn’t sure how to address it I would reach out for comfort and receive it with food.

Food was not the problem my inability to deal with life stressors was the problem. Somewhere in my history I found a quick fix, what I had no idea was that quick fix had long-term ramifications. I spent years tormenting, berating and putting myself down for how I ate and the fat I carried around as a direct result of the food I consumed, all in the name of comfort. Many people afflicted with eating disorders recognize the disease and know the line has been crossed, the addiction begins.

Several questions a person can ask themselves. When reaching for food, am I hungry? What I am about to eat will it fill me? Or am I just putting it in my mouth to stuff my feelings or emotions? Am I eating because I am angry, fearful, scared or stressed? Becoming conscious and aware is the only way to make any changes. If a person does not see that a problem exists how do they change it?

Awareness is the key, food is fuel for the body, watch for certain foods that may act as a trigger for example, sugar, wheat and flour for many sets off a chain reaction. Always have something on hand in case while on the go and end up skipping a meal, have a healthy alternative to eat rather then setting yourself up to act out. Exercise is part of the balance necessary to live a healthy life. Pick-up where you left off instead of putting yourself down and beating yourself up and start over where you left off and move forward. This may sound simple, however, it requires constant vigilance, and support by going to in-patient eating disorder treatment program you can learn how to live a life free from the bondage of food.