On my way to work this morning I was reminded of how real food addiction is. The rain was pouring down, the windshield wipers were hard at work and still it was difficult to drive and the line at the local fast food restaurant was out in the main road. To me this is a powerful example of food addiction alive and flourishing all around us.

He or she can recall a certain food as a child now associated with comfort? My family would go every Friday night to the local pizzeria my memories of pizza and Italian food equate to love and happiness. Comfort foods are usually very inexpensive come prepared or able to eat while on the run. Many people associate ice-cream, cake, cookies as comfort foods. Again keep in mind these foods were for special events so love and happiness is associated.

The problem with comfort foods is they do create an addiction to food. People with food addiction have to get the drug of choice, whether pouring rain, having to get up in the middle of the night, going to a 24 hour store or restaurant. Addiction to food is being researched and so far studies show a correlation to refined sugars and carbohydrates as an addictive substance.

The last time I checked no one was running out to the local food store at midnight for chicken, steak or fish. Those types of food allow made a certain way can be very enjoyable they don’t ignite an obsessive thought to go and get at odd hours of the day or night. I watch my children and the expressions on their faces when frequenting local restaurants that are marketing to families and food on the go. These same children do not light up that same way when I offer to make it at home.

Food addiction which is an eating disorder doesn’t happen overnight it happens over time. Like a plant it starts as a seed in soil then with sunlight, water and sun it grows and becomes a tree. This analogy is the same with food. Think about how food has affected his or her life. Perhaps someone in the family, or work, or school has trouble due to an eating disorder? The good news is help is available to those who are ready to change. Feel free to reach out for available help.