In group people equate overeating with addiction. Is overeating an addiction. I have been of the firm belief that it is not an addiction, but a habit, or it is an addiction, but we as a species will perish without this "drug" called food.
Food taste good, it has to be or we wouldn't want to eat. We are not the only species that will overeat, but we are the only species that has enough food to overeat. Also are survival is not wrapped up in whether or not we are fat. A feral fat cat probably won't last too long in the wild. That tasty morsel won't be able to run fast enough away from those evil coyotes, or so not fast enough to catch those pesky rodents, so the cat has to survive lean and mean.
But I digress are we addicted to food? In the simplest terms - yes. Every single human being has to eat or they will go through withdrawals and die. We have to eat, and we have to want to eat. How does someone handle not being able to taste or smell? They lose interest in food. Ever had a head cold and couldn't taste or smell anything. I have, and I have always lost weight, cuz I just don't want to eat. Pleasure is in the taste for me not the eating.
So every human is addicted to food, what makes those who eat too much more addicted then those who eat in moderation? Does that mean we enjoy food more? Is it psychological or physiological or both?
How do we break the cycle? It isn't by beating the addiction, because we can't do that, but controlling it. How do we control it? Well that is the question isn't it.
Food taste good, it has to be or we wouldn't want to eat. We are not the only species that will overeat, but we are the only species that has enough food to overeat. Also are survival is not wrapped up in whether or not we are fat. A feral fat cat probably won't last too long in the wild. That tasty morsel won't be able to run fast enough away from those evil coyotes, or so not fast enough to catch those pesky rodents, so the cat has to survive lean and mean.
But I digress are we addicted to food? In the simplest terms - yes. Every single human being has to eat or they will go through withdrawals and die. We have to eat, and we have to want to eat. How does someone handle not being able to taste or smell? They lose interest in food. Ever had a head cold and couldn't taste or smell anything. I have, and I have always lost weight, cuz I just don't want to eat. Pleasure is in the taste for me not the eating.
So every human is addicted to food, what makes those who eat too much more addicted then those who eat in moderation? Does that mean we enjoy food more? Is it psychological or physiological or both?
How do we break the cycle? It isn't by beating the addiction, because we can't do that, but controlling it. How do we control it? Well that is the question isn't it.
To state the obvious - eat bland tasteless food or get a lot of colds; however, these solutions aren't particularly good. You already tap dance, play pickleball, swim & go to a trainer 2 or 3 days per week, so it's not from lack of exercise. Maybe add a couple of dog walks & get an agreed upon array of food at home that is nutritious but not very tasty. I know I eat more when I'm stressed, so that's probably part of the mix.
ReplyDeleteFor me, repetition is the key - same breakfast most everyday; buy the same groceries every week; I have 6 or 7 "go to" meals for our lunches and dinners (my poor wife - thank goodness she digs chicken!!). Much like product, there is not much - other than sustenance - to look forward to or be tempted by. Seasonal fruits and veggies are "the treat" - exciting? hell no!! But real treats are for really special occasions. I am not (can not!) go through this again!!
ReplyDeleteJen nailed it!
ReplyDelete