Summary

The article discusses common misconceptions about food addiction, emphasizing that it is a neurochemical issue rather than purely emotional, and suggests practical neurochemical-focused solutions.

Abstract

The author, who specializes in food addictions, addresses prevalent misconceptions in the field, particularly the idea that food addiction is rooted in emotions. Quotes from various sources suggest that food addiction is a cover-up for pain, a way to fill emptiness, or a response to anger and stress. However, the author argues that like drug addiction, food addiction has a physiological basis, involving brain chemistry rather than just emotional wanting. The article criticizes popular internet solutions that focus on managing emotions and suggests that the true resolution lies in understanding and addressing the neurochemical aspects of addiction. By eliminating addictive foods that trigger these reactions, the author claims that related issues, including persistent cravings, will diminish. The article encourages readers to seek support from LastResortNutrition.com and to read more on the topic, including Dr. Joan Kent's work.

Opinions

The author believes that the common perception of food addiction as an emotional issue is a mistake, contrasting it with the physiological basis of drug addiction.
Emotional coping strategies like mindfulness, meditation, and seeking comfort are seen as inadequate on their own for addressing food addiction.
The article posits that once the neurochemical triggers are removed, the need for emotional management techniques becomes less critical, and they can be enjoyed as supplementary activities.
The author cites Timothy Ferriss and an anonymous source to reinforce the idea that overcoming food addiction requires facing fears and not relying on the understanding of others.
Dr. Joan Kent is presented as a knowledgeable source on food addiction, with her book "Stronger Than Sugar" and website LastResortNutrition.com offering further insights and support.

Mistakes (or Are They Myths?) in Nutrition

Get on the side of brain chem. Watch the other issues fade away.

I specialize in food addictions, so I read lots about the topic. In my reading, I come across many mistaken ideas about food addiction.

Probably the most common mistake is the notion that food addiction is emotional in origin, so let’s start with that one.

“Every addiction arises from an unconscious refusal to face and move through your pain…. Whatever you’re addicted to is a cover-up for your pain.” — so says Eckhart Tolle

We use food to fill the emptiness inside, says another view.

Food addictions are about anger, regret and stress. That’s still another view.

And here’s another one: Addiction to drugs is physiological, but food addiction is psychological. There’s no withdrawal, as there would be with drugs, just emotional wanting.

Well, if these mental and emotional places are where food addiction begins, getting past them must necessitate self-analysis, crying, and profound behavior change. That’s where I go glassy-eyed, but that’s me.

So What Is the Solution?

How do we get past food addiction?

The internet is filled with suggestions, not necessarily ideal. A few of them call for:

• Using mindfulness practices to “get to the other side” of a craving without succumbing to it.

• Meditating.

• Going for a walk out in nature.

• Talking to a friend.

• Snuggling under blankets to simulate the warmth and comfort we get from foods.

Obviously, nothing is wrong with these practices, but the “real” reasons for food addictions — the neurochemical, physiological ones — are ignored by these so-called solutions while we focus on our feelings.

What to Do Instead

Get on the side of brain chem. Eliminate addictive foods — the ones that trigger the neurochemical reaction of addiction. Watch the other issues fade away. Including cravings that never seem to leave.

Once you’re on solid, neurochemical ground — and it doesn’t take very long! — feel free to add any or all of the other suggestions listed above and enjoy them for what they are. Creature comforts. Delightful pastimes. Spiritual benefits. Fun.

“What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” — Timothy Ferriss

“Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to; it’s not for them.” — Anonymous

For more information on the topic of food addiction, you may enjoy reading: https://readmedium.com/lessons-learned-from-mom-grandma-and-sugar-23f5368b2f0

If you’d like solid support for food addiction, help is right here. Just visit LastResortNutrition.com and start by grabbing your free copy of “3 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Trying to Quit Sugar.”

Brought to you by Dr. Joan Kent, best-selling author of Stronger Than Sugar.