Is Food Emotionally Addictive?

<p>Last week, we had an amazing discussion with Abbie Attwood about whether or not food is addictive.  And we decided that no, it's not. </p> <p>Well, at least not <em>physically</em>.</p> <p>But it can be <em>emotionally</em>.  Yes, there's a difference.</p> <p>While food is not a physically addictive substance, it sure can be emotionally addictive.  Meaning that there are parts of us that turn to food to protect us from uncomfortable emotions--especially shame.  And when that works--and it <em>does</em> work--we keep going back to it again and again and again.</p> <p>Said another way, when we're eating food that we enjoy (and even food that we don't), we're temporarily relieved from uncomfortable emotions.  And in order to maintain that relief, we have to keep returning to food.  It's a cycle that feels addictive because it is. </p> <p>Food distracts and soothes, and we have to keep going back to it over and over and over again to get that effect.</p> <p>Here's another piece to the food addiction puzzle:  we tend to feel addicted to food because we're restricting it.  It's the forbidden fruit.  The more we restrict it, the more we want it.  Even if we're just mentally restricting it, meaning thinking about what we "shouldn't have" and/or beating ourselves up for what we've eaten.  </p> <p>If you've ever said, "food is my drug of choice," this episode will explain why that is.  Take a listen!</p> <p dir="ltr">Where to find me:</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.yourweightisnotyourworth.com/">yourweightisnotyourworth.com</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/kimdanielspsyd/">Instagram</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.facebook.com/Your-Weight-is-NOT-Your-Worth-103240427779254"> Facebook page</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@kimdanielspsyd">TikTok</a></p> <p>If this episode resonated with you and you want to explore 1:1 coaching, head <a href= "https://bit.ly/freedomwithkim">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unsure what leads you to–or away from–food?  Let’s get to kn