Food Addictions

03.06.10

It is so fascinating to learn more about Food Addictions. I went to a seminar the other day, and learned all about our national problems with obesity, the psychology of food addictions, and specific behaviors needed to change our weight.

The presenter was Dr. Laura Pawlawk, author of “Stop Gaining Weight,” and I heard her at a previous seminar about a similar topic. She described much of the brain’s neuro-chemical patterns about food, pleasure, and addictions. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, and Serotonin is responsible for impulse control.

One of the biggest eye-opening things I learned was that if food is the only reward or pleasure in our lives, we will quickly develop a food addiction. She said that the brain is wired for pleasure, and seeks out rewards for itself. We have to find pleasure, reward, meaning and value from other areas of life (other than food). Some examples include:

• Volunteering to help others with our unique skills and talents
• Sunshine
• Physical touch from a friend
• Art and music
• Creating beauty

Of course, she talked about eating whole foods, and no, pop-tarts are not whole foods. She asked, “Look at your plate. Did that thing on the plate grow from the ground? If not, it isn’t a whole food.”

One other memorable thing she said was, “Eat whole foods. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with food addiction, and wants some support and specific behaviors to help lose weight, please visit my website or give me a call at 847-962-5234. Feel Free to pass on this newsletter to anyone you’d like.

Thanks for reading! Let me know if I can be of service to you in any way!

- Jaril Faith Gallup, LCSW