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Addiction to any substance, lifestyle and even to foods is not healthy. This is because the habit can result to various difficulties like stress, lower energy level and troubles with loved ones. With food addiction (or compulsive overeating), you are subjecting yourself to serious health risks. There are individuals who are able to get over their addiction on their own; some still need assistance from experts. Below are some of the useful tips on how to overcome food addiction and start to eat healthily. Problem Identification Compulsive overeating can have the grave effects that addiction to alcohol or drugs can bring. You need to identify whether you are indeed drawn to foods by observing several indicative signs: when you are preoccupied or obsessed with foods; when you indulge on certain foods even if you know the negative effects it can bring to your health; when you overeat until you feel like throwing up already and then still eat more; when you cannot control yourself when it comes to eating; when you use foods for pleasure and for comfort; when you secretly keep or eat foods; when you feel irritated when deprived of eating. These symptoms significantly need to be observed and determined. You need to admit that you are experiencing these signs and then get help, if needed. Do not be scared or embarrassed that you are addicted to foods; because like other forms of addiction, overeating may also be related to brain triggers that other alcohol/drug addicts also experience. Seeking Help When you are addicted to foods, your health and body may suffer some serious consequences. You will be prone to obesity that can lead to other serious medical complications. See your health care experts so that a full-body checkup can be done to identify your overeating issues. Describe and explain everything to your doctor so that he/she can accurately diagnose the problem. The information you provide about your eating habits will help the doctor in coming up with tips or prescriptions to help you get over your eating problems. Ask any questions that you think are related to your problems. Dietary Changes No matter how many times you see your doctor for guidance or how long you spend inside the clinic; if you will not personally do what is necessary to alter your diet, then all will be for naught. Unlike other addictions that you can just leave behind and avoid; with food addiction, you will still be constantly exposed to foods. You still need to eat because foods are the sources of body fuel. The proper step to take is to change your diet into something that is more healthy and appropriate. Altering your diet means educating yourself on how you can achieve these changes without causing too much pressure on your body. Use healthier substitutes. If you cannot give up on potato chips, try the baked varieties instead of the fried ones. Substitute creamy yogurt to ice cream. There can be a lot of healthy substitutes you can use that can still satisfy cravings. Eat moderately. Whatever foods you eat, you must always consume just the moderate amount. You should not immediately reduce the amount of foods you eat, or else, your body will feel deprived. Chocolates, for example; try reducing your chocolate intake by eating only ½ - ¾ of an entire bar just for your cravings to be satisfied. As you go along, gradually reduce your intake until the reasonable amount of chocolate is achieved. Eat only when hungry. Another sign of food addiction is eating even if you are not hungry. Hunger can be used as a regulator of food intake. Before taking a bite of any food, ask yourself first if you are indeed hungry. This way, you can limit the amount of foods you consume. The Eat Right System offers the ultimate plan on eating that you can use to effectively and naturally lose fat. 7 Minute Diet is a similar system on how to quickly burn calories and get rid of fats.
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