“You have a food addiction”- She actually said “you are a food addict” but I don’t want to label myself like that.
I heard these words and boy did they sting. I quickly thought, ok- is that like a drug addiction? In 2013, we had just moved into our dream home, and I was still struggling with my health and uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes. I hired a wellness coach to prepare my meals htinking this was the issue. She asked for my food list of what I’d eaten the day before. That’s when I heard the words “Food Addict”.
I cried- scared, self-awareness set in, and the real struggle and battle: the fear of losing my feet. (which can happen when you have Type 2 Diabetes.)
In January 2009, Larry H. Miller (a well-known, billionaire and Icon in Utah) lost his lower limbs due to Type 2 Diabetes. In February, he passed away. He was a successful Business Owner and yet his health was on the back burner- much like mine.
I know I’m not alone. i am a number in a pool of thousands who are food addicts. My drug of choice is black licorice, pepsi, caramels and processed food. I know this food can be the cause of losing my feet, I already have neuropathy (disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness.-dictionairy.com) and yet i still continue feeding my body with these processed foods.
The last thirty years, I have tried 34 diets, Weight Watchers (7 times), Jenny Craig, Optavia, Medfast, Grapefruit Diet, Atkins, South Beach, Personal Fitness Coaches, etc…
In 2015 the Center of Disease Control said 2 out of 3 Americans are overweight. Obesity is our nations issue. 12 million children are obese.
So many chronic diseases are caused by the standard American Diet, we live in a society of junk food. Processed food is killing us.
Over the last 8 years I have lost 68 pounds. I did a lot of mindset work to accomplish this goal.
But then- I fell off of the wagon again. THe last few months I have been loving Pepsi, Mexican food, and SUGAR. I have become Fluffy again.
It’s damn hard when your addiction is on the store shelves and not on the corner of a street.
I’m happy to say that the last few weeks, i’ve regained control. I’ve also gone 5 weeks without alcohol. There is hope!
If you’re struggling with a Food Addiction, keep trying, don’t give up!
I’m figuring out some solutions and I’ll be sharing them with you, along my personal journey.
Hang in there, and stay strong!!!