Weight Loss

According to Dr. Clark, Matthew M. & Dr. Grothe, Karen B, Food addiction (FA) is loosely defined as hedonic eating behavior involving the consumption of highly palatable foods (ie, foods high in salt, fat, and sugar) in quantities beyond homeostatic energy requirements. From: International Review of Neurobiology, 2016. Found on https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/food-addiction (2024 July 26).

Once I turned 40 my weight started to spiral as the wholes in my life became bigger and bigger. First it started with not being able to find work after graduating college (Lesley University) making $10 less an hour than when I had a degree. While trying to figure out how to put the pieces back in my life together I got further away. If you were to see pictures of me now, and in my forties you would never believe I taught fitness for children, educated families on nutrition, and new right from wrong.

Even now that my finances are slowly getting back up there, and I have various activities going on all the time. I still struggle with weight in my fifties. Now being single again after 9 years of a relationship, it has been a huge eye opener that I need to lose weight. I met a young man who I started to date, and like a fool started to fall for him not realizing how huge I was. What a fool I am. Honestly when I look at myself I would not want to be with anyone my size.

So,why did I pick food addiction as a topic . Answer: Because the older we get, especially during menopause unconsciously we just pick what we want. The urge is so strong, it is like an addiction. And I wanted share my journey with others, and hopefully help. With addictions you should probably not be around others that do what you do not want to do anymore. If you are a smoker probably hanging around with other smokers is not a great idea. I could not be around cigarettes when I stopped. If you are an alcoholic you get the point. In my direct family I am the only one that struggles with weight, so when we have family parties or outings there is always going to be junk food. I cannot avoid being around it, and it is a struggle to always say no. Trust me friends and family will always say, it is not going to kill you if you cheat this once, but not true." Cheating is cheating. Please remember this statement if you find that you are person struggling.

If you are addicted to anything drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or food you know it is hard not relapse once you quit. I remember in pyschology learning that it has been proven when someone is in pain years ago they would prescribe narcotics not knowing if the person had or did not have an addiction. Guess what, if you are one of those people with an addiction you might become a drug addict.

Getting back to the food addiction. Sometimes you just eat without even realizing how much you are eating, or even what you are eating. Through my struggle of weight loss I have found that motivation is key. I am motivated every day when I mindfully think about what I want to look like. I want to be back in shape, so I can fit into nice clothes again. Weight struggle is no joke. Of course, I workout now to help. For a year and half I just sat still.

Here is helpful hint. Try to meditate on what you want to see for yourself, and everyday make an effort to get there. Include more types of protein with your meals. Honestly I eat all day long. I have my breakfast usually grapes and peanut butter. Then around 8 or 9 I have a piece of fruit. Lunch time mostly salads with chicken included, and the normal dinner with an apple. Drink as much water as you want include thyme, a little bit of cranberry juice, with lemon. BTW if you suffer from migraines like I do start drinking matcha how ever you want whether it be in a smoothy, or a tea bag. Trust me this is miracle. I have been doing it for almost two years and my migraines have been cut by 60%.

If you ever have questions, and want to reach out to me please do at [email protected]. Good luck on your new journey. BTW I have lost 13 pounds in two months.

Cheryl A Nocera

References

Dr. Clark, Matthew M. & Dr. Brothe, Karen B, Bariatric and Metobolic Endoscopy: The Whole Spectrum. 2.2. Food Addiction (2020) Found on https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/food-addiction (2024 July 26).