[CyberTOPS] I have a question????

[dietorbust at aol.com]

Yes, I definitely believe that overeating is an addictive behavior.? And, like you said, it cannot be avoided.? If you are an alcoholic, you avoid alcohol and the places you tend to find it.? If you are addicted to cigarettes and want to quit, you can do the same thing.? It's the same with drugs addicts, sex addicts, etc.? Unfortunately, it's IMPOSSIBLE to avoid food.? 

Another thing is that we don't usually have the support of the other addicts.? I've been offered cake or seconds somewhere and say, "No, thank you."? Sometimes it's left at that but often times I hear, "Oh, come on.? It's the holidays" or "One piece won't hurt."? No one would ever tell an alcoholic "Oh, come on.? What's one beer!"? Further, if someone is having an alcoholic over for dinner they would most likely not serve alcohol.? Well, those that know me well know that desserts are my downfall.? Makes me wonder why they would specifically go to the point of making one.? I don't expect everyone to conform to my new healthier lifestyle, but why make it difficult.? 

I'm really baring my soul here, but there are actually times that I cry because I cannot -- or choose not to -- eat certain foods.? There are times when I'm strong and I know that one cookie or a 1/2 cup of ice cream will be enough.? There are other times in which I know it will result in a downward spiral.? Those are the times that I cry and they greatly outnumber the times that I'm in control

My family knows my struggles.? They are with me more than anyone else.? I've been asked before if the struggles and occasional frustration are worth it.? Well, they most certainly are!? Yes, the tasty foods in large quantities are sometimes missed because food was a source of comfort for me.? But I guarantee you that being heathier?& happier far outweighs the old life I was living!!

Great question, Nan!!?? I'm anxious to see the other answers.

Angela

-----Original Message-----
From: Nan Chatten <neil.chatten at sympatico.ca>
To: CyberTOPS <cybertops at cybertops.net>
Sent: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 6:50 pm
Subject: [CyberTOPS] I have a question????



Hello all

 

I have a question to ask, but I don't want you to answer immediately but
think about it first.

 

Do you believe that overeating is addictive behavior??

 

I do believe it is an addictive behavior for me.  We need food to survive. 
I am addicted to food but I can't quit eating.  It is unlike an alcohol
addition or a drug addiction where you can stop doing it, but an addiction
just the same.  While TOPS has helped me immensely I have come to the
conclusion that I need something more, perhaps behavioral therapy or
counseling.   Alcoholics have AA and Drug users have their help.  There is a
group here called OA (Overeaters Anonymous) but it is too religious for me. 
Perhaps I need psychiatric help.  I know that I was deprived of food as a
child because my mom was a widow with 8 children and food was sometimes
scarce.  Perhaps that is a place to start.

 

Anyway, let me know your ideas on this and perhaps we can have a discussion
about the different views.

 

Hugs;

Nan
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