This Mama’s Food Addiction Story…
Let’s get serious… and honest. I’m a mom, and I’m an addict. My addiction doesn’t LOOK terrible or destructive from the outside. No dirty needles or dime bags in my bathroom or glove box. No bloodshot eyes or erratic behavior when I pick up the kids from school. People can’t hear the obsessive voice in my head planning my next bite or the negative self-talk when I finally have it. People don’t realize that the drive through trip I take “for the kids” is really to get my expensive latte and have handfuls of their fries. They don’t see me hiding my kids Easter candy in hopes that they forget about it. And sure it’s obvious from the outside that I’m overweight, but nobody sees the high cholesterol that’s slowly clogging my arteries, the lower back pain that makes even grocery shopping excruciating, or the life-threatening surgery that I put myself through to only gain the weight back. I’m a food addict; and I’m ready to change. Will you join me?
This post may contain affiliate links. However all opinions are authentic and my own. Please see my disclosure policy.
My Plan for Dealing with My Food Addiction
I realized the reality of my food addiction about a year after having Gastric Bypass Surgery. I lost 60 pounds in 6 months. But was still wracked with an obsession over food. As I struggled, never meeting my goal or getting my BMI into the “normal” range, I realized that while the Gastric Bypass helped with portion sizes, it did NOT take away the compulsive eating. The snacking and sugar addiction was still very much there. And it still is today.
I’ve been working on this and myself ever since. Reading about how to be successful post-op, learning about compulsive eating, dabbling in Overeater’s Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery. But nothing seemed to “fit”.
So I decided to take some bigger steps for my health this year. I had bloodwork done to check vitamin levels with my doctor. Adjusted my anti-depressant medication and vitamins. And started seeing a counselor and chiropractor once a week. All of these things have helped tremendously. And have put me in a place where I feel like I’m finally ready to tackle the biggie – my food addiction.
About a month ago, I was browsing Amazon for books on compulsive eating and food addiction when I came across Women, Food, and Desire by Alexandra Jamieson.
I know what it’s like to feel the physical and emotional pain of being so out of touch with my body that I felt like a stranger in my own skin. I’ve been to that place where I felt so low that I didn’t think that I could ever get out of the loop or stop blaming myself for feeling so terrible.
I know it’s possible to transform into your best, healthiest self.
How? I’m my own client. I began my healing journey after a total life breakdown where I was 30 pounds overweight, recently divorced, and working a job that didn’t feed my soul. I was in my mid-twenties, and my body felt ragged. These were supposed to be my golden years! Once I realized that I was in danger of losing my life, and not feeling connected to my body, I created a food-based cleanse plan to keep my body and mind happy and healthy. That was 14 years ago, and I’ve never stopped. I’ll be 40 in a few months, and I look (and feel) pretty darned good! I’ve done it—and I’ve taught it to many others. I know you can do it too.
Here’s a woman who can relate to my addiction, has been there herself, she overcame it. She’s world-renown – heck, she’s been on Oprah! – but doesn’t prescribe a strict, lifelong diet. I’m in! I bought the audiobook and started listening whenever I had a spare moment in the car.
I liked her style; funny, optimistic, empowering, yet science-based. So I did some searching and discovered that Alex also has a website, a podcast, a blog… and a CRAVINGS CLEANSE with LIVE COACHING! Sign me up!
No, Really… I Signed up for the Cravings Cleanse!
I decided that I want to learn from this “wise woman” named Alex. And connect with others who have food issues like me. And I thought I would go ALL IN and share about this inner demon of mine and my journey to deal with it with all of you – and see if you’d like to join me!
But I’m scared. (Did I just admit that..?) I’m nervous that I won’t be able to complete the food-based cleanse part of it…
“The food-based cleanse consists of two weeks of 2 delicious smoothies a day, as many healthy snacks as you want, plus a regular meal that’s free of the Toxic 6 foods that keep you grumpy, sick, heavy, and tired: sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and caffeine.
After 2 weeks of the Toxic 6, we will do the re-introduction phase together, so that you can feel, for yourself, how each food makes you feel.”
But I love that you have two weeks of LIVE coaching and community to get ready for the food cleanse. And that it isn’t a life-long change – just a two week elimination to then re-introduce them back and make your own decision about how they make you feel. Empowering, right?!
And I’m scared to be sharing here – at B-Inspired Mama. I’m scared to fail publicly. I’m more sure that I NEED OTHERS in this journey. And even if it doesn’t end perfectly – the way I hope – I’m sure I will come out at the end of this 8 week Cravings Cleanse ahead of where I started. Changed in a positive way. And just maybe with a better hold of this food addiction and my crazy cravings.
Want to try it with me? We can do this together!
The next Cravings Cleanse (the one that I will be personally participating in) kicks off THIS Thursday, April 16th at 1PM EST. But since I signed up last week, I’ve already been chatting with the other supportive women and Alex herself in the Cravings Cleanse Private Facebook Group. I’m so excited about their relatability and enthusiasm. (It’s helping me dispel that fear I mented above!)
Learn More About the Cravings Cleanse HERE!
I’m so excited about this new adventure. I’m hopeful for change. For learning more about me. And maybe connecting more with some of you, too! I’ll be sharing here as I go along – every two weeks. Make sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter if you’d like to follow along!
Do you have a food addiction, too, Mama? Are you struggling? Share with me in the comments below! You’re welcome and supported here.
If you like this, get lots more by signing up to get B-Inspired Weekly right in your inbox. And follow B-Inspired Mama on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest! Also check out these link ups where B-Inspired Mama loves to share and find inspiration!
This post may contain affiliate links. However all opinions are authentic and my own. Please see my disclosure policy.
Leave a Reply