Addiction?

This past weekend I spent some time with my family. I have a family member who is close to 400 pounds. He’s been over-weight for most of his 55 years.
Even though I work day in and day out helping clients to reach their health goals… I am still amazed when I meet someone in complete denial of their situation.
I should pause here and say that I totally understand no one is perfect and I hope this doesn’t come across as being judgmental – but instead as a point of view, or perspective, on how so many of us eat.
Back to my family member – let’s call him “James”.
James swears to anyone that will listen that he rarely eats. He’ll say things like:
– I can only stomach a small bowl of cereal for breakfast
– I mostly eat salads for lunch
– I rarely snack
– I don’t understand why I keep gaining weight
And he believes this. In fact, even I believed him at one time.
Years ago (before I was as educated on this topic as I am now) I would notice just how little James ate. His actions matched his words and I started to believe what he was saying.
I was just as convinced as he was that his issues were related to some hormonal/thyroid problem and that he was just a “big guy”.
As I mentioned… I became more educated on this topic and can now see James for what he is – an addict.
A food addict.
Over the years I watched James a bit more closely. Nothing crazy – I was just more observant when I was with him.
And I was, at first, shocked to see just how much he ate when he thought no one was watching.
Last weekend was no different. In the span of just a few hours I witnessed James eat a huge bowl of sugary cereal, 3 slices of cinnamon raisin toast with butter, 2 peanut butter and jelly pocket snacks, and 2 bagels with cream cheese.
This is just what I noticed.
I’m sure there was more when I was preoccupied or when James would disappear for a bit of time.
I’d like to pause here and repeat… this isn’t meant to be judgmental. I’m writing to you about this because we all have our vices, right?
For many of my clients that vice is food – albeit maybe not to the same level as James.
Food signifies comfort for so many of us. It’s there when we are sad, frustrated, feeling out of control, angry, afraid, and yes… even happy, joyous, and relaxed.
Food is always there and we have come to signify food as a thing to enjoy rather than a thing to nourish our bodies.
A big piece of the weight loss game is being active – but that will only get you so far. What you eat is the primary driver that determines the number you see when you step on the scale.
It’s one reason I incorporate healthy eating into my services. Without it, you’re not getting the total package.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with me. I’d love to go over your goals, your journey so far, and what you’re specifically looking for in a program. My goal is to be the person that shows you that your goals are possible when you have the right support and guidance along the way.