Here’s what NOT to do if you think you have a food addiction

If you suspect you have a serious food addiction, you could make matters worse by trying to fix it yourself. For starters, science has looked into impulsive binge-eaters and have come up with startling discoveries.

Per a study from the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior (SSIB) Yale University, the food you eat could predispose you to the condition since highly processed foods create a pattern of dependence. Plus, another study found that people with addictive-like eating behaviour have similar brain activity patterns to substance abusers.

Read more: If you answer yes to these questions, you may have a food addiction

It’s no surprise then, that treatment options are similar to traditional options. If you suspect you’re struggling with food addiction, make sure you see a professional and incorporate these tips:

Don’t starve yourself

You’ll just get hangry – prompting you to reach for the starchiest, most sugary treat in the largest portion.

Stop when you’re full

And only eat when you’re hungry. Can’t control your urges? Psychotherapy is a useful tool in managing your habits.

Read more: These may be the most addictivefoods, according to science

Ditch stress

If you eat your feelings, a smart way to curb overeating is by removing the stressful thing from your life. Re-evaluate what’s causing strain and try to minimise or remove it.

Go work out

Not only does exercise help with weight loss, but it also releases a healthy dose of dopamine in the way that a pot of mac and cheese won’t.

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^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.}

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