The Other Addiction

Food Addiction - A behavioral addiction that is primarily characterized by the compulsive consumption of palatable (e.g., high fat and high sugar) food items which markedly activate the reward system in humans and other animals despite adverse consequences. [Wikipedia]

We are always hearing about drug addiction or alcohol addiction, etc. Food addiction is rarely talked about yet can be as damaging as a drug or other addiction. Food addiction is a real thing. Unlike drugs, food is something we have to have to survive so it makes it a struggle to stay clear from it. 

Just like drug addiction:

food addiction….

Can cause health issues.

Has strong cravings and urges.

You find yourself lying to others about foods you buy or eat.

You have a choice food that will always lead to binge eating.

You sneak around to eat.

You will often eat alone.

You get grumpy when food wears off.

You eat so you will not feel certain emotions. 

You pay high prices for the satisfaction.

You want out but you keep going back.

When someone says you eat to much, you get defensive. 

Taking it away can cause a fight. 

There comes a time we ask for help and have to attend clinics or therapist.

Once clean from the addiction of food, on bite of your favorite foods will trigger a relapse. 

I think I have a food addiction. For real. I am seeing a dietitian and that first couple weeks of detoxing was hard! I almost caved. My body was even getting weak and my energy level was 1 to zero. My body is now getting used to the restrictions I am on and I finally feel the energy slowly coming back and the cravings are getting less. I have even lost 15 lbs in four weeks. I have a few more weeks left of restrictions and I should be good. 

I have to stay away from bake shops because it would be equivilant to taking an alcoholic to a liquor store. 

Food addiction is a powerful thing. Food can be a drug. let’s remember those that may be suffering. Never pick on someone for being on a diet or for what they have on their plate. You never know there story or the struggles they might be going through. 

Note: Some people wonder what happened after I lost 50lbs on Nutrisystem 7 years ago.

That was a super easy diet that I eventually had to give up due to reactions to the salts and whey proteins. I kept the weight off for 5 years. The past two years I fell off the wagon and began eating unhealthy amounts of bad foods again which led me to gaining all 50 lbs back. 

Peanut Butter Pie

It has been a while since I made some sweet stuff. But this past Fathers Day I decided to make my daddy two peanut butter pies. One to share and one for is own.

Why peanut butter pie? Well. I had no idea what to get my dad for Fathers Day so I started thinking about some of my child hood memories of him.

I remember how he used to always eat Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. Boy that’s a mouth full. 

He would say the little slogan every time he took one from the pack. 

My dad would always (probably still does) eat a spoon of peanut butter right out of the jar.. I remember smelling it on him when he would tuck us in at night and give a goodnight kiss on the cheek. 

Since those days, he has developed diabetes but has it under control. He knows when and how much sugar he can have. A peace of pie is a possible treat for him. Everyone else enjoyed a piece after we had hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.

This pie did not disappoint and I had to share the recipe with my Sisters. Now I will share it with you. It is easy and delicious. Reminded me of peanut butter cheese cake. 

Enjoy.

PEANUT BUTTER PIE.

1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust. (or make your own.)

8 oz cream cheese. (softened)

1 cup creamy peanut butter.

8 oz cool whip.

3/4 cup powder sugar.

Mix cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.

Add powder sugar a little at a time until mixed well.

Fold in cool whip until until blended.

Pour into pic crust and refrigerate for 5 hours or over night before serving. 

I topped mine with crushed peanut butter cups, shaved chocolate and melted peanut butter drizzle. (All optional).

Oreo cookie crust is another option to this delicious dessert.