Food Addiction, A Confession & 5 Ways I’m Dealing with It

This post was sponsored by Meta Appetite Control as part of an Influencer Activation for

Influence Central. As always, all opinions are my own. 

I’ve shared about my weight loss highs and lows in the past. Today I want to share a real #baremom moment with you. I am a mom with a food addiction. Addicted may seem like a hard word, but it is my reality. I’m sharing because I know there are many moms like me out there who are eating their way through stress, happiness, frustrations, lack of sleep, and on and on. When we are happy, we eat. When we are sad, we eat. When we are mad, we most definitely EAT!

Here is the real confession…

Back in undergrad, I kept a secret from my family and friends. I started binge eating and then throwing it back up. Yes, me. I lost my grandmother during sophomore year and dealt with my pain by binge eating. A college friend discovered my secret and helped me get back on track. I’ll share more about that journey another time but just know I fight daily not to go down this path again. 

Addicted: physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.

That’s just the basic definition but it definitely applies to me. I’ve struggled with weight and pain issues since having my gall bladder removed. Plus high cholesterol and I’m late on getting my follow-up thyroid check, yet I eat and eat all the junk I want. But I’ve been taking steps to help with my addiction.

Taking Control of My Food Addiction

Fitness

I am back on my workout regimen. Even if I can only do 5 minutes of exercise, I do it. I can usually get five 30 to 45-minute workouts in during the week. I am for a 20-minute workout tape and 10 to 20-minute walk plus 5 minutes of stretching. Working out is a great distraction from eating. Sometimes I’ll bust out in a jumping jack session when my mind wonders to some goodies in the pantry. 

Food

I also make sure to enjoy a high protein, high fiber, and water based diet. I opt for a high protein option for each meal. Take eggs, for example, they have been so good to me on this journey. They are the perfect food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Lean proteins are my friend. And my kids and I enjoy water-rich fruits and salads. I make fun creations like these Cucumber Watermelon skewers which we love plus they are great when we need something sweet. I’m also tracking my food intake with friends through MyFitnessPal. The level of accountability works for me. 

Meta Appetite Control

I’ve incorporated Meta Appetite Control into my daily routine. A friend told me about her success with controlling her appetite using it. I was excited (read desperate) to give it a try so I went to my local Walgreens and picked up a package in the digestive wellness aisle.  This is my go to for increased fiber in my diet. I’ve replaced my post-meal unhealthy snack with a glass of Meta Appetite control. It’s made of 100% natural psyllium fiber that thickens and forms a gel when mixed with water. It gets pretty thick so make sure you mix it and drink it right away. It works! On the very first day, I noticed a significant difference in my hunger between meals.* I actually did not feel the need to grab a snack. By day 3, I was convinced and see why it’s the #1 doctor recommended fiber brand. Plus increased fiber eventually helps to get things regular (ahem).  

Journal & Friends 

I write out my feelings, share them with my best friends a few of which are going through the emotional eating struggles of motherhood too. I am working on sharing more with the hubs too. He definitely tries to help and even signed us up for a 5-K fun run in August. Now it’s the bacon run but I won’t be indulging in a mountain of bacon. He can enjoy that, I’m just excited to do something I enjoy (running) as a couple. We will be getting serious with our training because we have our eye on our first half marathon later in the year or early 2017. And a certain princess mom wants to run in a certain Princess Half Marathon! 

Meditation 

I’ve found that meditating and prayer has helped me with my food addiction. It did back in undergrad and definitely helped me avoid a downward spiral during grad school. So I am committed to meditating daily. 10 minutes is my max right now and I use an app to help me stay focused. I thought my mind wondered before but motherhood has brought on a whole new level of mind wondering. 

Here’s an opportunity to try out a sample and a $5 digital coupon for Meta Appetite Control.  The first 100 entrants that signup for the $5 Walgreens digital coupon will also receive a Meta Appetite Control product sample. Influence Central will select and handle all product and coupon fulfillment.

Are you struggling with food addiction or emotional eating? Have you tried any of the steps I am taking or have another step I can add to my routine? Let’s talk mamas. It’s time we stop hiding behind food. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.