I went in to a coffee shop (not my regular place) for my daily decaf. On the counter were individually wrapped baked items. I picked one up, looked at it, and thought about how it would taste. Suddenly I realized that as a food addict, I was holding and looking at CRACK. I got my coffee and … [Read more...] about Crack Den By a food addict in NY
Experiencing Dr. Tarman’s “Biology Of Addiction”
Over the years I have met numerous professionals in the addictions field, who’ve made many presentations about their areas of study and their experiences working within the realm of their expertise. Between my own addiction and the ensuing treatment I sought, and my current experience as a clean … [Read more...] about Experiencing Dr. Tarman’s “Biology Of Addiction”
How Low is Your Bottom?
An addict will often claim that he or she has to reach a ‘bottom’ before they really quit their drug. The pain of the substance abuse is greater than the pleasure (even perceived pleasure) … [Read more...] about How Low is Your Bottom?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine Catches Up
On August 15, 2011 The American Association of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) declared, in a press release, that addiction is a chronic brain disorder.
As many of the articles in this blog will attest, this is not news to the ‘addiction community’. Doctors, sociologists, scientists … [Read more...] about The American Society of Addiction Medicine Catches Up
Dr Phil and Amber: Food Addiction Interview
I am sitting on a plane, heading to LAX. Even the three letters seem glamorous. Heading to Los Angeles to appear on Ask Oprah’s Allstars. I am being interviewed, on a stage, by Dr. Phil himself. We are talking about the challenges with dating after weight loss. I have a hotel on Hollywood Blvd. I … [Read more...] about Dr Phil and Amber: Food Addiction Interview
Starvation in Abundance
Dr. Taubes’ book, Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It explains – from a hormonal point of view, why ‘fattening foods’ such as sugar and carbohydrates actually makes us hungrier. You might expect that the fattening foods would fill us up. Not according to Dr. Taubes. If we are eating … [Read more...] about Starvation in Abundance
Where Does Food Fit on the Hierarchy of Addiction?
In an addiction hierarchy, where would food fit? Foods, such as fats, sugars and carbohydrates, are only very recently being recognized as addictive substances. Crack cocaine, heroin, and alcohol are all deadly addictions and widely recognized as such. The idea of food as addictive is a novel … [Read more...] about Where Does Food Fit on the Hierarchy of Addiction?
Are We Getting Fit or Fatter?
As a personal trainer, my job as I see it is to help people lose weight and get in shape. This is, for the most part, what people come to me in order to achieve. Sounds easy, right? Well apparently it's not. Simple, yes; easy, no.
Most personal trainers - if they're being honest with you … [Read more...] about Are We Getting Fit or Fatter?
The Science Behind Food Addiction
Physical Craving and Food Addiction
Mark Cheren, Mary Foushi, Ester Helga Gudmundsdotter, Colleen Hillock, Marty Lerner, Michael Prager, Mary Rice, Louisa Walsh, Philip … [Read more...] about The Science Behind Food Addiction
Are We Dieting Ourselves Into Obesity?
How is it possible to diet and then actually gain more weight than you started with? Why does the Yoyo phenomenon of weight loss / weight gain inevitably kick in and sabotage our good intentions? Dr. Gary Taubes’ book Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It explains the physiology of why … [Read more...] about Are We Dieting Ourselves Into Obesity?
Lap Band Surgery: Proceed with Caution?
Lab Band Surgery is currently touted as the best solution for morbid obesity (a BMI over over 40, and in some cases over 35). What is it exactly? Is it Safe?
Unlike a Gastric … [Read more...] about Lap Band Surgery: Proceed with Caution?
What is Food Addiction?
Food addiction is one paradigm towards understanding a problematic relationship to food. It is not yet a medical diagnosis, although there are plenty of indicators that food and disordered eating can be an addiction, indeed, an addiction as overpowering as cocaine or alcohol.
Whether or … [Read more...] about What is Food Addiction?
