The Food Addiction Institute

“U.K. kids’ intake of sugar from soda halved in the years following the annoucement of a tax on the sweet drinks, scientists have found. Childrens’ overall daily intake of free sugars — those added to food and drink or present in fruit juice, syrup and honey — also fell by a 10% in the year after the tax began, research shows.”

Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/katherinehignett/2024/07/11/uk-soda-tax-slashes-childrens-sugar-intake/

How do you plan, prepare, and protect your abstinence and recovery?

Prof. Adrian Soto-Mota is a researcher and a Professor in the Internal Medicine Program at Mexico’s National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition.

The central theme of his lecture was in differentiating Food Addiction from binge eating disorder.

His lab uses validated Spanish translations of YFAS and binge eating questionnaires, ensuring rigorous data collection. Techniques like cluster analysis and machine learning help identify distinct patient populations based on their responses.

Initial results suggest significant correlations between Food Addiction and binge eating scales. However, some patients score high on one scale but not the other, supporting the hypothesis that they are separate conditions. Three distinct clusters of responses have been identified, indicating varied patterns of food-related behavior.

Prof. Soto-Mota emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between these conditions for effective treatment. Future research will focus on identifying markers associated with these disorders and validating findings across different populations. The ultimate goal is to refine clinical strategies for managing Food Addiction and binge eating disorders.

Do you relate to this? Please share your experience.

It’s not a myth, for example, that carrots improve your vision. But what about the myth that eating fat will make you fat. Or eating one meal a day will help you lose weight? What are some of your food myths? Please share.

We all know staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but did you know it can also be a powerful ally in managing Food Addiction? Here's why:

🩵 Thirst Mistaken for Hunger: Our bodies can sometimes misinterpret thirst signals as hunger pangs. Craving a sugary drink or a quick snack? There's a chance you're simply dehydrated! Reaching for a glass of water first can help curb these false cravings.

🩵 Water Fills You Up: Drinking water before meals can help you feel fuller faster, leading to more controlled portions and reduced calorie intake.

🩵 Energy Booster: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and sluggishness, both of which can trigger cravings for sugary snacks that provide a quick (but fleeting) energy boost. Staying hydrated keeps your energy levels stable and reduces the urge for sugary pick-me-ups.

🩵 Improved Focus and Decision-Making: When you're dehydrated, your brain function can be impaired. This can make it harder to resist cravings and stick to your recovery goals. Staying hydrated keeps your mind sharp and supports clear decision-making.

🩵 Aids in Digestion: Proper hydration helps your body process food efficiently. This can improve nutrient absorption, reduce bloating and discomfort, and overall contribute to a healthier digestive system.

Formal recognition of Food Addiction as a substance use disorder and behavioral disorder (or another name) may allow treatment like we have for alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Might treatment have helped you? Please share.

“Children who began drinking fruit juice before age 6 months were more likely than children introduced to fruit juice after age 12 months to have higher blood pressure and other signs of cardiac risk at ages 8 to 10 years old, suggests a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other institutions.”

Read more: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/news/071024-juice-consumption-cardiac-risks

My limiting beliefs include statements that say, “I can’t” instead of “I can if I choose to.” In my recovery, I need to take time to allow changes to transform me. What are your limiting beliefs and how much time does it take you to achieve one of your goals? Please share.

Dr. Chris van Tulleken focused on the striking similarities between the food and to***co and alcohol industries drawing a conclusion that the food industry prioritizes profits, often at the expense of public health. Dr. Van Tulleken made a compelling case that the same forces driving the rise in diet-related diseases are also at play in Food Addiction.

Obesity and related health issues are reaching epidemic proportions, driven by the widespread availability and aggressive marketing of unhealthy, energy-dense foods. Dr. Van Tulleken shared alarming statistics: a significant percentage of children in the UK are living with obesity by the time they start primary school.

One of the biggest hurdles in addressing Food Addiction is its complex nature. Unlike substances with clear addictive properties, Food Addiction lacks a single, identifiable molecule. Despite these challenges, public sentiment strongly supports the recognition of food as potentially addictive, even if the medical community is slower to accept this view.

Dr. van Tulleken proposed solutions. He advocated for stricter regulations on harmful foods, similar to those applied to to***co and alcohol. Current food labeling systems, such as traffic lights and nutrient guidance, fall short due to industry influence and voluntary application. Dr. Van Tulleken suggested more effective measures like black warning labels on harmful foods and removing conflicts of interest from government advisory committees.

The takeaway from Dr. van Tulleken's presentation is clear: we need to recognize the role of ultra-processed foods in driving diet-related diseases and Food Addiction. By understanding the commercial forces at play and implementing stricter regulations, we can make significant strides in improving public health.

What is your next step to move your recovery forward? Remember it doesn’t have to be big…every step counts! Please share.

Many people experience positive, uplifting changes in mood and energy when eating abstinent food. What has your experience been? Please share.

Navigating the grocery store can be a challenge for anyone, but for those recovering from Food Addiction, it can feel like an obstacle course. However, with a strategic approach, you can transform your grocery run into an empowering experience that supports your health goals.

Here are some tips for making healthy and mindful choices at the grocery store:

🩵 Pre-Planning is Key: Develop a personalized meal plan for the week before heading to the store. This ensures you're purchasing ingredients for specific meals, reducing impulse buying and food waste.

🩵 Embrace the List: Create a detailed grocery list based on your meal plan. Stick to the list to avoid distractions and maintain focus on your health objectives.

🩵 Shop on a Full Stomach: Hunger pangs can significantly impact your decision-making. Have a healthy meal before your shopping trip to prevent impulsive choices based on immediate cravings.

🩵 Prioritize the Perimeter: Fresh produce, lean protein sources, and dairy products typically line the store's perimeter. Begin by filling your cart with these whole, unprocessed items that form the foundation of a healthy diet.

🩵 Label Literacy is Power: Don't be afraid to scrutinize food labels. Pay close attention to serving sizes, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.

🩵 Beware of Marketing Tricks: Eye-catching packaging and strategic placement are designed to lure you in. Stick to your list and avoid impulse buying at checkout lines or heavily advertised end-of-aisle displays.

🩵 Slow Down and Savor: Take your time while shopping. Mindful grocery shopping allows you to make conscious choices and avoid the ‘autopilot’ mode that can lead to unhealthy selections.

Remember, grocery shopping can be a powerful tool in your recovery journey. By planning ahead, making informed choices, and staying mindful, you can stock your kitchen with foods that nourish your body and support your well-being.

Food Addiction Institute supports the inclusion in the DSM and ICD of Food Addiction as a substance use disorder. (From the IFACC 24, it may be Ultra-Processed Food Addiction.)

“The NOVA classification system groups foods into four categories, from natural/minimally processed to ultraprocessed. Studies have linked the consumption of ultraprocessed foods to various health conditions.”

Read more: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ultraprocessed-foods-bad-for-you

What have you learned about Food Addiction that has empowered your recovery journey the most? Please share.

Michael Moss, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, authored the bestselling books Salt Sugar Fat and Hooked, focusing on the food industry's manipulation of consumer habits and its impact on public health.

Moss initially hesitated to label junk food as addictive but changed his stance after extensive research. He highlighted how food companies use sophisticated marketing and product design, such as the concept of ‘vanishing caloric density,’ to make foods irresistibly palatable.

Moss shared stories of individuals like a former Philip Morris lawyer and a Census Bureau worker who struggled with food addiction, illustrating the pervasive and powerful nature of processed food cravings.

Following the release of Salt Sugar Fat, Moss was approached by companies like Nestlé to discuss reducing unhealthy ingredients in their products. Despite these efforts, the consumption of ultra-processed foods and related health issues continued to rise.

Moss emphasized the importance of cooking from scratch, teaching children about food through school gardens, and potentially reforming agricultural subsidies to support healthier food production. He called for a re-evaluation of food values and consumer habits to combat the dominance of processed food.

We’re rooting for you! 🩵

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August is the perfect time to reflect, learn, and take practical steps towards better health. This month, our focus is on understanding and managing Food Addiction through education and practical application. We'll break down complex concepts, offer practical advice, and we’re getting back to basics to help you on your journey to a healthier relationship with food.

Your thoughts…

Without the constant preoccupation with food, we have the mental and emotional space to pursue our passions and dreams. We can invest our energy into what truly matters to us, whether it’s our career, hobbies, relationships, or personal growth.

Where have you invested your energies? Does this align with your purpose?

How have you found this to be true for yourself? Please share.

Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD, adjunct associate brain and cognitive sciences professor at the University of Rochester and CEO of Bright Line Eating, discussed the establishment of "Ultra Processed Food Addiction" (UPFA) as a recognized condition.

The conference reached a consensus that UPFA is both a substance use and behavioral addiction, comparable to other addictions like drugs and alcohol, advocating for regulatory recognition.

Three key research projects are proposed: evaluating the need for a UPFA diagnosis, testing different dietary treatments (harm reduction vs. abstinence-based), and investigating withdrawal symptoms from UPF cessation.

An application for UPFA recognition by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is planned, emphasizing recent research and collaboration among experts to update and validate the proposal.

Audience members suggest additional focuses on metabolism and mitochondrial function, and propose funding and public support for research to advance understanding and treatment of UPFA.

When we're no longer shackled by the need for food to fill an emotional void, we can rediscover the simple pleasures in life. Moments of laughter with friends, the beauty of a sunset, and the satisfaction of achieving a goal become richer and more meaningful.

What are your experiences?

Please let us know for all to see and enjoy.

Our brains are wired for connection through mirror neurons. These specialized brain cells are activated both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. This mirroring effect helps us understand and empathize with others, creating a sense of shared experience and mutual support. When we see others overcoming their challenges, our mirror neurons light up, inspiring us to believe that we too can succeed. This neural mirroring strengthens our resolve and reinforces the positive behaviors needed for Food Addiction recovery.

When we prioritize connection, we open ourselves to a fuller, richer life. We engage in meaningful activities with others, find joy in shared experiences, and cultivate a sense of belonging. This vibrant, connected life is the essence of freedom from Food Addiction.

Watch Dr. Joan Ifland's (Food Addiction Reset Community - ARC) interview here: https://youtu.be/2OLP486lFcA?si=9ysbpsoGyHvI2X3l

How can family members support their loved ones? Please share your thoughts.

The act of connecting with others has tangible benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. It reduces feelings of loneliness and depression, boosts our mood, and enhances our ability to cope with stress. In the warmth of genuine relationships, we find the strength to overcome cravings and make healthier choices. While Food Addiction can isolate us, binding us in a cycle of secrecy and shame, genuine connection opens the door to healing, support, and lasting change. How have you found this to be true?
Please share.

How have you found this to be true for yourself?