Why are we addicted to SAD?

[Raw.N.It.Out]

For eating disorder's:

I don't know if I've upset some of the common member's on here with my many questions, if so I apologize for that, I am very ill atm, & hypersensitive.



My Question: What in the SAD foods VS Raw foods are we addicted & not addicted to? more so what the foods pertain, rather than the feeling's we have that are attached to the food.

I found with some research that it takes 21-31 days to kill an addiction. I can make it to 21 days no bingeing, than I binge. << This was not said that I just give up at the 21 days period. This was said, that the 21 day mark I am fighting it hard to not give in, I've made it to 20 days no bingeing, 4 times. But only 21 days no bingeing, twice.

Thank You.

I do plan on buying Alissa Cohen's Book, I just may not be able to get to it as quickly of some of you all have.

[Dimond]

I really don't feel it's a real addiction, but more conditioning. Anything done repetitively is more difficult to break free of. There are many things we're taught in society from the time we're born. Most people don't question these things. Food is a bit more tricky because it's a family and social activity. There are reminders everywhere that SAD food exists. It becomes such a huge part of us and then our brain and body believes we must have it. There are some ingredients like salt and sugar that are more addictive than other foods. There are raw substitutes for practically every SAD food or at least something that comes close.

[skier2]

I found with some research that it takes 21-31 days to kill an addiction. I can make it to 21 days no bingeing, than I binge. I am still eating raw.

Thank You.

I do plan on buying Alissa Cohen's Book, I just may not be able to get to it as quickly of some of you all have.

I had problems with bingeing on SAD foods as well. If you look at eating raw for 21 days, and think that on the 21st day your conditioning for regular food will go away, you will only find yourself failing, because you are thinking of raw, then, in terms of a diet, rather than a lifestyle choice. What works for me is to realize that I truly want to push myself to stay this way (raw) forever, because it makes me feel SO good and look so good. I just essentially consider switching back at some point to be a non-reality, and then any thought of bingeing goes away.

Why? Binges work because we binge on non-nutritive foods which allow for us to eat and eat and not feel full enough to stop. Raw is not like that, and I've learned that if I try to binge on raw, it is ineffective, because I don't stuff my emotions like with cooked food, I just feel slightly uncomfortable and mess-up my digestion. For example, I felt sad a few nights ago and ate 1/4 of Alissa's Date-Nut torte, but instead of making me feel tired and emotionless, as with, perhaps, a sugar-laden flour and butter cake, hers just made me feel very very full.

Then, I thought, well, that was a waste of nuts that I could have eaten tomorrow. You see, these foods are very filling and nutritive, to the extent that you have a maximum capacity. I cannot eat a half cup of walnuts and expect to feel good. They are simply too filling. This was how nature intended for food to be. But even if I do, I haven't succeeded in suppressing emotions or filling some kind of void, because it's not the same feeling as if you were to eat 25 SAD chocolate chip cookies.

With raw, if you just think of it as a permanent lifestyle change, eventually the emotions that caused your bingeing will come up, but if you are raw, chances are you can deal with them and move on. Hope this helps! Also Revvell and Alissa's early podcasts on Rawkin Radio deal greatly with these sorts of things. I would consult those, if you haven't already.

[Mikey_H]

I've endured disorders and strange/bad patterns in eating, and I totally understand the strange emotional connection with foods that are bad for us.
I can't say for sure WHY we may be "addicted" to such foods, since we're all so different.
From my own experience, it's just letting the change to fresh, natural foods take it's course. Most of us have ups and downs but the longer I go without cooked/processed/junk foods the less I would ever want them again. The high of a fresh lifestyle (and exercise) becomes just too good to ever want to go back!

[Aleesha Sattva]

What in the SAD foods VS Raw foods are we addicted & not addicted to?

I have no idea. I know that there are foods which bring me fond memories and those are ones that I've had the hardest time giving up.

It takes time. There's no magic pill or magic number of days. It takes won't power.

[appifanie]

the only think i know of that's addictive is casein, but i went vegan years ago and kicked that. i think mostly that it's what we're born into, what we grow up with.

[Jessican]

ITA that it's more of a way of life that you've lived for (20? 30?) years and you're looking at it as if it will magically go away in 3 weeks. When I quit smoking - it wasn't very hard (for me) to quit the niccotiene habbit, it was hard because of the social implications. I always went outside on my breaks to smoke, so that's where I Made all my friends at work. Even my closest friend outside of work smoked. If I had a drink sitting on my porch in the summer... I would have a cigarette in my other hand. It was hard to break THOSE habbits, not the niccotene addicition.

Food is no different. You're close to your family so I assume there are family gatherings, gatherings that have been going on for years? Christmas? Thanksgiving? Easter? When you leave a part of family gatherings behind, it can feel like you're leaving your family behind instead of just the food.

You're not going to be able to put all that behind you just by eating differently for 3 weeks. I figured it will take more like 3 years.... you'll have to get through 3 Christmases, 3 Easters, 3 Thanksgivings.... but don't look at it as a pass/fail experience. Ok, so you ate one of mom's chocolate chip cookies today. But how many people can say they ONLY cooked food they ate today was a chocolate chip cookie? For every step back, can you take 3 forward? just think how far you can walk in a year if you do.

[Revvell]

It's not "in" the food itself. It's our habits, our cravings for what we're use to and our emotional eating patterns.

We've learned to use food as our drug. The biggest difficulty is we have to eat to live whereas we don't have to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, snort cocaine, etc.

Most of us eat at the wrong times (when we're not hungry yet when we're stressed, watching tv/dvd, relaxing, eating with friends, as reward, etc.) One thing I've learned to do before putting something in my mouth is ask myself "Are you really hungry?" If not, why am I reaching for food? What is it I'm either "trying" to suppress as in not feel? OR, am I really thirsty and my system is confused? If I'm not hungry, what is it I really need? Sleep? To cry? to move? to express myself somehow?

So, next question ~ what is it I REALLY want if I'm not hungry for food? AND, how can I get it?

Revvell

[Aleesha Sattva]

how?

So, next question ~ what is it I REALLY want if I'm not hungry for food? AND, how can I get it?

Revvell

so true! that's what i love about fasting... you get asked this question many times a day in the beginning...

[DeniseM]

You've received some wonderful replies here -- especially regarding the emotional component of eating. So many of our habits (including eating) are rooted in our past, in the things that have brought us comfort or represent love to us (a home-cooked meal from Mom, a gift of chocolate from a significant other, etc.). That type of conditioning is very hard to break away from.

From a physical perspective, certain foods do contain addictive substances that make them hard to give up. Milk products and gluten-containing grains (such as wheat) have substances called opioid peptides, which mimic the effect of opiates (such as morphine) on the brain -- including relaxation, sedation, calmness, etc. Peptides are also physically addictive, which is why it can be difficult to wean mammals from milk when they are nursing. They incite a drug-like response.

Refined sugar is also known to be physically addictive, and I've read that combinations of fat and refined sugar (like you'd find in cookies, cake, pastries, ice cream, and most other desserts) triggers a very distinct reaction in the brain, similar to what you see when people ingest drugs.

Although I haven't seen this studied in isolation, it also makes sense that we're prone to craving the most calorie-dense foods available (which is typically cooked food, since raw food is bulkier with a higher water content) simply for survival purposes: dense food means concentrated energy, which is more useful in times of food scarcity and famine, which humans no doubt endured throughout history.

Here is a video you may be interested in (Dr. Neal Barnard discussing physically addictive foods):

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3214100593069532942#

[snoops]

From a physical perspective, certain foods do contain addictive substances that make them hard to give up. Milk products and gluten-containing grains (such as wheat) have substances called opioid peptides, which mimic the effect of opiates (such as morphine) on the brain -- including relaxation, sedation, calmness, etc. Peptides are also physically addictive, which is why it can be difficult to wean mammals from milk when they are nursing. They incite a drug-like response.



I gave up grains and dairy for January on the advise of my naturopath. He said that things that you crave, you are probably allergic to/addicted to. After three days I had no more food cravings. I didn't obsess about food, I didn't think about food. This in contrast to my normal life of constantly thinking about food. What I ate, what I was going to eat etc ad nauseum.

So I totally believe I am addicted to grains - wheat gluten probably specifically. I lost 10 lbs effortlessly, got completely rid of the hot flashes I was experiencing, had zero acid reflux (this compared to nightly).

So do I believe there are food addictions? Absolutely.

That said I am on vacation now and eating at all my old haunts and getting all my symptoms back:o

But now that I know how easy it is. once I get back home its back to NO grains or dairy. It was such a treat in January, I can see doing it forever.

It was interesting watching the decline into the addiction again from a purely intellectual aspect. At first I was very good. Making good choices, only occasionally having a "bad"food. Very quickly it deteriorated though. I am actually looking forward to getting home and being able to do it right again. And because I dodn't believe in all or nothing this short diversion is OK!!! I'm loving it:D

[Tenuho]

i struggled back when i thought i 'couldnt' have sad, or that it was bad, then thats such a struggle resisting temptation or trying to use will power, i realised it was unhealthy psychologically so i said screw it, then i started eating regular stuff and realised i dont like this way of eating so i went back to raw, not because it was 'right' but because i liked it, id have the occasional non raw food but i felt how that takes away from the experience, so i went back to 100%.....but now its just about choice and enjoying it rather than all that other crap.......

[karenasmm]

I just logged on to say "HELP" because today i ate Doritos and Sun chips and Pizza! I feel aweful now. Totally dehydrated, can't drink enough water!
I've done so well for over 30 days and have not missed cooked food AT ALL.
On Thursday my son and I celebrated our birthday so we compromised and went to a restaraunt where they cook your japanese food at your table (very fun, pretty healthy). I ate cooked food veggies and had salmon and shrimp. I didn't really care because of the huge HURRICANE i got in the bar. It was my birthday...what the heck i figured. It was a really fun night and i didn't really regret it cause it was planned and i drank a bunch of coconut water later which seemed to prevent a hangover.
I'm not advocating this behavior at all, and i'm not sure if its even okay to discuss this here (hope its okay!).
My point is, i'm a person who has always struggled with food addictions and eating disorders and today, i totally gave in to an old addiction. I can forgive myself but first i want to feel physically better. Those stupid chips are full of artificial ingredients and chemicals which I am positive cause a person to desire more and more. The pizza looked pretty and tasted bland, rubbery and boring. Not even worth one bite yet i ate 3 slices!
One piece of yummy raw pizza tastes so much better and is so satisfying.
I have learned a huge lesson today. I guess it had to happen so i would know for sure.
But, to answer the original question...i do think there are addictive additives in the processed foods. I don't think its in healthy organic cooked-at-home foods, but processed food- yes! I feel lousy. I'm experiencing all kinds of weird symptoms right now...heart palpitations for example (which i have had problems with in the past but not at all while being raw). Dehydration and (go ahead and laugh with me here) a compulsive urge to pull out my eyebrow hairs. WHAT THE HECK!!!!
I need to do some kind of emergency cleanse...any suggestions?

[Aleesha Sattva]

coconut water... lots and lots... fast tomorrow on water and coconut water... it'll assist you to get rid of the processed junk in your body. (((hugs)))

[karenasmm]

Unfortunately i'm all out of coconut water, but i've been wanting to check out some local asian markets anyway, so thats what i'll do in the morning...shop for some young coconuts. Yay!

[Raw.N.It.Out]

You've received some wonderful replies here -- especially regarding the emotional component of eating. So many of our habits (including eating) are rooted in our past, in the things that have brought us comfort or represent love to us (a home-cooked meal from Mom, a gift of chocolate from a significant other, etc.). That type of conditioning is very hard to break away from.

From a physical perspective, certain foods do contain addictive substances that make them hard to give up. Milk products and gluten-containing grains (such as wheat) have substances called opioid peptides, which mimic the effect of opiates (such as morphine) on the brain -- including relaxation, sedation, calmness, etc. Peptides are also physically addictive, which is why it can be difficult to wean mammals from milk when they are nursing. They incite a drug-like response.

Refined sugar is also known to be physically addictive, and I've read that combinations of fat and refined sugar (like you'd find in cookies, cake, pastries, ice cream, and most other desserts) triggers a very distinct reaction in the brain, similar to what you see when people ingest drugs.

Although I haven't seen this studied in isolation, it also makes sense that we're prone to craving the most calorie-dense foods available (which is typically cooked food, since raw food is bulkier with a higher water content) simply for survival purposes: dense food means concentrated energy, which is more useful in times of food scarcity and famine, which humans no doubt endured throughout history.

Here is a video you may be interested in (Dr. Neal Barnard discussing physically addictive foods):

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3214100593069532942#

Thank You, this is more so what I was looking for, as I already find I understand the *Emotional* aspects of bingeing. & Trying to be mindful of the foods that I reach for. & I eat at specific times to help out with my ED's. I have just really been out of control lately. I was really upset when I wrote that this morning, & looking at it, I've worded some things funny. Anyhow Thank You very much for all of your input! :)

[EternityRider]

Here's some useful word studies: :)

addiction
1. A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses.
2. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity, such as gambling.

grey matter [said to be where we store what we've learned]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the greyish tissue of the brain and spinal cord, containing nerve cell bodies, dendrites, and bare (unmyelinated) axons.
2. Informal brains or intellect

The function of gray matter is to route sensory or motor stimulus to interneurons of the CNS in order to create a response to the stimulus through chemical synapse activity. Gray matter structures (cortex, deep nuclei) process information originating in the sensory organs or in other gray matter regions. This information is conveyed via specialized nerve cell extensions (long axons), which form the bulk of the cerebral, cerebellar, and spinal white matter.

in·er·tia
n.
1. Physics The tendency of a body to resist acceleration; the tendency of a body at rest to remain at rest or of a body in straight line motion to stay in motion in a straight line unless acted on by an outside force.
2. Resistance or disinclination to motion, action, or change: the inertia of an entrenched bureaucracy.

hab·it
n.
1.
a. A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition.
b. An established disposition of the mind or character.
2. Customary manner or practice: a person of ascetic habits.
3. An addiction, especially to a narcotic drug.

re·ha·bil·i·tate
tr.v. re·ha·bil·i·tat·ed, re·ha·bil·i·tat·ing, re·ha·bil·i·tates
1. To restore to good health or useful life, as through therapy and education.
2. To restore to good condition, operation, or capacity.

de·pro·gram
tr.v. de·pro·grammed or de·pro·gramed, de·pro·gram·ming or de·pro·gram·ing, de·pro·grams
To counteract or try to counteract the effect of an indoctrination, especially cult indoctrination.

re·train
tr. & intr.v. re·trained, re·train·ing, re·trains
To train or undergo training again.

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Sorry I don't understand what you're trying to implicate here, EternityRider?

As with all Behavioral Patterns, to change them, we can only work at them one step at a time. It's easier said than done. :)

[EternityRider]

Sorry I don't understand what you're trying to implicate here, EternityRider?

As with all Behavioral Patterns, to change them, we can only work at them one step at a time. It's easier said than done. :)

Yes, easier said than done.
Your post got me thinking on some words.. not directed toward any one person. Sometimes just looking up words gives them fresh meaning & sheds new light. That's all.
Just trying to be helpful.

[Revvell]

Just trying to be helpful.

... and you were/are.

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Yes, easier said than done.
Your post got me thinking on some words.. not directed toward any one person. Sometimes just looking up words gives them fresh meaning & sheds new light. That's all.
Just trying to be helpful.

Thank You. :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

Just trying to be helpful.

as usual... you were and your words certainly struck a cord in me. thank you my friend.

[roboto212]

White sugar or sucrose, is found in many cooked items. WHen you cook something, you convert a portion into sugars. Sucrose is possibly the most addicting substance on Earth, because there are more people addicted to it then heroin.

Also in Dairy, and cow meat, casein is very prevalent. Casein is found in all dairy products, and is actually a naturally forming opiate. When you eat casein, the compound binds to your opiate receptors in the body and brain. This is why people generally like to eat fine cheeses with wine. The wine potentiates the effects of the casein in the cheese. By simply drinking a glass of wine and eating 20 grams of cheese, you are ingesting a powerful syngery of subtances that creates temporary pleasure.

Go give a kid a full bag of candy with alot of white sugar in it, make them eat it all at once. Watch them for the next 30 minutes. They will go on a sugar high for the first 20 minutes, followed by a crash. The crash is usually loss of energy, slow mind, disconnected spirit, along with a multitude of long term mental health problems that people are unaware of.


Cooked food is a drug, whether people realize it or not, and by overcoming temporary pleasures in life, you are getting closer to true happiness. THe same goes for anythig really.

[Raw.N.It.Out]

White sugar or sucrose, is found in many cooked items. WHen you cook something, you convert a portion into sugars. Sucrose is possibly the most addicting substance on Earth, because there are more people addicted to it then heroin.

Also in Dairy, and cow meat, casein is very prevalent. Casein is found in all dairy products, and is actually a naturally forming opiate. When you eat casein, the compound binds to your opiate receptors in the body and brain. This is why people generally like to eat fine cheeses with wine. The wine potentiates the effects of the casein in the cheese. By simply drinking a glass of wine and eating 20 grams of cheese, you are ingesting a powerful syngery of subtances that creates temporary pleasure.

Go give a kid a full bag of candy with alot of white sugar in it, make them eat it all at once. Watch them for the next 30 minutes. They will go on a sugar high for the first 20 minutes, followed by a crash. The crash is usually loss of energy, slow mind, disconnected spirit, along with a multitude of long term mental health problems that people are unaware of.


Cooked food is a drug, whether people realize it or not, and by overcoming temporary pleasures in life, you are getting closer to true happiness. THe same goes for anythig really.

Thank You. That was very insightful. :)

[DopeRawAbundance]

Sucrose is possibly the most addicting substance on Earth, because there are more people addicted to it then heroin.

I'm sure if heroin was sold at your local supermarket with Tony the Tiger on the front it'd be a lot closer of a race.

[Raw.N.It.Out]

I'm sure if heroin was sold at your local supermarket with Tony the Tiger on the front it'd be a lot closer of a race.

LOL I have to agree. It's a whole marketing thing!! I once worked in retail & was told that the reason for the loud & upbeat music was that it would send *feel good vibes* to the brain. Making one want to spend more.

All of the studies that they do, are soo true!!

[debilana]

Read AN End to Overeating. Really explains why we have food issues . Excellent book, written by a doctor.

[debilana]

http://www.amazon.com/End-Overeating-Insatiable-American-Appetite/dp/1605297852