I have just finished reading this book about binge eating and food cravings called 'potatoes not prozac' by Kathleen DesMaisons and I have to say I am well impressed. Anyone who has suffered from any kind of food compulsions will be able to hugely relate to what is being said and might get some benefit.. It certainly takes some of the guilt away from the whole process, knowing that its less to do with will power and more to do with actual body chemistry.. Only thing is I am not sure how it would translate into the raw side of things.
The basic premise is all to do with serotonin / blood sugar and beta endorphin (brain chemicals) and how there are differences between certain groups of people and how those with lower levels will naturally tend toward self medication with certain foods in that familiar endless cycle. The idea is that by eating certain types of foods that naturally elevate and balance those levels we can free ourselves from the cycle... Its a biochemical approach, it has nothing to do with willpower.. it suggests that those who seem to be able to exercise willpower in there lives simply have more of a certain chemical when they need it whereas those with addictions do not..
Yeah I knew in my case that it is a matter of chemical demand. The easy part is reading about it the hard part is resisting the actual cravings. Ive noticed that with my own cravings it starts with a simple "innocent" thought...it feels so natural more like a "you've done so well...a little popcorn wont hurt, we'll get some and just drink a green juice afterward" now who can resist such a non-threatening thought such as that lol Now if my cravings came on as saying "THIS IS A CRAVING, DO NOT LISTEN TO ME!" then my guard would be up. But either way you have to fight it, they say the cravings lessen in time but you have to be vigilant because each time you give in to some carbs, you have to almost start at square one again with the fight, and hope you dont fall too far before you can regroup
Permalink Reply by mboy on September 7, 2009 at 5:53pm
thats very true.. this is classic addictive behavior and 'relapse' is very difficult to control. When we dont eat these 'binge' foods and dont eat better types of food we are simply not getting enough serotonin and beta-endorphin in our brain.. our chemistry is different and what happens is your brain creates more and more receptors to bind with serotonin in order to mop up all reserves.. once these become depleted enough we know unconsciously that the time will come for this 'hit' we all know how difficult that is to control.. and when we eventually give in , because we are now very 'serotonin sensitive' we litteraly get high off of our food, its a drug that re balances our chemistry and makes us feel good.. So we self medxicate our moods with our food.
The kind of exciting thing about all this is that its not our fault at all.. you dont have low will power and something can definetely be done about it, I am looking forward to seeing how I get on with this program, Its about using certain foods to keep us in a better balance and not experience the mood swings that cause the problems of binge eating ... these are the exact same patterns that alcoholics fall into also
I lost my ear candling virginity last week, lol. My friend and I didn't have any problems, just really relaxing. So do it with a friend so someone can watch the flame. have fun :)
I've met some hit chix on GITMR. Not satisfying in the least. Just the opposite. Most communication is self-defeating, accomplishes nothing. I would love it if people would leave me alone when I'm out and about. Anybody else?
Mariam, watching this raises questions: for instance, is this guy just an actor?
Seems like it. "Am I glad I went"? Well, in the sense that I knew I had to see him eventually.....I guess I got it over with (and used up my airline credit). Is he a...
"Did I meet any hot chix?" I love it~! Ha! Ha! Ha!
I've met too many of those in my life, already, many more than enough. I think I've had enough. But thanks!
also, a dr. friend told me that some of the waxy stuff can drip into your ear and do permanent damage. it does feel great, but i don't do it any longer. i've actually fallen asleep while having it done. =/