Are You Living to Eat? Understanding Eating Addiction

Eating addiction is a very common topic in our age of abundance. However, it's important to understand that not everyone is addicted to food. Through long observation, people generally can be divided into two groups, and even from infancy, the differences between these groups can be observed: those who come from a place of kindness, who love an abundance of food and are truly dependent on it in their daily lives; and those who come from a place of strength and boundaries, who know how to restrain themselves and don't live to eat, but rather eat to live. It's easier to work with them and make dietary changes for better health.

It is known that food instantaneously fills a psychological void by providing a feeling of pleasure. This psychological void is present in most of us due to a sense of lack of meaning in life, or boredom that we don't know how to alleviate because we haven't been taught to recognize our inner wealth, appreciate ourselves, connect with Hashem who resides within, or engage in fulfilling social volunteer activities. If pleasure doesn't come from within, nothing else will fill us; we'll feel emptiness and loneliness—leading to endless pursuit of food cravings, or other desires that provide immediate pleasure. That's why it's important to turn inward.

The addiction to pleasure is an immense force within us because humans always seek pleasure in this world and avoid pain or effort. This is how Hashem created us. So, what to do? The comfort is that faith, which is a stronger force within the soul than pleasure, can release us from the vicious cycle of addiction. Believe that you can break free from this cycle.

Merely wanting to stop the desire for food consumption isn't enough. Willpower alone can't tackle addiction because pleasure is more powerful than will. Therefore, we need to enhance the pleasure in our lives to win this battle. Here are some tips:

1. Understand intellectually that the emptiness will return even after pizza or ice cream.

2. Consider keeping a food diary, noting the reason for every food you consume. This will give you insight into your inner self (it can be helpful with a nutrition coach or consultant).

3. Most importantly, have a meaningful or valued reason to wake up every morning. What can stimulate this is the connection with Hashem, the understanding that He eagerly awaits our prayers, blessings, and every mitzvah we perform. Additionally, strengthening existing family or social ties, and working or volunteering in a place that provides fulfillment.

For booking home workshops with naturopath Ruth Liat Platz(free of charge), call 073-2221290