Friday, February 25, 2011

I'm back.....

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A hot topic in the nutrition world right now is food addiction and how certain foods have the same addictive effect as drugs.
Yale University published a food addiction scale that I found very interesting. I think most of us can say we relate to at least the first 3 feelings.
Here are a few sample questions...

In the past year:

1) I find that when I start eating certain foods, I end up eating much more than I had planned.
2) Not eating certain types of food or cutting down on certain types of food is something I worry about.
Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month
2 to 3 times per week 4 or more times per week or daily
3) I spend a lot of time feeling sluggish or lethargic from overeating.
Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month
2 to 3 times per week 4 or more times per week or daily
4) There have been times when I consumed certain foods so often or in such large quantities that I spent time dealing with negative feelings from overeating instead of working, spending time with my family or friends, or engaging in other important activities or recreational activities I enjoy.
Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month
2 to 3 times per week 4 or more times per week or daily
5) I kept consuming the same types of food or the same amount of food even though I was having emotional and/or physical problems. 
Yes or No
6) Over time, I have found that I need to eat more and more to get the feeling I want, such as reduced negative emotions or increased pleasure.
Yes or No
7) I have had withdrawal symptoms when I cut down or stopped eating certain foods.  
Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month
2 to 3 times per week 4 or more times per week or daily 
8) My behavior with respect to food and eating causes significant distress.
Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month
2 to 3 times per week 4 or more times per week or daily
9) I experience significant problems in my ability to function effectively (daily routine, job/school, social activities, family activities, health difficulties) because of food and eating.
Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month
2 to 3 times per week 4 or more times per week or daily

Here is the article if you're interested in reading more about the research

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