Sherry Gaba LCSW, Psychotherapist, Life & Recovery Coach is featured Celebrity Rehab on VH1. Sherry is the author of “The Law of Sobriety” which uses the law of attraction to recover from any addiction. Please download your copy of “Manifest Holistic Health” from Sherry’s Enrich Your Life Series. Contact Sherry at sherry@sgabatherapy.com for webinars, teleseminars, coaching packages and speaking engagements.

The subject of food related to addiction has become extremely popular. Television shows are examining the eating habits and food preferences of every day people, determining if they truly are addicted to food. What does food addiction really mean? Is it possible to turn eating habits from negative to positive? With any affliction, it is important to start examining the core issues before attempting to overcome.

We all must eat; this activity is critical to your health, energy level and all around well-being. If you suspect that you are over-indulging in the food department, it is important to not change your diet overnight. When we drastically change our eating patterns, our mood can be significantly altered as well. We may become cranky, have less patience and be extremely lethargic. Sudden changes are never healthy for the body. Before you alter your eating habits, consider taking a moment to take a hard look at the food you eat and what motivates you to make those decisions.

Are you eating more or less when you feel under pressure? Do you automatically reach for your “comfort food” options when you are experiencing extreme emotions? Are you seeking comforts from food? These three questions will reveal the underlying connection between your emotional state and the food you eat. This allows for clear thinking and mindful decision-making. You are taking control of the situation. This is a huge first step. Be sure to congratulate yourself for being pro-active about your physical and emotional health.

Taking a few moments to think before you eat will unveil the motivation behind the action. Soon you will be able to eat more nutritious meals because you realize that the sole purpose of food is to provide nutrition. Food is the fuel that keeps the human body functioning. When we take steps to remove any emotional attachment to food, you will find that your mood will stabilize. This is not a “quick-fix”, this process takes time and determination. Food should be the friend that supports you, not the foe that destroys your health.

By being mindful and aware of the food choices you make, you are giving your body a much-needed rest. You are taking the emotional power that food may have. Start this process slowly, by taking a few moments to think before you eat and keep track of your emotional state prior to, while and after eating. These tools will be extremely beneficial. Soon you will develop healthy eating habits that will serve you in a positive way for years to come.