P.R.E.T.T.Y.

Food Addiction: Is it Real?

I recently asked my brother if he believed that I may be addicted to food. He immediately responded, “Yes, since you were knee-high to an ant.” I could hardly believe how quickly he answered my question. Still, I wasn’t convinced that I was a food addict. Then I realized that I was in denial after diving in and discovering one study that revealed more than 70 million adults in the U.S. are addicted to food.

Food addiction begins with the release of dopamine, which produces that feel-good sensation—for instance, celebrating a win at your favorite restaurant or curling up with a pint of ice cream when you’re feeling sad. Food becomes the reward that eventually becomes less exciting and requires us to eat more to get that good feeling again. Before you know it, you’re addicted.

Convinced that food addiction is a real thing that affects millions of people, I continued my quest for the what and the why. Sugary foods are the obvious choice among the most addictive foods, but equally addictive foods are processed foods. Many credible sources, such as Healthline, agree that at the top of the list of the most addictive foods is pizza, my favorite. Other foods on the list include all my good friends: potato chips, French fries, ice cream, cookies and cheeseburgers. What angers me is that these foods pop up all over the place—on billboards and TV commercials every 15-30 seconds, making it harder to resist the temptation. People who are addicted to cigarettes or drugs are more protected than those of us who are addicted to food. Sadly, food addiction leads to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart failure, among other illnesses, which is why it is essential to seek ways to eat healthier meals. I’ve been the most successful by not removing these foods altogether.

I usually reduce the portion and frequency of the foods I love and create a modified version of the recipe. The key is to cook at home more often so you know every ingredient that goes into your body.

I make my pizza with olive oil, a low-carb tortilla, and vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and vegan cheese. Instead of ice cream, I use an ice cream maker to create delightful sorbet or a low-sugar, non-dairy ice cream. Vegetarian burgers make a fantastic substitute for regular burgers, and dehydrated zucchini chips are an excellent replacement for regular potato chips.

You can control your addiction to food. It requires a bit more effort, but it is possible. If you want to learn more about food addiction or want to join a support group, please get in touch with me at Coach@PGF.life.

Ronni Walker is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in mass communication. She is committed to helping people transition to and maintain healthy lifestyles through the P.RE.T.T.Y. Girl Fitness project. You may contact by sending an email to coach@ PGF.life.