ASK THE "DON'T DIET" DOCTOR

Dear Dr. Dorie:
I find that I have uncontrollable cravings for certain foods.  It seems that once I start eating these foods, I can't stop.  How do I stop overeating?
- Crazed Cravings

Dear Crazed Cravings:
The cause of food cravings is a subject of great debate among dieticians, mental health professionals, physicians and other weight issues researchers.  Some argue that cravings are based on the body's physical needs, while others state that cravings are of psychological origin. My own experience indicates that both can be true.  However, there may be a medical cause for your excessive cravings, so it is important to discuss your symptoms with your physician.

If a medical condition has been ruled out, a nutritional need may lead to your food cravings.  If your body needs certain nutrients, you may find that you crave foods that have those nutrients. For example, a craving for chicken, beef or fish for your next meal may be due to the body's need for more protein.  However, because you describe your cravings as 'uncontrollable' and you have difficulty putting an end to your eating once you start, it sounds like you have other factors involved.

Your overeating may be the result of a habit.  To determine whether this is the case for you, see if there is a pattern to your cravings.  Do they occur at the same time of day or same days of the week?  If so, try to vary your pattern by changing the type of food that you have or by changing the time of day when you reach for the foods you crave.  By breaking up the routine you may notice that your cravings become controlled.

There may also be an emotional cause for your cravings.  It can be common to use food to satisfy a need for comfort or to cope with stress.  Other feelings such as anger, boredom, anxiety, depression and even happiness or celebration can trigger the desire to eat.  You may find that eating provides temporary relief from your emotional issues, making it very difficult to stop eating once you start.  Emotional eating can lead to the more serious conditions of binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa; it is best to work with a specialist in eating disorders to help you resolve this pattern.

Food cravings are a signal that something is out of balance in your body or life.  Consider medical, nutritional and emotional causes and seek professional assistance to find your solution.

© 2006 Dr. Dorie McCubbrey, all rights reserved.  As one of America's leading experts on obesity and eating disorders, Dr. Dorie is the author of How Much Does Your Soul Weigh? (HarperCollins, 2003).  Visit www.DrDorie.com for more diet-free solutions to your food, weight and body worries.

Please share this diet-free solution with others!  This article may be reproduced in print or online, but only in its entirety along with copyright and website information as listed above.  READ MORE ARTICLES