Abstract:
In this transformative journey, I share three invaluable elements that were once inconceivable to me: Peace around food, Pride in my body's appearance, and the Power to resist tempting culinary delights deeply rooted in my familial and cultural history. As a food and sugar addict in recovery, my insights carry significance for both academic exploration and medical application, shedding light on the intricate interplay of emotions, memories, and dietary choices.
For over four decades, I grappled with yoyo dieting, binging, and emotional overeating, gaining and losing over 700 pounds. The turning point emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, prompting me to confront how I mismanage food. Encouraged by my doctor to document my journey in a cookbook with narratives, I stumbled upon a pivotal memory from over two decades ago involving my uncle and his aversion to watermelon due to a traumatic childhood incident.
This revelation sparked a crucial question: What if our cravings for certain foods are rooted not in the desire for the food itself but in the pursuit of reliving joyful memories associated with those foods? Drawing parallels between my uncle's experience and my own struggles, I recognized a profound connection between food and emotions. My addiction was not to the food per se, but to the emotions and memories intertwined with it.
This newfound clarity prompted a reevaluation of the societal role of food, particularly processed foods, during emotionally charged events. Recognizing the prevalent confusion surrounding food's purpose, I delved into the societal narratives that place food at the intersection of family, race, culture, identity, education, religion, and economics. Marketers, I observed, position food not merely as nutrition but as a source of joy, happiness, status, reward, punishment, salvation, fun, entertainment, activity, and comfort.
I realized that unraveling this confusion is crucial for combating the global rise in obesity rates. Over 4 billion people are projected to be overweight or obese by 2035, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the lack of clarity surrounding food.
In my journey, I've successfully maintained my weight for four years, guided by a shift in focus from willpower to self-inquiry. By consistently asking myself key questions about my food choices, I've found clarity that transcends addiction and fear. These questions guide me toward nutrition-focused decisions, fostering a healthier connection with food and promoting self-love.
As faculty and healthcare professionals, incorporating these insights into research and teaching can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of obesity, food addiction, and emotional eating. By emphasizing the importance of clarity in making food choices, educators and doctors can empower individuals to break free from the cycle of confusion, fostering a healthier relationship with food, body, and self.
