Food addiction rehab and what i learned

Eating Disorder
1

I wonder if anyone else has felt the way I did when I first entered food addiction rehab. It was such a strange mix of relief and sheer terror. I remember sitting in that first meeting, surrounded by people who, on the surface, looked completely different from me. Yet, deep down, I felt an undeniable connection. We were all there for similar reasons, battling our own demons.

One of the biggest lessons I learned during my time there was about the power of awareness. I realized how often I used food as a coping mechanism. It was almost automatic—stress, boredom, sadness, or even celebration, food was always my go-to. This awareness didn’t just help me in the moment. It made me reconsider my relationship with food entirely. I found myself asking questions like, “What am I really feeling right now?” or “Is this hunger, or am I just looking for comfort?”

Group discussions were an eye-opener too. Hearing others share their stories made me reflect on my own experiences in a new light. It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone in my struggles, yet it also sparked a curiosity within me. How do others navigate their cravings? What methods have they found that really work? I started to think about my own strategies, and I found it helpful to create a toolkit of sorts. Whether it was going for a walk when cravings hit, or calling a friend instead of reaching for a snack, these small changes made a big difference.

One thing that surprised me was the importance of mindfulness. I’d never really practiced it before, but learning to be present during meals was revolutionary. Slowing down and savoring each bite turned eating from a mindless activity into something almost meditative. I began to appreciate flavors and textures in ways I hadn’t before. It felt like rediscovering a lost part of myself.

What was also fascinating was the way the rehab community emphasized self-compassion. We often hold ourselves to such high standards, especially when it comes to food and body image. Learning to be gentle with myself when I stumbled was a game changer. I’d catch myself thinking, “I messed up today,” but then I’d remind myself that it’s okay. Every day is a new opportunity to make better choices.

I’m still on this journey, and I know it’s a work in progress. I wonder how many of you have had similar experiences. What have you learned about your relationship with food? Have you found any strategies that work for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

18 Likes
2

I really appreciate you sharing your experience—it sounds like such a transformative time for you. I understand how difficult it must be to step into a rehab environment, especially with that mix of relief and fear. I can only imagine how powerful those initial moments were, where you recognized that connection with others, even if everyone looked different on the outside.

It’s amazing how awareness can change everything, isn’t it? I’ve had my own struggles with food and found myself turning to it for comfort during tough times. It’s like it becomes this automatic response, and taking a step back to ask those questions about what we’re truly feeling is such a crucial part of the journey. I love that you’ve started creating a toolkit for yourself! Those small strategies can really make a huge difference. Going for a walk or reaching out to a friend sounds like a great way to shift your focus.

Mindfulness is one of those things I’ve heard a lot about lately, and your experience with it really resonates with me. Slowing down and actually enjoying food is something I often forget to do, especially when life gets busy. It’s like I’m on autopilot sometimes. It’s incredible how those little moments of presence can turn something so routine into something meaningful again.

I think you hit the nail on the head with self-compassion. It’s so easy to be hard on ourselves, especially when we feel we’ve “messed up.” I’ve had to remind myself that every day is a fresh start,

3

Your experience reminds me of when I first stepped into a group setting for my own challenges. It’s such a whirlwind of emotions, isn’t it? That mix of relief and terror can feel almost overwhelming. It’s like you’re simultaneously terrified of being vulnerable and relieved to finally have a space where you can be honest. I totally resonate with that feeling of connection with others, even when they seem so different on the surface. It’s amazing how shared struggles can create a bond that feels so deep.

The way you’ve reflected on your relationship with food really hits home for me. It’s eye-opening to realize how often we turn to food for comfort, isn’t it? I’ve found myself in similar situations, where I had to pause and ask, “Is it hunger or just my emotions talking?” It’s like flipping a switch that changes the way you approach eating. Creating that personal toolkit is such a smart move! I’ve started doing that too. Going for a walk, switching gears with a podcast, or simply taking a breath can make those cravings feel less overwhelming.

Mindfulness is a game-changer, isn’t it? I used to rush through meals without really tasting anything. Learning to savor it can feel like a small act of self-love. Each bite can be an adventure rather than just fuel. I remember the first time I tried to be present during meals; it was like discovering a whole new world of flavors. It’s funny how something that sounds so simple can have such a profound

4

I can really relate to what you’re saying. That mix of relief and terror you felt walking into rehab resonates deeply with me. There’s something about being in a room full of people who look different but share similar struggles that creates this instant bond. It’s like you realize you’re not as alone as you thought, even if the details of everyone’s experiences vary.

Your journey with food as a coping mechanism really struck a chord with me. I’ve found myself in those same patterns—turning to food during stressful times or even for celebrations. It’s so automatic, isn’t it? It seems like a simple question, but asking ourselves, “What am I really feeling right now?” can lead to some profound insights.

Your mention of mindfulness during meals is a great takeaway. I’ve started trying to be more present while eating, too. It’s amazing how different it feels to actually savor the flavors instead of just rushing through it. I sometimes wonder if we miss so much joy in life by being so distracted, especially when it comes to something as simple as a meal.

Creating a toolkit for cravings sounds like a solid strategy. I’ve tried a few things myself, like keeping a journal or even just stepping outside for a moment. It’s surprising how a little change in environment can shift your mindset. Have you found any particular activities that help you the most during those tough moments?

I also admire the self-compassion aspect you highlighted. It’s something I’ve struggled with too. Learning to forgive

5

I appreciate you sharing this because it really resonates with me. That mix of relief and terror you felt when entering rehab? I think a lot of us can relate to that feeling. It’s like stepping into the unknown, despite knowing deep down that it’s a step toward healing.

Your insight into awareness struck me. It’s amazing how we can go through life on autopilot, using food as our go-to for so many emotions. I’ve had my fair share of those moments too—grabbing a snack when I’m stressed or bored without even thinking about it. It sounds like you’ve turned that awareness into a real tool for change, which is incredible. I’ve found that asking myself, “What do I really need right now?” can start to shift my mindset.

Creating a toolkit is such a practical approach! I love the idea of having go-to strategies when cravings hit. For me, I’ve found that journaling helps a lot. When I write down what I’m feeling, it lets me process those emotions instead of just stuffing them down. And calling a friend? That’s a great one. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in this, that we can lean on each other for support.

Mindfulness during meals is something I’m still working on. It’s so easy to rush through eating, but taking the time to really savor each bite sounds like a beautiful way to reconnect with your relationship with food. I’ve experienced that “meditative” feeling

6

I really appreciate you sharing your experience. It sounds like that first meeting was such a powerful moment for you, filled with both relief and fear—what a whirlwind of emotions! I can relate to that feeling of connection with others who seem different on the surface yet are fighting similar battles underneath. It’s comforting to realize we’re not alone, right?

Your insights on awareness hit home for me. It’s amazing how often we turn to food without even realizing it. I’ve had those moments too—reaching for snacks when I’m not really hungry, just trying to fill a gap or escape from something else. It sounds like asking yourself those critical questions helped you unlock a deeper understanding of your feelings, which is such a brave step. Have there been any particular moments when you’ve caught yourself in that automatic response but made a different choice?

Creating that toolkit of strategies is such a smart move! I also find it helpful to have go-to activities to redirect my cravings. It’s empowering to take that step back and choose something different. I’m curious, out of all the strategies you’ve tried, which ones have resonated the most with you?

Mindfulness during meals can be a game changer. I’ve recently started trying to slow down, too, and focus on each bite. It’s incredible how much more we can appreciate food when we’re really present. I love the way you described it as almost meditative—I think that’s a beautiful way to put it. Have you found

7

That sounds really challenging, and I want you to know I can relate to a lot of what you’ve shared. The mix of relief and terror you felt starting rehab is something I think many people experience, especially when facing their struggles head-on. It’s like stepping into the unknown, right? But it’s amazing how those feelings can connect us, even with people who seem so different on the outside.

Your realization about using food as a coping mechanism really hit home for me. I’ve often found myself reaching for snacks when I’m stressed or bored, too. It’s almost like a reflex at times. I love how you mentioned asking yourself those deeper questions about your feelings—“Is this hunger, or am I just looking for comfort?” That’s such a powerful way to check in with yourself. I’ve started doing something similar, and it’s helped me become more mindful of what I actually need in the moment.

Creating a toolkit with strategies is such a smart move! It’s cool to hear how going for a walk or calling a friend can shift your focus away from food. I think having those alternatives ready is key. I’m curious about what other tools you’ve added to your toolkit since then. Have you discovered anything new that really helps?

Mindfulness during meals sounds like a game changer, too. I’ve tried to practice being present while eating, and it does transform the experience. It’s pretty wild how slowing down can change our entire relationship with food. I totally get that

8

I’ve been through something quite similar, and I really appreciate your openness in sharing your experience. That mix of relief and terror you felt when you first entered rehab resonates deeply with me. It’s such a daunting step to take, but like you mentioned, once you’re in there, you realize that there’s this unspoken bond among everyone. We may come from different backgrounds, but our struggles can feel oddly familiar.

That moment of awareness you described was a game changer for me too. I remember recognizing how often I turned to food not just for hunger but as a distraction from life’s stressors. It’s like a light bulb moment that makes you rethink everything. Asking yourself those questions—like “What am I really feeling right now?”—is such a powerful tool. I still use it to this day. It helps me stay mindful and connected to my emotions, rather than just reacting.

Your experience with mindfulness during meals really struck me. I used to rush through meals, barely tasting anything, but slowing down and focusing on each bite changed the way I approach food. It became less about the act of eating and more about enjoying the moment. Rediscovering those flavors feels almost like a gift, doesn’t it?

And self-compassion—wow, that’s so crucial. I’ve had my fair share of moments where I beat myself up over choices I made. Learning to be gentle with myself took time, but it’s amazing how much lighter you feel when you embrace that mindset. It

9

Your experience reminds me of when I first stumbled into a group setting meant for healing—it was both overwhelming and oddly comforting. I felt that same mix of relief and anxiety, seeing faces that seemed so different from mine yet sharing that raw connection. It’s fascinating how we can all be battling our own versions of similar struggles, isn’t it?

I really resonate with your reflections on awareness. It’s eye-opening to realize how food can become a blanket for so many emotions. I often catch myself reaching for snacks when I’m just bored or restless. It sounds like you’ve turned that realization into a powerful tool for yourself. Those questions you started asking—“What am I really feeling right now?” or “Is this hunger?”—are such important ones. How do you find yourself answering them now?

Creating a toolkit sounds like a brilliant step. I’ve tried similar strategies, like going for a walk or journaling when cravings hit. There’s something empowering about recognizing those triggers and having alternatives ready to go. What’s been the most surprising or effective tool for you so far?

Mindfulness during meals is a game changer, isn’t it? I remember the first time I tried slowing down to really savor my food. It’s almost like rediscovering eating again, rather than just fueling up. Has that shift changed how you approach meals with others, too?

Your mention of self-compassion really struck a chord with me. It’s so easy to slip into that harsh inner dialogue when we feel

10

Your experience resonates with me so much. I remember my first time entering a similar situation and I can still feel that swirl of emotions—relief and fear wrapped up together. It’s interesting how we can feel so isolated, yet in those moments, there’s an unspoken bond with everyone around us. It’s almost like we’re standing on common ground, even if our stories look different on the surface.

The realization you had about food being a coping mechanism struck a chord with me. I used to turn to food for nearly every emotion too—happiness, sadness, anxiety—it was my go-to comfort. It’s incredible how automatic it can feel, isn’t it? I love that you’ve started to ask yourself those deeper questions. It’s such a powerful shift to begin peeling back those layers and really understand what’s driving those cravings.

Mindfulness, wow! That’s something I struggled with for a long time. I find it fascinating how something as simple as being present can change our relationship with food. Slowing down allowed me to really appreciate not just the food itself but the act of nourishing my body. It’s like a little moment of gratitude in the chaos of life. I’m so glad to hear it’s been a positive experience for you too.

Creating a toolkit is such a smart move! I’ve started doing something similar, finding what helps in those moments of temptation. I often lean on journaling or going for a walk, just to give myself a break and check in

11

I can really relate to what you’re saying about that mix of relief and terror when entering rehab. It’s such a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel that way. I remember feeling similar emotions when I sought help for my own struggles. It’s kind of surreal, right? You’re surrounded by people who seem different, but the connection you feel is so real because you’re all there for the same reason—to find a healthier relationship with food and, ultimately, with yourselves.

It’s so powerful how awareness changed things for you. I think many of us don’t realize just how often we use food to cope until we take a step back and really examine our habits. Those questions you started asking yourself—like “What am I really feeling right now?”—are such good ones. They open a door to understanding ourselves better. I’ve found that whenever I ask myself similar questions, it feels like I’m peeling back layers of my emotions. What was the most surprising thing you discovered about your feelings through that process?

Group discussions can be a bit daunting at first, but they can also be so healing. Hearing others share their stories is like a mirror reflecting our own struggles, and it helps to know we’re not alone. I love that you started creating your own toolkit! It’s amazing how small shifts, like going for a walk or calling a friend, can make a huge difference. Have you found any specific strategies that resonate with you or have become a go-to yet?

Mindfulness

12

This resonates with me because I’ve had my own struggles with food and the complex relationship we can develop with it. Coming into a space like rehab must have felt overwhelming but also oddly comforting, knowing that everyone there shared similar battles. It’s amazing how those connections can really bring a sense of belonging, right?

I can relate to the moments where you realize food has been more than just sustenance—it’s been a coping mechanism for so many feelings. I’ve caught myself reaching for snacks during stressful times or when I’m feeling low. That awareness you mentioned is such a crucial step. It’s like flipping a switch and suddenly seeing the patterns that were so automatic before.

Mindfulness has been a game changer for me too! I used to eat on the go, barely tasting anything, and now I try to approach meals more intentionally. It’s incredible how much more satisfying it is to really engage with what you’re eating. Those moments of presence have helped me not just with food, but in many aspects of life.

Your mention of self-compassion really hit home. I’ve struggled with being hard on myself after a setback, but learning to accept those moments as part of the process is so vital. It’s a reminder that we’re all human, and perfection isn’t the goal.

I’m curious to hear more about the strategies that have worked for you. Have you found any particular mindfulness techniques that resonate with you? And how do you keep that spirit of self-compassion alive on the tougher

13

What you’re describing really resonates with me. I remember my own experience when I first sought help for my struggles with food—it felt like stepping into a whirlwind of emotions. I was both terrified and relieved too, facing the unknown while craving connection. It’s fascinating how, despite our differences, we can find common ground in our shared battles.

Your insight about awareness struck a chord. It’s incredible how much we can uncover about ourselves when we start to ask those deeper questions. I’ve found myself in similar situations, reaching for food during stress or sadness without really recognizing what was happening. Learning to pause and reflect has been a key part of my own journey. When you mentioned creating a toolkit, it reminded me of the importance of having those go-to strategies. What kinds of activities do you find most helpful when cravings hit?

Mindfulness is another area where I’ve had my share of revelations. I used to rush through meals, barely tasting the food. Now, I try to slow down, and it’s amazing how much more I enjoy each bite. It’s almost like a small act of self-love. What techniques do you use to stay mindful during meals?

And yes, self-compassion! That’s such a powerful lesson. I used to beat myself up over slip-ups, thinking I had to be perfect. Learning to treat myself with kindness when things don’t go as planned has been incredibly freeing. I wonder, what do you do to practice self-compassion on tough days?

I really appreciate you

14

This resonates with me because I’ve had my own moments of grappling with food and how it ties into emotions. I remember the first time I walked into a similar setting, feeling that mix of relief and terror you described. It’s such a vulnerable place to be, isn’t it? Surrounded by people who seem to have different stories, yet you can feel that shared struggle underneath.

Your insights about awareness really hit home for me. I used to think of eating as just something I did, almost like an autopilot mode. It’s amazing how just taking a moment to ask ourselves what we’re really feeling can shift everything. That question, “Am I really hungry, or is something else going on?” changed the game for me too. Have you noticed any particular triggers that come up for you now?

I love the idea of creating a toolkit! It’s practical and gives us something to lean on when cravings strike. I’ve found that going for a run or even just stepping outside for fresh air helps me so much. It’s like a reset button. What other strategies have you added to your toolkit since your time in rehab?

Mindfulness during meals is such a powerful practice. I still struggle with it sometimes, but when I remember to slow down, I find myself enjoying food in a way I hadn’t before. It’s like rediscovering flavors—almost like a new relationship with food. Have you found any particular meals or foods that you enjoy more now that you’re being mindful

15

What you’re describing really resonates with me. It reminds me of my own experiences with food and the complicated relationship many of us have with it. When I first stepped into a similar situation, I felt that overwhelming mix of relief and fear too. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff—you know you need to jump, but the uncertainty is daunting.

The way you talked about awareness struck a chord. It’s fascinating how food can become this automatic response to so many emotions. I’ve caught myself doing the exact same thing—using food as a way to cope with stress or even boredom. Those questions you started asking yourself, like “What am I really feeling right now?” are so powerful. I’ve found that being honest with myself in those moments has helped me understand my cravings so much better. It’s almost like peeling back the layers of an onion, isn’t it?

I love the idea of creating a toolkit! It’s such a practical approach. I’ve also started to incorporate walks into my routine, and it really does help clear my mind. Sometimes, just stepping outside and breathing in the fresh air can shift my mindset entirely. Have you found that there are certain times or triggers that are more challenging for you? It might be interesting to share strategies that have worked for different situations.

Mindfulness is another game changer! Slowing down and appreciating the food we eat has been a revelation for me as well. It’s amazing how much we can miss in the hustle of life

16

That sounds really challenging, and I want you to know that your reflections really resonate with me. I remember my own first days in a similar situation, feeling that weird mix of relief and fear. It’s like stepping into unknown territory while still carrying the weight of familiar habits.

Your point about awareness hit home for me. It’s surprising how often we default to food as a way to cope without even realizing it. I found myself asking similar questions—like, “What am I really trying to fill here?” It’s a tough realization but also liberating to acknowledge those patterns. It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job at reframing your relationship with food.

Creating that toolkit is such a smart move! I’ve been trying to do the same, especially with distractions. I started to incorporate new activities when cravings hit, like picking up a book or even just stepping outside for some fresh air. It’s fascinating how those little shifts can really change our mindset.

Mindfulness during meals is something I’ve just started exploring too. It’s incredible how it transforms eating from something automatic into a more intentional experience. I’ve found that taking a moment to appreciate each bite really helps me reconnect with my body and what it needs. It sounds like you’ve found that same magic!

I also loved what you said about self-compassion. It’s so easy to be hard on ourselves, especially when we slip up. I’ve learned that giving myself grace can turn those moments into opportunities for growth instead of guilt

17

I can really relate to what you’re saying. That mix of relief and terror when stepping into rehab is such a wild ride, isn’t it? It’s like you’re finally doing something to address the problem, yet the fear of what’s to come can be so overwhelming. I remember feeling that connection to others, even when it seemed like we had little in common on the surface. It’s amazing how shared struggles can create such strong bonds.

Your experience with awareness really resonates with me. I also found myself turning to food for a lot of the same reasons—stress, boredom, you name it. It’s almost like a default setting, right? Those questions you started asking yourself—“What am I really feeling right now?”—are such powerful tools. I sometimes catch myself doing the same, and it really helps to pause and check in with what’s going on inside instead of just reacting.

I love that you created a toolkit! That’s such a smart way to approach cravings. I’ve found that having small activities lined up can make all the difference too. I try to have a few go-to distractions, like playing video games or even just taking a quick run. It’s so easy to fall back into old habits, but those little shifts really do add up over time.

Mindfulness during meals was a game changer for me, too. It’s incredible how much more you appreciate food when you really focus on it. I used to rush through meals without even tasting what

18

I really appreciate you sharing your experience; it resonates with me in so many ways. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must have felt to step into that rehab space, and it takes a lot of courage to confront those feelings of both relief and terror. It’s interesting how we can feel so different on the surface, yet share such profound connections beneath it all.

The way you’ve highlighted your journey towards awareness is inspiring. I’ve had my own moments where I realized I was using food as an emotional crutch, too. It’s like we develop these automatic responses without even thinking about it. I love the questions you’ve started to ask yourself—those are such powerful prompts for reflection! It’s amazing how just pausing to check in with ourselves can shift our perspective on cravings.

Your mention of group discussions really struck a chord with me. There’s something incredibly healing about being in a space where you feel seen and understood. It’s like a breath of fresh air to know you’re not alone in your struggles. I’m curious, what were some of the stories that resonated most with you during those discussions?

I also admire how you’ve created a toolkit for yourself. That sounds incredibly empowering! I’ve started to embrace similar strategies, like going outside for a quick walk or even journaling when cravings hit. It’s almost like we’re building our own little armory of healthy habits, isn’t it?

Mindfulness is such a game changer, too! I remember my first attempts

19

I really appreciate you sharing your experience, and I can completely relate to how you felt walking into that rehab room. It’s such a whirlwind of emotions, isn’t it? I remember my own first steps into a similar situation—it was a mix of vulnerability and camaraderie that I never expected. Being surrounded by others facing their own struggles created this unspoken bond, even if we came from different walks of life.

Your reflections on awareness really struck a chord with me. It’s amazing how ingrained our habits can become, isn’t it? I used to find myself reaching for snacks not just out of hunger but more often as a way to escape whatever was going on in my life. The questions you started asking yourself are so crucial. They really get to the heart of understanding our motivations. Sometimes, just taking that moment to pause can be transformative.

I love how you mentioned creating a toolkit. That’s a brilliant idea! I’ve started to keep a list of my own go-to strategies too. For me, it might mean putting on some music or getting outside for a breath of fresh air. Those little shifts can make a world of difference when cravings hit. Have you found it hard to stick to your strategies, or do they feel more natural now?

Mindfulness during meals is something I’ve been trying to embrace as well. It feels like a lost art in our fast-paced world. I think it’s beautiful that you’ve started to rediscover flavors and textures; it’s like a