INTERVENTION

(Note: the blog site has been down for a few days, so I am trying to catch up on a couple informative posts and will add some good recipes this weekend.)

When I asked for your best excuses for NOT trying a vegan lifestyle, the number one excuse was CHEESE.  Burgers were second on the list, and chocolate was third.  Many of you claimed that your just couldn’t give up a particular food.  I agree.  You can’t.  And do you know why?  Because you are addicted to it.  One friend even claimed that cheese runs through his veins.  Yup.  It sure does.  Literally.  And that’s kind of gross.

I found it so very interesting that I got the same answers over and over and over again regarding foods you won’t give up. So I researched the chemicals in these foods and consistently came up with the word “casomorphins” for meat and cheese. Do you see the root word “morphine” in this?  Meats, cheeses and other animal fats cause your body to release casomorphins that are similar to pain killing drugs you take at the hospital.  If you were on pain killers for your entire life and claimed that you couldn’t give them up, your family and friends would be concerned and would try to give you the help you need.  But because you are addicted to food, nobody does anything to help you.  So consider this an intervention.  I love you and I care about you and I want you to be the best person you can be.  I want you to be healthy and happy and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help you.

I have never claimed to be an expert on food, health, cooking or anything else. I won’t lecture, but I will refer you to a leading physician on the subjects of food addiction and diabetes reversal, Dr. Neal Barnard.  There are many, many articles on the internet that are helpful from him and others in the field.  Just search “Dr. Barnard” and cozy in for a day of reading and learning. Find out what it is you are doing to your body and why.  But until then, try this link from WebMD.  It is a back and forth discussion regarding food addiction.  Take a few minutes to read through it.  Have an open mind.  I’m not asking you to change your world, just do your research. 

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-cravings-a-live-chat-with-neal-barnard-md-author-of-breaking-the-food-seduction

I can tell you that I never thougtht I was addicted to foods.  But now that I've been "clean" for a few months I know that foods truly are addicting.  I had (am having) a difficult time giving up chocolate.  The cravings were really bad those first couple of months, but are now less and less.  I feel more full and satisfied and less likely to need a "pick me up" at the end of the day.  I pass over treats and snacks now that would have engulfed my entire afternoon or evening before my vegan voyage.  I still eat a little chocolate now and then, but I honestly feel very different about it.  Most of the time I could take it or leave it now, whereas I wouldn't have left even a tiny crumb a few months ago. Fighting the cravings hasn't been all easy, but it certainly is easier than I ever thought, and it gets even easier every day. 

If you think that you might be having troubles with food addiction, talk to someone. Talk to your family, your doctor or a friend who can help you to break the cycle.  I’m always here and I have two good ears and a couple of strong shoulders.  I’m available 24/7.  And I really do love you!