Joan Ifland, PhD, MBA, FACN, is an expert in carbohydrate addiction. She has this to say:
The problem of carbohydrate addiction as I see it, is that no one out there is effectively trained to help people recover from processed food addiction.
Food addiction is very much at the forefront of the thinking of health coaches like myself, as we learn more about this devastating condition and the insidious means that big food uses to keep us locked in to our addictions.
Please understand that your food cravings, carbohydrate addiction and resulting poor health are not your fault.
Previously the correct support has simply not been provided. Here is a list of the resources that have been offered to us, and the reasons why they simply do not work.
Have you tried any of the following? Did the outcomes dissappoint you?
- Physicians are prescribing pharmaceuticals and diets. As a result, they’re blaming clients for failing to adhere to a plan.
- Personal trainers offer extreme food and exercise plans. In fact, they’re missing the problem and setting their clients up for harmful self-comparison in gym environments.
- Drug-like foods are recommended by dieticians who are trained by the processed food industry.
- Nutritionists are trained in food plans and supplements but not in addictions.
- Eating disorder specialists vehemently oppose food addiction. Surprisingly, they fight for their stance on the issue.
- Therapists mistreat processed food addiction. They believe that the problems lie in past traumas. Therapists propose that the answer will be found in mindful eating. They miss the addicted brain.
- Bariatric surgery leaves processed foods in the system. The procedure can result in replacing food addiction with addiction to alcohol or drugs. Sadly its often a temporary fix with weight regain or no weight lost.
- Weight loss programs humiliate people about their weight. They blame the client and the shame can lead to eating disorders.
- Residential programs miss the role of triggers in the home. Upon returning home the person reactivates the old triggers.
- Support groups have addictive foods in their food plans. They have stressful and irrelevant requirements and a narrow focus. They also blame their members.