Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction

by Vera Tarman

A fact-filled guide to coping with compulsive overeating problems by an experienced addictions doctor who draws on many patients' stories of recovery.

Overeating, binge eating, obesity, anorexia, and bulimia -- Food Junkies tackles the complex, poorly understood issue of food addiction from the perspective of a medical researcher and dozens of survivors. What exactly is food addiction? How is it different than an eating disorder such as bulimia or binge eating?  Is it possible to draw a hard line between indulging cravings for "comfort food" and engaging in substance abuse? For people struggling with food addictions, recognizing their condition remains a frustrating battle. Diagnosis and treatment evades the suffering food addict. 

This revised second edition contains the latest research  on food addiction as well as practical recovery strategies for people facing the complicated challenges of comfort overeating, eating disorders and food addictions. This book offers an affirming and manageable path to healthy and sustainable eating habits. 
You will   This book is for anyone who has experienced yo-yo dieting, food obsessions and food cravings and for people suffering with an eating disorder. It is for anyone who wants to stop eating because of stress or boredom. If you feel guilty about your eating or ashamed of your body, and if you want to lose weight and keep it off and still love your food, this book is for you.  Questions about food addiction, sugar addiction or binge eating Is food really addictive? Food, especially sugar and flour, are extremely addictive. Especially if you have a history of obesity and drug addiction in your family. Food addiction can be disguised as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and can affect your health the same as alcohol and cocaine. 2) What foods are addictive?Sugar and flour are addictive, especially when in chocolate, bagels, soda, muffins, cereal, popcorn and pizza. These are the most addictive foods. 3) What does a healthy diet or food plan look like? Eat "real" foods, that are NOT processed. Vegetables, fruits, proteins (salmon, chicken) and fat (nuts, seeds, olive oil). Some people find diary and grains also too triggering and may have to eliminate these. Quit sugar and flour!4) How hard is it to quit sugar? Sugar detox is challenging but doable. It takes three weeks or less of  "cold turkey" detox from sugar. If you slowly stop sugar by quitting soda and candy, it may take longer - weeks until you quit completely.  5) Do you have to stop eating sugar forever? Some people who are truly food addicted find that they have to stop eating sugar completely, even sweeteners. Try to cut down and eat moderately, but if you find that you obsess and eat foods compulsively, you may have to stop eating sugar, one day at a time. 6) Why do I lose weight, only to gain it more back later? Obesity, like addiction, is a chronic progressive condition that is partly genetic. This means that it gets harder to control both over time. A normal approach does not work for an abnormal genetics or body chemistry / brain neurochemistry. 7) Is it important to treat food addiction? Can I just eat sugar, even if I wont' lose weight?Any addiction is chronic and progressive.  The compulsion to eat and overeat gets stronger over time. You may find that you eat more  and more junk food and more often. You may find that you have food obsessions and may choose junk foods over healthy foods. You may get sick with diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, obesity. 

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Nutrition, Self Help, Addiction, Food

280 pages, Paperback

Published January 29, 2019

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of sloppy, largely uncritical of the questionably effective methods of Overeaters Anonymous.

Seems to posit complete eradication of sugar as the lone solution to all eating disorders and ignoring their own evidence that increased control over diet doesn't work for all disordered eating patterns.

A later example in the book seems to be shocked that an increased level of controlled eating led a disordered client to anorexic patterns...but then continues to suggest there really is no hope if you so much as catch a grain of sugar on your tongue--you WILL eat a buffet and you WILL relapse and you WILL die.

Messages seemed conflicting and skewed hopeless. Overly simplistic at times. Better books exist on this topic. Like...most of them.

Also feel queasy about the casual use of the word "junkies"...a little grody.

[Michael Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has a family history of addiction, I found this book immensely helpful. I relate to so many of the people she writes about--in particular, how their sobriety from alcohol triggered a food addiction, in order to fill the void. Dr. Tarman helped me see the possible nature behind cravings, and why no amount is ever enough. I wish she had written a specific summary chapter on what to do, or practical steps to take (even referring to other books on the subject), but the various methods and suggestions found throughout are largely the same thing. She prefers, I think, to let each person establish their own approach based on what works (and doesn't) for them, individually.

Overall, I'm deeply grateful to Dr. Tarman for her research, honesty, and help she's given people through writing this book.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first: PLEASE change the cover of this book! It is so offensive and triggering.

Now onto the book: Overall it was a good read. I found the stories to be more helpful than the instruction at the end. Why? Because I saw myself and my behaviors in every single story. I have done nearly everything these fellow food addicts have done. Seeing myself in someone else's story has helped me stop romanticizing my own ED days. It's hard to look back on them longingly when you more clearly see just how wrong and disturbing these behaviors were. (I do not shame myself nor anyone else for having done them; again just seeing them for what they are and no longer as my "special skill" or "secret weapon".)

I do not like to label myself a bulimic or even former bulimic, but bulimia was my struggle for nearly 20 years. Thanks to switching to a vegan / whole foods plant based lifestyle and taking up running, it is mostly behind me. After reading this book, I 100% agree that I was (and still am) a food addict.

I agree in part with her solution to eliminate the trigger foods and abstain from them. But it's hard when nearly every food has been your binge/purge food. The highly processed stuff, sugary cereals, pastries, ice cream, etc. I no longer buy. They do end up in the house sometimes, though, because my brother lives with me. Thankfully, I have also done the hard emotional healing work. That, in combination with my faith, helps me not be tempted by them anymore. They just don't stir up anything for me like they used to.

[Lois N · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author believes that food addiction is the same as alcohol and drug addiction. The belief being, as with all addictive substances, that abstinence from those substances is the only way to succeed. The most likely addictive foods are sugar and flour and by eliminating all forms of these substances from the diet a food addict can regain control over their eating. A very interesting concept and based on current obesity statistics likely accurate. I gave this book only two stars because of the repetition. So many chapters saying the same thing.

[Ramona · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book sucks! If you think you might be addicted to food then the answer is probably yes. This book will tell you that the only option you have is to stop eating sugar and grains completely and follow a 12 step program. Did you eat one gram of sugar or grain after stopping? That sucks for you because this book tells you that you will now relapse (and probably also die). This book is 280 pages and I feel like it could have been 20 without removing anything important. I strongly disagree with this book.

[Anne Of Cleves · Rating 3 out of 5]

dearest henry, this is a book i would highly recommend to someone like you.

[Megan Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

For what this is Tarman does a decent job. However, even she admits (though not overtly,) that sugar addiction and flour addiction are things she "believes" science backs up. It seems the jury is still out, despite how adamant she is.

I could also do without the heavy emphasis on 12 step programs.

[Literature Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to read it! I have high hopes that it will help with my stress eating. And I always gain weight because I turn into a food junkie when I'm going through tough times

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good info, but the writing was too simple for an MD. Didn’t leave the book feeling really hopeful as there was always this undertone of needing to be incredibly vigilant no matter what one does.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book would be a good addition to read about food issues. I am a sugar addict and I am a carb addict. But this book is more for the people who have real problems coping with food and addiction. Those with eating disorders and maybe even other types of addiction. For a while, I know I had issues with food. I've been overweight for most of my adult life. I gave up sugar, (as much as you can with today's food), around 3 1/2 years ago. That was amazing for me. I lost weight but not as much as I should have because I was still eating carbs. Right now, I have been eating a very low carb "diet" and I feel fantastic. For one week, I've been keeping the carbs around 20 grams a day. I'm now wearing pants that I couldn't one and a half weeks ago. Yes, it is water but I'm feeling so much better. But since I will be continuing with this lifestyle the fat will be melting. Yay!!

Unfortunately, this book really didn't help me. I had to wait for my body to say enough. But for other readers, this might be the magic to help them.

[Jen Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book filled with good info and excellent real life examples.

[ann carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real eye opener

With the case studies, peer reviewed studies and anecdotes, this book gives a good glimpse of how life as a food addict can manifest in so many different ways.
I understand that eating disorders can overlap and intertwine with food addiction but I feel that there was a large emphasis on eating disorders in this book as well as food addiction. I understand she wanted to differentiate between them but sometimes this became confusing for me.
The food plans recommended I find a bit ridiculous (limiting red meat and eggs, recommending low fat food and recommending eating high sugar fruit). I will definitely be continuing with my LCHF eating, but I will however have a different mind set after reading this book. I'm not on a diet, I'm treating my food addiction.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rational view about food addiction, but I found this more to be a collection of case studies. I suppose I should have read other reviews and the cover notes, because I gather that it's the bread-and-butter of the book. While it's interesting hearing about how people dealt with different addictions, leading up to food addiction, I was bored and mentally unaffected by this book, despite my awareness that I, too, am a good addict.
Talking me forever to get through, I get like the stories just ran in circles. I'm a very data-driven reader, and found this to be less so. The facts I did learn were quite alarming, and the connections
between various addictions is spot on (despite other readers' dissent).
Maybe this book will do the next person some good.

[Dee Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional … I’ve been struggling for years and this book offers a great look at food addiction

I’ve been fighting weight and self-image since since childhood. Diet after diet … have lost the weight and gain it back. Overeating was a significant driving force that landed me in AA … swapping one addition for another only to reclaim the food issues gain. Decades down the road the AA program is still working but what I’m coming to understand the food addition has my health in a mess. This book offers a glimpse in to the addition I did not understand … perhaps it far more than self control.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives powerful insight into the seldom understood world of food addiction. Whether you are someone who has certain foods that you just can't stop binging, you eat anything you can find 24 hours a day, or you are somewhere in between, this book will help you to know that you are not alone and that there is hope for recovery. You are not a willpower-less slug. You are the victim of a hijacked brain and there is power to take back control over your eating. Vera Tarman is a compassionate expert who can lead the way.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very interesting book that made me aware of food addiction. It supports the need for some people to completely drop foods that can trigger unhealthy eating habits. Very insightful and inspiring. Very real.

[Heather Kauzlarich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! 43 days sugar and flour free and I a feel like I have a new lease of life! Skin is cleared up, inflammation has disappeared, my joints feel better, I'm down 14 lbs... Never going back to that poison!

[Bintbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Definitely an eye opening read on food addiction. I did not even know it was thing and it has been a help in my own path on bettering my relationship with food.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

And excellent account of the realities of food and sugar addiction, with case studies from those in recovery. Inspiring, but also alarming, as even the idea of total abstinence is extremely daunting

[Carolyn Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very repetitive but an interesting and kind of jarring take on food and food addiction— honestly I might consider myself to be a food addict

[Pamela N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Addict" and make an association with alcoholics and drug users and well I should. After reading the definition of a food junkie, I realized the connection and see the logic.

When I read a book that might affect my behavior I want to see references and and index, as well as substantial proof of validity for the statements made within. In this book, written by Vera Tarman, MD, all of those aspects are included. The style is accessible, easily understood by a layperson, and free of jargon.

I was impressed by the book's comprehensiveness, and lack of "filler material." I was informed by chapter eight, in which the stages of addiction are described, but would have found it much more helpful if these had been summarized in a brief list. In fact, this whole book might have been summarized in the Epilogue.

The Notes section, always a help in a scholarly/scientific endeavor, was also of assistance in understanding the material. I like Notes sections in books, because then I am not weighed down while reading when a side bar is addressed. This adds to the coherence of the read.

While I never succumbed to my carbohydrate problem metabolism - sheer stubborness and a little luck - it has always been agony waiting until a craving subsided. Now, after reading this book, I don't have to rely on the energy needed to focus on being stubborn, but rather, completely avoid my triggers and live a saner, more relaxed life. I also find that since I've been doing so I like myself a lot better. After all, no one NEEDS to drink alcohol, or take drugs to stay alive; but try abstaining from food for a few weeks and see what happens. I believe that this Mother Nature forced-imposition is why the addiction to food is so prevalent in our lives.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book focusing on the poorly understood issue of food addiction. I enjoyed the insight provided by both the author (who herself is a recovering food addict) as well as other recovering food addicts. Throughout this book, the author expresses the need for the reader to discover whether they have a food addiction and once they have determined that they have an addiction, how can they find help whether it is in person or online means.

I was especially surprised by the similarities between alcoholics, drug addicts and food addicts and how in some instances, former abusers or drugs and alcohol redirect their addiction to food.

The book is educational in that it explains to the reader what food addiction is as well as the what underlying experiences can lead to overeating, binge eating, obesity, anorexia, and bulimia. Personally the biggest revelation I obtained from this book is that for a food addict, any food can become addictive even sugar free mints like Altoids or cough drops.


Although the author of the book is Canadian and the stories of survivors are also Canadian, the issue of food addiction is a global issue. I appreciate the author’s candor in that she starts the book with her personal relationship with food and addiction and ends the book with a relapse in her food addiction journey. I finished this book feeling like I have a colleague in the food addiction journey and I’m not alone.

By taking time to determine what is a trigger food and eliminating it from the diet permanently, this can lead to a happier and healthier self.

[Cindy Marsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the landscape of many people's problems with food. I find it particularly relevant to me that Tarman reinforces the concept of a biochemical sensitivity to refined carbohydrates as central to the problem. Many struggle with their weight because they have an "over-use" problem with food with poor personal discipline or ignorance of nutrition or the draw of advertising. Many have a problem because they rely on food for emotional comfort and develop compulsions (particularly bulimia and restriction). These categories overlap and interrelate, but to add to the complications, some of us are hypersensitive to the effects of carbohydrates in our bodies, and until we understand that and take strong steps to combat the problem, we will suffer. When we super-sensitive folks learn to treat our sensitivity like an allergy to peanuts or strawberries--avoiding the things that give us deadly reactions--then we can begin to live in the realm of health and peace. It's not fair--no. But it's a great relief to have this level of answers, and I look forward to more answers in the years to come!

(Note: of the various treatment options Tarman covers, the most cost-effective and just plain EFFECTIVE I have found is Bright Line Eating. Even that is not enough for me in its standard form--I am now further restricting my carbohydrates to optimize my health and my peace. For the last two years I have lived in a realm 100 pounds lower than my highest weight--and that's a miracle.)

[Splendanteagmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever wonder why you cannot stop eating even when you want to? If so, Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction is a must read for you. Dr. Vera Tarman, in her writing, clearly and succinctly lays the foundation for understanding the science behind addiction emphasizing food as a drug, no different than alcohol or opiates. Through the many stories of recovery and personal anecdotes, one can gain insights into this life-threatening disease and find hope that there is a solution and truly a way out. As a recovering food addict and food addiction counselor, I highly recommend this book not only to those suffering from this disease and those questioning they have this problem, but to those professionals dealing with obesity/bariatrics, eating disorders, and addiction. I believe Food Junkies may save your life as well as the lives of those whom you treat.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this book is written. it is very informative. It provides so much insight to food addiction, different approaches to overcome your addiction and an abundance of other helpful information and books that I'm sure will lead me to a rabbit hole of future books to read. I love the variety of stories. the sad ones, the helpless ones the different struggles and the idea that anorexia and bulimia steam from food addiction. I feel that it touches every aspect of food addiction and strategies to overcome addiction through abstinence. it is the first book I've folded corners in so I can go back and read things. I am determined to change not only my diet but the diet of my family so they have a standing chance against the epidemic we are in with obesity. I think everyone should read this book.

[Tara Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was irritatingly eye-opening. Does the concept of never eating a dessert for the rest of my life seem ridiculous? Infuriatingly so. I realized quickly while reading this book why that is. If I have a glass of wine, I don't think about it after, I don't feel guilt or shame, I don't crave it for days after. If I go to the casino, same. Marijuana, notta. But, if I eat sugar and / or processed food, I immediately crave more. It's all I will think about for days after. I will obsess, binge, and feel immense guilt and shame over it. That is both a substance and behavioral addiction, and there needs to be more discussion and resources around it.

[Sarah Groh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and have since left some comments with Vera, one of the authors and joined her FaceBook Group. This book was really close to what I was looking for, AA or Al-Anon type literature with ideas and a lot of stories. I was disappointed that there was no talk about changing our mindset and coming out of the addiction mind, but I knew it was necessary. As I listened to the book, I understood m place in the cycle and and trying out Food Addiction Anonymous.

[Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aunque la tesis principal de la autora puede parecer un poco extrema, creo que su planteamiento merece ser tenido en cuenta. Muchas cosas se explican si parte de nuestra relación problemática con la comida se mira desde la lente de la adicción.
Enfoque y propuestas radicales, pero si se lee desde la distancia (y no se tiene algún tipo de desorden alimenticio grave) este libro ayuda a entender por qué es tan difícil comer "bien".

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of my family members have struggled with addiction ; whether it alcohol, drugs, food , hoarding etc .
This book reviews some of the popular weight loss programs and show why they are destined to fail .
This is key to me as I have tried and failed more times than I can count . I know now fact it's not due to lack
of will power .
This book can help you figure out if you do indeed have an addiction to food . Plus it guides on how to overcome this addiction .

[Denise Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It really gives some great advice and points to many great resources. I have said for years that I am a food addict and I have real problems. But most of the time people think I’m joking. I have felt this way and thought it was just in my head. This book helps to show that it is in my head but I didn’t just make it up. Also it helps to show that food addiction looks different for everyone but like any addict this is something that we can never stop working on.