You’ve eaten in your car so your kids don’t see the wrappers. You’ve hidden chocolate in your cupboard behind the oats. You’ve told yourself, “I’ll start Monday,” only to polish off an entire slab of Cadbury that same night. You’ve cried in the shower because you feel out of control, and then opened the fridge looking for something, anything, to soothe the pain.
I know that spiral.
Because I’ve been there.
The Secret Life of a Food Addict
For years, my relationship with food was anything but normal. I’d eat well all week, following a plan perfectly, but by Friday, I’d find myself at Woolies “just grabbing a few things” and somehow end up demolishing a bag of Chuckles before I even got home. I’d eat in the car, wipe the evidence off my mouth, and pretend to be “good” around my family.
It wasn’t about hunger.
It was a compulsion. A craving so strong it felt like something had hijacked my brain.
And I know now, that’s exactly what happened.
What Is Food Addiction, Really?
Food addiction isn’t about a lack of willpower or being weak. It’s a neurochemical response to hyperpalatable foods, those high in sugar, refined carbs, and fats, engineered to light up the pleasure centres of your brain like a Christmas tree.
Just like substances like nicotine or alcohol, these foods stimulate the release of dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter, creating a cycle of craving, reward, and withdrawal.
References:
- Gearhardt AN, et al. (2011). The Yale Food Addiction Scale
- Volkow ND, et al. (2012). Food and drug cues activate similar brain regions.
It’s Not Just in Your Head… It’s in Your Brain
When you eat sugary, processed foods:
- Dopamine surges in your brain’s reward centres (especially the nucleus accumbens).
- Over time, your dopamine receptors become less responsive, meaning you need more of that food to get the same pleasure.
- Your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain responsible for decision making) becomes less active, weakening your self control.
- You’re left in a cycle of binging, guilt, restriction, and binging again.
Sound familiar?
This is exactly why that “just one bite” becomes a whole tray. It’s not because you’re broken. It’s because your brain has literally been rewired by these foods.
Reference:
- Schulte EM, et al. (2015). Which foods may be addictive?
- Avena NM, Rada P, Hoebel BG. (2008). Evidence for sugar addiction.
Why Some of Us Are More Prone Than Others
Not everyone who eats cake becomes addicted, just like not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic. But genetics, trauma, stress, and even gut health can play a major role in susceptibility.
- Childhood trauma and adverse life experiences increase the risk of developing disordered eating patterns.
- Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which increases cravings for comfort foods.
- Gut dysbiosis can influence cravings by altering the gut-brain axis.
Reference:
- Douglas KM, et al. (2020). Childhood trauma and food addiction.
- Brewerton TD. (2014). Stress, trauma, and binge eating.
The South African Context
We often think of food addiction as an overseas problem. But here’s the truth:
- 68% of South African women and 31% of men are overweight or obese, according to the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS).
- Ultra-processed food sales have increased by over 80% in South Africa since the early 2000s.
- High sugar snacks and cheap refined carbs are often more accessible than fresh meat or veg, especially in lower income communities.
For many of us, food isn’t just comfort, it’s coping, culture, and control.
So, What Can You Do?
Here’s what helped me, and what I now share with my coaching clients:
1. Name it
Admit it’s more than just bad habits. It’s addiction. And addiction needs a different approach than willpower or moderation.
2. Eliminate the trigger foods
Sugar, refined carbs, seed oils. These aren’t foods. They’re stimulants in disguise. Abstinence is easier than moderation.
3. Fuel with nutrient dense meals
Prioritise protein and healthy fats. They don’t just satisfy your body, they heal your brain.
4. Supplement wisely
Electrolytes, magnesium, and amino acids like L-glutamine can ease cravings.
5. Use tools, not shame
Track your food. Join a group. Set boundaries. Ask for help. Not because you’re weak, but because you’re taking your power back. You need to be your own best friend on this journey.
You Are Not Alone
If you’ve eaten in secret, cried after a binge, or sworn “never again” only to repeat it hours later, I see you.
You are not lazy. You are not hopeless.
You are struggling with an addiction that’s been normalised, monetised, and misunderstood.
Here’s the good news…
You can heal. Your brain can rewire.
You can find freedom.
I know, because I’ve been there.
And I’ll walk with you as you break free.
Want Help Breaking Free from Food Addiction?
If you’re ready to take the next step, I run online coaching programs designed to support you with real food, real accountability, and real compassion. Whether you’re starting out or starting over, I’ve got your back.
Email me | 
WhatsApp me | 
DM me on Instagram @kimsketo365
Let’s do this, together.
References:
- Gearhardt AN, et al. (2011). The Yale Food Addiction Scale. PubMed
- Volkow ND, et al. (2012). Food and drug cues activate similar brain regions. PubMed
- Schulte EM, et al. (2015). Which foods may be addictive?. PubMed
- Avena NM, et al. (2008). Evidence for sugar addiction. PubMed
- Douglas KM, et al. (2020). Childhood trauma and food addiction. PubMed
- Brewerton TD. (2014). Stress, trauma, and binge eating. PubMed
- SADHS 2016. South African Demographic and Health Survey.
- Monteiro CA et al. (2013). Ultra-processed products are becoming dominant in the global food system. PubMed
