I know exactly what you're talking about. And yes, food is very much an addiction. The difference is you can't just quit eating (unlike smoking or drugs). I'm not saying that quiting other addictions is easy, but at least once you quit, you never need them again. It's obviously different with food. You have to eat. I think that why things like Overeaters Anonymous and such don't work all that well for people addicted to food & eating. I think the only that works (over the long haul) is a genuine change in attitude/brain chemistry. I think we constantly need to remind ourselves every day that what we eat is a choice (with consequences). The only thing that has worked for me is to focus on what I want (in the long term), which is to be thin, healthy, attractive, vibrant, ...etc. When I focus on what I want in the short term (to eat everything in front of me), that's trouble. It still happens but I don't beat myself up over it. I just start over & try to focus what I REALLY want out of life (and to not be afraid to get it)