Hi Tcamptin
I am a self-diagnosed food addict but I am 100% sure of that diagnosis. I am currently in the middle of losing weight a second time having over-come my eating habits once and slowly falling back down over 6 years (from 332 down to 144 and back up to 256). I highly suggest you pick up a book that just recently came out called Bright Line Eating by Susan Pierce-Thompson. The first 1/3 of the book breaks down the signs and science of food addiction. I recognized myself on every page. The second 1/3 gives you the tools to overcome it. The last part gives an actual 'diet' to follow, but I don't because I am a little more strict with myself (I have to be) then the book suggests.
For the next week, the kindle edition is only 2 bucks.
I could lay out what it says about addiction and how to overcome it in just a few sentences here. But the value of reading the science and research behind why the different 'bright lines' work is invaluable and having that knowledge will help you wrap your head around why our brains do this to us with food. It is also helps to solidify that you are a good person and have just fine will-power; it's our stupid addict brain working against us and it is a real problem.
If you do get the book and start taking her advice, drop me a line. Part of the process of getting a handle over food addiction is to surround yourself with people that you can count on to help you remain accountable. I don't have anyone like that who is following the advice so I just use this forum in that role and posting here is helping me hold myself accountable. That said, I am still looking for a buddy or 10
Hang in there!