Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 99: Over Indulgence in Consumables-(Gluttony)

Introduction

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Hello everyone it’s good to be here again to discuss another very important topic which many people often overlook; Gluttony. This topic is something that happens around us, but sometimes we just wave the matter away, neglecting it's effects. So I'm going to discuss it with us.

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Explain gluttony and how a person with such behaviours can be identified

What Is Gluttony?

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Gluttony mainly deals with when a person eats or drinks more than what he really needs, a person can be a glutton in other aspects which we will discuss as we go further. And this doesn't happen once in a while, but as a lifestyle. It's like a person being controlled by food, instead of the person controlling how he eats. You would see even when they are full, they will still want to add something to what they had eaten or drank.

You can easily identify a gluttonous person as they are never satisfied. If eating as a group, they are first to carry the big plates, and still even go for the second round, and even the third. Sometimes, they hide the food or sneak food to eat again when no one is looking. They might not be hungry but it has turned into a habit.

A gluttonous person may not necessarily be fat, as most slim people may also be gluttonous. The body shape doesn't always tell the full story. And as such, a person who overeats regularly may look normal on the outside, but the real issue is inside the body and mind.

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Do you think a gluttonous person can be likened to just food and drinks? Explain

Does Gluttony only cover Food and Drink?

Many people may think that gluttony has to do with only food and drink, but this is not so. There are other forms of gluttony that we overlook. You can be gluttonous with sleep, with social media, or even with sex. Any area which you overdo something, especially when you know it's not good for you, and you cannot control it, it can still be gluttony.

For example, a person who spends 10 hours daily scrolling TikTok or IG, avoids responsibilities, that's gluttony in the digital aspect. Or a person that constantly finds attention, does too much for validation-seeking, this shows that something is not balanced and needs to be checked.

But our focus would be mainly on food gluttony, since it's what most of us see or even experience quietly.

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What is your view of this? Do you think it's a natural situation or something one can manage or control? Tell us

Is it natural or something we can control?

There are some people that usually say

“my body just likes food, it's not my fault.”

Well, sometimes it can be medical, like people that suffer from emotional eating or addiction tied to stress. But for many people, it is just an habit and lack of discipline. You know that it is not ideal, yet you still do it because of the pleasure that comes with food.

Let’s be honest, we know that food is sweet, and Nigerian food sweet pass. Rice and stew with correct chicken, goat meat pepper soup, suya with onions and cold drink. Yes there is the temptation. But that doesn't mean that we should allow food control.

Yes, we can control it, but it requires that we first accept that it affects us. If a person does not admit having the issue, how would we begin to even solve it. It would just look like putting water into a basket knowing that it won't hold.

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Dangers of gluttony if not checked

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If you eat anyhow, then when the problems come, it would be another issue that could have been avoided if it had been checked early. Overeating causes different health issues: obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver problem, joint pain, and even low self-esteem.

And you see that low self-esteem part? It is very deep, as the effect is not good at all. Some people would begin to feel ashamed of how they look, how they behave, and that shame would make them eat more seeing it as a means of escape. It's a cycle, that if not checked on time is not easy to break.

Even financially, gluttony drains pocket. You would just buy food every time, buy snacks, drinks, most of them are "small change” no doubt, but by the time you calculate how much you've spent monthly, you would have spent more than what would could be used to feed a full family.

Emotionally wise, gluttony causes damage. Some people eat to cover depression or loneliness. They do not eat because they are hungry, it's because they are empty inside. And food cannot fill the emptiness they feel.

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What advice do you have for people who find themselves in such a condition?

So what can a person who is struggling with gluttony do

There is no need to be ashamed or pretending that nothing is wrong. The First thing is self-awareness.

Observe yourself,

• how often do you eat

• why do you eat, and

• how do you feel after.

If you notice that food controls your mood or your routine, then you need to act fast.

Here are small steps that can help:

1. Plan Your Meals: Don't eat anyhow or anytime. Get a schedule. If it's twice or three times you eat, stick to it.

2. Avoid Temptation: If you know you cannot pass a food or snack shop without eating something, then don't go near that shop.

3. Drink Water First: Sometimes, what we feel is not hunger but thirst. Try water first before food.

4. Wait Before Second Round: Don't rush for the second plate. Wait for like 15–20 minutes. If you are still hungry, then maybe you really need it.

5. Seek Help: If it goes beyond your power, there is no shame to talk to person. Pastor, counselor, or even a doctor can guide you.

6. Replace with Healthy Habits: Find new ways to enjoy life, like exercise, reading, or volunteering. Do not let food be your only source of joy.

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My Honest View on This Matter

To say the truth, I've also fallen a victim of this. I remember the one time I faced serious stress from school and life. Food turned my therapy. I would even spend lavishly on food to chase my worry. But in the end, I realized that the stress was still there and I felt it in my pocket as well.

So I began controlling myself. I stopped to eat once I felt like I was ok even if one part of me was still begging for extra. It's not easy, but it is possible.

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Final Advice

Gluttony is not something we should laugh off or pretend it's normal normal. If you are overdoing anything, especially food, try pausing and ask yourself why. Your body is not a wasteland. Your mind deserves peace as well.

Nobody is perfect, but we should not use food to harm ourselves. Enjoy life, but don't let enjoyment turn to sickness. It's healthy person that can eat again.

So what's your take on this matter?Do You know someone who takes food as oxygen? Or have you gone through this phase before?

Let’s talk about it in the comment section.

I invite @mr-peng @promisezella @imohmitch to participate in this contest