Finding Freedom from Food Addiction Through God’s Word

Wake up remembering your vivid food dream—donuts, cookies, cakes, and ice cream. Spend every second of the day thinking about food, feeling like your next meal gives you the same anticipation that a cocaine addict feels when they know another hit is coming.

I have been there, and it is so painful.

Years ago, when I was using substances, I can honestly say I would have dropped those substances in a heartbeat if it meant I could have food instead. That’s how powerful it was for me. I often say: you can take an addict out of their environment—change their phone number, move them to a new city, introduce new friends—but when it comes to food addiction, it feels impossible. Because unlike drugs or alcohol, you can’t just quit food. You have to eat, every single day, multiple times a day.

I lived in that cycle for so long, and I deeply understand the pain you are walking through. Please know this: I am sorry you’re going through it, and I am so glad you are here. If you would like me to pray for you, visit my Under Grace – Prayer Request page. I would be honored to pray over you.

Is Food Addiction Real?

There are many people who don’t believe in the concept of food addiction. Honestly, I think it’s because they’ve never dealt with it themselves.

The dictionary defines addiction as:

“A compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence.”

If that doesn’t describe what food addiction feels like, I don’t know what does. Food addiction is real. It’s painful. And when you’re in the middle of it, it feels like it will never end.

Hope for Food Addiction Recovery

Here’s the good news: with God, anything is possible.

I overcame food addiction, and I know you can too. God has placed something very special on my heart to create for you—something to help you heal and live the life He intended. Until then, I want to leave you with three powerful Bible verses you can cling to when you feel like you’re at rock bottom.

3 Bible Verses for Food Addiction

1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God Provides a Way Out

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

This verse is so powerful. God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. Still, I believe that here on earth it often feels like more than we can bear so that we learn to depend fully on Him.

When you feel emotionally charged by food, remind yourself that God is with you—second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour. Use those moments as opportunities to build your relationship with Him and to see His goodness.

2. Romans 6:14 – You Are Under Grace

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”

Sound familiar? Under Grace was born out of this very verse. <3

I’ll go into more detail another time about whether eating disorders are sins (spoiler alert: they aren’t—but it’s more complex than that). For now, breathe easy.

This verse is amazing and freeing. To summarize how it applies here: we are no longer bound by the law or by sin’s dominion. Instead, we are covered by God’s grace. That means sin doesn’t define you, addiction doesn’t rule you, and shame doesn’t own you. Through Jesus, you can experience freedom and new life.

3. Psalm 34:17–18 – God Is Close to the Brokenhearted

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

God sees you. You are never too broken, never too “bad,” never too “dirty.” When you seek Him, He shows up. Always. He wants to save you—and He will.

Final Encouragement for Food Addiction Recovery

I know this season feels unbearably hard, and like it will never end. But I also know this: it will end. I’ve lived it, and I’m living proof that with God, anything is possible.

Write these verses on your heart. Pray every minute if you have to. Take the next small step God is asking of you. He will get you through this.