OA is known for being a food program not a diet program. What does this mean? Why is the mentality of following a proper diet considered a wrong philosophy when it comes to a 12-Step program? There are OA Members who follow a “white-free” diet (no sugar, no salt, no gluten). We also have members who follow a calorie diet much like Weight Watchers as well as using a portion control diet (measuring their food). But why is it then that Overeaters Anonymous is not a diet program? For the most part, the entire anarchy morality of your free to eat whatever you desire to eat when it comes to developing a food plan sets the OA program apart. This eliminates the idea of some type of self-discipline restrictions (something an average addict embraces).
Nevertheless, there is a reality of developing a manner of self-control when it comes to food as far as being an OA member. Many OA members follow a 3 meal-a-day no snacks food plan. And other follows the same idea, yet honors having just one snack. Some develop a plan of 6 meals of proper portions at a specific time a day and no in-between eating. But that’s the point, OA Members follow a food plan not a diet. So, what is the difference between these two concepts? I know for me when I accepted the point that what my current weight may reflect on the scale is none of my business as long as I’m honestly following a realistic genuine food plan; I found my utopia in OA. I finally arrived at a clear and conceit idea of abstinence.
The bottom line is a food addict has compulsive, unhealthy and negative behaviors & habits when it comes to food. It is this concept which we as OA Members are using the 12-Step program to overcome. Our lifestyle in recovery reveals an emotional healthy and maturity within a virtues image.
In other words, an OA Member is no longer in slavery to an active addiction. The conscience awareness of this is obvious (Thus: Step One) This reality is illustrated in an OA member’s physical outlook, mentality, emotional growth and spiritual wellness. It affects all four psychic areas. A diet simply focuses on the physical health. When one obtains a pathway of recovery it brings a structure of freedom and inner peace. This is also obvious to witness in the abstinence OA Member and is not mistaken to not be observed by people within their environment. Having this clear vision in OA 12 Step Program gives the member the wisdom to share their experience strength and hope to the next needed suffering addict.
By Tony
Source: https://www.oacfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-02_newsletter.pdf (p.3) – Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
Did you enjoy this article? We would encourage our members to use this post, and others like it, at their meetings, or for private reflection. We also encourage you to share this post to other fellows to help the compulsive eater who still suffers. Please let us know if you have an idea for an article or an upcoming theme, or have any questions or suggestions. Email our editorial staff at [email protected].
The experience, strength, and hope expressed in this article, reflect the individual OA members and does not represent OA as a whole. Other OA groups and service bodies are welcome to reprint articles from Experience, Strength & Hope Newsletter without permission. When reprinting from other OA newsletters, be sure to credit the source.
