Food Addiction?

I started smoking when I was 14 years old....and quit when I began my spiritual walk at age 31.
I loved to smoke but it didn't serve me anymore in this new phase of life.  To this day, I have never had the urge again to smoke.  I thank God for that.

A few years after that, I started to put on weight.  I've always exercised one way or another, but because I love food and eat mostly what I like (sweets and carbs), I have put on more weight than I care to have.

For the past few years I've decided to lose 10 - 12 lbs., but I just can't stay committed.  I start fine and then return to my old eating habits.

During my devotional time this morning, when I commune with God, the question came to my mind....why am I not able to succeed at this goal? Why do I  make excuses in my mind to eat what I know will keep me exactly where I'm at?

And....why was I able to quit smoking (without much of a struggle)....but not able to stick to eating healthier?

The only answer I got this morning was....maybe I substituted one addiction for another.  Maybe eating comfort food took the place of smoking for me.  I hadn't seen it that way before.

In this morning's conversation with God, I asked for help with this issue.  Maybe I've been trying to do it all on my own.  I'm not sure.  I am open to receive strength, guidance and insight to succeed.