Other times it feels like an alien presence has invaded the decision-making center of our brains, making us do stupid things against our will. Let's get real. Fattening foods don't really fly. Aliens don't stage cognitive coups. Eating requires a decision to eat.
Eating requires a deliberate act.
Well, yes and no. We're not always aware of the feelings and issues that drive us to binge or graze. We can be in such internal conflict that while our right hand is stuffing the cream puff, our left hand tries to stop it. To understand control and eating, we also have to recognize the emotional power of food. For many, food is a primary emotional coping technique.