Hungry for Control: How Narcissists Manipulate with Food.
Food is an essential aspect of human existence, providing nourishment and sustenance for our bodies. However, for some individuals, food becomes a tool for manipulation and control. Narcissistic individuals, characterised by an excessive preoccupation with themselves, often exploit food as a means to establish dominance and manipulate others. This article will delve into the intricate ways narcissists use food to manipulate their victims, examining the various mechanisms employed and the profound impact it has on the psychological and emotional well-being of those affected.
Control through Food Restrictions:
One of the most common tactics employed by narcissists is imposing strict food restrictions on their victims. By controlling what, when, and how much a person eats, the narcissist establishes a power dynamic wherein they hold all the cards. This method allows them to exercise dominance over their victim’s basic biological needs, further reinforcing their feelings of superiority and control. Moreover, this manipulation technique often culminates in the victim becoming dependent on the narcissist, leading to a sense of helplessness and diminished self-esteem.
Narcissistic Supply: Providing and Withholding
Food can also be utilised as a tool for narcissistic supply, a term referring to the attention, admiration, and validation narcissists crave. In this case, the narcissist may alternate between providing abundant, decadent meals to elicit praise and admiration and intentionally withholding food to create anxiety and dependence. By manipulating the victim’s access to sustenance, the narcissist heightens their sense of power and control, as well as ensuring that they remain the focal point of their victim’s existence.
Food as a Weapon of Devaluation:
In addition to using food as a means of control, narcissists often employ it as a weapon of devaluation. They may criticise, belittle, or insult their victim’s food choices, body shape, or eating habits, all with the aim of undermining their self-esteem and asserting superiority. By capitalising on societal beauty standards and body shaming, the narcissist sows seeds of insecurity and fosters a persistent need for validation. Consequently, the victim is more susceptible to further manipulation as they seek the narcissist’s approval and affirmation.
Eating Disorders: The Dark Consequence:
The detrimental effects of narcissistic manipulation with food extend beyond immediate psychological harm. Victims of such manipulation are at a heightened risk of developing eating disorders and disordered eating patterns. The narcissist’s consistent interference and control can distort the victim’s perception of their body and lead to unhealthy relationships with food. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are likely outcomes of this manipulative behavior, manifesting as coping mechanisms or attempts to regain control over one’s body and emotions.
Breaking Free: Overcoming Manipulation:
Breaking free from the clutches of narcissistic manipulation requires a combination of self-awareness, support, and professional intervention. Understanding the tactics utilised by narcissists is crucial in recognising and dismantling their control. Victims should seek external support networks, including family, friends, and therapists, who can provide validation, guidance, and help devise strategies to rebuild their self-esteem and regain control over their relationship with food and their bodies.
The manipulative use of food by narcissists serves as a testament to their insatiable hunger for control and superiority. From imposing restrictions to providing and withholding sustenance, narcissists exploit food to establish dominance and manipulate their victims emotionally and psychologically. This form of manipulation not only fosters dependence and diminished self-esteem but also puts individuals at risk of developing eating disorders and disordered eating patterns. Breaking free from the clutches of narcissistic manipulation requires self-awareness, external support, and professional intervention. By understanding these mechanisms, victims can regain control over their lives, rebuild self-esteem, and develop healthy relationships with food.
Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.
The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.
For the full course.
For the free course.
Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.
To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.
Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.
All about the narcissist Online course.
Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.
The narcissists counter-parenting.
Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.
Hungry For Control How Narcissists Manipulate With Food | Narcissistic Behaviour
