Do you ever really feel such as you’re hooked on sure meals? Like regardless of how laborious you attempt to keep away from them, you simply can’t appear to withstand their name?
It’s not really your fault.
The truth is that almost all main meals corporations are actively working to make their meals as irresistible and addictive as potential. And that’s not a conspiracy idea, it’s truth. They’ve been doing it for years, and so they’re REALLY good at it.
In actual fact, they don’t even attempt to cover it. There’s a motive Lay’s potato chips confidently touts the slogan “Betcha can’t eat only one.” They’ve really examined it.
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However the factor that makes it even scarier is that we are sometimes prepared members in our personal demise. As a result of we love our consolation meals.
As a result of truthfully, I feel MOST individuals have completely no concept simply how unhealthy processed meals is for his or her well being—that it’s actually killing us and making us sick.
We’ve been CONDITIONED to imagine that sure meals are “regular” and “wholesome” when in truth they’re something however. We’ve been brainwashed by a multi-billion greenback meals business that advantages from our ignorance and our dependancy to their merchandise.
What’s meals dependancy?
However for the sake of readability, let’s again up just a bit bit and begin by defining simply what we imply after we say “meals dependancy.”
Meals dependancy is a time period used to explain a situation the place an individual turns into depending on sure forms of meals, and feels compelled to eat them, usually in massive portions, even though they know that these meals are dangerous and contributing to their total poor well being. This dependancy is commonly the results of adjustments that happen within the mind when an individual consumes sure forms of extremely processed meals.
In actual fact, research have proven that sure meals can really set off the identical reward facilities in our mind as medication and alcohol, and that these adjustments within the mind can result in cravings and a compulsion to eat these meals, even after we know we shouldn’t. And that’s as a result of after we eat these meals, our mind releases “really feel good” chemical compounds like dopamine, which is also known as the “pleasure hormone.”
So in plenty of methods, meals dependancy shouldn’t be all that completely different from different forms of dependancy. We are actually getting a “excessive” from consuming sure meals, and our physique and mind get hooked on that prime.
And so it turns into a vicious cycle. We eat these meals, our mind releases dopamine and rewards us for it, after which we need to eat extra. And extra. And extra. Even after we know we shouldn’t. Even after we understand it’s making us sick. We simply can’t cease.
And if that sounds acquainted, you then’re not alone. Meals dependancy is an actual factor, and it impacts hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of individuals. In actual fact, a 2018 examine of the worldwide burden of illness estimated that over 86 million individuals in america alone are presently residing with some type of meals dependancy.
That’s a LOT of individuals.
And it’s additionally a very large drawback, as a result of it implies that there are SO many people on the market fighting this subject each single day. And it’s not simply the wrestle of attempting to drop pounds, and even the bodily toll that these extremely processed, toxin-filled meals are having on our our bodies. It’s the disgrace and the guilt and the self-loathing that so usually comes with dependancy, it doesn’t matter what that dependancy is perhaps.
As a result of the reality is, it’s SO straightforward to have a look at somebody who’s 100 kilos chubby and say, “nicely, they only must cease consuming a lot and begin exercising.” But when that individual is coping with meals dependancy, then it’s not that easy. You may’t simply inform an alcoholic to cease ingesting, proper? However that’s so usually what we do with people who find themselves fighting meals dependancy. We inform them it’s their fault, that they’re weak, that they only must train some self-control.
But it surely’s not that easy.
As a result of it’s an ADDICTION. And our mind is actually being rewired to CRAVE these meals. It’s not only a matter of willpower or lack thereof. It’s an actual, diagnosable situation.
So, in the event you assume you is perhaps fighting meals dependancy, or if this subject resonates with you in any approach, then the very very first thing it is advisable do is be KIND to your self. Acknowledge that it is a actual subject, and that it’s not one thing that you would be able to simply “recover from” with just a little bit extra self-control. That you must get to the basis of the issue and begin addressing it in an actual approach.
How meals dependancy impacts our well being
However what IS the basis of the issue? In different phrases, what is definitely taking place in our our bodies that’s inflicting us to get addicted to those meals and making it so laborious for us to cease consuming them? What’s meals dependancy DOING to us, and the way is it affecting our well being?
Effectively, because it seems, it’s affecting us in plenty of methods. As a result of these extremely processed, sugar-filled, chemically-laden meals that we’re getting hooked on are mainly poison for our our bodies. They’re actually killing us, slowly however absolutely. And it’s not simply our waistlines which are in danger.
Coronary heart illness, diabetes, most cancers, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune illness, leaky intestine syndrome, power irritation, despair, anxiousness, hormone imbalance, and so many different well being points we face as a society right now can all be traced again to our dependancy to those extremely processed meals. So in that sense, our meals dependancy is definitely contributing to a complete host of different well being issues.
And it’s not simply the meals itself, however all of the chemical compounds and components that go into these processed meals. As a result of so lots of the components which are used—issues like excessive fructose corn syrup and white sugar and vegetable oil and synthetic flavors and colours—usually are not solely extremely addictive, but additionally extremely poisonous to our our bodies.
And so we’re primarily filling our our bodies with poison, after which questioning why we don’t really feel good, or why we’re getting sick.
After which there’s all of the SUGAR. As a result of as we’ve talked about earlier than on this podcast, sugar is in EVERYTHING. And it’s extremely addictive. In actual fact, some research have proven that sugar is even MORE addictive than cocaine. And that’s as a result of, similar to different addictive substances, sugar triggers the discharge of dopamine within the mind, which causes the pleasurable sensation that we then develop into hooked on.
And it is a actually large deal, as a result of sugar is in SO lots of the meals we eat, even those we don’t essentially consider as being candy. It’s in our bread and our pasta and our salad dressing and our ketchup and our yogurt and our granola bars and our soda and our “wholesome” fruit juice. And so we’re consuming it on a regular basis, with out even realizing it. It’s inescapable.
And that’s what’s so scary about meals dependancy. It’s not simply that we’re getting hooked on a handful of meals that we are able to then keep away from. It’s that we’re getting hooked on SO lots of the meals that make up the Commonplace American Food regimen. The meals which are actually in every single place. The meals which are thought of “regular” and “wholesome.” The meals that we grew up consuming and that we’re now feeding to our personal children.
We’re actually passing down our dependancy to the subsequent era.
And that dependancy is having a devastating impact on our collective well being in addition to on the well being of our kids. Childhood weight problems is at an all-time excessive, and sort 2 diabetes, which was once known as “adult-onset diabetes” as a result of it was so uncommon in children, is now being recognized in youngsters as younger as 8 years previous.
It is a drawback, you guys. A HUGE drawback. We’ve to begin taking it critically.
However the issue is, it’s an ADDICTION. And recognizing that it’s an actual dependancy is step one in having the ability to do one thing about it. As a result of in the event you had been hooked on alcohol or medication, the very very first thing you would need to do is GET CLEAN. You would need to cease placing these substances in your physique.
And that’s additionally true of meals dependancy. It’s important to stop consuming the meals you’re hooked on.
It’s not straightforward. However it’s POSSIBLE.
How the meals business is making us addicted
However earlier than we discuss HOW to try this, let’s discuss just a little bit about how the meals business is definitely making us hooked on their merchandise within the first place—as a result of it’s not just a few random accident. They’ve been doing this for years, and so they’re actually good at it.
Mainly, the meals business has a SECRET WEAPON that they use to get us hooked on their merchandise, and that secret weapon is one thing known as the “bliss level.”
However what precisely IS the bliss level? Effectively, it’s the right mixture of sugar, fats, salt and different flavors that make a meals style SO good that we actually can’t resist it. It’s the explanation why that bag of potato chips is so laborious to place down, or why you possibly can eat a whole pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in a single sitting, or why you simply can’t say no to that slice of chocolate cake, even once you’re so full you’re feeling such as you would possibly explode. It’s the explanation why sure meals are so extremely addictive.
And the meals business is aware of this.
In actual fact, they’ve been learning the bliss level for years, and so they spend BILLIONS of {dollars} yearly to determine the right way to make their merchandise as addictive as potential. They rent meals scientists and flavorists to create simply the correct mixture of flavors and textures that can preserve us coming again for extra.
They even use one thing known as “mouthfeel expertise” to determine the right way to make a meals really feel excellent in our mouth, in order that we get that good sensation of crunch or creaminess or no matter it is perhaps, that can make us need to preserve consuming.
It’s loopy! And it’s SO sneaky.
But it surely doesn’t cease there. As a result of the meals business additionally is aware of that with a purpose to preserve us hooked on their merchandise, they must make them as handy and accessible as potential. And that’s why you’ll discover extremely processed, addictive meals actually EVERYWHERE you go—from the grocery retailer to the gasoline station to the nook espresso store to the merchandising machine in your workplace constructing.
They’re in every single place.
After which there’s the advertising and marketing. As a result of the meals business spends billions of {dollars} yearly to market their merchandise to us. And never simply in commercials and on billboards, however within the grocery retailer itself. They know all of the tips to get us to purchase extra. They know that we’re extra doubtless to purchase one thing if it’s at eye degree than if it’s on the underside shelf. They know that we’re extra doubtless to purchase one thing if it’s brightly coloured or has a contented face on the field. They know that we’re extra doubtless to purchase one thing if we are able to strive it first.
It’s all a giant sport, and we’re the pawns.
So what can we do about it?
So what can we do about it? How can we break away from this dependancy and begin taking management of our personal well being? How can we struggle again towards a multi-billion greenback business that’s actually been working for many years to maintain us hooked on their merchandise?
Effectively, the very first thing we’ve to do is acknowledge that it IS an dependancy. We’ve to acknowledge that we’re not simply coping with a scarcity of willpower or self-control. We’ve to be variety to ourselves and perceive that it is a actual, diagnosable situation that requires an actual resolution.
After which we’ve to select. We’ve to resolve that our well being is extra vital than that subsequent hit of dopamine. We’ve to resolve that we’re value it. That our children and our grandkids are value it.
After which we’ve to take motion.
As a result of as I stated earlier than, step one in overcoming any dependancy is to STOP placing that substance in your physique. It’s important to GET CLEAN.
It’s important to stop consuming the meals you’re hooked on.
And I do know that’s a complete lot simpler stated than performed. I do know as a result of I’ve been there.
I’ve been the woman who used to eat a full bag of Doritos in a single sitting with out even enthusiastic about it. The woman who would exit of her method to drive to the shop simply so I may purchase that ice cream. The woman who would actually cover the empty containers within the backside of the trash can so my husband wouldn’t see how a lot I’d eaten. The woman who was so hooked on sugar and processed meals that I couldn’t even go a single day with out it.
And I’ve additionally been the woman who needed to undergo the withdrawals. Who needed to undergo by means of the complications and the irritability and the extreme cravings that come from detoxing your physique from all that rubbish. The woman who needed to discover ways to deal with stress and disappointment and all the opposite feelings that I used to numb with meals.
It wasn’t straightforward. It was most likely one of many hardest issues I’ve ever performed.
But it surely was SO value it.
As a result of I used to be capable of break away from that dependancy. I used to be capable of get clear and keep clear. And now, greater than 10 years later, I can truthfully say that I’m not hooked on meals. I can take it or go away it. I can go for days and days with out consuming something processed, with out consuming something that’s not good for my physique, all as a result of I understand how a lot better I really feel after I make the correct selections.
And that’s what I need for you too. I need that freedom from dependancy. I need you to have the ability to make the correct selections to your well being, not simply every now and then, however on a regular basis. I need you to have the ability to get pleasure from your life with out continually having to consider meals. I need you to have the ability to break away from the maintain that the meals business has over you and your well being.
So let’s discuss how to try this—virtually, the right way to begin taking these steps in direction of overcoming your meals dependancy and breaking free from the maintain that the meals business has over you.
Step 1: Educate your self
The very first thing it is advisable do is begin educating your self. That you must perceive simply how unhealthy these extremely processed, sugar-filled, chemically-laden meals are to your well being. That you must perceive how they’re affecting your physique and your mind, and why they’re so extremely addictive. That you must perceive what’s at stake—not simply your waistline, however your total well being and well-being. That you must perceive that it is a actual, diagnosable situation that requires an actual resolution.
And truthfully, in the event you’re listening to this podcast, you then’re already doing a superb job of that. So stick with it. Preserve listening. Continue learning. And in the event you want extra data, then I might encourage you to go watch our free coaching, Wholesome, Completely satisfied & Free in 2024, which is all about understanding the science behind what’s making us fats and sick, in addition to the easiest way to truly get wholesome and drop pounds in a approach that’s sustainable long run.
So educate your self. Arm your self with data. As a result of data actually is energy.
Step 2: Get accountable
The second factor it is advisable do is get accountable. That you must discover somebody or one thing that can assist you keep on observe—somebody who can assist you and encourage you, but additionally somebody who can name you out once you’re headed for bother.
And this could possibly be plenty of various things. It could possibly be a buddy or a member of the family who’s prepared to do that with you. It could possibly be a coach or a coach or a physician. It could possibly be a web-based assist group—in truth, we’ve an excellent lively Fb group for this podcast that you’re welcome to hitch. Simply seek for Thinlicious or Well being Insurgent on Fb and request to hitch, after which you will get entry to a complete bunch of different like-minded people who find themselves working to enhance their well being and drop pounds.
Or it may even be a system—one thing like our Skinny Tailored System. As a result of the wonderful thing about having a system that works is that it provides you a roadmap to observe, and that roadmap makes it simpler to remain accountable. It’s one thing that you realize has labored for different individuals, and so in the event you simply do the work, it would give you the results you want too.
No matter what or who you select to maintain your self accountable, simply ensure that they’re somebody or one thing that’s constructive and supportive. We don’t want any extra negativity in our lives, particularly after we’re attempting to beat dependancy.
Step 3: Make a plan
Now that you just’ve educated your self and located your accountability accomplice or system, it’s time to make a plan. A strong, actionable plan that can allow you to break away out of your meals dependancy and take management of your well being.
This plan ought to embody issues like setting targets for your self—each short-term and long-term ones. It ought to embody making small adjustments to begin off with, so that you don’t really feel too overwhelmed. It must also embody discovering more healthy options to your set off meals, and studying the right way to cope with cravings in a wholesome approach. And most significantly, it ought to embody setting your self up for fulfillment by making a supportive setting—each bodily and mentally.
Keep in mind, this plan doesn’t must be good or set in stone. It might probably evolve as you do and as you study what works finest for you. The bottom line is to have a plan in place, in order that once you’re confronted with temptations or challenges, you realize precisely what to do.
Step 4: Take motion
Data and planning are nice, however they imply nothing in the event you don’t take motion. This step is all about really implementing your plan and making these adjustments in your life.
It’s not all the time going to be straightforward. There shall be days once you slip up and provides in to your cravings or previous habits. However that’s okay. Take it in the future at a time and preserve shifting ahead. Each small step counts, and over time, they may add as much as large adjustments.
And keep in mind, you don’t have to do that alone. Lean in your assist system and attain out for assist once you want it. And most significantly, be variety and affected person with your self all through this course of.
Step 5: Rejoice your progress
Lastly, don’t overlook to rejoice your progress! Irrespective of how small or large, each step in direction of overcoming your meals dependancy is value acknowledging and celebrating.
Take a while to replicate on how far you’ve come and the constructive adjustments you’ve made in your life. Reward your self to your laborious work and dedication. And use this as motivation to maintain going and proceed making progress in direction of a more healthy, happier you.
Keep in mind, breaking free from meals dependancy shouldn’t be a simple journey, nevertheless it’s one which’s value taking. So keep educated, accountable, and have a plan in place. Then take motion and rejoice your progress alongside the way in which. You’ve bought this! Now let’s go on the market and take again management of our well being from the sneaky meals business!
