The Sneaky Means That Meals Corporations Preserve You Addicted (And What You Can Do About It)

Do you ever really feel such as you’re hooked on sure meals? Like irrespective of how arduous you attempt to keep away from them, you simply can’t appear to withstand their name?

It’s not truly your fault.

The fact is that the majority main meals firms are actively working to make their meals as irresistible and addictive as potential. And that’s not a conspiracy concept, it’s reality. They’ve been doing it for years, they usually’re REALLY good at it.

In truth, they don’t even attempt to disguise it. There’s a motive Lay’s potato chips confidently touts the slogan “Betcha can’t eat only one.” They’ve truly examined it.

However the factor that makes it even scarier is that we are sometimes prepared contributors in our personal demise. As a result of we love our consolation meals.

As a result of actually, I believe MOST individuals have completely no thought 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 consider that sure meals are “regular” and “wholesome” when the truth is they’re something however. We’ve been brainwashed by a multi-billion greenback meals trade 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 kinds of meals, and feels compelled to eat them, usually in massive portions, although they know that these meals are dangerous and contributing to their total poor well being. This dependancy is usually the results of modifications that happen within the mind when an individual consumes sure kinds of extremely processed meals.

In truth, research have proven that sure meals can truly set off the identical reward facilities in our mind as medication and alcohol, and that these modifications 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 substances like dopamine, which is sometimes called the “pleasure hormone.”

So in loads of methods, meals dependancy is just not all that totally different from different kinds of dependancy. We are actually getting a “excessive” from consuming sure meals, and our physique and mind get hooked on that top.

And so it turns into a vicious cycle. We eat these meals, our mind releases dopamine and rewards us for it, after which we wish to eat extra. And extra. And extra. Even after we know we shouldn’t. Even after we comprehend 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 truth, a 2018 research of the worldwide burden of illness estimated that over 86 million individuals in the USA alone are at present residing with some type of meals dependancy.

That’s a LOT of individuals.

And it’s additionally a very large downside, as a result of it signifies that there are SO many people on the market fighting this concern each single day. And it’s not simply the wrestle of making an attempt to shed 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 may be.

As a result of the reality is, it’s SO straightforward to have a look at somebody who’s 100 kilos obese and say, “effectively, they simply must cease consuming a lot and begin exercising.” But when that individual is coping with meals dependancy, then it’s not that easy. You possibly can’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 simply 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, if you happen to assume you may be fighting meals dependancy, or if this concern resonates with you in any means, then the very very first thing it’s essential do is be KIND to your self. Acknowledge that it is a actual concern, and that it’s not one thing that you could simply “recover from” with a bit of bit extra self-control. It’s worthwhile to get to the foundation of the issue and begin addressing it in an actual means.

How meals dependancy impacts our well being

However what IS the foundation 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 arduous for us to cease consuming them? What’s meals dependancy DOING to us, and the way is it affecting our well being?

Nicely, because it seems, it’s affecting us in loads 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 might be in danger.

Coronary heart illness, diabetes, most cancers, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune illness, leaky intestine syndrome, continual irritation, despair, nervousness, hormone imbalance, and so many different well being points we face as a society as we speak 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 substances and components that go into these processed meals. As a result of so lots of the elements which might be 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 in addition 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 truth, 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 grow to be 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 Normal American Food regimen. The meals which might be actually in all places. The meals which might be thought-about “regular” and “wholesome.” The meals that we grew up consuming and that we’re now feeding to our personal youngsters.

We’re actually passing down our dependancy to the following era.

And that dependancy is having a devastating impact on our collective well being in addition to on the well being of our youngsters. Childhood weight problems is at an all-time excessive, and kind 2 diabetes, which was known as “adult-onset diabetes” as a result of it was so uncommon in youngsters, is now being recognized in kids as younger as 8 years outdated.

This can be a downside, you guys. A HUGE downside. We’ve to begin taking it severely.

However the issue is, it’s an ADDICTION. And recognizing that it’s an actual dependancy is step one in with the ability to do one thing about it. As a result of if you happen to have 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 a must to stop consuming the meals you’re hooked on.

It’s not straightforward. However it’s POSSIBLE.

How the meals trade is making us addicted

However earlier than we speak about HOW to do this, let’s discuss a bit of bit about how the meals trade 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, they usually’re actually good at it.

Principally, the meals trade 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? Nicely, it’s the proper 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 arduous to place down, or why you’ll be able to 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 if 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 trade is aware of this.

In truth, they’ve been learning the bliss level for years, they usually spend BILLIONS of {dollars} yearly to determine the best 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 may maintain us coming again for extra.

They even use one thing known as “mouthfeel know-how” to determine the best 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 may be, that may make us wish to maintain consuming.

It’s loopy! And it’s SO sneaky.

But it surely doesn’t cease there. As a result of the meals trade additionally is aware of that in an effort to maintain us hooked on their merchandise, they need to 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 fuel station to the nook espresso store to the merchandising machine in your workplace constructing.

They’re in all places.

After which there’s the advertising. As a result of the meals trade 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 probably to purchase one thing if it’s at eye stage than if it’s on the underside shelf. They know that we’re extra probably to purchase one thing if it’s brightly coloured or has a contented face on the field. They know that we’re extra probably to purchase one thing if we are able to attempt it first.

It’s all an enormous 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 combat again towards a multi-billion greenback trade that’s actually been working for many years to maintain us hooked on their merchandise?

Nicely, the very first thing we’ve got to do is acknowledge that it IS an dependancy. We’ve to acknowledge that we’re not simply coping with an absence of willpower or self-control. We’ve to be type to ourselves and perceive that it is a actual, diagnosable situation that requires an actual resolution.

After which we’ve got to select. We’ve to determine that our well being is extra essential than that subsequent hit of dopamine. We’ve to determine that we’re price it. That our youngsters and our grandkids are price it.

After which we’ve got 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 a must to GET CLEAN.

It’s a must to stop consuming the meals you’re hooked on.

And I do know that’s a complete lot simpler stated than finished. 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 desirous about it. The woman who would exit of her solution to drive to the shop simply so I might purchase that ice cream. The woman who would actually disguise 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 endure via the complications and the irritability and the extreme cravings that come from detoxing your physique from all that rubbish. The woman who needed to learn to address 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 finished.

But it surely was SO price it.

As a result of I used to be in a position to break away from that dependancy. I used to be in a position to get clear and keep clear. And now, greater than 10 years later, I can actually say that I’m now not hooked on meals. I can take it or depart 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 significantly better I really feel once I make the correct decisions.

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 decisions to your well being, not simply occasionally, however on a regular basis. I need you to have the ability to take pleasure in your life with out always having to consider meals. I need you to have the ability to break away from the maintain that the meals trade has over you and your well being.

So let’s speak about how to do this—virtually, the best way to begin taking these steps in the direction of overcoming your meals dependancy and breaking free from the maintain that the meals trade has over you.

Step 1: Educate your self

The very first thing it’s essential do is begin educating your self. It’s worthwhile to perceive simply how unhealthy these extremely processed, sugar-filled, chemically-laden meals are to your well being. It’s worthwhile to perceive how they’re affecting your physique and your mind, and why they’re so extremely addictive. It’s worthwhile to perceive what’s at stake—not simply your waistline, however your total well being and well-being. It’s worthwhile to perceive that it is a actual, diagnosable situation that requires an actual resolution.

And actually, if you happen to’re listening to this podcast, you then’re already doing an excellent job of that. So stick with it. Preserve listening. Continue learning. And if you happen to want extra data, then I might encourage you to go watch our free coaching, Wholesome, Joyful & Free in 2024, which is all about understanding the science behind what’s making us fats and sick, in addition to one of the simplest ways to really get wholesome and shed pounds in a means 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’s essential do is get accountable. It’s worthwhile to discover somebody or one thing that will help you keep on observe—somebody who can assist you and encourage you, but in addition somebody who can name you out if you’re headed for bother.

And this could possibly be loads of various things. It could possibly be a pal 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 health care provider. It could possibly be a web based assist group—the truth is, we’ve got a brilliant energetic Fb group for this podcast that you’re welcome to affix. Simply seek for Thinlicious or Well being Insurgent on Fb and request to affix, after which you may get entry to a complete bunch of different like-minded people who find themselves working to enhance their well being and shed pounds.

Or it might 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 offers you a roadmap to comply with, and that roadmap makes it simpler to remain accountable. It’s one thing that you already know has labored for different individuals, and so if you happen to simply do the work, it can be just right for you too.

No matter what or who you select to maintain your self accountable, simply ensure that they’re somebody or one thing that’s optimistic and supportive. We don’t want any extra negativity in our lives, particularly after we’re making an attempt to beat dependancy.

Step 3: Make a plan

Now that you simply’ve educated your self and located your accountability companion or system, it’s time to make a plan. A stable, actionable plan that may enable you 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 modifications to begin off with, so that you don’t really feel too overwhelmed. It also needs to embody discovering more healthy options to your set off meals, and studying the best way to cope with cravings in a wholesome means. And most significantly, it ought to embody setting your self up for achievement by making a supportive surroundings—each bodily and mentally.

Keep in mind, this plan doesn’t need to be good or set in stone. It might evolve as you do and as you be taught what works greatest for you. The bottom line is to have a plan in place, in order that if you’re confronted with temptations or challenges, you already know precisely what to do.

Step 4: Take motion

Information and planning are nice, however they imply nothing if you happen to don’t take motion. This step is all about truly implementing your plan and making these modifications in your life.

It’s not all the time going to be straightforward. There shall be days if you slip up and provides in to your cravings or outdated habits. However that’s okay. Take it at some point at a time and maintain transferring ahead. Each small step counts, and over time, they may add as much as large modifications.

And keep in mind, you don’t have to do that alone. Lean in your assist system and attain out for assist if you want it. And most significantly, be type and affected person with your self all through this course of.

Step 5: Have a good time your progress

Lastly, don’t neglect to have fun your progress! Regardless of how small or large, each step in the direction of overcoming your meals dependancy is price acknowledging and celebrating.

Take a while to replicate on how far you’ve come and the optimistic modifications you’ve made in your life. Reward your self to your arduous work and dedication. And use this as motivation to maintain going and proceed making progress in the direction of a more healthy, happier you.

Keep in mind, breaking free from meals dependancy is just not a simple journey, but it surely’s one which’s price taking. So keep educated, accountable, and have a plan in place. Then take motion and have fun your progress alongside the best way. You’ve bought this! Now let’s go on the market and take again management of our well being from the sneaky meals trade!