Since we know the negative outcomes of eating sugary foods, one could wonder what makes us come back for more. Is it that we have selective memory when sugary foods are placed right in front of us? No. I think we experience different levels of pleasure depending on what we eat.
Dopamine is one of the feel good chemicals produced in our brain and when it’s released, it makes us feel damn good. It’s our own brain crafted happy drug. When we eat, our brain releases dopamine as a little reward for doing something that is helping us stay alive. The higher in calories the food, the more dopamine is released in the brain. This is why most people would grab fries over a carrot stick in a hot second.
Eating processed foods and foods that are full of salt, sugar and fat give us a super high amount of pleasure because more dopamine is released. And it’s not that healthy food doesn't release dopamine, it does. It just doesn't release nearly as much as processed and caloric dense foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt.
Here is my easy strategy for keeping junk food out of your life - for good. Don't buy junk food. If you don't have junk food in the house or office, you can't reach for it.
Yes! Keep it out of the house, it is the only way!! Haha, seriously, I don't know anyone who can just have it in the pantry for when they fancy a little bit now and again. Sugar is extremely addictive - most of the time I am not bothered about sweet stuff, then I will have one tiny bite, and get a massive craving to keep eating sweet stuff.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I feel the same way about having the food in the house.
ReplyDeleteThat's my food. It tastes delicious and I love it.
ReplyDeleteI needed to read this! I have a major sweet tooth and staying away from junk food can be quite the challenge for me. Thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeleteProcessed foods are chemically made to make us crave them, which increases our dependency and consumption.
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