Do you ever really feel such as you’re hooked on sure meals? Like regardless of how onerous you attempt to keep away from them, you simply can’t appear to withstand their name?
It’s not truly your fault.
The truth is that almost all main meals firms 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, they usually’re REALLY good at it.
In reality, they don’t even attempt to conceal it. There’s a purpose Lay’s potato chips confidently touts the slogan “Betcha can’t eat only one.” They’ve truly examined it.
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However the factor that makes it even scarier is that we are sometimes prepared individuals 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 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 in actual fact 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 varieties of meals, and feels compelled to eat them, usually in massive portions, although they know that these meals are dangerous and contributing to their general poor well being. This dependancy is usually the results of adjustments that happen within the mind when an individual consumes sure varieties of extremely processed meals.
In reality, research have proven that sure meals can truly 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 lots of methods, meals dependancy isn’t all that completely different from different varieties 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 need to eat extra. And extra. And extra. Even after we know we shouldn’t. Even after we realize it’s making us sick. We simply can’t cease.
And if that sounds acquainted, then you definitely’re not alone. Meals dependancy is an actual factor, and it impacts tens of millions and tens of millions of individuals. In reality, a 2018 research of the worldwide burden of illness estimated that over 86 million individuals in america alone are at present dwelling with some type of meals dependancy.
That’s a LOT of individuals.
And it’s additionally a very huge drawback, as a result of it implies that there are SO many people on the market battling this subject each single day. And it’s not simply the wrestle of making an attempt to shed extra 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 simple to have a look at somebody who’s 100 kilos obese and say, “properly, they only must cease consuming a lot and begin exercising.” But when that particular person is coping with meals dependancy, then it’s not that straightforward. 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 battling meals dependancy. We inform them it’s their fault, that they’re weak, that they only must train some self-control.
Nevertheless it’s not that straightforward.
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, for those who suppose you may be battling meals dependancy, or if this subject resonates with you in any manner, then the very very first thing that you must do is be KIND to your self. Acknowledge that this can be a actual subject, and that it’s not one thing that you could simply “recover from” with a bit of bit extra self-control. You’ll want to get to the basis of the issue and begin addressing it in an actual manner.
How meals dependancy impacts our well being
However what IS the basis of the issue? In different phrases, what is definitely occurring in our our bodies that’s inflicting us to get addicted to those meals and making it so onerous 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 lots of methods. As a result of these extremely processed, sugar-filled, chemically-laden meals that we’re getting hooked on are principally poison for our our bodies. They’re actually killing us, slowly however absolutely. And it’s not simply our waistlines which can be in danger.
Coronary heart illness, diabetes, most cancers, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune illness, leaky intestine syndrome, power irritation, melancholy, nervousness, 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 an entire 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 elements which can be used—issues like excessive fructose corn syrup and white sugar and vegetable oil and synthetic flavors and colours—are usually 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 reality, 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 change into hooked on.
And this can be a actually huge 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 will then keep away from. It’s that we’re getting hooked on SO lots of the meals that make up the Commonplace American Weight loss program. The meals which can be actually in all places. The meals which can be thought-about “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 following technology.
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 once known as “adult-onset diabetes” as a result of it was so uncommon in children, is now being recognized in kids as younger as 8 years previous.
It is a drawback, you guys. A HUGE drawback. 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 for those who 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 simple. However it’s POSSIBLE.
How the meals trade is making us addicted
However earlier than we speak about HOW to try 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 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 rationale why that bag of potato chips is so onerous to place down, or why you possibly can eat a complete 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 while you’re so full you’re feeling such as you may explode. It’s the rationale why sure meals are so extremely addictive.
And the meals trade is aware of this.
In reality, they’ve been finding out 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 suitable mixture of flavors and textures that can preserve 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 can make us need to preserve consuming.
It’s loopy! And it’s SO sneaky.
Nevertheless it doesn’t cease there. As a result of the meals trade additionally is aware of that so as to preserve us hooked on their merchandise, they should 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 and marketing. 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 doubtless to purchase one thing if it’s at eye stage 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 will strive it first.
It’s all an enormous recreation, 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 battle again in opposition to 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 have now 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 sort to ourselves and perceive that this can be a actual, diagnosable situation that requires an actual resolution.
After which we have now to choose. We’ve to determine that our well being is extra vital than that subsequent hit of dopamine. We’ve to determine that we’re price it. That our children and our grandkids are price it.
After which we have now 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 an entire lot simpler stated than carried out. 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 interested by it. The woman who would exit of her option to drive to the shop simply so I might purchase that ice cream. The woman who would actually conceal 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 by 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 unhappiness and all the opposite feelings that I used to numb with meals.
It wasn’t simple. It was most likely one of many hardest issues I’ve ever carried out.
Nevertheless it was SO price 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 now 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 significantly better I really feel once I make the suitable 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 suitable selections on your well being, not simply on occasion, however on a regular basis. I need you to have the ability to get pleasure from 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 try 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 that you must do is begin educating your self. You’ll want to perceive simply how unhealthy these extremely processed, sugar-filled, chemically-laden meals are on your well being. You’ll want to perceive how they’re affecting your physique and your mind, and why they’re so extremely addictive. You’ll want to perceive what’s at stake—not simply your waistline, however your general well being and well-being. You’ll want to perceive that this can be a actual, diagnosable situation that requires an actual resolution.
And truthfully, for those who’re listening to this podcast, then you definitely’re already doing an excellent job of that. So stick with it. Hold listening. Continue to learn. And for those who want extra info, then I’d encourage you to go watch our free coaching, Wholesome, Blissful & 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 really get wholesome and shed extra pounds in a manner that’s sustainable long run.
So educate your self. Arm your self with information. As a result of information actually is energy.
Step 2: Get accountable
The second factor that you must do is get accountable. You’ll want to discover somebody or one thing that will help you keep on monitor—somebody who can assist you and encourage you, but additionally somebody who can name you out while you’re headed for hassle.
And this could possibly be lots 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—in actual fact, we have now 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 may get entry to an entire bunch of different like-minded people who find themselves working to enhance their well being and shed extra 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 for those who simply do the work, it should be just right for you too.
No matter what or who you select to maintain your self accountable, simply be sure 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 just’ve educated your self and located your accountability accomplice or system, it’s time to make a plan. A stable, actionable plan that can enable you to break away out of your meals dependancy and take management of your well being.
This plan ought to embrace issues like setting objectives for your self—each short-term and long-term ones. It ought to embrace making small adjustments to begin off with, so that you don’t really feel too overwhelmed. It must also embrace discovering more healthy alternate options to your set off meals, and studying the best way to cope with cravings in a wholesome manner. And most significantly, it ought to embrace setting your self up for achievement by making a supportive surroundings—each bodily and mentally.
Keep in mind, this plan doesn’t should be good or set in stone. It may evolve as you do and as you study what works greatest for you. The bottom line is to have a plan in place, in order that while 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 for those who don’t take motion. This step is all about truly implementing your plan and making these adjustments in your life.
It’s not at all times going to be simple. There will likely be days while you slip up and provides in to your cravings or previous habits. However that’s okay. Take it at some point at a time and preserve shifting ahead. Each small step counts, and over time, they may add as much as huge adjustments.
And keep in mind, you don’t have to do that alone. Lean in your assist system and attain out for assist while you want it. And most significantly, be sort and affected person with your self all through this course of.
Step 5: Rejoice your progress
Lastly, don’t neglect to rejoice your progress! Irrespective of how small or huge, 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 adjustments you’ve made in your life. Reward your self on your onerous 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 isn’t 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 rejoice your progress alongside the best way. You’ve obtained this! Now let’s go on the market and take again management of our well being from the sneaky meals trade!
