Do you get Mad Cravings?
We know it’s not good for us, so why is it that many of us find it hard to give it up?
know we all appreciate that processed foods aren't good for us, so why do we crave them and why do they make up most of our nutrition in the Western diet?
The Science Behind Cravings 🧪🔬
Food companies invest heavily in research and development to make their products appealing. They employ food engineers to identify the "bliss point" – the optimal combination of sugar, salt, and fat that maximises palatability and keeps consumers coming back for more. Their goal is to create 'heavy-users'!.
These ingredients not only enhance flavour but also have addictive qualities, making these foods hard to resist. The high levels of sugar in particular are a major concern, as they are implicated in a wide range of chronic illnesses.
Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods 🩹
Cardiovascular Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Alzheimer’s Disease
Crohn's Disease
Depression
Obesity
Fatty Liver Disease
High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure
Reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods significantly improves health. Here are some practical steps we can all take:
Read Labels 🏷️: Check for high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Ingredients are usually listed in order of quantity. If you don't recognise any ingredients, put it back on the shelf!
Cook at Home 🍳: Allows control over the ingredients and avoids the high levels of sugar, salt, and fat found in processed foods. Try to incorporate more whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet.
Plan Your Meals 📅: Planning your meals helps you make healthier choices and avoid the temptation of grabbing processed foods on the go.
Stay Hydrated 💧: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce cravings for sugary snacks and drinks.
Don't have them in the House! 🌾: It's hard to rely on willpower when the urge is strong. So not having them on hand is a great diversion! You'll hate me at the time, but thank me later!!!!
Understanding why we crave ultra-processed foods and recognising their impact on our health is crucial in making informed dietary choices. I’m not going to lie; it can be challenging to give them up, so be kind to yourself and appreciate every small win along the way until you’re mostly refined-food-free!
