Cravings, Cravings, Cravings!

Ok, here is the scenario. You have been on a diet for a few days, then out of no where here they come. You know exactly who I am talking about. I am talking about those dreaded cravings. From chocolate to french fries our mind tells us that we need it and we want it now! I've had my theories about why we crave stuff like that and it turns out that there is research to back up what I have thought for a long time.

Former FDA commissioner David Kessler wrote a book called "The End of Overeating". In this book he actually looked into foods that he was craving. What he found was that these foods contains high levels of salt, fat, and sugar. Studies have revealed that this combination releases dopamine into your body. Dopamine is associated with the pleasure center of the brain, so eating this combination of salt, fat and sugar gives most people pleasure and has an addictive affect. The more you consume, the more you want. According to the Journal of Neuroscience, Cocaine works the same way. It is addictive because of the increase it causes in Dopamine. Yeah, you heard me right. Cocaine and the combination of salt, sugar, and fat both have some of the same properties. They both give you pleasure and make you addicted. Not convinced?

Have you ever eaten something and couldn't control the urge to say "Ummmm this is so good", and roll your eyes back. What about driving by a restaurant that you love and just thinking about the food in there makes you want it, even if you are not hungry. That is just part of that addictive behavior that is associated with consuming foods with this combination. I have heard some people say that they are food  addicts. That may very well be true. According to Kessler, the food industry figured this out a long time ago and actually designed foods like this to keep you wanting more.

The next time you go shopping  and you start to pick up your favorite things, take the time to turn it around and read the nutrition facts. What you find may shock you. At least now you will be more conscience of what you are consuming and hopefully you won't choose those foods that are just going to feed your habit.