According to the Food Addiction Research and Education Organization: Scientific studies show that certain foods affect our brains in the same way as alcohol, nicotine, heroin and cocaine.
When these foods are consistently consumed, they can cause an addiction similar to what we often see with alcohol and drugs of abuse. Many restaurants are displaying nutritional information but still do not provide customers with the exact ingredients.
We are attracted to eating these foods because they release endorphins or 'feel-good' neurotransmitters that can temporarily make us feel less depressed, anxious or emotionally drained. This process somewhat mimics what happens in our brains and bodies when addicted to drugs. The food triggers the reward center of the brain and causes a pleasurable sensation. However, with frequent consumption of such foods, we can become physically and emotionally addicted.
The foods that have the largest impact on our brains are highly processed such as sugar, flour and added fat. These foods raise blood sugar significantly and may override our bodies normal mechanisms that let us know when we have eaten enough. A Study published in February of 2015 by Schulte et al. provided evidence that not all foods are equally implicated in addictive-like eating behavior, and highly processed foods, which may share characteristics with drugs of abuse (e.g. high dose, rapid rate of absorption) appear to be particularly associated with “food addiction.” In their first study, processed foods, higher in fat and glycemic load or impact on blood sugar, were most frequently associated with addictive-like eating behaviors. In the second study, processing was a large, positive predictor for whether a food was associated with problematic, addictive-like eating behaviors.
Sweeteners, grains like wheat or rye and dairy show the most potential for addiction. Basically, the more refined or processed a food is, the more habit-forming it can become. After your body becomes used to these substances you will need increased amounts over time to satisfy your craving in order to prevent withdrawal type symptoms. Does this sound like a drug addiction? I think so. Let us finally call it like it is.
I hope that after reading this post you think twice before going to McDonalds or other fast food addiction establishments. Just like in any drug recovery program the first step is that you admit that you have a problem. Once you see that eating this "food" is making you sick and addicted, the next step is to detoxify your body and change your mindset about food and eating. I recommend you search through my previous posts for healthy and simple recipes.
Below I have compiled a list of foods to avoid eating. Not every food is included but I think you will get the point. Become healthier and feel better. Start preparing more meals at home and become an informed consumer. Let those multi billion dollar corporations like McDonalds and Nabisco know you will no longer be filling their pockets with your addiction. Take control today!
Cheers to Your Health!
Addictive Foods to Avoid:
Pizza (Think Dominoes and Pizza Hut I don't even think they use real tomatoes!)
French Fries (McDonalds and other fast food as seen in video above)
Potato Chips
Cookies (High in processed fat, sugar and flours)
Cheeseburgers (Big Macs have enormous amounts of addictive processed fats, sugars, chemicals and sodium)
Soda
Cake and Pastries (Hostess Twinkies and Entenmann's)
Cheese (Kraft, Cracker Barrel)
Bread Rolls (Wonder Bread)
Popcorn (Movie Theater with Butter)
Boxed Cereals (General Mills)
Bacon (other cured meats)
Muffins
Crackers and Other Processed Snacks (Nabisco Products)
Energy Drinks
Granola Bars (Don't assume they are healthy many are high in processed sugar)