Have you ever found yourself craving a specific food, even if you're not particularly hungry?
It's a common phenomenon, and it turns out that there may be more to it than just simple hunger or a desire for something tasty.
According to food journalist Mark Schatzker, our food cravings may be influenced by the quality of the ingredients in the foods we eat.
In his book "The Dorito Effect," Schatzker argues that as we have moved away from whole, natural foods and towards highly processed foods with artificial ingredients, we have lost many of the natural flavors and nutrients that once satisfied our cravings.
As a result, we may find ourselves seeking out more and more food in an attempt to satisfy these cravings, leading to overconsumption and weight gain.
For example, you might eat a ‘sugar- free’ dessert to satisfy your ‘sugar- cravings’. But because the dessert doesn’t really have any sugar, your body will just want more and more of the dessert to satisfy the sugar anticipation. Eventually, nor are you satisfied and craving more than before.
So, what can you do to curb these cravings and make healthier food choices?
One thing to consider is looking at the ingredient label of the foods you eat. Here are a few things to look out for:
Artificial sweeteners: These are often used to sweeten low-calorie or sugar-free products, but they can also contribute to cravings for sweeter foods.
Artificial flavors and colors: These additives are used to enhance the flavor and appearance of processed foods, but they can also affect your cravings and contribute to overconsumption.
Highly processed ingredients: Foods that contain a long list of ingredients, many of which you can't pronounce, are often highly processed and may not provide the same satisfaction as whole, natural foods.
One of the worse foods for you would be diet soda’s/ pop’s. They leave you craving for sweet and junk food constantly.
By being mindful of the ingredients in the foods you eat, you may be able to curb your cravings and make healthier choices. And remember, whole, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses can provide the nutrients and flavors that your body needs to feel satisfied and nourished.
I hope this newsletter has given you some food for thought on the role of ingredients in food cravings. Stay tuned for more tips on healthy eating and living!
Trust this helps,