There are certain foods we just can’t get enough of, no matter how incredibly unhealthy they may be.
Whether your vice is sweet chocolate, salty potato chips, or cheesy pizza, we all have that one food that just feels impossible to put down.
It’s important to remember that food addiction is a real thing and you don’t have to be overweight to fall victim to it.
The problem with food addiction, as opposed to drugs or alcohol, is that most people just don’t take it seriously.
But it is very serious. Aside from the obvious weight gain, constantly gorging on unhealthy foods can cause a slew of health problems, like chronic fatigue, depression, heart problems, etc.
Here are 4 of the most common addictive foods to watch out for:
- Pizza: According to the Department of Agriculture, about 13% of the American population will be eating pizza on any given day. Packed with melted cheese and savory meats, pizza pretty much tops the list for the most addictive foods in the U.S. With at least 300 calories and 10 grams of fat per slice, it’s also one of the least healthy food options out there.
- Chocolate: While chocolate can actually help you feel happier in small amounts, overindulging can lead to weight gain and unwanted sugar spikes. Because it’s so addictive, most of us have a hard time putting down a chocolate bar after just one bite. In fact, a study at Drexel University found that people experienced the same kind of pleasure and cravings that drug addicts feel.
- Potato Chips: Have you ever eaten just one potato chip? Probably not. Most people can’t even limit themselves to a single serving. Loaded with salt and unhealthy fats, potato chips can quickly undo any diet.
- Ice Cream: It’s hard to compare to the sweet creaminess of ice cream. Eating ice cream wouldn’t be so bad if you stuck with one scoop every now and then, but how often can you really control yourself around this delicious dessert? With high levels of fat and sugar, it’s hard to really sell ice cream as a nutritious snack.
3 simple steps to break your addiction:
- Think about what you’re eating and how it will affect you later. Ask yourself if you’ll feel a sense of shame or guilt after overindulging in an addictive food.
- Figure out your actual craving—sweet, salty, crunchy, etc.
- Take a minute to think about any healthier foods that might be able to satisfy your specific craving. Could yogurt take care of that sweet tooth? Would apples and peanut butter help satisfy your need for crunchy chips?
Which of these addictive foods is your vice? Tell us in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2010 Simon Doggett/Flickr
