Dealing With Food Addiction

Emma Saylor | Writer

Addiction lives inside drugs, gambling, and sex, but what about when it lives in something we can’t live without: food?

The typical foods found at BBQs can allow for healthier options against the addictive nature found among the other delicious foods served.

America is home to many addictive foods, which goes hand-in-hand with the fact that 30% of the United States population is considered obese, according to Men’s Journal. The number one cause of death in America is heart disease, which, according to the CDC, can be caused by high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Foods on the list of most addictive foods such as Pizza, French Fries, and Burgers, when eaten without moderation, are linked to causing those health issues in the future.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that the most addictive foods have “A high-fat content and a high glycemic load, meaning they spike your blood sugar quickly after ingestion.” This prevents one from getting that feeling of fullness right after eating, leaving them to crave more.

But why are foods such as pizza, ranked number 1 on the list of addictive foods, and chocolate, ranked at number 2, so addicting?

“The pleasurable mouthfeel of fat,” says Erica Shulte, a nutritionist, during an interview with health magazine Prevention. According to Erica, it "creates the most 'addictive' potential for a food”

Food addiction does not only exist around these foods, as a person addicted to food does not become addicted just from eating a slice of pizza or a bite of ice cream.

As the summertime approaches and these addictive foods come into our lives through picnics and BBQs, remember staying healthy is less about preventing yourself from eating these delicious and mouthwatering foods and more about understanding their long-term effects. This summer, make living healthy the most addictive thing of all.