| |
| |
|
Nutrition Information |
|
|
|
Unchaining Yourself from an Unhealthy Food Addiction
The cry of "I have no willpower!" often emerges from the consumers who jokingly surrender to their lack of will when it comes to eating something clearly unhealthy. However, scientific nutritional research has identified that something much more serious - much more dangerous - is often at work here. For many people, what they perceive as a harmless lack of willpower is actually an addiction an addiction to chemicals that the brain secretes in response to stimulation by certain foods, such as chocolate or cheese[i]. As dangerous as this addiction is, however, recent studies suggest that it is actually much more frightening than it first seems. According to one notable study, the human brain can release dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter linked with feelings enjoyment, when a person merely sees or smells certain foods[ii]. As such, people who may be sensibly avoiding foods that release serotonin and other chemicals (such as chocolate) may still be susceptible to a sight and smell-based addiction to unhealthy food. Understanding this complex problem begins with understanding the word addiction. Defining a clear-cut definition of addiction is in itself a challenge and a rather hotly debated pursuit at the moment. Still, there is enough unity among credible social and biological scientists to say that a person who is powerless to stop an action is addicted[iii]. When applying this rather grave concept to eating, it becomes starkly clear that choosing an extra slice of pizza or bar of chocolate may be the expression of a very serious addiction to unhealthy food. Remarkably, unlike how addictions to things like alcohol, drugs, and sexual activity viewed biological and psychological illnesses, addiction to eating is often ignored or, at the very least, diminished to be something that is based on willpower. The insulting advice of "just don't eat it if you don't want to get fat!" that some obese people actually hear from their doctors, relatives, or colleagues is one of the most common manifestations of this often well-meaning, but potentially harmful, ignorance. The bottom line fact - and one that more medical professionals are accepting based on scientific evidence - is that obesity and related eating disorders are often the results of an addiction they are a serious health condition that must be approached methodologically like other diseases[iv]. Understanding that food addiction is indeed a problem - a severe disease, in fact - is a fundamental key in addressing this unique health challenge. At the same time, the notion of "willpower" should be removed, in most cases, from the eating disorder vocabulary, and replaced with the word "addiction". This will make that extra piece of pizza or that third slice of chocolate cake be seen for what they often are: the means to satisfy a bonafide addiction. Once the "eating disorder as an addiction" paradigm is in place, then and only then can both unhealthy eaters and those supporting them take steps to solve the problem. While there are no overnight solutions, there are paths that eaters can take that head in the right direction: freedom from eating addiction. The first step on this path is to eat a complete and balanced source of nutrition. Taking this first step, like so much else associated with the addiction to unhealthy food, is easier said than done. Eating sensibly is unusually difficult in a time-starved culture and even more difficult when there are arrays of self-described nutritious dietary sources to choose from. Whether it is energy bars or fad diets, finding a simple, convenient, and practical source of balanced nutrition is hard to find. However, some exceptional products are garnering serious positive attention from scientific community. These products deliver complete protein in a vitamin enriched formula. Furthermore - and of critical value - is that these products contain no carbohydrates, no unsaturated fat, and few calories none of which are from fat. These products are helping people unchain themselves from food addictions, and reflect a trend towards nutritious and ethical nutritional supplement manufacturing. Of ultimate importance, however, is that these products return eating choice control back to where it must always remain: with conscious and empowered consumers, and not to some hidden and potentially destructive addiction. About Protica Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com. References [i] Source: "That's Why We Call it Junk Food". MSNBC. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3606198/ [ii] Source: "Food on the Brain". Forbes.com. http://www.forbes.com/home_europe/free_forbes/2005/0110/063.html [iii] Source: "Addiction". eHealth Connection. http://www.ehealthconnection.com/regions/ehealth/health_information/ 00036220.asp [iv] Source: "Obesity as a Disease". MPR News. http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/03/29_bensonl_desease/ Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Nutrition - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Helping Your Immune System Win The War Against Disease Just as our country is currently engaged in a war against covert terrorism, your immune system is similarly waging a constant war against the hidden enemies within your body.This war started before you were born and it will continue until you die. Food with Niacin and The Benefits Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a member of the B-group of water-soluble vitamins and occurs in food with niacin. Also known as B3, niacin has many beneficial properties and food with niacin should be included in the diet as part of a healthy lifestyle. Healthy Eating Recently I found the book : "Eating and health according to the teaching work of The Master Peter Deunov" . I've never red something so simple and so senseful about the man's everyday healthy needs. You Can Have Healthy Skin With new research, new products and new skin protection advice popping up all the time, it is hard to figure out the best things to do to improve and protect your skin.A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. Let Your Freezer Be Your Ally! Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could conceivably serve any one immediately but how about putting meals in the deep freeze for prosperity. The Power of Capsulized Foods For most people, the concept of capsulized food? usually conjures up images of space travelers ingesting meals condensed into a compact pill. However, in modern-day reality, things are quite different. Organic Food - The Benefits of Natural and Organic Produce Having spent most of my life living off of junk food, I was pretty shocked when I started learning about what goes into the produce we consume every day from the grocery store.Most of the produce you would buy at the grocery store has been genetically modified to be more appealing to the customer. 5 Favorite Summer-Break Tips You can trust me that I make sure to take care to have as EnergyRich? a vacation as possible (why come back from vacation feeling bloated, a few pounds heavier, experiencing heartburn etc, right?). So I wanted to share my 5 favorite ways (food-wise and fun-wise) of making that happen!Food For Summer Vacation1. Focus On Fiber: How Much Is Enough? Looking for an easy and natural way increase your vitality and improve your overall well-being? Try eating more fiber! The average American only gets about half the amount of fiber they need everyday for their body to function optimally. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), fiber helps lower cholesterol and is important for the health of our digestive system. Adding to Your Level of Health is the Key Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor: a bucket of water. The bucket represents you. 4 Important Facts You Should Know About Whey Protein Are you concerned about taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects?If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?Protein levels are depleted through exercise. 3 Important Differences Between White Bread and Whole Wheat For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder Bread for lunch, the encouragement by dietitians and nutritionists to switch to whole wheat bread can be a tough transition.Bread, like any other part of our diet, is an acquired taste. The Magic in Food: LOVE Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The simplest magical ritual that you can do is to cut open a fruit or vegetable and eat it while thinking of your magical intention. Below is a compilation of common foods and their metaphysical associations. Mangos: Treat Your Skin and Your Taste Buds Mango is my favorite fruit next to pineapples. They're sweet, juicy and delicious. Reading Labels:Understanding Fiber, Fat, Carbohydrates, Etc Since 1994, food manufacturers have required the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include food labels on all packaged food items. Labels can be a tremendous help in controlling our diets-but only if we understand them. Lawsuits on Foods and Diets The dangers of processed foods and diets Why is that the business of food processing is not strictly regulated by law so as to prevent health problems generated by an inadequate diet? Unhealthy products encourage an unhealthy diet.They appeal to the consumer by their availability and invasive advertising. Reasons to Eat Organic Food Your healthOrganically grown fruit and vegetables are not covered in a cocktail of chemicals - even after washing, a conventionally grown apple may have 20 chemicals on its skin.Conventionally grown fruit and vegetables contain more water and less vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants than organically grown produce. Constipation Cures Exposed! If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking for some answers to bring relief. Treatments for constipation vary with the type of constipation from which you're suffering. Seven Habits of Highly Healthy Eaters "What exercises can I do to ?? As fitness professional I hear these words often. It doesn't matter if the sentence ends with, "get bigger muscles", "firm up my butt" or "flatten my stomach". Water, The Magical Drink Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple water does it effectively.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
