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After breaking the cycle of fake food, the body's satiety signals are surprisingly effective at calorie/portion control. It does makes more sense to model somet

by lukifer 12y ago

After breaking the cycle of fake food, the body's satiety signals are surprisingly effective at calorie/portion control. It does makes more sense to model something like Doritos Loaded as an addictive drug rather than a foodstuff: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernormal_stimulus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernormal_stimulus > the only thing that will stop the obesity epidemic is heavy food regulation which people will fight tooth and nail against. I don't think it's primarily consumers that would fight against this; rather, the food industry will. At the moment, not only do we not "sin tax" sugar the way we do tobacco, we actually subsidize artificially cheap corn starch and syrup. And unfortunately, eliminating these subsidies is a complete political non-starter.

baddox 12y ago
Do you think that any "treat" that is unhealthy should be considered an addictive drug rather than a foodstuff? Everyone I know, regardless of how health-conscious they are, will at least occasionally partake in some candy, or fried food, or chips, etc. even if it's very rare. Personally, I don't think that's a big deal.
- billmalarky 12y ago
  It's not a big deal to enjoy junk food sparingly. The problem is these foods are made to be addictive and the data suggests that more and more people are crossing that health boundary. Just look up global obesity trends - it's not just a "'Murican" problem anymore. Food addiction is real, and ask any addict how hard it is to stay on the wagon when their drug of choice is constantly shoved in front of their face. "Personally, I don't think that's a big deal." You may live a healthy life so out of sight out of mind, but the obesity epidemic is a huge issue (no pun intended) in regards to quality of life, healthcare costs, etc.
- lukifer 12y ago
  You're completely correct; however, the occasional partaking you describe is equally applicable to other addictive activities, be they substances like alcohol or marijuana, or purely behavioral addictions like gambling or MMOs. Some people can do it once in a blue moon, some people can sustain doing it every weekend, and for some people it becomes an unhealthy dependency. In all cases, I don't think there's anybody who wouldn't benefit from additional mindfulness. If such behavior becomes problematic, it's a case-by-case determination as to whether moderation or elimination is the better strategy. (I personally find it easier to eat zero junk food than to eat it occasionally, but I certainly don't begrudge anyone who can moderate successfully.)

by lukifer 12y ago

baddox 12y ago

Do you think that any "treat" that is unhealthy should be considered an addictive drug rather than a foodstuff? Everyone I know, regardless of how health-conscious they are, will at least occasionally partake in some candy, or fried food, or chips, etc. even if it's very rare. Personally, I don't think that's a big deal.

billmalarky 12y ago
It's not a big deal to enjoy junk food sparingly. The problem is these foods are made to be addictive and the data suggests that more and more people are crossing that health boundary. Just look up global obesity trends - it's not just a "'Murican" problem anymore. Food addiction is real, and ask any addict how hard it is to stay on the wagon when their drug of choice is constantly shoved in front of their face. "Personally, I don't think that's a big deal." You may live a healthy life so out of sight out of mind, but the obesity epidemic is a huge issue (no pun intended) in regards to quality of life, healthcare costs, etc.
lukifer 12y ago
You're completely correct; however, the occasional partaking you describe is equally applicable to other addictive activities, be they substances like alcohol or marijuana, or purely behavioral addictions like gambling or MMOs. Some people can do it once in a blue moon, some people can sustain doing it every weekend, and for some people it becomes an unhealthy dependency. In all cases, I don't think there's anybody who wouldn't benefit from additional mindfulness. If such behavior becomes problematic, it's a case-by-case determination as to whether moderation or elimination is the better strategy. (I personally find it easier to eat zero junk food than to eat it occasionally, but I certainly don't begrudge anyone who can moderate successfully.)