You Might Be Addicted To Cookies

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2009
You Might Be Addicted To Cookies
14
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 12:20am

It may be all in your head.  Sort of.....


Well, not really. But, recent research by former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. David Kessler reveals the latest breakthrough on what could be a factor fueling the obesity epidemic. It’s something he calls “conditioned hypereating.” This means that your brain is telling you to eat high-sugar, high-fat foods even when you’re not hungry. Ah, that explains yesterday’s unbearable craving for a solid dark chocolate bar. I’m glad it’s just not me.


In Dr. Kessler’s book, The End of Overeating, he explains that he too is a victim of overindulgence and overeating. If the doc has the urge, then I surely don’t feel too guilty for my gluttonous behavior at around 4 PM everyday. Dr. Kessler explains that it is difficult for people to resist foods high in sugar, fat and salt because these foods affect your brain’s “pleasure-sensing spot” or dopamine pathway (to get technical) just like drugs and alcohol do. Although, you can’t really be addicted to cookies, you might keep on wanting and wanting it until you break and you indulge… just one more time, right? Dr. Kessler estimates that up to 70 million people have some degree of conditioned hypereating.


Don’t just binge eat donuts now and think it’s a lost cause. The solution is to teach yourself how to overcome your desires by training your brain. Avoid the places and things that remind you of a certain food that you just can’t resist. This simple technique helps rewire you sugar-lovin’ brain to start fresh and eat healthier. Although, it is difficult when basically everything you encounter each day is a marketing tactic to get you to eat "bad" foods. Even if it is a “healthier version”, a light Frappucino is still a Frappucino and it ultimately doesn’t satiate your desire for a sweet and creamy drink. Instead, choose a healthy food that will. Over time, your “trained” brain will choose (and want) the healthier food.


Conditioned hypereating doesn’t just affect obese people—it’s a condition that anyone can have. Yes, even the skinny minnies deal with this. We’re all on the same sugar-high. Cookies, I will conquer you one day.


For more information on The End of Overeating, visit Amazon.com.



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yougogirl

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 12:24am
Well this is interesting Liz,
However when it comes to my certain cookies ..
I am pretty good though.
Now KK donuts might be another story ::blush::
Good reminder here :)
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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2004
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 7:45am

"Instead, choose a healthy food that will. Over time, your “trained” brain will choose (and want) the healthier food. "


Easier said than done.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 9:33am
great idea Gail



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2004
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 10:43am
Thanks Caroline!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2008
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 10:47am

Ok....so that is what is happening to my neighbor when she finds herself eating 20 cookies with coffee in one sitting. ....so interesting.


I portion my cookies and my dark chocolate chips.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2007
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 12:18pm
I've known this for a long time and am living proof that it is true. I learned this from Dr. Oz that when you detox your body from sugars (not the natural ones found in fruits and veggies) and other junk foods, you will stop craving them and stop thinking about wanting something to eat all the time. It will give you freedom from foods. Then if you want a dessert or something you would not normally eat, it is a conscious decision and one you only make occasionally, and not because you feel you *have* to have it. It is a great feeling of freedom!

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Edited 6/18/2009 1:04 am ET by neverstopping

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2009
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 1:44pm

Oh - KK donuts can be lethal!
When we were in Hawaii they had a special day when they flew them in special -
People were lined up for 2 blocks!


The sugar in those makes you keep coming back for more.

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yougogirl

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2009
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 1:45pm
I don't think its a short, easy process.
Like an alcoholic - one is to many and 100 isn't enough!

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yougogirl

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2009
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 1:46pm
It is true - one can lead to another and another
It is hard to portion them for some people.

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yougogirl

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2009
Wed, 06-17-2009 - 1:55pm

The hardest part of doing that is reading all the ingredients for everything you eat.


I had a friend who's son was allergic to corn.
He could barely eat any products due to HFCS.
Because it's used as a stablizer for foods
They add it to things you wouldn't think you need sugar.


I like the idea that eating a special treat can be done consciously.
When you want it, you can have it,
But you don't HAVE to have it.

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yougogirl

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