We’ve been hearing more and more about food addiction, and how certain unhealthy foods release certain chemicals in your brain just like some hardcore drugs — and how hard it is to kick the habits to the curb.
Well we have a list of the 3 most addictive foods and some simple ways to replace them. They might not taste exactly the same, but the healthier alternatives get the same kind of chemical reaction going to make your body feel like you’re eating the unhealthy foods.
1. French Fries
Damn it do we love us some french fries. So golden, so delicious. We wish these suckers were healthy, we really really do. But the fact is that they aren’t. Not even close. And they release a healthy dose of dopamine in the brain when you eat them, so it’s like taking cocaine or knocking back booze.
The Replacement: Celery
Doesn’t sound so appetizing, right?
Well, we do love us some celery and peanut butter, but what’s recommended is celery dipped in salsa. We’ve never heard of that, but apparently the spiciness of the salsa in conjunction with the celery causes the same brain chemical reaction as french fries. Rad!
2. Soda/Pop
We all knew this would be on here. Apparently the caffeine releases that jerk dopamine in your brain too, but also has the sugar component — which releases serotonin. Plus, diet soda isn’t better at all and you’re probably just as fat drinking that stuff as regular soda.
The Replacement: Iced Green/Black Tea
Sure, it doesn’t have the same fizziness or sweetness, but at least it has flavor. That’s probably the number one argument as to why people tend to choose soda over water is that water just doesn’t have a taste
Plus, you gotta get off soda slowly, as it’ll probably give you headaches to go cold turkey. Get the boost of dopamine with tea, and while you’re at it get yourself a hefty doses of disease-fighting antioxidants and compounds that promote weight loss.
3. Pizza
Great. Pizza. Pizza is on this list, and pizza is delicious.
But it’s also super bad for you. All that cheese is giving you the dopamine you craaaaaave!
The Replacement: Pizza
WHAT??
Yep, that’s right. If you’re addicted to pizza, just do a healthier pizzas. Thin crust, light cheese, light sauce. Whole wheat crust. Don’t add toppings unless they’re veggies, especially tomatoes.
See? That’s not so bad, right?
You now have the tools — use them!!
Or get to work inventing a super healthy french fry that tastes great. It’s up to you!
[Image via AP Images.]