Highly Palatable Foods and Over-eating

Modern life is a bit different than Epicurus' time...we have highly processed foods that are made to be highly palatable, and they are easy to get.

Here are two articles:

Excerpt:

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Hormonal and neurobiological changes occur when individuals consume processed foods, especially highly palatable foods that are rich in sugar, fat and salt. These changes can contribute to the development of addictive behaviours and, ultimately, addiction.

It is well established that derangement of hormones can contribute to this process. Ghrelin is responsible for regulating hunger. Elevated ghrelin levels can drive hunger and increase food intake. On the other hand, leptin is responsible for signalling satiety and inhibiting food intake. Consumption of highly palatable foods, particularly those high in sugar, fat and salt, has been shown to disrupt the balance of these hormones; for example, it can increase ghrelin levels. As a result, individuals may experience increased cravings and overeating as signals for hunger and fullness become dysregulated. Additionally, consumption of processed foods has been hypothesised to lead to leptin resistance, where the body no longer responds to satiety signals.⁹ Disruptions in the normal interplay between ghrelin and leptin can result in overeating and continued consumption of these foods.

Source:

One size does not fit all: Understanding the five stages of ultra-processed food addiction | Tarman | Journal of Metabolic Health

Another excerpt:

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The reasons that our bodies crave these foods is because they are loaded with ingredients that tap into the pleasure centers in our brain.

Source:

Here are some articles on how to change to healthier eating patterns. These are all common sense, but yet sometimes hard to implement:

Limit highly processed foods

Preparing foods with healthy ingredients and choosing healthier menu options are ways to limit highly processed foods.

food-guide.canada.ca

Healthy eating while eating out

The food choices you make when eating outside of the home are important. Learn how to make healthier choices when you are eating out.

food-guide.canada.ca

Choose healthy menu options

Choosing healthy menu options when you are eating out can be an important step to limiting highly processed foods. If you eat out often, remember that the…

food-guide.canada.ca

When I think about what I choose to eat, it's not so much about living longer, but more about quality of life ---> having and feeling good energy in my body and not carrying any extra weight (ideally I need to lose about 5 to 10 lbs.). I notice that I feel sluggish when I over-eat and I don't like the feeling when my pants waistband is too tight. I need to start implementing some changes and only bring home healthy and unprocessed foods into my house.

Is anyone else feeling like this is an issue in their life right now?