Burger and pizza addiction is no less common than cigarette addiction! Try these 4 magical methods to avoid it, or you'll regret it later.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Whether it's smoking or gaming, addiction to anything is detrimental to health. Despite this knowledge, people are unable to break these addictions. One such addiction is junk food, which is rapidly increasing among people these days. 

We know that pizza, burgers, and packaged snacks (ultra-processed foods) cause obesity and diabetes, but it's also true that these foods can make it impossible to resist. Even science now recognizes that this craving for junk food isn't just hunger, but a serious addiction, acting like a drug.

What does research say? 

A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has revealed a startling finding. According to this study, ultra-processed foods have the same effect on our bodies as alcohol or tobacco. In other words, just as a smoker craves nicotine, our brain craves junk food.

Why do we like junk food? 

We often decide not to eat junk food, but sticking to our word can be difficult. We often think it's our tongue's fault, but the real game is played by the mind. 

When we eat foods high in sugar, fat, or salt, such as cold drinks, noodles, and burgers, our brain releases dopamine. This is the feel-good hormone that gives us momentary pleasure, signaling the brain to eat the same thing again and again, thus turning the cycle into addiction.

How is junk food as dangerous as drugs? 

Junk food is compared to addiction because these ultra-processed foods trigger the brain's reward system, just like alcohol or smoking. This danger is exacerbated when eating becomes not just a means of filling the stomach, but a means of relieving stress or improving mood (emotional eating). This habit gradually becomes so ingrained that it becomes as difficult to quit as cigarettes.

How to recognize junk food addiction?

• Craving for chips, pizza or sweets despite having a full stomach.
• Irritability due to simple home food.
• Repeatedly demanding fried or packaged items.

How harmful is junk food?

Consuming excessive and frequent junk food can cause serious health problems. It can cause inflammation in the part of the brain that controls hunger. This is medically known as "neuroinflammation." This prevents your brain from signaling that you're full, and you end up eating more than you need. This can significantly increase your risk of diseases like heart attack and diabetes. 

How to control junk food cravings?

• Eat whole and natural foods: Instead of refined or flour-based foods, include fresh fruits, green vegetables , and whole grains in your diet. These contain fiber, which slows digestion. 
• Increase your protein intake: Incorporating protein into your diet can help curb junk food cravings. This is the most effective way to satisfy hunger. Therefore, include protein sources like pulses, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, or sprouts in every meal.
• Stress management is essential: Often, when we're stressed or anxious, our brains crave sweets or chips for instant relief. This is called "emotional eating." Therefore, to manage stress, take a walk, do yoga, or seek the help of meditation.
• Try healthy snacking: When cravings strike, we tend to eat whatever's in front of us. So, instead of chips or biscuits, keep healthy options like roasted chickpeas, almonds, walnuts, peanut butter, yogurt, or apples on hand. 

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