Do you find yourself snacking uncontrollably, mindlessly falling back on fatty or processed foods when the urge strikes? Of course, this kind of reckless excess can lead to weight gain and other health consequences. But while it’s easy to get overwhelmed by seemingly unbridled snacking cravings, there are steps you can take to address those cravings in a healthy way. In this article, we’re going to look at a useful tip that can help you stop looking for unhealthy snacks and opt for something healthier. So read on if you’re ready to take control of your evening cravings!
Your cravings are largely ready-to-eat foods! True or false !?
According to a recent study conducted by British researchers and published in the Food Quality and Preference review, it was determined that when presented with two options of the same food, one ready-to-eat (RTE) and the other requiring preparation before consumption, people consistently report being more attracted to the same food. PAM option. Using a series of sensory tests and interviews with over 224 participants, the researchers found that, on average, ready-to-eat foods were 15% more appealing than their counterparts that required preparation.
They also found a correlation between preference for ready-made foods and “food cravings,” as people who report frequent cravings in the middle of the night tend to choose ready-made options more frequently. . The results suggest that ready-to-eat foods provide consumers with convenience, ease and comfort, making them naturally more appealing than products that need to be prepared before consumption.
Our brain manipulates us… our cravings too!
The penchant for convenience foods has a lot to do with our busy lifestyles and the fact that we are often pressed for time. We like to take shortcuts in our daily lives, and ready-to-eat foods offer us an easy way to do that. Additionally, our brains may be wired to crave this type of food because it provides a sense of security and satisfaction. Our brain responds well to the instant gratification of ready-to-eat foods, which can be seen as comforting and familiar compared to preparing something from scratch.
Studies have shown that when we experience food cravings, our brain becomes more active in regions associated with reward processing and pleasure seeking. This is likely because ready-to-eat foods typically contain high amounts of fat, sugar, and salt — ingredients that stimulate the release of “happiness hormones” such as dopamine and serotonin. Thus, we feel a surge of pleasure when we consume these foods.
In conclusion, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that human beings have an innate preference for convenient foods over traditional meals, due to their ease of preparation, familiarity, and rewarding taste. It is therefore important that we are aware of our cravings and strive to adopt healthy eating habits, even when time or energy is limited.
Here are some tips to consider for making healthy snacks ahead of time and satisfying your wildest cravings.
- Do you crave simple, quick and satisfying suggestions? Here are some healthy snacks to make ahead and bring to the office:
- A mix of nuts, dried fruits and whole grains.
- A hummus wrap with vegetables, grated cheese and sprouts.
- A Greek yogurt parfait with berries and granola.
- Chopped vegetables and hummus or nut butter.
- Popcorn mixed with your favorite seasonings.
- Yogurt-covered pretzels.
- When making snacks at home, use fresh ingredients whenever possible to get the best nutritional value from the snack.
- Add healthy fats, such as nuts and nut butters, in moderation when preparing your snacks. They will help you stay full longer while providing the essential nutrients your body needs.
- Consider dividing snacks into individual servings so that you can more easily control how much you eat at one time, saving you from mindless snacking throughout the day.
- Look for recipes that can be easily made ahead for even quicker access when you get cravings – like jars of overnight oatmeal or energy bites made from dried fruit and oats that can be stored in a airtight container in your desk drawer or refrigerator.
