December 30, 2019

Does your mouth water when you see the cheesy pizza or velvety chocolate advertised on TV? Is your mouth watering right now just thinking about it? If so, you’re not alone.

Having spent years advertising fast food, I know that the ads on television, in magazines, on billboards and on the radio influence your behavior. In his book, Food Rules, Michael Pollan says, “Avoid foods you see advertised on television.” This advice is difficult to follow when companies spend billions of dollars on ads—and they are making you fat.

Research shows that 63% of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Food companies say that we must take personal responsibility, but is it fair when foods are designed to be addictive? Food companies actually employ scientists to study how food triggers neurotransmitters in the brain so that they can recreate that experience!

Arm yourself against food companies’ unhealthy advertising efforts:

Turn off the commercials: You don’t have to watch commercials; fast-forward through them, or get up, stretch, or better yet, turn off the TV!

Don’t have “it” in the house: Don’t keep junk food lying around; if it’s not there, you can’t eat it!

Crowd “it” out: Crowd out the “junk food” with healthier food choices. Don’t tell yourself you can’t have “it”––tell yourself you can have “it” if you really want to, but first you are going to eat something healthier.

Get a good night’s sleep: Research shows that your appetite increases about 25% when you are tired. Are you looking for the sugar, caffeine, or carbs to give you energy? Again, shut off the TV and go to sleep!

Nourish yourself with ”primary food”: Primary food is nourishment that isn’t food at all; it’s what’s good for your soul. Learn to nourish yourself by taking a bath, being with friends or going for a walk.

Get support: Talk to a friend or nutrition coach about your goals and concerns. When you understand the connection between what you eat, why you eat and how you feel, you will be in control and on your way to enjoying a happier, healthier, more energetic life, free of cravings and emotional eating.