Foods That Can Trigger Unhealthy Eating Habits
January 24, 2013
•Emily Murray
•Scottsdale
• 0 Comments
Foods That Can Trigger Unhealthy Eating Habits
Recent studies have proven that there are certain foods that can physically trigger the mind to become accustomed to very unhealthy eating habits. These foods are considered the “gateway” foods that can lead to a major relapse in eating behavior. When students enroll in culinary arts classes, they often learn that while baked goods and sweets are great in moderation, it’s important to learn other, healthier, recipes.
Just like with caffeine, nicotine or drugs; these foods affect the addictive sensors in the mind. Just the thought of certain foods cause the mind to release Dopamine, the feel good chemical. Foods high in sugar also increase the level of Ghrelin that stimulates appetites and food high in saturated fat impairs the brains ability to regulate cravings. These are all things that cooking enthusiasts learn in culinary arts classes like those taught at the many Scottsdale cooking schools in Arizona.
Ice Cream
This example is just for plain, vanilla ice cream. Of course, for every added ingredient (such as chocolate, marshmallows, etc.) the value will rise. In just one cup of vanilla ice cream there are 267 calories and 128 of these calories are from fat. There is also 29.66 grams of sugar.
Soft Drinks
In just one 12 ounce can of soda (cola flavored) there are 151 calories and 39 grams of sugar. An average soft drink contains at least 11 percent sugar.
Powdered Drink Mixes
These drink mixes include lemonade, fruit punch and ice teas. All powdered drink mixes contain at least 88 percent sugar but many can actually contain up to 94 percent sugar.
Bacon
Just the smell of bacon cooking can kick start the mind into overdrive. Just one slice of bacon contains 43 calories and 30 of these calories come from fat. There is no difference if the bacon is cooked, broiled, pan-fried or roasted.
French Fries
In one small serving of fries there are actually 271 calories and 130 of these calories come from the fat content.
Onion Rings
These are just as unhealthy as French Fries. In just 8 or 9 onion rings there is 276 calories and 137 of these calories come from fat.
Doughnuts
Just one yeast-risen, glazed doughnut has a total calorie count of 299 and 129 of the calories comes from the fat content. This one doughnut also has 15 grams of sugar. One plain cake doughnut has 303 calories and 152 calories come from fat. The sugar content is even higher than a yeast-risen one with a total of 18 grams.
Peanut Butter
While it might be true that peanut butter is high in protein, it is also has a high fat and sugar content. Just two tablespoons of smooth peanut butter has a total calorie count of 188. From that 135 calories comes from the fat content and it also has 4 grams of sugar.
Like learning about food and nutrition? Why not enroll in a class or 2 at your local Scottsdale cooking schools.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Scottsdale for more information.
Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.chefs.edu/disclosures. Le Cordon Bleu® and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary. Credits earned are unlikely to transfer.