I think it's probably the fat content of the processed, chain-restaurant food that appeals to us and makes us want to overeat it. (Recall the discussions about the 2000 calorie pasta dishes at Olive Garden. The majority of those calories are from fat.) There's something more addictive about fatty, fatty foods. And I'll bet the over-sized portions have something to do with it as well.
I heard on NPR once that a sweet tooth is determined genetically, but a craving for fat is not. The person said that you can't really get rid of a sweet tooth, if you have one, but that you can train your taste buds and cravings away from fat by eating less of it.
Combine fats with carbs and you have a calorie (and points and food groups) nightmare! For example, pasta, french fries, pizza--and I'm not even listing desserts.
And then you add the ability to get LOTS of food ALL the time--serving sizes that are humongous, and so forth.
Yes, I've found that a lot of foods I used to overeat are just not worth it, and I have little interest in them anymore (thank goodness!)
I'd hear that about sweet tooth vs. fat tooth, as well. Sadly, I have a sweet one.
I agree to a point - I think better quality foods are more satisfying. But some things, because they are so much better tasting, are just sooooo hard to stop eating. I'm thinking Haagen Dazs (spelling?) vs. the cheap stuff.... I find it a lot harder to stop eating the premium no-nos than the so-so stuff. But I'm a recovering binger, and sometimes I think we have a whole 'nuther mindset about things like that....
I don't know, I've always disliked fast food and liked quality food and I got over 300 lbs I agree quality matters but it doesn't mean I'd eat less of it.
I agree that quality makes a difference. When we make a nice meal at home, setting the table with cloth napkins and candles and soothing music playing in the background, I don't tend to eat as much. I prepare the food with love, using fresh ingredients. I make a nice salad and make sure everything has a variety of colors and textures. It truly does make a difference in my opinion, because you've made eating dinner a multi-sensory affair instead of just sitting in front of the tv with your food (which we do sometimes). And it doesn't have to take a lot of time or be fancy. Serving anything this way makes it seem more special and enjoyable.
I'm thinking Haagen Dazs (spelling?) vs. the cheap stuff.... I find it a lot harder to stop eating the premium no-nos than the so-so stuff.
You're right about that! I have 3 1/2 gallon containers of cheap ice cream in the freezer, and I'm not the least bit tempted by them. They've been in there for weeks. If I decided to have a 1/2 cup, there would be no challenge at all in resisting a second serving. On the other hand, I bought a pint of Ben & Jerry's the other day and couldn't stop eating before I'd demolished half a pint--and this after I had virtuously weighed out one serving and put it in a bowl. I actually went back to the freezer and sat down with the carton for seconds. Eeek!!!
But maybe this relates to my earlier hypothesis: the premium ice cream has more cream (ie, fat) and less sugar and ice than the cheap stuff, so it appeals more to the desire for fat and the fat-eating sensation (mouth-feel?) than the cheap sweet stuff does.
Fast food was not my problem. I don't think I've stepped foot in one of those joints in close to 20 years. I've always like good, high quality food. So for me it would be just the opposite. It would be easier for me to slam on the brakes for the low quality food as opposed to the high quality stuff. I've always prepared really nice meals for my family. And yup, I had no problem devouring them and going back for seconds .......... and thirds ..... It wasn't until I made a conscious decision to count calories that I was able to "slam on the brakes" and not overeat. I do find high quality food more satisfying, I will definitely agree with you on that. Which just makes it all the more easier for me to eat too much of it.
Baffled111!!! Why on earth would you buy ANY Ben & Jerry's???!!!!
Not in MY house! No way! NevERRRRRR!
Jay
Because I'm a bad girl!
Actually, it's because I'm currently maintaining with 2000-2200 cals a day, and I generally expend between 400 and 500 cals a day exercising, so I have quite a bit of latitude with the food. I budgeted the 360 calories for 1/2 cup of ice cream.
It was the second serving right afterwards that did me in.
(And really, with 2200 calories to use up each day, I'm not sure why I shouldn't use some of them for the most delicious ice cream once in a while. Obviously not a wise choice if you're on 1500 a day, but it's different if you can have over 2000, before exercise. Admittedly, however, this is the kind of thinking that puts me in a place where I always meet my fat requirements but rarely my protein goals...Ho hum.)
I will keep eating good food, especially if I make it myself. I have never liked fast food, etc. Alfredo has always been a one bite and done, it makes me ill. I love savory and spicy. So if I make my really good grilled chicken, I will eat too much, same with mexican.
On the other hand.... as far as the ben and jerry's thing. I find that a serving of high quality treat satisfies a craving. Low fat, low sugar "replacements" only intensify the cravings and will spiral me into a huge binge.
Besides..the greatest benefit of ben & jerry's is it only comes in pints. Most of the light stuff only comes in 1/2 gallons here. I will eat the entire 1/2 gallon of low-fat icecream because my craving for ICE CREAM is not satisfied with cheap crap.
So, I only buy high quality ice cream, high quality chocolate, but in small portions.
I agree with you completely. In fact, if I end up eating a meal that is not satisfying, I end up overeating later to compensate for that. I feel cheated because the meal wasn't good. Lesson: If it's not good, don't eat it.
Baffled111--Ah, I see! Yes, maintenance is different from weight loss. Congratulations in getting there!
Still, I doubt I'll ever be able to have that kind of food in my house because of that "second serving" temptation. With me it doesn't end until it's all gone.
Heh, I think half my teeth are sweet & half my teeth are fat. Great...
But honestly, I think that I have an easier time controlling portions for quality stuff-- for one, they're generally more expensive so I have a financial incentive to ration it out, and like others mentioned, my tastebuds/palate gets satisfied quicker so I don't feel like eating till I'm full.
Actually, it's because I'm currently maintaining with 2000-2200 cals a day, and I generally expend between 400 and 500 cals a day exercising, so I have quite a bit of latitude with the food. I budgeted the 360 calories for 1/2 cup of ice cream.
It was the second serving right afterwards that did me in.
(And really, with 2200 calories to use up each day, I'm not sure why I shouldn't use some of them for the most delicious ice cream once in a while. Obviously not a wise choice if you're on 1500 a day, but it's different if you can have over 2000, before exercise. Admittedly, however, this is the kind of thinking that puts me in a place where I always meet my fat requirements but rarely my protein goals...Ho hum.)
Wow your really in control..i like it..Well done to you.
Quality matters...
I agree quality matters but it doesn't mean I'd eat less of it.
