Did you know that food companies hire food scientists to create tastes and textures in food that are difficult to resist?
Craving doesn't just happen to food addicts. Most of us have experienced having the impulse to seek out and consume a favorite snack. Food companies know this because they have done the necessary research to make it happen.
According to CBC, an investigative journalist of NY Times, Michael Moss claimed that food companies rely on deep science to understand how people are attracted to food and how they can make their food attractive to consumers.
Product Optimization
According to the NY Times, product optimization is the process wherein food engineers manipulate a litany of variables to find the perfect version of a product.
Howard Moskowitz, a food-industry legend who studied mathematics and holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Harvard, is known to run a consulting firm located in New York.
He "optimized" various products for Campbell Soup, General Foods, Kraft, and PepsiCo for over three decades. With so many brands consulting the science he pioneered, he came up with his own term to describe this kind of craving, which is referred to as "sensory-specific satiety."
He explained that this is the tendency of distinct flavors to overwhelm a person's brain, which results in your desire to have more. It has become the guiding principle of some notable brands in the food industry, such as Doritos and Coca-Cola.
They have discovered complex formulas that pique the consumers' taste buds that contributed to their products' success.
Ways To Reduce Food Cravings
1. Avoid skipping meals.
Under-eating can make food cravings worse. It can be avoided by spreading meals out as evenly as possible throughout the day.
2. Eat enough protein, fiber, & healthy fat.
Your diet should contain plenty of lean sources of protein to help reduce cravings. It can make you feel satisfied and full for a more extended period.
3. Keep the food you crave out of the house.
This may be overly simple, but it turns out to be surprisingly effective. If you want to make healthy choices, only keep healthy foods inside the house.
4. Keep yourself hydrated.
Plenty of water intake throughout your day is proven to have many health benefits. Additionally, drinking a large glass of water can help cravings fade away.
5. Eat in small portions.
To help avoid cravings and overeating, it will be better to satisfy yourself with a small or a portion-controlled treat.
6. Reduce your stress level.
Stress may promote emotional eating and cravings for comfort foods. Try to reduce stress by planning, meditating, taking a break, and slowing down.
7. Get enough sleep.
Inadequate sleep can also lead to food cravings and overeating. To avoid this, getting adequate sleep may be one of the most powerful ways to prevent cravings.
8. Eat something healthy instead.
You can also easily satisfy your food cravings by choosing a more nutritious option. Go for something low-fat or fat-free, such as yogurt, pureed fruit, or buttermilk, or eat a piece of fruit as a healthy snack.
