Some interesting reading...

So for today's post I decided to let you in on some interesting reading I have been doing. First, a continuation of Sunday's post on moderation. I was reading this article after I had already posted titled "Are You Hooked?" It was all about soft addictions- things that are an escape from uncomfortable feelings that aren't life-threatening like alcohol or drugs. Like eating because you are bored, excessively surfing the web because you are lonely, shopping because you are unhappy with what you have, etc. "When you understand what soft addictions enable you to avoid- and when you learn to control these cravings- you're more likely to get what you really want out of life." I loved that- hello moderation, right? :)

Interestingly enough, most people do not have a hard time admitting that they have a soft addiction, unlike those that have a hard addiction. The real question is if they think/realize it is bad enough to stop. One method they encourage is for you to list some of your frequent behaviors, then jot down how you feel before, during, and after you engage in the addictive behavior. Once you identify why you are, say, overeating, you can satisfy that need in other ways and stop being a slave!

Now, on to my real interesting reading at the moment. I have been rereading Food Politics- it is a book I read in college for my Sociology of Health class; it isn't a textbook, but it isn't exactly light reading either. The author does say that she is aiming it towards non-nutrition professionals. It is a look at how the food industry affects our diet...and if you think they don't, just read the book.

Food companies are in a competitive

marketplace in the US and they will do anything to make their products sell. These same food companies give lots of money to government officials meaning that no matter how much research comes to the conclusion that we simply need to eat less, that will never be the recommendation. It also shows how misguided our beloved Food Guide Pyramid is. It is all quite insane.

I remember loving it while I was in school, but couldn't remember a lot of the specifics and it was just taunting me by sitting on the shelf. Now, I can't put it down. Not only is it informational and eye-opening, but it is motivating as well. I feel a renewed sense of "I'm going to make the right food choices no matter what" after reading it. :) Now although the book was written in 2002 and is already somewhat out of date I am sure, I would encourage all of you to pick it up...and even if you don't, I am sure I will be providing many fun facts as I read through it! :) Or you can take a look at the author's website and blog at www.foodpolitics.com.