During lunchtime today, I made a quick trip to Barnes & Noble to scope out some new reading material.
I am in need of a book because I finished my current book earlier this week (The Five People You Meet in Heaven – very good!) and I want something to read on the plane for my weekend trip to Chicago.
I leave after work tomorrow to spend the long weekend in Chicago for my friend Leah’s bachelorette party and bridal shower! Leah and I have been friends since elementary school and several of the girls who were my bridesmaids are also bridesmaids in Leah’s wedding, so it’s going to be a blast to have the childhood gang back together again! I am so, so excited!
While at Barnes & Noble, I read the backs of many books, thinking I was in the mood for some kind of a novel. Eventually I realized I was more in the mood for a non-fiction and slightly educational book, so I took the advice of Rebecca who tweeted to me to pick up a copy of The End of Overeating by Dr. David A. Kessler.
The book, written by the former commissioner of the FDA, uses science and interviews with top physicians to “uncover the food industry’s aggressive marketing tactics and reveal shocking facts about how we lost control over food – and what we can do to get it back.”
I was most intrigued when I read that the book “shows us how our brain chemistry has been hijacked by the foods we most love to eat: those that contain stimulating combinations of fat, sugar and salt.”
I don’t know about you, but at times I find myself eating a ridiculous amount of food – particularly desserts – in one day or one sitting. I am a conscious eater, but sometimes once I start eating cookies, I can’t seem to stop until I feel sick from eating so many. I listen to my body and eat when I’m hungry, so I know my overload on sugary foods cannot be attributed to deprivation, and I’m interested to learn more about foods that may encourage these feelings and this kind of behavior. I’ve read a bit about the effects of sugar in particular and how eating a bit of sugar makes your body crave more and am hoping this book will educate me further. I’ll be sure to post a review once I’m finished reading!
Dinner
After work today, I headed home and met up with Ryan for our evening walk with Sadie. We walked for about 40 minutes before heading home to make dinner.
Since we had leftover taco chicken on hand from last night’s dinner, we made chicken veggie bowls!
This dinner was good, but not all that filling, so two smoothie bowls were whipped up about an hour after dinner.
In the mix:
- 1 1/4 c. almond milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tsp. butter and nut extract
- 1 pinch xanthan gum
- 1 c. frozen strawberries
- 1 large handful fresh spinach
Gotta love this healthier take on dessert!
Time to watch the first episode of So You Think You Can Dance with Ryan! I’m so glad this show is back!
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I thought this book was excellent! It really makes you think about what you eat and why.
That dinner looks awesome! I love “naked” tacos! I will add it to my list of Julie’s recipes to try! You always have good ones! Also, the book sounds like something I will put on my summer reading list. I, too, find myself eating too many desserts and fat-foods after I get hooked when I take a few bites. I never wanted them, but after a few bites, I can’t stop! Can’t wait to read your review.
I always have smoothies in the morning and for some reason never think to have one as my post-dinner snack. I really need to get on that!
My mom bought me this book awhile ago but I only read the first few chapters and for some reason couldn’t get into it. Let me know what you think of it…I feel like maybe I should give it another try.
also, i’m sure you guys have a packed weekend if it is for bachelorette party but street festivals have started and they are so much fun! you guys should check out the belmont/sheffield music fest if you have time!
Sounds like a good book! I’ll have to see if the local library has it 🙂
I will tell you that as a former compulsive over eater, and one that can still get into that behavior, I appreciate the idea that many food companies actually want you to become addicted to food. It makes me feel a sense of relief because I can say, hey, there isn’t something morally wrong with me. It may not make any sense to anyone, but if you’ve ever kept eating even when you wanted to stop, understanding how are bodies respond to sugar, lard, etc helps me be okay with myself.
It may not be a complete connection but I saw a Doctor who specializes in addiction discuss the brain responses to drug/food/addictive behaviors and it was interesting to understand how our brain responds to pleasure, especially artificially induced pleasure. It’s a controversial topic but some say it’s similar, some not, so you can take from it what you want.
Another GREAT book for people with overeating issues or just an unhealthy relationship with good in general is “Women, Food and God” by Geneen Roth. I read that book and LOVED IT. It really helped me have a plan of action and solution for dealing with overeating as opposed to just diagnosing the problem!
That looks like a great book, I love books focused on food and commercialism; Let us know how it is!
Also, love the wristley, I have the full size wallet in the same print 🙂 Vera Bradley love!
I heard there was a study about how people who have trouble overeating, will smell food and it will stimulate the same part of the brain that is stimulated in drug addicts. Crazy right?!?!
I just recently finished that book (bought it for my Nook). It was interesting, to be sure … but I was a little disappointed that after I slogged through all those scientific studies proving how we’re hard-wired to crave foods with salt, sugar and fat, there was no specific plan to actually put an “end to overeating.”
Hi Julie,
What did you end up thinking about that book?? I’ve seen it numerous times – but heard it was more science-related and the “why” – versus the fixing…which is what I desperately need…
I really admire your ability to acknowledge over-eating and not let it beat you up!!
I do binge-eat – which is different than just over-eating I know…and mine are worst than just “over-indulging” – I do it every day with (bags of) chocolate despite eating really healthy otherwise. It’s extra tough because I hate myself for it. And feel so disgusted. But the same happens the very next night! I lose control…so, yeah, your strength is admirable (despite different situations of course!).
Also – does that smoothie recipe make one or 2 servings?
i only read a couple of chapters before getting bored. 🙂 i wish i could provide more feedback about it! and that recipe is for ONE smoothie.
Thanks – I was hoping it was for one :0
Lol about the book – I think that’s what I was afraid of – thanks for your honestly.