3 Tricks to Break Your Junk Food Addiction

 

Michael Roizen, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD

 

Not long ago we saw a headline that perked up our spirits. It read, "Doughnut chain’s next-year forecast falls short." Healthier days ahead, right? Wrong. Further reading revealed the fried-dough seller’s profits actually grew by 34%. It was just that financial forecasters thought they would do even better! People, wake up! This stuff is killing you!

"But, Doc," you say, "I have to have it. Just one!" We know how hard it is to go cold turkey and we want to help you get over your junk food addiction as fast as you can. Try these three tricks.

Related: Give your favorite junk foods a makeover.

Trick #1: Schedule snacks two to three hours after each meal. Then you won't get blindsided by fat and sugar cravings -- that’s what a fast food addiction is, after all. You can block those urges by eating (instead of a doughnut) plain, lowfat Greek yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit (no sugar added) or some lean protein, such as sliced turkey. This keeps blood sugar levels steady -- easing cravings -- and helps you lose weight!

Related: Revamp your snack habits.

Trick #2: Become a label reader. Stay clear of anything with added sugars or syrups, trans or saturated fats. And beware of power/energy/nutrition bars and energy drinks: they may contain taurine, sugar, excess fats (even good fats have 9 calories/gram), and sometimes alcohol.

Trick #3: Choose smart sweets. Dried (prunes) or fresh fruit (cherries) give you the sugar boost you're looking for and benefit your bones and cardiovascular system. Nuts (walnuts, almonds) are loaded with protein and healthy, appetite-satisfying fats. Eating nuts can improve your vision, too.