Everything In Moderation
I absolutely LOVE a double cheeseburger from McDonald’s – that’s the first time I’ve used capitals for a while, so it must be important! – however, I’m not ashamed to admit it. They are simply divine. I don’t know why – It’s the taste, yes, that’s numero uno, but there is something about those burgers which I crave.
It might be because as a child, my time spent in those restaurants was limited due to my parents wanting me to eat healthy as they were looking after me – Now I am well into adulthood, my rebellious side has evolved and I am eating what I damn well please!
With the 40th anniversary of my birth approaching next year, I am, contrary to the opinions of friends and family, slowly beginning to mature. Life is making me realise everything is best in moderation – Nobody want’s to eat or do the same thing every single day – It would get boring and extremely monotonous exceptionally quickly.
I am not a scientific researcher, nor am I licensed to give advice on nutrition – However, I am sure eating a double-cheeseburger once a week is absolutely fine for the body – I am 99.999% sure. It’s when it becomes habitual, is it then rendered a problem.
The Intrinsic Link
This incredible-tasting fast food doesn’t cause mental health, but there are significant links between the two.
Research has found associations between foods which are ultra-processed (high contents of sugar and fat) and conditions such as anxiety and depression. On the flip side, mental health conditions can also influence eating habits, rendering this a two-way street which nobody really wants to turn into.
The Vicious Circle
We turn to junk food in times of mental health desperation. Feeling low can drive us towards fatty and sugar-ridden consumables as we seek that dopamine fix (quick mood boost). While it may provide temporary comfort, the aftermath can be detrimental, often leaving us with feelings of lethargy, low-mood, general poor wellbeing and regret.
The more we consume the more we crave – The ‘mood-boosting’ feelings associated with these delightful little treats are a trap – Every bite we take, they remind us of the euphoria-like state we felt during the last time we experienced them.
It’s almost like it can be an addiction. Oh yes, it is.
Anything which consistently provides the mind with a good feeling, time and time again, we are naturally going o return to – fast food, porn, gambling, sex, spending money – The list is endless – and the scope of addiction can vary, considerably, depending on the person.
Remember! Everything in moderation, or it becomes dangerous.
