Sweetness, Food Addiction, And Overweight: A Study Denying A Connection?

Here is a paper from several years ago that goes against "conventional wisdom" arguing that:

...sugary foods contribute minimally to 'food dependence' and increased risk of weight gain. Instead, they are consistent with the current scientific notion that food energy density, and the unique individual experience of eating, plays an important role in determining the reward value of food and promoting excessive energy intake.

I think we need to look at additional studies for conformation or refutation, considering the importance of sugar in the American diet and American obesity.  No doubt of course "high food density" is the most important thing and a combination of high fat and sweetness - indeed identified in this study as a problem - may be a particular "villain" here.

Extract your sweet tooth

I had to crawl all the way into my deep kitchen cabinet to take a picture of these today. I have not touched them for months...

I am always on the lookout for useful advice that helps people quit sugar. I just found this article with some practical ideas on how to approach the sugar addiction.

I believe that the transition to a life without added sugar should be gradual. The transitional period requires training of your palate. 

For example, recipes such as these for healthier brownies and bulgur could be useful during the adjustment period.  By now, my family is so used to no sugar-loaded desserts, that my baked apples for Thanksgiving elicited the most favorable compliments about my cooking skills. 

I reserve recipes with very little added sugar, such as these for a chocolate pudding and chocolate-walnut clusters only for two or three holidays a year. 


Actionable
Take baby steps - this coming weekend, prepare one of these desserts and next time you have a sugar craving, try your own products first.