Two Reactions to Cake

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is causing way too much obesity in the US.  Endurance athletes wouldn't be able to even function on this diet in my opinion.  We consume way too many empty calories.  In many parts of the world they eat meals that consist of smaller portions but also of far fewer processed foods.  I struggle with portion control sometimes however I have in general a much more nutritious diet than the vast majority of folks.  Many of my running buddies have gotten their weight under control but my be missing out on important nutrients by not eating enough fresh fruits and veggies.  It all comes down to 2 things.  Eat less.  Eat Better.

Today I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal (Eating to Live or Living to Eat? - WSJ.com) about why it is that some folks can't seem to resist certain foods while others can easily pass. Scientist studying sophisticated brain-imaging technology better understand how the lure of delicious food can overwhelm the body's built-in mechanism to regulate hunger and fullness, what's called "hedonic" versus "homeostatic" eating.

One thing is clear: Obese people react much more hedonistically to sweet, fat-laden food in the pleasure and reward circuits of the brain than healthy-weight people do. Simply seeing pictures of tempting food can light up the pleasure-seeking areas of obese peoples' brains.