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What bliss point is and how it affects our food choices
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1. Hazards associated with the use of bliss point in food
The use of the bliss point concept in food production carries a number of health and social risks as it can have a negative impact on public health and consumer nutritional habits.2. Excessive consumption of calories
As a result, physiological signals, such as stomach filling, cease to be the main regulator, and instead food intake is driven primarily by intense taste experiences. Zhang, E.L. In the context of bliss point theory, excessive calorie intake results from a combination of ingredients that maximize sensory pleasure unrelated to the body's actual need for nutrients and energy.3. Increased risk of obesity and chronic disease
Zhang, E.L. Excessive consumption of bliss-point-optimized products that are high in calories as well as high in simple carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids and artificial additives can lead to a disruption of the body's energy balance. Giovannucci 2022) It can also promote fat deposition and the development of obesity, which is a major risk factor for many metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease (Y).4. Disorders of taste perception and changes in dietary preferences
Long-term consumption of such products can lead to addiction to certain flavors and make it significantly harder to return to a more balanced diet (F. Dando 2021). Early acclimatisation to foods with clear and intense flavor can increase the risk of developing unhealthy eating habits, which may lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease later in life (S. Fatty foods such as sweets, fast foods, or snacks can outweigh flavor balances, and the body can get used to less intense flavors.5. Emotional dependence on food and eating disorders
Over time, the body begins to associate food with a reward and may develop an emotional dependence on food. Such dependence is cyclical because after initial satisfaction, there is a decline in mood that causes the body to reach for food again, creating a false circle. These disorders affect one's body perception, lower self-esteem, and promote anxiety and depression. Romero-Blanco et al. 2021). In their frequent study, reward mechanisms in the brain are activated, which begin to trigger a nervous breakdown, resulting in the formation of a false cycle.6. Read the product labels
Try to limit your intake of foods that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats to products that are as short as possible. The key is to read the labels carefully and pay attention to the composition of the products.7. Practice mindful eating
Avoid eating in front of the television or computer and listen to your body. Mindful eating is a practice that allows you to regain control of your eating habits. Eat when you're really hungry, not out of boredom or emotional impulse.8. Learn to recognize true hunger
And the distinction between physical hunger and emotional hunger is crucial in the process of conscious eating. Physical hunger comes gradually, and it's associated with the body's natural signals, like a lump in your stomach or a drop in energy. Emotional hunger, on the other hand, comes suddenly, and often comes from the need to improve your mood. Before you get to a snack, ask yourself, 'Am I really hungry, or am I just looking for comfort in food?'9. Take care of your emotional balance
Awareness of the impact of the food industry on food choices allows you to make more informed choices that support not only physical health but also mental well-being. It's worth developing strategies to reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, walking, or talking to loved ones, so as not to treat food as a way to improve your mood. Unconscious eating is often the result of a lack of emotional management skills.
