Appetite: A desire (longing, craving) for food or drink. Having motivation to consume a food or drink that contains calories.
Americans, as a rule, are in bondage to their persistent appetites for “problem foods”. In fact, the typical American appetite is more foe than friend. Just look around to see the evidence. Americans love to eat! And the food industry capitalizes on this human weakness by offering us sweet and savory delights that are literally devastating to our health.
Appetite goes far beyond the stomach-growling ache we know as “hunger”… you know, the gnawing feeling when our stomach is “crying” for food. Appetite is actually any motivation or desire to put calorie-containing substances into our mouths. It is increasingly rare for us in the U.S. to be so “hungry” that our stomach is in pain. Since food is literally everywhere and readily available, we choose to avoid that feeling by eating in advance.
by Emily Farris, Kansas City Enhance Health & Wellness Magazine, Jan-Feb 2011
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“If only I wouldn’t have had that first French fry…”If any of those statements sound familiar, you’ve probably blamed your willpower, or lack thereof, for excess weight at some point in your life. But Dr. Rick Tague, M.P.H. and founder of the Center for Nutrition and Preventative Medicine in Leawood and Topeka, Kansas, would tell you to stop being so hard on yourself. In fact, he says willpower has very little, if nothing, to do with weight.
By Dr. Rick Tague
Glycemic Index (GI) is an effective way to measure a carbohydrate-containing food’s effect on blood sugar. Some foods produce a higher blood sugar level than others. Low glycemic index foods generally have less of an impact on blood sugar levels because their carbohydrates break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream.
By Dr. Rick Tague
I usually ask patients why they think they’re overweight. Too often the answer is predictable. “I don’t have self-control.” Or, “I’m too lazy to exercise.” The fact is that overweight individuals are typical of all Americans. 95% of Americans do not exercise regularly, even though everyone is aware of the benefits.
So, not exercising is not the cause of obesity. Otherwise, 95% of Americans would be obese! And, I’ve never seen any research to support the notion that overweight individuals suffer from a lack of “self-control”. They tend to be successful in their careers, their families, and in their personal lives. After treating thousands* of patients, I have not seen that lack of self control is any more common in overweight individuals.