When was the last time you promised yourself that you’ll stop eating junk foods? I know, the struggle is real! And let’s be honest; there are certain foods that are just too hard to resist even though you know they’re bad news. Check out these 10 addictive junk foods that are pure comfort (but have a dark side).
10. Milkshake
How can you resist this sippable, creamy, and customizable treat? Milkshake is a symbol of classic diner culture, evoking that sense of nostalgia in every sip. The problem with this treat is it’s typically high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar, which all contribute to weight gain. Also, good luck controlling your calorie intake when you add some mix-ins like chocolate chunks and cookies.
9. Ice Cream
What’s better than milkshake? Ice cream! More specifically, butter pecan and cookie dough flavors. But while a serving of ice cream has fewer calories, sugar, and fat, both frozen treats should be consumed in moderation. Ice cream is also considered an ultra-processed food, which has been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
8. Sugary Breakfast Cereals
Are you seeing a pattern here? Foods high in sugar are totally addictive; your favorite breakfast cereals included. That sugar found in the cereals tricks your brain into wanting more. The brain views sugar as a reward, making it hard to break the habit. It’s also difficult to let go of the convenience because who’s always in the mood to make breakfast from scratch?
7. Hot Dogs
Summertime cookout trips aren’t complete without hot dogs. And if you’re like me, you’d also want your hot dogs with mustard all over or piled high with pickles and onions. What else are piled up in hot dogs? Sadly, lots of sodium and saturated fats, which are both linked to heart disease. Studies have also shown that eating high amounts of processed meat can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
6. Pretzels
Pretzels can turn into anything you want them to be: soft or crunchy, large or small, savory or sweet, plain or flavored. What’s not to love? If you’re not satisfied with the overall taste, you can always season the pretzels with cheese, salt, sugar, or cinnamon. But be warned; fiberless carbs in pretzels could trigger your blood glucose levels to spiral upwards.
5. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls never fail to tempt with their pillowy dough enriched with warming spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. However, eating just one roll will get you close to your daily recommended intake for fat and sugar. I know that sugary frosting is the “cherry on top” but it also significantly increases the overall sugar content of a cinnamon roll.
4. Donuts
In addition to high sugar content, the easy-to-eat texture contributes to the appeal of donuts. That’s why you should be more careful around smaller donuts as it’s easier to overeat them without realizing it. Cronut (donut-croissant hybrid) is even worse because just one piece of it could exceed your daily saturated fat and sugar limit.
3. Bagel with Cream Cheese
Here’s a surprising fact: bagel with cream cheese is no better than a donut. Sure, the food quality could be better since the former will leave you feeling fuller. But bagel with cream cheese actually has higher calorie content than a glazed donut from Dunkin’. Everything with refined flour isn’t good for you because they’re nutritionally empty.
2. Peanut Butter Cups
The sweet and smooth chocolate contrasted by the salty and crumbly peanut butter is such an exciting experience for the taste buds! This pretty much explains why there’s unmatched consumer love for the brand REESE’S. The thing is, these peanut butter cups aren’t an everyday thing. They deliver basic carbs and fats all right, but they’re basically a sugar bomb.
1. Potato Chips
No junk food list is complete without potato chips. These are the next best alternative to French fries, and what most people love is that chips are more shelf-stable than fries. You can just grab them and go when that craving strikes! Too bad, potato chips are just fried carbs with fat and added salt. The cooking method (frying) also degrades the nutrients you could have gotten from the potato.
There’s nothing wrong with a little junk food. Just make sure it’s within moderation otherwise if you’re in the USA, you may need see our friend for a little buccal fat removal nyc. Just kidding.