The End of Overeating

I recently finished The End of Overeating by David Kessler, MD. This book has changed the way I think about food and overeating. Dr. Kessler does a fantastic job of highlighting the complex chemical reaction that occurs in our brain when we eat foods that have salt, fat and sugar. Not only does he use research studies but the personal stories from real-life people drive home how eating can take control of us.

Dr. Kessler goes on to write about how the food industry, especially food scientists, manipulate food to hit our “bliss point.” They purposefully create foods that drive us to crave more of similar types of foods. They are making food with sugar, fat and salt to make us eat more sugar, fat and salt. The result of this type of diet is literally growing all around us. Rates of obesity continue to rise and unless we change how we think about food, there may be no end in sight.

Finally, Dr. Kessler talks about “food rehab” and how we break this cycle. It is the first time that I’ve read a book, written by a doctor, that says everything that would make a dietitian proud. He emphasizes eating balanced meals that have lean protein and high fiber foods that help satisfy our hunger. He also talks about creating structure in our eating patterns to prevent us from making unconscious decisions about food.

Take the time to read this book. It will open your eyes to how our brains are affected by our high fat, sugar and salt diets. It made me realize that changing eating habits is not about will power, it’s about understanding how food can control our decisions the same way cocaine does for drug addicts. This is a must read for anyone struggling with overeating.