Why Can’t You Stop Eating JUNK Food? Science Explains

It’s that time of the night. You could sleep. But you also crave the most decadent sensations that junk food has to offer. Almost automatically, you step towards your pantry or place your order in the hope of satisfying your cravings. And you are rarely disappointed. Sounds familiar?

Junk Food. We all love indulging in it. And most of us hate ourselves 20 minutes after we have finished. But why exactly can’t you stop eating it? Luckily, science has the answers. Read on to find out more.

Food Availability
It’s all about convenience when it comes to junk food. When it’s right there at your fingertips, you will go for it. Willpower rarely stands a chance. Even if you have bought it for guests, as occasional treats, or for special occasions. It just needs to be in your immediate environment and you are likely to be drawn to it, due to its easy availability.

Watching Others Eat
We are social animals and creatures of association. When you see someone else eating, no matter if you are hungry or not, you are very likely to eat too. And this is especially true when it comes to being in the presence of people who overeat or eat unhealthy foods. It is almost as though your brain permits you to indulge since others are doing it. This makes being healthy in an unhealthy environment or community, so much more difficult.

Negative Emotions
Emotions play a major role in our need to indulge in junk foods. Especially when it comes to negative emotions. Whether it be feeling, sad, depressed, or even stressed, for most people snacking on junk food is just an unhealthy way to soothe themselves. Unfortunately, this is a learned behavior with people around us along with television and media encouraging us from a young age to eat certain foods that are usually unhealthy, to feel better.

Being Bored
Boredom is one of the biggest causes of indulging in easy-to-access junk food, which explains why so many people end up snacking all by themselves, late at night, while passively consuming entertainment on their television screens. On the other hand, engaging in activities results in both fewer meals and reduced snacking. Similarly, being around family and friends also greatly improves eating habits and reduces the consumption of junk food. So next time, grab your phone instead of a bag of chips and connect with your family or friends.