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Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions
304 pages, 2022
What if some of the decisions we make about what to eat are beyond our control? Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative reporter Michael Moss examines this question in his book Hooked: How Drugs Are Developed and Sold.
In his book, Moss reveals the truth about how food manufacturers use addiction to make money. He explains that our bodies are hardwired for sweets and that food giants have developed fifty-six types of sugar to add to their products, creating in us the expectation that everything should be cloying; we’ve evolved to prefer fast, convenient meals. Moss goes on to show how the processed food industry—including major companies like Nestlé, Mars, and Kellogg's—has tried not only to evade this troubling discovery about the addictiveness of food but to actually exploit it.
For instance, in response to recent dieting trends, food manufacturers have simply turned junk food into junk diets; they fill grocery stores with "diet" foods that are hardly distinguishable from the products that got us into trouble in the first place.
In 'Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions', the author explores the concept of food addiction. He explains how certain foods, especially those high in sugar, fat, and salt, can trigger the same response in our brains as addictive drugs. This is a key point to understand if you're struggling with unhealthy eating habits.
The book also digs into the role of big food companies in perpetuating food addiction. The author reveals how these corporations use science and marketing strategies to make their products irresistible. It's a shocking look into the food industry that might make you rethink your grocery list.
One of the most interesting parts of the book is where the author discusses the concept of free will in relation to our food choices. He argues that our ability to make healthy choices is often undermined by the addictive nature of processed foods. This is a thought-provoking perspective that challenges the idea that eating healthily is simply a matter of willpower.
The author doesn't just focus on individual food addiction, but also looks at the wider impact on public health. He shows how the tactics used by food giants contribute to widespread health issues like obesity and diabetes. If you're interested in public health, this book provides a compelling argument for stricter regulation of the food industry.
Finally, the book doesn't just highlight problems, but also suggests solutions. The author provides practical advice on how to resist the lure of addictive foods and make healthier choices. If you're looking to change your eating habits, 'Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions' can provide valuable guidance.