This is far more than some philosophical discussion. America is standing at a precipice. Two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese . . . and those numbers are growing every day. Our health care system is going broke, the average 9 year old child in our country has half their arteries closed by fat, people are having heart attacks in their thirties, diabetes in their twenties. This research, which began as an interesting article, quickly became imperative.

Here is what I found:

As I discuss in my book, Why W Eat . . . and why we keep eating, there are numerous ways in which the body signals the brain to switch the appetite center off and on. Sugary foods trigger an endorphin reaction, which, as we have explained previously induces feelings of euphoria. Sugary foods, and foods high on the glycemic scale, also signal the release of insulin, which causes food cravings. Protein high in saturated fats trigger endorphin release, while foods low in saturated fat trigger the release of CCK, a hormone that signals the brain to shut down the appetite center. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish curb the appetite. Monosaturated fats in olive oil, nuts, and free-ranging animals shut down the appetite. Fiber expands the stomach that turns off the appetite. Chocolate is a powerful endorphin trigger.

Now comes new research by Dr. Alan Hirsch, M.D., a neurologist and founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, in Chicago. Dr. Hirsch has uncovered some amazing facts. He explains that the taste and smell of the foods we eat can effectively turn off the appetite center in the brain. His research showed that certain smells caused overweight people to reduce their cravings, and therefore eat less. He found that foods cooked with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs and spices satisfy the appetite more completely.

So, lets combine what we know concerning fast food. First, they are high in saturated fat, which is one of the strongest endorphin releasers. Two, sugar, another endorphin trigger, is used liberally in fountain drinks and shakes. Three, all breads and buns contain gluten, another famous endorphin trigger. Four, many of the foods (think French fries) are high on the glycemic scale. Five, most of the foods available in fast food chains are not cooked with any of the spices (see above) that signal the satiety center in the brain to shut down the appetite.

Fast food chains use all of the available tricks to get you to eat their fare . . . and to keep eating. We have to fight back with the knowledge of how they do it, and to have ready alternatives at hand. Our book, Why We Eat . . . and why we keep eating, provides you with the information and the motivation to use the information! There's a synergy that occurs when you've got the info, the inspiration, and the products that minimize your appetite so you can regain control of your diet and your life. Our proprietary line of products can help you to get and keep control of your appetite and rev up your metabolism so you can lose weight even when you're not on an exercise program.

Tid-Bit: The power of pistachios

A new study found that pistachios contain a significant amount of lutein, an antioxidant that may play a major role in preventing cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein is commonly found in dark green leafy vegetables and fruits and vegetables that are yellow or orange. One ounce serving of pistachios contains about the same amount of lutein as one-forth a cup of fresh broccoli.