Many years ago the Lays Potato Chip company had a commercial bragging that “You can never eat just one.” Of course, they were right—but that goes for any ultra-processed food.
Over the years, food companies have become even better at manipulating our behavior. Here is their playbook:
1. Make It Rewarding
We evolved in a world of feast or famine, so it’s no surprise that we are wired to want foods that offer a promise of high energy. The food industry knows this, and creates products with high levels of stimulating chemicals so that it’s almost impossible to eat just one.
2. Make It Social
Many parties and occasions revolve around eating—pizza and wings; chips and dip. The food industry has been able to turn ultra-processed food into a social norm, It can be very hard to walk away from highly processed foods at a social gathering without someone asking, “Are you on a diet?”
3. Make It Convenient
The food industry takes advantage of our desire for convenience by steering us to products that are easily available, easy to eat, and easy to crave.
4. Make It About You
How many times have you heard, “You can eat whatever you want as long as it’s in moderation”? Sorry, but you can’t moderate the part of your brain that assumes you’re going to starve unless you eat that raspberry-filled, sugar-glazed donut with sprinkles. Do NOT rely on moderation when it comes to foods that you crave.
