There is a reason why junk food only remains something we indulge in every once in a while and don’t make a meal out of it. Apart from the lack or the little nutritional value it offers, the fact that you feel suspiciously hungry despite binging on a meal of almost 1500 calories is a major part of it. But have you ever questioned the mysterious hunger you experience, despite devouring a day’s worth of calories?
In case you have, you’re in luck! Here's why.
According to studies, ‘satiety’ the mechanism that keeps us feeling full has less to do with caloric intake than it does with the intake of certain macronutrients ― types of protein, carbohydrates, and fat ― and the physical volume of food.
So, while you’re getting a huge supply of calories when you finish a pack of Oreos, you don’t necessarily get the nutrients your body needs for sustainable energy. And even though it may feel like a large volume of food, it moves through us quickly ― meaning the feeling of fullness fades soon after we eat.
The satiety level of food is partially due to its nutrient density, which refers to the ratio of nutrients to calories. Though highly caloric, junk foods supply a much lower amount of nutrients compared to the volume of food.
In other words, calories aren’t created equally.
It also must be noted that processed food manufacturers use cheap, low-quality ingredients that minimize nutrition and maximize profitability.
Suddenly the term, ‘junk food’ makes so much more sense!
