" PCT news interrupts your programming to bring you this special report. An invisible attacker is hitting America with victims reaching in the five digits & counting. While the mysterious marvel hits throughout the year, special investigators are seeing an increase in attacks as we start the new year. Those following the attacker hypothesize New Year's resolutions involving weight loss, eating healthy, & swearing off all things tasty are to blame for the drastic incline of victims. Our news reporter has nabbed an interview with the top detective. Let's go there now...."
PCT reporter: "Thanks PCT news, I am here today with Detective Pabulum. Mr. Pabulum, could you please give us some insight as to who this invisible attacker is, & what exactly do they want with us?!"
Detective Pabulum: "Certainly! The goal of this attacker is to de-rail our healthy life style changes. You see, this perplexing phenomenon Causes Rational Adults to Inhale Non-nutritious Grub at alarming rates. We've deemed the culprit CRAVING for short. We know it can attack anyone, at anytime, in any place. Surveys done have shown 100% of women & 70% of men were victims last year (webmd). A craving attack can lead to binge eating episodes which can lead to obesity & eating disorders."
PCTR: "Sounds serious! Will you please elaborate on how we become victims?!"
DP: "Well this is one very skilled predator. Instead of taking you down with strength, it takes over your mind. Hunger doesn't play a role in food cravings. A food craving combines body, brain, & chemicals to attack. Actually, the dopamine stimulation & chemical reward you obtain from satisfying a food craving has been compared to drug addiction because both behaviors follow similar neurological pathways (howstuffworks.com). "
PCTR: "Well you don't say! I always thought if I craved food it meant I was lacking in some sort of nutrient?"
DP: "Nope, actually scientists have ruled out the myth that cravings are your bodies' way of letting you know what specific nutrient you lack in your diet. In fact, most food cravings arise to satisfy an emotional need. You are most likely going to be blindsided by a craving if you are highly stressed or anxious. Another high stakes result of a food craving is boredom with your diet. This is why it is extremely important to amp up the flavors in your meals. This is the reason why so many of us are hit with food cravings at this time of the year. In order to reach our new resolutions we weed our diet down to the same thing for breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Doing this is a sure fire way to be on the hit list."
PCTR: "So what advice do you recommend to avoid being another number for this ferocious attacker?"
DP: "Well, like I mentioned earlier, add variety to your menu! Oatmeal, salads, & chicken are not the only way to reach your goals! It is all about making sure calories in = calories out. Most importantly, give into the food craving every once in awhile - just watch your portion size. Constantly depriving yourself of any sort of treat is setting yourself up for failure. Saying "no" too often will more than likely leave you with a bellyache as you successfully nosh on the entire candy isle. Lastly, try not to let yourself get too hungry! Have healthy snacks ready and on hand. If you're hit by the sweet craving, opt for low fat yogurt with fruit or a piece of dark chocolate. Salty calling your name?! Try a 100 calorie pack of popcorn or a handful of nuts or pretzels."
PCTR: "Thanks so much detective Pabulum! You certainly saved a few 100 people from falling victim to this ever stalking attacker. We will certainly be on guard for an attack & hopeful that the tips you provided will help keep us from having to dump the plump yet another year. Back to you PCT news!"
