SUMMER CHICKPEA SALAD
ADDICTED BY DESIGN? The Secret Tricks in Your Snacks
This dish is light, refreshing, and packed with protein. It’s quick to make and perfect for picnics, lunches, or healthy, no-fuss dinners.
Ingredients
People in the U.S. are eating bad food like never before.
• 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 4 green onions, thinly sliced • 2 ears grilled corn, kernels cut from the cob • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 tbsp honey • 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed • 1 lime, zested and juiced
In 2001, research revealed that ultra-processed foods comprised more than 53% of calories consumed by the average American. Seventeen years later, that figure had ballooned to just under 60%. Why is this happening? Well, it may be that most people’s minds do not give their bodies the choice. While alcohol and nicotine are well-known addictive substances, it may surprise you to learn that the lunch you grab at a drive-thru may be just as habit-forming. CRAVINGS AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS. Our bodies’ inability to avoid unhealthy foods is more than just an example of weak willpower. A recent article on BuiltLearn.com examined the addictive quality of several foods that are difficult for people to resist despite their clear health risks and uncovered the real reasons why we struggle to keep bad stuff off our plates. For example, the article notes that research has revealed that the high sodium content in french fries makes humans highly sensitive to dopamine. This hormone regulates our brain’s sense of pleasure. Meanwhile, the caffeine in sodas stimulates the adrenal gland to produce adrenaline, prompting our bodies to experience unnatural high energy, and the desire to replenish this supply of vigor once the effects wear off. Similarly, our minds are often no match for salty and fatty potato chips, which stimulate our nerve endings to send signals to our hypothalamus, another part of our bodies responsible for making us feel positive emotions. A LEGAL BATTLE AGAINST BAD FOOD. Considering the addictive qualities of many of our country’s most popular foods, it’s no surprise that some companies responsible for making and marketing them are now facing potential legal consequences. Eleven major food companies — including Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, General Mills, and PepsiCo — are defendants in a major lawsuit filed last December alleging that they willingly sold ultra-processed products that contribute to severe health issues in underage consumers. The plaintiff in the suit, Pennsylvania resident Bryce Martinez, argues that his high junk food diet was a significant factor in his diagnosis of liver disease and diabetes at just 16 years old. Although the verdict has yet to be delivered, there’s already enough evidence to suggest that our bad food cravings are controlled by more than just our stomachs.
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onions, corn, tomatoes, basil, and chives. 2. Toss well with salt and pepper and set aside. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, add oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, lime juice, and zest. 4. Whisk until the mixture is warm and garlic begins sizzling. 5. Pour over the chickpea mixture and toss well to coat. 6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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