The Sign Made Me Eat All Those Corn Dogs

Photo: Mark Strozier / Istock

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A growing body of research is taking the responsibility for our worst eating habits off our shoulders (and paunches). All together now: "It's not me. It's the advertising."

More than advertising, the environment around food is manipulated in subtle and, as we all know, effective ways. God help me, I want a caramel Frappuccino, and make it venti!

"Several recent studies, papers and a popular weight-loss book argue that eating is an automatic behavior triggered by environmental cues that most people are unaware of – or simply can't ignore," the L.A. Times reported.

The most unnatural of foods often scream loudest. Highly processed, over-sugared and hyper-salted, these are the foods that do the most to damage our bodies, not to mention the environment.

But it takes an epic fight against our own nature to avoid this kind of manipulation. And though some experts believe the problem is so big only government regulation can save us from ourselves, others have managed to transform our eating habits. Consider this: Fresh fruits and vegetables rarely advertise themselves. If the noise of the grocery store, food court or roadside billboard becomes too loud, train your ear for the whispers from the produce aisle. That's real food.

Or heed Michael Pollan's latest mantra: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

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