Remember Lay's "Bet you can't eat just one" ads? How about Pringles' "Once you pop, you can't stop" commercials? Turns out there may be more truth behind both campaigns than we ever imagined.

Foods made from refined sugar and flour could be just as addictive as tobacco, according to a new study from New Zealand's Auckland Regional Public Health Service. "This rush of sugar stimulates the same areas of the brain that are involved with addiction to nicotine and other drugs," according to lead researcher Dr. Simon Thornley.

Another study conducted at Princeton supports this conclusion. Researchers found that rats suffer sugar cravings when forced to go without it, then binge on sugar water when it is offered again, much like drug addicts craving a drug fix. Sounds about like us after trying the grapefruit/rice cake diet for a week!

While scientists recommend reducing the intake of refined carbs (white bread, rice, pasta and cereal), you can also combat the addictive effect by combining them with vinegar, lemon juice, fat, protein or high-fiber foods -- say, putting some peanut butter on your toast. This will slow down the carb-induced sugar rush and fight future cravings.

Tell us: What's your poison? Have you ever noticed the addictive effect of carbs?