When we talk to our patients about this they often wonder if simply changing the composition of their meals can actually help decrease cravings. In our experience it most certainly does. And now there is scientific research to back up the claim.
Your Brain Addicted To Sugar and Fat
Recent studies have shown that a diet high in processed sugar and fat can actually stimulate the brain’s dopamine pathway – the pleasure-sensing area of the brain. Over time the brain will want more of certain stimuli (in this case, high sugar and fat items) that light up this pathway. Hence, overeating occurs as a result of the learned behavior of consuming high sugar and fat items that are so common in the American diet. This behavior is now being coined as “hypereating”.
What is the solution?
Researchers are suggesting that people learn how to retrain the brain to resist these cravings and the desire to eat large amounts of these foods. This can be quite a difficult task for Americans considering they are bombarded with processed, high sugar, high fat items in grocery stores, restaurants, fast food billboards, etc. Retraining your brain can prove to be difficult and frustrating. But with the right guidance, anyone can achieve this goal.
By cooking with different proteins, carbohydrates, good fats, herbs, spices, etc, a variety of tastes can be experienced. In fact once people begin to experience tastes other than sweetness, they can retrain their brains to enjoy a variety of tastes: salty, sour, bitter, savory, spicy and sweet.
We have seen this happen time and time again! Marinate chicken in some garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey and Dijon. Vegetables can be roasted in olive oil, salt, pepper and toss with lemon juice or vinegar. There are a million possibilities and flavor combinations – your meals can be delicious and satisfying and leave you without the craving for something sweet after dinner. You just have to learn how to experience all of the flavors out there. Check out our recipes on this website for examples of recipes that include flavorful ingredients. Ready to get started?