Craving a Chocolate Bar or a Slice of Cake When You’re Down? It happens to the best of us. This common urge is deeply tied to what neuroscientists call the "habit loop." While it might sound technical, it’s actually a straightforward and fascinating process. Let’s take a closer look at this sugary cycle and uncover how to break free from it.
Picture this: You’ve had a rough day, or your stressed, or sad or maybe you’re simply bored. Your brain, acting like a well-meaning but misguided friend suggests, “Hey, you know what would fix this? Sugar!” Suddenly, you’re thinking about sweets. This is the trigger—an emotional or environmental cue that sets off the craving.
Next, you respond to the brain’s call by reaching for something sugary. Why sugar? It’s a brain-pleaser, lighting up pleasure centers and delivering a quick dose of feel-good vibes. This behavior (a quick emotional fix) reinforces the craving.
Here’s where your brain rewards you for giving in. That sugar hit feels amazing-briefly. It’s a temporary high that reinforces the habit loop. So, the next time you feel stressed, bored, or sad, your brain will prompt you to repeat the cycle.
The tricky part? This sugar high is short-lived and doesn’t address the underlying issue. You’re essentially playing emotional whack-a-mole with sugar as the hammer. It feels good in the moment but leaves the root cause unresolved. Breaking free from this loop requires awareness and intention. The next time you’re on the verge of a sugar raid, pause.
Ask yourself:
• “What’s really eating me?”
• “What do I truly need right now?”
Sometimes, the answer isn’t sugar but a genuine connection, a laugh, or even a
moment of movement like a quick dance session in your living room. Explore alternatives to sugar that bring joy and fulfillment.
Consider activities like:
• Picking up a creative hobby like painting or gardening.
• Practicing self-care with yoga, meditation, or a relaxing bath.
• Journaling, reading, or simply stepping outside for a short walk in nature.
The goal is to find activities that nourish you both physically and emotionally in your daily life. Over time, these practices can replace the fleeting comfort sugar provides with deeper, lasting satisfaction. It’s not just about cutting back on sugar—it’s about understanding your emotions. Are you actually hungry, or are you feeling lonely, bored, or stressed?
Learning to decode your emotions can lead to a more fulfilling solution than any cookie could provide.
So, the next time your brain whispers, “Sugar,” take a moment. Reflect on your feelings, make a conscious choice, and consider swapping the candy bar for something that nourishes your body and soul. Remember, it’s not about willpower or discipline—it’s about addressing the “why” behind the craving. You’ve got this! Life’s sweetest moments don’t always come wrapped in foil.
About Kerri
Kerri Pagliarini is a certified holistic health coach, speaker, and creator of The Sugar KO, a powerhouse series of programs that empowers women to RECLAIM control over their health—without restricting their diets, counting calories, or avoiding social situations. In her Sugar KO Cookbook, you’ll find a treasure trove of mouthwatering recipes crafted to conquer sugar cravings and create balance. And if you want a front-row seat to all things delicious, check out Kerri’s cooking show Health Hacks & Wine Racks on YouTube, where she and her co-host Bonni whip up healthier spins on beloved dishes, turning wellness into a fun (and tasty) experience. Say goodbye to sugar cravings and hello to a life of pure, feel-good flavor!
www.Empower-WellnessCoaching.com
Check out her book: https://a.co/d/7Ikn5PW
