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Have you ever noticed that your ‘skinny’ friend seems to be able to eat the dessert, hamburger, sandwich (insert whatever you perceive to be a ‘naughty’ food here) and it doesn’t seem to be a big deal. Sometimes you will hear them say, no I’m ok thanks, I don’t feel like dessert tonight. And other times they will get the item, eat it all, or unbelievably leave half behind because they are full or seem to lose interest!
You know that if you say no to the dessert, it’s not because you just didn’t feel like it, it’s because you have made the decision not to eat it this time and you then must use willpower to override the desire to change your mind.
When you do choose to eat the dessert after an internal battle has raged you are not eating the same dessert as your friend. Your friend is eating the ice-cream, enjoying something sweet and probably getting a little serotonin hit from the sweet and the enjoyment of a social experience.
You on the other hand are eating the ice-cream with a side serving of guilt, shame, feelings of failure and lots of stress hormones…….
Have you ever thought about the fact that the stress hormones you generate when you battle with yourself when having a ‘treat’ food may have more of an impact on any potential weight gain than the food itself?
There are so many factors at play when it comes to our desire for food. Genetics plays a big role in terms of your ability to produce the mood neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. You may naturally produce lower amounts, have nutrient deficiencies and or other lifestyle related issues that are blocking your ability to make adequate amounts of these feel-good neurotransmitters. As is always the case your body is trying to help you. In seeking to lift your mood you are biologically programmed to seek out sugar and carbs as these foods encourage serotonin production. It is not a lack of willpower or some other failure of you as a person but rather a biological need that can be driving these behaviours.
Addressing the underlying biochemical drivers and setting your body up for a smoother ride can make a big difference to not only how you feel about yourself but also make a positive impact on your mood, your energy, and your ability to feel comfortable in your clothes.
It’s never just about the food……
If you would like help untangling the reasons why, and working out a better plan going forward, I would love to help you.
