IT’S NOT JUST A LACK OF WILLPOWER The Real Psychology Behind Cravings
Do you ever find yourself reaching for chocolate late at night or suddenly craving salty chips in the middle of the afternoon? You’re not alone and definitely not “lacking willpower.” Food cravings are a complex mix of biology, psychology, and emotional cues, and understanding them can help you respond in healthier, more intentional ways. CRAVINGS ARE A UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE. Studies show that over 90% of people experience food cravings, with women more likely to crave sweet foods like chocolate, and men more often craving savory options like meat or pizza. So, if you’ve ever thought you were alone in your cravings, know that this is a near-universal human experience. YOUR BRAIN’S REWARD SYSTEM IS DRIVING THE URGE. Cravings often originate in the brain’s limbic system, responsible for behavior, emotion, and long-term memory. When
you’re stressed or low, your brain searches for a quick dopamine hit, the “feel-good” chemical. Foods high in sugar, fat,
craving salty foods can indicate dehydration or a lack of electrolytes. That said, it’s essential to pause and assess. Not every craving means your body needs that exact food.
or salt can deliver that boost quickly, which is why comfort foods are hard to resist.
MEMORIES AND EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS PLAY A ROLE. Many food cravings are tied to learned behaviors
PROCESSED FOODS FOSTER ADDICTION. Research from the
University of Michigan has shown that highly processed foods can stimulate the brain’s reward centers in ways similar to addictive
and emotional associations. If you were rewarded with sweets as a child, your brain might now
associate ice cream with comfort or safety. These conditioned patterns are powerful, but you can reprogram them. Food cravings aren’t just about what’s in the pantry. They’re about what’s happening in your brain, body, and emotions. When you understand the drivers of your cravings, you can make choices that support your well- being instead of fighting these urges blindly.
substances. That’s why stopping after one cookie or chip can feel nearly impossible — the brain is wired to want more. CRAVINGS MAY SIGNAL PHYSICAL NEEDS. Not all cravings are emotional. Sometimes, your body is genuinely trying to tell you something. For example, craving chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency, while
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YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO A HOLIDAY GLOW
Are you ready to look and feel your best just in time for holiday parties, family photos, and candid moments under the mistletoe? This three-month glow-up plan, put together by Loreen, our board-certified injector and family nurse practitioner, will help you build, refine, and perfect your look step-by-step so your confidence will shine as brightly as the lights when the holidays arrive. SEPTEMBER — BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION September is all about recovery and renewal. After months of sun, sweat, and sunscreen, your skin is likely feeling the effects of summer. Now’s the time to reset. • Laser treatments and microneedling are fantastic for repairing sun damage, improving texture, and boosting collagen production. • Kick off your Sculptra journey to gradually restore facial volume and stimulate your skin’s natural collagen over time.
• Consider a chemical peel to slough off dull summer skin and reveal a brighter complexion. • If you’re looking for a lift without surgery, PDO thread lifts can tighten and define with little downtime. • Update your medical-grade skin care routine to combat sun damage and deeply hydrate. Moisture is key as the weather starts to shift. OCTOBER — REFINE AND ENHANCE Now that your skin is refreshed, it’s time to fine-tune those features. • Neurotoxins like Botox or Dysport can smooth fine lines and prevent deeper wrinkles just in time for the colder months. • Dermal fillers add volume where needed in areas such as your cheeks, under- eyes, or smile lines. • Give your skin a regenerative edge with DermaPRP, combining
These enhancements need time to settle, so doing them in October ensures you’ll look natural and refreshed when the holiday season hits full swing. NOVEMBER — FINE-TUNE THE DETAILS With events and photo ops around the corner, now’s the time for finishing touches. • Schedule neurotoxin touch-ups to keep lines smooth. • A lip flip or subtle lip filler can enhance your smile for those festive photos. • A light chemical or laser peel will bring out your glow without the heavy downtime. • Finish with dermaplaning to remove peach fuzz and dead skin, giving your makeup a flawless canvas. Your best holiday glow doesn’t happen overnight, but with this plan, it’ll look like it did. Start now, and you’ll be radiant by the time the holidays arrive!
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