WHAT ARE CRAVINGS? HOW DO I STOP THEM?
HOW PLAYING THE LONG GAME HELPS OVERCOME CRAVINGS
Cravings — they can feel like a comforting friend or a gut-punching enemy, depending on what you’re craving. An estimated 90% of people experience cravings, and, believe it or not, not all cravings are bad. Leaning into our healthy cravings can help establish a healthy diet. Don’t worry, we’re thinking the same thing: “If that’s the case, why do we crave sugary snacks and fatty foods the most?!” It’s complicated, but understanding your brain is a great place to start. What are cravings, really? Decades of research have proven that cravings start in our brain, not our body. This might be shocking for some, since it was commonly believed for a long time that if you were craving a steak, you were probably low in iron.
circulating excess sugar that can lead to health complications, or does your brain enjoy sugar more? After all, sugar releases the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, which our brains love. A chocolate milkshake or lemon bar helps us feel good by literally triggering our brain’s pleasure centers.
For example, if you’re craving potato chips, why not try kale chips or another crunchy but healthier alternative that you already enjoy? If you’re craving soda, why not crush some fresh fruit into sparkling water instead? Make it a treat, make it special, but make it healthier.
Eating more filling, nutrient-dense food and getting more sleep are also great ways to fight cravings. It leaves little time or room for binging on bad foods. However, a 6-month 2018 study in the National Institutes of Health has shown that flexibility in your
That means when we’re unhappy, stressed, or needing a pick-me-up, we might start craving foods that comfort us, such as ice cream.
How do I stop craving unhealthy things?
One thing is for sure: Restrictive diets don’t always work. It’s hard to “rewire” the brain by completely rejecting how it currently operates. Instead, you might want to consider accepting your cravings, but make slow and deliberate changes to how you satisfy those cravings.
diet can make a difference for making real, meaningful changes to your lifestyle long term.
By overcoming shame and accepting your cravings, you won’t fear making a single mistake as much. It’s all about playing the long game.
However, the brain connection makes way more sense. Think about it: Does your body love
Pros and Cons of Trusts
SHOULD YOU USE A REVOCABLE TRUST OR IRREVOCABLE TRUST?
Irrevocable Trusts Once an irrevocable trust is created, it cannot be modified without the beneficiaries’ permission. This means that grantors must be absolutely certain of their designations before creating the trust, but the benefit is that an irrevocable
There are many options within estate planning that allow a person to protect their assets and provide for loved ones all while ensuring their assets pass outside of the “probate process,” so that their loved ones avoid opening an estate in Court upon their death. One such tool is a Trust, which is an estate planning document which ensures a person’s assets go to the correct individuals in a manner designed to avoid the probate process. The Grantor, the individual who creates the Trust, designates a trustee in the Trust to manage the control any assets placed in trust. That trustee ensures that the Trust assets are distributed to the correct individuals or entities in a manner consistent with the Grantor’s desires. But there can be a lot more to Trusts than meets the eye. In fact, there are two primary kinds of Trusts, each with its own perks and limitations, which should be carefully considered when preparing a Trust. Consider this a go-to guide! Revocable Trusts Sometimes called “living” trusts, Revocable Trusts are an attractive estate planning option for many individuals. In a Revocable Living Trust, grantors can modify the terms of the trust and put assets in and pull assets out of the trust at any time. Revocable Living Trusts provide an individual more control over the use and protection of the assets. It can also be a powerful way to protect your child if you should pass before they become an adult. So long as the trust is correctly funded, a revocable trust usually bypasses probate; therefore, your assets will be accessible to your beneficiaries quickly upon your death. That being said, Revocable Living Trusts are accessible by creditors. So, while you have more flexibility, this kind of trust is not as protected as an irrevocable trust.
trust protects assets from creditors should you face
legal or financial trouble. This trust is often best used by those who want to limit tax obligations for their beneficiaries or protect generational or large assets. Oftentimes, our firm prepares irrevocable trusts for the benefit of individuals who receive state or federal benefits and need to maintain their eligibility for said benefits. Because these individuals oftentimes can’t receive or inherit money without jeopardizing the status of their benefits, an irrevocable trust such as a Supplemental Needs Trust or Special Needs Trust is a great way for someone to financially provide for an individual without jeopardizing benefits. While this trust can be complex in nature, it does have valuable protection opportunities. Ultimately, there is no “one size fits all” Trust. You have to find the tool that best suits your family, assets, and wishes. To learn more about Trusts, contact our team today! Our seasoned estate planning attorneys will help you determine which Trust, if any, works best for you and your family.
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