916-927-1333 campuscommonsphysicaltherapy.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
425 University Ave. #140 Sacramento, CA 95757
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
1 2 2 3 3 4
What Makes PT Meaningful
Apple Cider Vinegar: Is This Wellness Hack Really Healthful?
Lifts for the Lows
Famous and Fit
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
What Your Food Cravings Are Trying to Tell You
a c
k
YOUR BRAIN’S REWARD SYSTEM IS DRIVING THE URGE.
Do you ever find yourself reaching for chocolate late at
a magnesium deficiency, while 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. MEMORIES AND EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS PLAY A ROLE. Many food cravings are tied to learned behaviors 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.
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 hit of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. Foods high in sugar, fat, or salt can deliver that boost quickly, which is why comfort foods are hard to resist. 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 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
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.
4
campuscommonsphysicaltherapy.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator