EP. 362 - The Science of Cravings: Why You Can’t Stop at Just One

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The Chasing Health Podcast

Chase Smith

369 episodes

2 days ago

Join me, Chase Smith, and my co-host, Chris Bealhen, as I dive into all topics related to health, nutrition, fitness, mindset, and just how to live a better life - the life you WANT! I will be sharing the mic occasionally with special guests including other coaches, dietitians, clients of mine, my friends, and others who are working on becoming their best self! No topic is off limits! Thanks for tuning in!

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Health & Fitness

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EP. 362 - The Science of Cravings: Why You Can’t Stop at Just One

The Chasing Health Podcast

47 minutes 39 seconds

2 weeks ago

EP. 362 - The Science of Cravings: Why You Can’t Stop at Just One

Summary
In this episode, Chase and Chris dive into why junk food feels so hard to resist and how it’s more than just a matter of willpower. They explain how your brain’s reward system works—especially with dopamine—and why you keep chasing that “first bite” feeling.

They also share real-life strategies for breaking habits, creating a better food environment, and learning how to manage cravings in a more helpful way. You’ll learn why emotional eating is so common, how childhood habits play a role, and what you can do to feel more in control around food without being super restrictive.

Chapters

(00:00) Why Junk Food Feels So Addictive
(01:30) Post-Trip Cravings & Environmental Triggers
(03:00) How Dopamine Drives Overeating
(04:45) Why One Bite Is Never Enough
(06:00) The Pleasure Hub & Sugar “Addiction”
(08:15) How Food Companies Hack Your Brain
(10:00) Marketing, Grocery Stores & Mind Games
(12:30) Emotional Eating vs. Physical Hunger
(15:00) The Role of Childhood & Nostalgia
(18:00) Restriction, Binging & the Rubber Band Effect
(21:00) Mindful Indulgence & The Gas Station Trick
(24:00) The “I Deserve This” Cycle
(28:00) Breaking Automatic Habits & Nighttime Eating
(32:00) Rewiring the Brain: Small Wins & Pattern Interrupts
(38:00) Real Strategies to Reduce Cravings Without Restriction

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