Es gibt diesen Moment, den viele kennen: Man hat gerade gegessen – eigentlich genug – und trotzdem meldet sich kurze Zeit später dieses leise Verlangen. Nach etwas Süßem. Oder etwas Herzhaftem. Oder beidem. Nur ein bisschen. Nur schnell. Nur noch heute.

What initially looks like harmless indulgence behavior is often much more than that: an inner cycle in which our brain has long since begun to set different rules - and we ask ourselves when exactly we have given up control.

The reward system: a hungry clock

Our brain loves dopamine. The neurotransmitter that motivates, rewards and drives us. And here's the catch: foods high in sugar and fat release this substance reliably and quickly - especially in combination. Neurobiological research has long spoken of a targeted "overstimulation" of our reward system by modern foods.

A study by Yale University showed that regular consumption of high-calorie foods increases neuronal activity in those areas of the brain that are also active in drug addicts (Gearhardt et al., 2011). In other words, our brain learns very quickly what makes us happy in the short term - and wants more of it. And more. And more.

Even more impressive is the observation from a study by Aarhus University in Denmark (2020): Just one week of a "typical Western" diet - i.e. lots of sugar, lots of fat - was enough to produce measurable changes in the hippocampus, the area of our brain responsible for learning and memory. At the same time, the ability to listen to our own feelings of hunger and satiety decreased.

A clear head needs clarity at cellular level

That sounds sobering at first. But it is actually a huge invitation. Because if the body is capable of learning - and it is - then change is possible at any time. Not by doing without, not by discipline or rigid plans. But through new impulses that pick up the body where the actual desire arises: in the metabolism. In the nervous system. In the brain.

Und genau hier beginnt das, was ich als echten Neustart bezeichne – weil er nicht mit dem Willen kämpft, sondern mit dem Körper arbeitet. Ich spreche von einer Kombination, die nicht durch Modeversprechen glänzt, sondern durch biochemische Logik:

- A natural dietary fiber that swells up in the stomach and therefore not only makes you feel full for longer, but also helps to curb cravings.

- Exogenous ketones, which provide the brain with quickly available energy - and can thus elegantly interrupt the constant craving for sugar.

- A helper for the lymph flow, which sets the detoxification processes in the body in motion - a kind of "clean-up service", which is particularly important during transition processes.

- And last but not least: Excellent quality amino acids, which the body needs to produce neurotransmitters, which in turn promote mood, concentration and inner stability.

There's something magical about this combination for me - and yet it's really nothing more than an offer to the body: "Here. You no longer have to fight against yourself. You'll get what you need - in a better way."

Back to an inner balance

What's important to me is that it's not about doing "everything right". It's about regaining a sense of when enough is enough. When your body is really hungry - and when your reward system is just crying out for a quick kick. And yes, this sometimes needs support. Especially in an everyday life that confronts us with temptations everywhere.

That's why I'm not talking about "renunciation", but about reconnection. With your own body. With what really nourishes us. And with the clarity of mind that we all deserve - beyond feelings of guilt or constant self-reproach.

The way out of this spiral is not hard. It is smart.

And it doesn't start with the next diet book or the next but one resolution, but with a decision: I will listen again. I support my body. And I remind my brain who is actually in charge here.

I think that's a great start.