Judson Brewer, a psychiatrist at Brown University and expert on cravings and mindfulness, dives into the fascinating science behind our cravings. He shares relatable stories about battling desires and the emotional complexities of eating, illustrating the struggle with the 'craving monster' within us. Brewer emphasizes the importance of curiosity over willpower, exploring how understanding our urges can lead to healthier choices. He also discusses the roles of trauma and emotional triggers, highlighting innovative strategies for managing cravings effectively.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast explores the historical and psychological complexity of cravings, highlighting how emotional experiences significantly influence eating behaviors.
Judson Brewer promotes a 'kind curiosity' approach to cravings that empowers individuals to acknowledge and understand their urges without self-judgment.
Deep dives
The Historical Struggle with Cravings
Throughout history, humans have grappled with cravings, a battle famously illustrated by figures such as St. Augustine, who expressed the conflict between physical desires and spiritual aspirations. This ongoing struggle is mirrored in ancient mythology, exemplified by Odysseus binding himself to resist the allure of the sirens. Modern society reflects this ancient battle through various approaches aimed at controlling cravings, from the diet industry’s plethora of resources to pharmaceutical solutions that suppress appetite. The enduring quest to manage these desires reveals the profound nature of human cravings and the realization that individuals often feel powerless against them.
Diverse Responses to Cravings
From childhood, individuals develop complex relationships with cravings influenced by multiple factors, including societal beauty standards and emotional experiences. Judson Brewer, a psychiatrist, recounts the story of a patient named Jackie, who struggled with her eating habits stemming from attempting to conform to unrealistic body ideals. Jackie's experience highlights the detrimental cycle of restricting and binging tied to emotional distress, leading her to create rigid food rules that only trapped her further in unhealthy behaviors. This narrative is common, showcasing how emotions can drive behavior far beyond mere physical hunger.
Reevaluating Approaches to Cravings
Traditional strategies for managing cravings, such as willpower and avoidance, often prove ineffective, leading to feelings of shame and failure. Judson Brewer emphasizes that many methods taught in medical training fail to resonate with real-life experiences, as individuals cannot simply wish cravings away. He shares a pivotal moment during his work with veterans who struggled with addiction, recognizing that existing strategies like distraction ultimately left those cravings unresolved, creating a loop of guilt and binge behaviors. This realization prompted a shift toward a more understanding and curious approach, inviting patients to explore and acknowledge their cravings without self-judgment.
Cultivating Kind Curiosity for Change
Brewer's innovative approach encourages individuals to engage in 'kind curiosity' regarding their cravings, allowing them to investigate their sensations and thoughts without judgment. He illustrates this transformation with an experiment where he asked patients to smoke mindfully or eat treats attentively, thereby uncovering the realities behind their cravings. By paying attention to the tastes and sensations associated with their urges, patients often found that their cravings lost their power and allure, leading to healthier choices. This method fosters a deeper understanding of the emotional cues behind cravings, promoting a sense of agency and kindness rather than fighting against oneself.
We've all had those days when all we want is a little treat. Maybe it's a bag of chips, an ice cream sundae or a glass of wine. But sometimes, these desires become all-consuming. This week on the show, psychiatrist Judson Brewer helps us understand the science of cravings, and how we should respond to them.
If you liked today's conversation, be sure to check out other Hidden Brain episodes about ways to regain a feeling of control over your life: Creatures of Habit and Taking Control of Your Time.
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