Change Your Brain: Healthy Reward Systems for Healthy Patterning

A major cause of unhealthy consumption patterns are reward systems that are destructive rather than nourishing.

Let me give you an example.

You finally meet that looming deadline at work, or hear you’ve received a much-anticipated (and much-deserved) promotion. This definitely calls for celebration. With what? Well, a drink of course. Maybe two.

Cut to opening your second bottle of Cab Franc and arguing with your partner about something that happened in 2016. Celebration? Not anymore.

Another reward system archetype: Smoke break as reward system. Imagine: You have a moment to yourself, a soft second away from the constant flux that is your workplace. Your little thank-you to yourself? A cigarette. How does that play out for the long-term wellness of your body?

Using food to reward yourself is much the same.

Our social media driven world makes people feel that the way they show up physically is not enough. Body fat percentage has become a representation of worth. The need to be fitter, thinner, more shredded, lose that baby weight—this all leads to disordered eating patterns.

Rather than intuitive hunger/satisfaction signals, we resist, overeat, feel bad. We cut out foods we’ve decided are ‘bad’ when moderation would serve us much better. These ‘bad’ or treat foods become tools to numb or reward.

Jane Fox, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Utah Valley Hospital, says: “When we use food as a reward, we often make poor choices. No one treats themselves with broccoli; we reach for the sugary, fatty foods that do the most damage to our long-term health.”

A real reward is something that rejuvenates and raises your spirits. Form healthy rewards habits that feel good after, not only during. A bath, a nap, a walk. Journaling or sitting down with your favourite podcast. Ask yourself, “Is this going to serve my future self and help me to vibrate higher?” If the answer is yes, you’re truly rewarding yourself.

-Dr. Brett