Episode 16 - "The Drive to Eat — Taste, Metabolic Reward, and the Brain"

In This Episode You’ll Learn:How your brain uses taste signals to instantly decide whether a food is safe, dangerous, or worth eating.The difference between immediate taste pleasure and metabolic reward that happens after digestion.Why certain foods become hardwired habits or cravings over time.How foods like chocolate, protein, and fats can activate the brain’s reward system in different ways.A simple practice you can try tonight to become more aware of taste, cravings, and satisfaction while eating.Mentioned in This Episode:Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate Bars, 85% Cacao, Gluten Free & Non GMO Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food, Jan Chozen BaysCharles Zuker’s work on taste circuits in the brain:  Explains the experiments showing that activating sweet or bitter neurons can make mice behave as if they are tasting those flavors.Study showing taste perception is wired into the brain: Shows how activating sweet or bitter brain regions can trigger taste behaviors even with plain water.Taste receptors of the gut: emerging roles in health and diseaseEpisode 15 Why We Eat Until Our Pants Are Too Tight; The Habit Loop (Cue → Routine → Reward)Taste: Surprising Stories and Science about Why Food Tastes Good: Learn how our five senses work together to form flavor perception and how the experience of food changes for people who have lost their sense of smell or taste.Need support?Join the Mood and Metabolism Collective: If you’re looking for more support putting these ideas into practice, you can join The Mood and Metabolism Collective! You’ll find quick, blood-sugar-steady recipes, an easy drag-and-drop meal planner with smart grocery lists (even Instacart integration), monthly cooking classes, and a calm community space to build a more grounded relationship with food. 🌱 RevitalizeHER: Wellness and Health Strategy Call for Women Over 40: A 30-minute session for women navigating midlife changes like low energy, stress, digestive issues, or stubborn weight. More Resources for You:Bone Health Blindspots Guide: A clear, grounded look at what’s often missing in the conversation around bone loss, midlife metabolism, and stress.👉 https://catdillon.com/BoneHealthBlindSpots💌 Inner Wisdom Eating Guided Reset👉 https://catdillon.com/InnerWisdomEatingGuidedReset❓ Quiz: How Much of a Mindful Eater Are You?👉 https://catdillon.com/MindfulEaterQuiz🍳 10 Craving-Busting Breakfasts👉 https://catdillon.com/CraveBustingBreakfasts 📄 10 Best Blood Sugar Hacks for Women 40+👉 https://catdillon.com/10BloodSugarHacksConnect with Me:Instagram: https://instagram.com/catdillonrhn/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatDillonRHN/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catdillonrhn/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@catdillonrhn