Day 38: Spring Cleaning with Neuro-adaptation
When the Water is Better than the Ice Cream
Spring is officially here in Central Florida, and with the new season comes a change I didn’t see coming: My tastebuds have officially shifted in my 90-day project.
In my coaching practice, I talk a lot about “clearing the noise.” This week, I realized my body has cleared so much internal noise that some of the treats I used to “love” now taste like... noise.
The Ice Cream Paradox
My husband and I went out to a new vegan ice cream place. He is embracing more plant powered choices and I was excited to have some new options. But as I sat there, I found myself making a comment about how incredibly good the water was.
He thought it was hilarious. Who goes to an ice cream shop and prefers the water?
But physiologically, it made perfect sense. My body wasn’t craving the hit of processed sugar; it was vibrating with the clean, hydrating simplicity of water. The “bliss point” has shifted. Positive neuro-adaptation is defined below. The brain is malleable so it can also adapt to very unhealthy triggers as most of us know.
“Neuro-adaptation: Healthy Diet (Nutrient-Dense): A diet high in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats can support positive neuro-adaptation, leading to enhanced synaptic plasticity and cognitive health”.
National Institutes of Health (.gov) +2
The Scone Reveal
Earlier today, it happened again with a scone we get regularly at a cute coffee shop. I took one small bite and for the first time, I could actually taste the cooking oil. It wasn’t enjoyable. It felt heavy, dull with a yucky aftertaste.
This isn’t about “willpower” or “deprivation.” I wasn’t trying to dislike the scone. My body simply rejected it. In reality it is actually a bit annoying because I did not get the hit I was looking for!!
The Truth of Month 2
This is the “Silent Phase” finally becoming audible. While the mirror might be taking its time (ugh), my Spring Cleaning is fully online.
My tastebuds are (mostly) no longer being hijacked by hyper-palatable foods.
My brain is no longer seeking a “hit” from processed foods (mostly).
I am finally tasting the difference between High Calorie and High Quality.
Springing Forward
In the past, I can see now that the “rebound” would happen because I felt like I was missing out. But how can you miss out on something that no longer tastes good?
This Spring, I’m not just cleaning out my kitchen; I’m cleaning out my cravings. I’m leaning into the “bliss” of simple, whole foods, and yes, even a really great glass of water.
I love this, Leslie!