How 10 Days of Relaxed 'December' Eating Rewired My Brain (and Why I’m Resetting on January 5th)

After three nights away in Devon—fuelled by local fish and chips and an impressive tour of Devon fudge varieties—I felt something familiar creeping back in.

Not a binge.

Not chaos.

Just… urges.

High-calorie foods and sweet treats. I caught myself snacking on small amounts of chocolate and biscuits. One here. One there. Nothing dramatic. No blow-outs.

And I told myself the sensible thing: Calories still matter. Don’t overconsume. But relax a little. But here’s the issue.

At first, I actually enjoyed the break from being disciplined. No cold, hard broccoli eaten on my lap in the car (yes—this is the existence I’ve chosen!). It felt good not counting every calorie. Not constantly thinking about food quality. But after four more Christmas days, something changed. I found myself thinking about treats constantly.

Not hunger.

Not need.

Just… hunting.

Like a cat that’s seen a mouse! 🐁🐈‍⬛

The strange thing? I didn’t even want to catch the mouse. But every time I thought I saw one, I reached for it anyway. Christ!

What’s Actually Happening (And Why This Matters)

For a long time now, my brain has been trained to eat food primarily for nutrition, not pleasure.

I eat at regular times.

I stabilise blood sugar.

I prioritise protein, vegetables, and fermented foods.

My muscles, energy, and gut stay in check.

That way of eating doesn’t produce massive dopamine spikes. There’s no sugar rush. No hit. No crash. But after 10 days of relaxed eating suddenly I felt like that overweight younger version of myself again—the one buying 10 chocolates a day, selling three of them at school so I could afford to buy another 10 tomorrow.

My dopamine system had been retrained.

Not consciously.

Not intentionally.

But effectively.

My brain was once again scanning the environment for sugar, alcohol, and calorie-dense foods—automatically.

That’s the danger.

Not the indulgence.

The unconscious behaviour that follows.

So yes—I need a plan of action. Because otherwise, next time we meet, you’ll be asking me whether I’m training to become a sumo wrestler!

How to Reduce Reliance on Sugar, Alcohol & High-Calorie Foods (Without White-Knuckling It)

This isn’t about “willpower.” It’s about physiology and behaviour.

1. Re-Stabilise Blood Sugar (This Is Non-Negotiable)

Unstable blood sugar = cravings, impulsivity, and constant food noise.

What to do:

• Eat at consistent times

• Prioritise protein at every meal

• Include fibrous vegetables daily

• Avoid grazing on sugars and carbs

When blood sugar is stable, the brain stops screaming for quick dopamine fixes.

2. Remove the Triggers, Not the Treats

Your brain doesn’t crave sugar—it craves easy access to sugar.

What to do:

• Keep trigger foods out of immediate reach

• Stop “just in case” buying

• Eat meals seated, not while moving or watching TV

You’re not weak. You’re human. Design the environment accordingly.

3. Replace Dopamine, Don’t Suppress It

If you remove dopamine without replacing it, relapse is guaranteed.

What to do:

• Daily movement (even walks count)

• Cold exposure or contrast showers (hot then cold, then hot is best)

• Clear daily wins (training, steps, habits)

Your nervous system needs stimulation—just not from sugar and alcohol.

A Quick Word on Alcohol & High-Calorie Foods

Alcohol lowers inhibition and amplifies sugar cravings. High-calorie foods retrain the reward system fast. The solution isn’t abstinence forever. It’s periods of clean structure that reset the system.

Which brings me to this 👇

Discipline 10 – Challenge Starting January 5th

This is exactly why Discipline 10 exists.

Not to punish.

Not to restrict forever.

But to reset behaviour, retrain dopamine, and regain control.

10 days. Clear rules. Simple structure. Accountability.

You don’t drift into discipline.

You re-enter it deliberately.

If you’ve felt:

• Food noise creeping back

• “Just one” turning into constant thinking

• Discipline slipping quietly rather than dramatically

Then this is your line in the sand. Discipline 10 starts January 5th.

Join us. Reset your system. Regain control. Message me a thumbs 👍 to get access.

Details:

• Starts; Monday 5th Jan

• Ends: Friday 16th Jan

• Joining fee: £20 (£15 goes to winner)

Sometimes the most powerful move isn’t doing more— It’s returning to what you know works.