Decisions and the Sugar Disconnection

SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM DECISIONS

There are short-term decisions and long-term decisions. These decisions are made in different parts of our brain.

Short term decisions are made in the Amygdala or reptilian brain. When we are under stress our amygdala takes over where short-term decisions like running from danger are made. This is called Fight or Flight

Long term decisions are made in the Prefrontal Cortex part of the brain. Decisions like implementing a college savings plan, preparing a five-year plan for your business, or packing a healthy lunch to support a long-term nutrition plan are made in the Prefrontal Cortex. This is called Executive Function.

It’s important for us to have the ability to make both long-term and short-term decisions in the right circumstances.

INFLAMMATION BREAKS THE CONNECTION

Inflammation breaks the connection between the Amygdala and the Prefrontal Cortex. This can cause us to make short term decisions that don’t serve us for the long term. What causes inflammation? Sugar causes inflammation. Sugar is impeding your ability to make good decisions.

IT’S NOT A KNOWLEDGE PROBLEM. IT’S A DECISION PROBLEM

The decision that we make right now, affects the next decision that we will make. We know that sugar is bad for us and causes inflammation. When we eat sugar, it breaks the connection between short-term and long-term decisions. How often do we tell ourselves, “oh, one cookie can’t hurt.” And then we find ourselves going for the second or third. The disconnection between short-term and long-term decisions is happening right now. Eating sugar impairs our ability to make decisions that help us achieve our long-term goals. The affect is immediate.

Next time you are in that situation, step back and acknowledge it. Make a mindful decision.