Tricking Your Limbic System

It is all about the frontal cortex versus the limbic system–the front part of the brain in a constant struggle with the back part of the brain–whether being able to wait or demanding instant gratification. There are these two little selves in our brains, one saying, “I want that chocolate cake now! I know it’s empty calories, and I don’t care,” and that other self who says, “Hold on, wait a minute, remember the growing numbers on the scale, the elevated cholesterol level, the overly tight-fitting dress; remember all this and don’t eat it.” More often than not, the instant-gratification wins out.