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‍February, Issue 2

‍Dear Visitor, ‍

Sometimes, we turn to food not because we’re physically hungry, but because we’re seeking comfort. Emotional eating is incredibly common, especially in grief. We were never really taught how to cope with overwhelming emotions—so we instinctively reach for something that soothes us, even if only temporarily.

From Science to Soup: Understanding Cravings in Grief

‍I recently led a cooking session with a men’s bereavement group in Daventry as part of a project on emotional eating. It was both fun and deeply meaningful. Before we started cooking, we explored the science behind cravings—how low dopamine levels, gut bacteria demanding sugar, and blood sugar imbalances can all play a role.

The feedback was phenomenal! The organisers told me:

"The guys found it really interesting and loved the soup!"

One of the men had to leave early to visit his dad and took some of the soup with him. Later, he shared that his dad said:

"It was the best soup he's ever tasted and told his son he was stupid not to try it!"

How’s that for feedback? I love running these sessions, because they help people realise that cravings are not about willpower—there’s so much more going on beneath the surface.

‍Cravings Aren’t About Willpower - Here’s What’s Really Going On

Next time you experience a craving, instead of feeling guilty or frustrated, pause and ask yourself:

"Am I truly hungry, or is something else at play?"

Cravings are not about willpower—they’re a complex mix of biology and emotion. Low dopamine, gut bacteria demanding sugar, and blood sugar swings all influence why we reach for certain foods, especially when we're grieving. But understanding these factors means we can take back control—step by step.

Join My Cooking Workshop & Take Control of Your Cravings

If you’d like to understand your cravings on a deeper level and learn practical ways to manage them, I’d love to invite you to a special cooking workshop where we’ll:

✅ Explore different types of cravings and what’s really behind them
✅ Discuss simple coping strategies tailored to your situation
✅ Cook my super-tasty, easy-to-make Lentil & Veg Soup and a nourishing

treat for those moments when food feels like the easiest way to numb the pain

If this sounds like something you'd benefit from, join my waiting list and let me know which of the three session options works best for you.

‍In the meantime, be kind to yourself. The pain you’re feeling is real—I know how that feels. But there are gentler, more supportive ways to process it than turning to food alone. Awareness is the first step. Let’s take the next one together.

Much love,

Sabine

‍Sabine Horner
77 Millfield Lane
York YO10 3AW
United Kingdom

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