It’s the evening, you’re energised and optimistic about smashing your weight loss goals. Workout? Check. Healthy dinner? Check.
And then the sugar cravings creep in, threatening to undo all your hard work.
You’ve already used all your willpower for the day - it’s finite, after all - and you simply can’t resist. Just one biscuit, or two, or maybe three. Oh look, there’s Shame, ready to step in and tell you why you’ll never achieve your goals.
F**k that.
We've all been there, battling the constant war between sugar cravings and weight loss goals. But what if there was a way to manage those cravings without feeling like you're constantly on a restrictive diet?
There is! Food-scent-based craving control.
Here at Killa Vanilla, we harness the powers of scent, neuroscience and habit change to help you combat sugar cravings and achieve your weight loss goals without feeling deprived or miserable.
Ready to find out how?
The Science of Scent and Cravings
Have you ever wondered why freshly baked sweet treats can instantly trigger a craving? It’s because of the fascinating connection between your sense of smell and your brain's reward system.
Your sense of smell is a powerful tool. When you inhale an odour, special cells called olfactory receptors in your nose become activated. These receptors send signals directly to the brain's olfactory bulb, which then passes on this information to various other areas of your brain, including the limbic system. This particular area plays a crucial role in processing emotions, memory, and – you guessed it – cravings!
Now, when you actually eat the sugary treat, it triggers the release of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. That’s why it feels so good.
Your brain loves to feel good, and associates sugar with that feeling, creating a feedback loop, or habit, ready to be reinforced. That’s why you crave it and can end up overindulging, despite your weight loss efforts.
Introducing the Cross-Modal Sensory Compensation Effect (or as we like to call it, the biohack).
This is the part we geek out about. Research demonstrates that our senses can influence each other, known as the "Cross-Modal Sensory Compensation Effect". What this means is that certain food scents trick the brain into feeling satisfied, even if you haven't consumed the associated food.
That’s exactly why Killa Vanilla uses a specific natural vanilla scent that mirrors the common note found in sweet food and drinks. Simply inhale this for two minutes (here’s why) and let the science work its neuromagic.
Can Scent-Based Craving Control Really Help with Weight Loss?
You’ve heard how it works in theory, but just how does this scent-based neuroscience translate into real-world weight loss results?
We’re glad you asked.
Scent-based solutions for weight management are still a relatively new area of study, but it’s a field that’s quickly evolving. There are, however, peer-reviewed studies on the Cross-Modal Sensory Compensation Effect that demonstrate exposure to certain food-related scents can influence appetite and cravings.
By satisfying your sugar cravings with a scent (in our case, our Killa vanilla), you can gradually cut down on the amount of sugar you consume in a day or a week, depending on your goals. The fewer of these ‘junk’ foods and drinks which serve little nutritional value, the easier it will be to maintain a calorie deficit for weight loss.
Weight Loss Wins: Sasha’s Story
“I used to think sugar gave me energy, but it actually zapped me. I’m eating better, exercising better. Killa Vanilla was like the starting piece of the puzzle. Everything has come from that. Other pieces of that puzzle keep the first piece in place too. I’ve always struggled with weight and I’ve lost 8lbs at a sensible rate. Delighted. So many bad things avoided. It’s the best I’ve felt in 3 years.”
Read Sasha’s story.
Killa Vanilla + A Healthy Weight Loss Plan = Success
Killa Vanilla is just one weapon in your arsenal, an ally to fight by your side. But sustainable weight loss is much more than cutting out sugar (though it certainly helps). It's about creating a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain long-term.
We designed Killa Vanilla to be a keystone habit for a holistic approach. A keystone habit is a central habit that makes it much easier to start other healthy habits, like a domino effect.
If you’re taking Killa Vanilla at regular and consistent times of the day (here’s why you should), you can use these moments to attach another positive habit that helps you achieve your weight loss goals. This is called habit stacking.
But what else should be part of your weight loss plan?
A Nutritionally Balanced Diet
Food is fuel for your body. To function and perform at its best, it needs high-quality foods. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs. These foods are also generally lower in calories and keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing cravings.
Many of the sugary treats you love offer very little nutritional value, and the burst of energy they provide is rarely worth the high number of calories that these ‘treats’ usually have. Even the dopamine hit you get is only for a moment. Killa Vanilla reduces the urge to reach for these sugary calorie-wasters, which can be super helpful when faced with tempting situations or managing late-night cravings.
By curbing these cravings, Killa Vanilla can support you in sticking to your healthy eating plan and staying within a calorie deficit for weight loss.
Portion Control and Macronutrient Balance
Portion control is another crucial aspect of weight management. Learning to measure and manage portion sizes helps you avoid overeating, even healthy foods. A simple trick is to use smaller plates and bowls. You’ll have no choice but to serve up less.
Understanding macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates, and fat – is also essential. Each plays a vital role in your body's function, and a balanced intake helps with satiety and overall health. Proteins, for example, are an excellent way to stay full and give you the energy you need for your day.
Regular Movement or Exercise
The two pillars of weight loss are diet and exercise. While you may see results with just one, the real change comes when you incorporate both. But in general, regular movement should be a non-negotiable for your health (sorry, but you know it’s true).
Physical activity burns calories, helps build muscle mass, and boosts your metabolism. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
If the idea of exercise feels overwhelming, or like your worst nightmare, try to reframe it as daily movement. You simply have to increase how much you move in a day. Maybe you get off the train/bus a stop earlier and walk, or take the stairs instead of the lift. Be the kind of person who walks up escalators (the left, please). Every step counts.
Stay Hydrated
There’s actually a third pillar, but it’s one we tend to take for granted. Drink. More. Water. Sometimes your hunger or sugar cravings are just thirst. Those headaches? Dehydration (and maybe sugar). 60%ish of our body is water, and it needs topping up constantly.
Before you indulge in a snack, have a glass of water. You may find that’s exactly what your brain and body were asking for.
Mindfulness and Mindful Eating
Mindfulness practices can be powerful allies in weight management. Techniques like meditation or mindful eating can help you develop a greater awareness of your body's hunger and fullness cues. This allows you to make conscious choices about what and how much you eat, reducing the risk of mindless snacking.
Mindful eating means that you stay present for every bite that you take. You pay full attention to the flavours, scents and textures. You savour it, rather than eating for the sake of eating (which we all do sometimes, if not most of the time). What’s the point in a treat if you’re not actually truly tasting it? Avoid watching TV or multitasking while you’re eating. Be present.
Don’t Forget to Measure Your Successes
A healthy lifestyle is made up of positive, intentional habits. But building habits is a long-term journey, and motivation can slip, which is why monitoring and celebrating your progress is so essential.
Using habit trackers, keeping a food journal, recording your weight regularly (weekly or bi-weekly is recommended to avoid daily fluctuations), and tracking your measurements (waist, hips, etc.) can be valuable tools for measuring success.
Take before and after photos. Seeing tangible results, even small improvements, can boost motivation and keep you on track. Remember, consistency is key!
Final Thoughts
Lasting weight loss requires commitment and a well-rounded approach. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices are key, but if your sugar cravings are sabotaging your efforts, Killa Vanilla is your new, calorie-free secret weapon.
Share your story! Have you tried Killa Vanilla? Do you have tips for managing cravings? We’d love to hear from you and support you on your Killa Vanilla weight loss journey to a healthier, happier you. Let’s do this!
