Cravings

Food, deficits, and behaviors in your life can be the underlying cause of your cravings.  Cravings are not weaknesses.  Instead they are important messages meant to help you maintain balance.  The next time you experience a craving, try to deconstruct it.  Ask yourself “What does my body want and why?”

Here are some common causes of cravings:

Food:  Sugar, dairy and gluten are thought to be the three most addictive things in our diet. We often crave things that our bodies are sensitive to.  Try avoiding the food for a couple of weeks. You may be surprised to find you have more energy and mental clarity and less bloating.

Thirsty: Most people don’t think of thirst as a craving but our bodies are 60-65% water.  It is an essential nutrient and we often don’t drink enough water.  Aim for ½ cup per pound of body weight a day.  Temperature, activity and genetics also play a part in your hydration needs. Dark or yellow urine may be a sign of dehydration.  So next time you crave food, tryhaving a glass of water and wait 15 minutes before eating.

Lack of nutrient:  Inadequate mineral levels can cause a salt craving and magnesium deficiency can result in a chocolate craving.  Be sure you are eating whole foods and lots of leafy green vegetables.

Hormonal: Pregnancy, PMS and menopause create fluctuating testosterone and estrogen levels.  These cravings are best met with a limited portion of the desired food. For instance, try choosing slow churned ice cream instead of premium or 75% or higher dark chocolate instead of white or milk chocolate. The key to controlling this craving is acknowledge the craving and satisfy it with the smallest and healthiest choice possible.

Emotional:  Eating is often used as a substitute for entertainment and as a way to suppress feelings.  This type of eating occurs when we are not hungry and often leads to eating beyond a reasonable portion (bag of chips instead of handful). Also, this type of craving rarely leads you to choose a healthy item such as a carrot stick or an apple.  So next time you want to reach for those chips or chocolate, remember to HALT.

• H: Are you hungry? If so, choose a healthy snack.
• A: Are you angry? Take deep breaths, express gratitude, journal, scream, throw pillows or rocks (outside please). Don’t make it worse by reaching for a temporary fix that will only make you angry with yourself a couple hours later.
• L: Are you lonely? Call a friend, write a thank you note or get out of the house. Make a list of fun things you would like to do and commit to doing them. Plan a vacation, take up dancing lessons, take an art classes or perhaps volunteer. What is your soul urging you to do? Laugh and have fun.
• T: Are you tired? Take a nap or go to bed.