Understanding Food Cravings - Choosing Foods that Fit Your Cravings
Food cravings - What are our bodies are saying?
Let’s face it, we’ve all done it…we’re all guilty!
Perhaps we were late for work, school or that important meeting, so we grabbed the first, fast thing - a large coffee - extra sweet, and a donut at the gas station quick serve, or the fast fried egg mystery sandwich at the local drive-thru, or even a slice of pizza - sitting on the table from last night’s football game or late night study session….
Hectic day? Why not grab the local mega-sandwich at the quick food place…
Maybe we needed to satisfy our sweet tooth with a late night overindulgence…an extra large slice of double chocolate cake, pie a la mode, or an extra scoop of ice cream.
The problem? We eat on the run and yet don’t eat what our bodies need to keep running!
The solution? Learning how to recognize what our bodies are trying to tell us.
Give your body what it needs; Give yourself what you want
Our bodies know what we need. Unfortunately, our hectic lives often lead us to misinterpret those cues and translate them into cravings. Sugar cravings are met with ice cream. Lethargy means grabbing a hoagie. It makes sense to us…but not to our bodies as we become sluggish, gain weight and feel frustrated. Recognizing a few simple cues will help gain understanding as to exactly what it is your body needs, and how to also eat what you want.
- Craving donuts, pastries or cake in the morning? Why not go for a healthier sugar fix? Try some fresh fruit with a dollop of flavored yogurt. Your are eating a healthier sugar (fructose), getting some great calcium from the yogurt as well as fiber, and active cultures your body will thank you for, as you go about your active morning!
- Need an extra jolt at lunch? Enjoy a sandwich on multi-grain bread. Instead of white flour, you are getting whole grains with loads of healthy fiber, flavor and energy. Keeping your fiber intake high helps your body use foods more efficiently. Add a side salad with a yummy vinaigrette dressing and um-mm, what a lovely meal!
- Sluggish mid-afternoon? Craving those chips at 3:00? Why not keep a bag of baby carrots, sliced red peppers, and some reduced fat sliced white cheese? Protein, calcium, energy, vitamin A and such a great energy snack!
- Late night sweets a challenge? Do you find yourself snacking - just to snack? Keep some healthy trail mix of raisins, almonds, craisins peanuts and granola for a sweet, crunchy, chewy treat that is oh so good, Filled with loads of potassium and protein!
Understanding what are bodies are communicating may sometimes seem difficult, especially with our hectic lives. Yet, all it really takes is a little time, and a bit of patience. The result will be a healthier, happier body and a more energized and positive mind.
This post is part of the series: Yes, Dieting Can Be Fun!
Dieting - a booming industry. From food & pills, to exercise fads, it seems everyone knows the secret to looking ‘Hollywood healthy.’ Are all these fads healthy? This series educates & empowers women with many of the realities of ‘Hollywood healthy’ as well as ways to bring the joy of food back home