I won’t start this with a “have you ever…” This post is more of a “how often do you…?” Today’s subject is Cravings.
We all get them. Could be the late afternoon sweet tooth, the late night chips, or maybe ice cream while watching TV. I’m just like you; I get the hankering for a spoonful of peanut butter or a twinge for baked goods. But my real Achilles heel is cookies. Can’t eat just one!
What is yours? Think about it. When do you usually get a craving and is it the same one or does it vary?
Here are some thoughts about what these could mean. Keep in mind, there is tons of science and even more opinions from experts. So take this info as a suggestion or guide. Use this a reference guide mostly to bring awareness to your life at that moment. Ask yourself “what’s going on that could stimulate a craving? ? Stress? Low carb diet? Low sodium or nutrient intake? Bored and need variety?
A craving can be a signal from your body that something is needed. The good news is that it’s a suggestion from your body. Not an absolute must have or demand. You are still in control. Until or unless you give in.
The easiest fix for most cravings: Acknowledge it’s there, and go do something to take your mind off of it. Usually, the craving is short-lived and you can beat it.
Take a walk, call a friend, get in a project, or start working out. It’s not elaborate or difficult. You just have to get moving.
Warning: if you stand there and argue with yourself, having a back and forth conversation about it, you may lose. Take quick and evasive action!
Here are some fun facts about some of our favorite craving foods:
Potato chips:
Why? Likely you have a sodium or electrolyte imbalance and your body is craving the salt for functionality. However, too much salt/sodium has harmful effects on the heart so be careful with how often you have this one and what you do to correct it. Be sure you are taking in nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens and fruits. If you are keeping track of sodium intake, the RDA average intake is 2,000-2,300 mg per day.
Peanut butter:
Why? Possibly low on fats or high on stress level. If you are on a carb-restricted diet and are not consuming enough quality fat for energy you may feel the pull toward a spoonful of peanut or almond butter. Be sure your general food intake includes quality omega-3 oils, avocado, fish, olives etc. for brain food and energy.
But coach….doesn’t fat make me fat? No. it’s not the good fat that makes you fat it’s too much, or the wrong kind like animal fat, processed meat fat, and dairy fat that will make you fat.
French fries:
Why? Possibly stress, low energy, sodium imbalance. Fries are like the body’s ultimate energy source. They’re a fried, crispy plate of carbohydrates and fats — and of course, they are delicious. Keep in mind, they are high in fat, hard to digest, and high in calories if you eat too many.
This could also be a double craving whammy. Your body is smart. It knows that plate is going to give it a whole lot of lasting energy and likely the fries are covered in salt or seasoning which hits the sodium craving also. If you are having fries, be sure to balance with a high protein main course and only have a small serving of fries. Sweet potato fries are a great healthy way to eat the fries and they are tasty. But still, don’t eat the large family size.
I hope this gave you a little insight into cravings. We could keep going with the food list. But I just wanted to share some basics. So, here is a quick summary.
If you have a craving, acknowledge it, maybe take inventory of your day and see what could have been the trigger. Then get moving or active to get past the craving. It will go away if you don’t give in.
Stay strong and beat them!
Dedicated to your success,
Be Strong
Be Healthy
Be IMpowered
Coach Greg