understanding cravings
DESCRIPTION
Are cravings due to lack of will power or discipline? Why do we crave what we crave? What should we do about them?TRANSCRIPT
UNDERSTANDING CRAVINGS
Forever And A Day HealthTorrance, CA
WHAT IS A FOOD CRAVING?
A food craving is an intense desire to consume a specific food, that goes beyond normal hunger.
WHY DO WE HAVE THEM?
Now….
1. LACK OF PRIMARY FOOD
Food is more than what you find on your plate. Emotional factors (stress, boredom, being uninspired by a job or relationship) or an inappropriate exercise routine
may all cause emotional eating.
2. WATER INTAKE
Balanced intake is the key. Dehydration can manifest as a mild hunger. Excess water, can also cause cravings due to electrolyte and mineral imbalance. Eight to ten cups is the average daily need for
an adult.
3. CULTURE OR HABIT
We often crave foods that have some “emotional meaning” attached to
them. Foods from our childhood Foods we culturally eat on special occasions Foods that are representative of what we
understand as Happiness, tend to be craved when we feel less happy.
4. BODY IS OUT OF BALANCE
When there is imbalance in the body, it will produce odd cravings.
Inadequate mineral levels produces salt cravings
Lack of sleep and or high levels of stress produces cravings for quick fixes source of energy such as sugar and sugary foods.
Winter blues, low spirits promote cravings for high carb content foods.
5. HORMONES
Though more common in women, due to our reproductive cycle, men
can also suffer from fluctuating testosterone and estrogen levels that may cause unique cravings. Stress is a big trigger for these hormonal
fluctuations, especially later in life.
6. SELF-SABOTAGE SYNDROME
Allowing for steep blood sugar drops during weight loss diet programs is one example of that. The lack of balance may result in strong mood swings which in turn creates
more cravings in an attempt to bring back the body’s balance.
WHAT CAN/SHOULD WE DO?
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1. BE SMART: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Pay attention and understand your body’s needs in terms of sleep, nutrition and exercise. There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to
that.
2. SLEEP WELL
Find out not only what the ideal night of sleep is for you in terms of hours but also what is your optimal bedtime. Strive to achieve it every night in order to be fully rested and reduce fatigue levels.
3. EAT WELL
Consuming a variety of healthy foods and drinks allows the body to keep it’s optimal balance and minimize cravings.
4. BE ACTIVE
Boost your metabolism by avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
5. MINIMIZE STRESS AND MAXIMIZE HAPPINESS
Reorganize the priorities in your life. Remove unnecessary stresses. Replace food as a source of pleasure with hobbies and other fun, exciting diversions.
6.PRACTICE MINDFUL EATING
Deliberately pay attention, non-judgmentally.
Be aware of what is present for you mentally, emotionally and physically in each moment.
With practice, mindfulness cultivates the possibility of freeing yourself of reactive, habitual patterns of thinking, feeling and acting.
Mindfulness promotes balance, choice, wisdom and acceptance of what is.
Forever And A Day HealthTorrance, CA
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Disclaimer: Adriana Cox is a Certified Health Coach, not a Medical Doctor. The content of this presentation is not intended to replace Medical Advice. Consult with your Medical Care Provider before making any changes to your Diet and Exercise programs.