Cravings as Signals {Think of Your Body as a Crying Baby That's Trying to Tell You Something}

Ok- so in nutrition school this week--- everything is all about cravings, where they come from, and WHY!!!! 

{Just so you know the above cupcake was totally amazing. If you haven't had one- go get yourself one!}

Did you know?--- that cravings don't make you a bad person. I really want to stress this because it's amazing how many people I run into that really believe this!!!

I'll be working with someone, listening to what they're eating, and it's almost like they think they should feel guilty for wanting certain foods (or embarrassed) when really-- what's going through my head is the why? I'm thinking . . . hormones, pituitary gland, blood sugar levels, etc.

No, seriously if you're craving a GIANT ice cream Sunday (so yummy!), greasy cheesy pizza or a can of coke -- it doesn't mean there's something wrong with you as a person . . . :p

The question is, why? Is it a psychological reason (your thoughts), or a biological reason?

The answer to this question tells us how to approach it and pin-point a solution!!!!

Have you ever wondered why (at times) you desire to eat something that you know will only feel like a stomach bomb a few hours later, or why we eat things we know just really aren't the best for us (like fried foods, for example).

If you're experiencing uncontrollable cravings-- check these tips out before giving up!

{BTW, this chocolate stampede comes totally recommended by me!}

#1 - Get hydrated.

Have you had enough water to drink?

May sound strange, but yes- if you're dehydrated your body can fake that "hungry feeling" when all you really need is a big glass of h2o!

#2 - Check your deficiencies. 

Cravings can be a sign of deficiencies. For example, if you're low in iron you might crave crunching ice. You can get this checked by asking your doctor for a vitamin panel testing. :) There are other ways, but it's the simplest to explain at the moment!

#3 - Primary foods.

Are you satisfied with your life, or are you trying to cover up other issues with food?

#4 - Crowd out.

For example, instead of telling yourself that you'll never eat sugar again why not try drinking a glass of warm water and waiting 10 minutes before you head to the freezer for a late night bowl of ice cream?

If you still want some after that-- go for it!!!!!! But, at least you made a conscience decision versus a reactionary one to what could just be a "thirst signal". :)

#5 - Think of your body as a baby!

Taking care of an infant isn't the easiest task (I'm the second of 9, so yeah- I know! totally worth it, though :), but neither is taking care of your body!!!!

Use your imagination for a sec, and equalize the two.

Your body is a baby-- it's crying at the moment (cravings) and you don't know what it needs. Your body really is like this!!! We make educated guesses at to what's going on.

All this to say, if you're experiencing wild cravings-- it's just your body sending you a message, or signal. Until you figure out what that signal is, and respond to it (with the right answer!), that craving isn't going to go away.

Sometimes, though, babies still cry after you change their diaper because it was really an ear ache they were complaining of. The diaper change helped, but there was more . . . don't give up!!!! Use your brain, do the research, and most importantly-- listen to your body. It's talking. :)

If you have any questions about cravings I'm happy to point you in the right direction, if I can! My e-mail is realfoodrunner@gmail.com

Comment and tell me how you respond to cravings. :) 

Do you just go with them, or do you see that craving as something your body is trying to tell you?