OK, a small group of us started a challenge on Jan. 30 and are communicating via a private Facebook group. If you want in, let me know. It's never too late! We're just using the page to keep ourselves accountable with exercise and eating.
Now, for the past two days, I've been craving avacados/guacamole. What is it in the avocado that I need right now?
I am a big believer in eating what you crave. Please note, this doesn't apply if you're craving a bag of potato chips or 10 pounds of chocolate. For example, at certain times of the month (TMI, I know), I have intense cravings for protein, specifically for chicken and eggs. Other times of the month, the thought of eating eggs makes me sick.
Keep in mind, I'm no medical expert, so what I'm saying could be a load of hooey, but I think our bodies are talking to us all the time and trying to tell us what what they need. Unfortunately, we are so far removed from listening to our bodies, we have no idea what they're saying. "I need some protein" becomes a hamburger and French fries at a fast food retaurant. "I need some antioxidants" becomes a binge on cheap chocolate that just leaves you wanting more.
It has taken me a long, long time to get to the point where I can sort of listen to my body (and then not ignore it). Trust me, I want to mow through an entire chocolate bar sometimes, too. But the next time a craving hits, slow down and think about what you're feeling, and you might find a nutritionally better way to satisfy your crave and really nourish your body versus just eating to consume what you think you want.
Here are the ways I try to deal with irrational cravings and try to change some bad eating habits I might have taken on lately...
1. Get out of the kitchen. I find that after I eat lunch, my body wants something sweet. I'm pretty sure this is just a habit I got into over the holidays. So I hurry and get away from the temptations.
2. Brush my teeth. Nothing kills wanting to eat something else faster than brushing your teeth because anything after that tastes nasty. Even better: floss. Way better: put in a tooth whitening strip. You'll never want to eat again.
3. Drink water. I'm usually just thirsty.
4. Pack snacks. And try to think about what will give you the most bang for your buck. Candy bar, no. An appropriate portion of nuts and raisins, yes.
5. Chew gum/eat a mint. This is kind of like the toothpaste one. Today I had the overwhelming urge to keep eating after I had alredy finished lunch. I grabbed a piece of gum and was fine.
So there you have my five key strategies for trying to break habits and stop cravings. I admit, some days are easier than others!
