These often come from foods with the ‘bliss factor’ a formula designed by food scientists. They are packed with salt, sugar and fat.
The diet mentality insists we need willpower around these foods. We beat ourselves up for not being able to control our eating and bring on the shame of being weak willed, lazy and stupid and vow to eliminate them from our diet. Instead of depriving yourself, try a new way.
I love french fries. In diet times I would shovel them in quickly , ashamed and full of regret. Now, I go to one of my favorite places, sit down and order the best fries and savor every bite.
I eat them mindfully (as I do all foods) because a couple of things happen with these trigger foods.
1. Our cues for hunger are challenged, as we can’t distinguish between hunger and cravings. The physical changes that occur from these is very real and they do create a chemical craving.
2. It is hard to eat real foods if you eat too many of these, as everything will taste bland.
Reducing these foods gives you a chance to rest and cleanse your palate and to appreciate the subtle flavor.
Zen Master THICH NHAT HANH says ‘when you eat with mindfulness, you consume deliciously”.
Whatever your trigger food is, decide how to enjoy it. Hiding in the garage and shoveling in cookies won’t work and neither will eating in your car racing through traffic. Sitting in a park with a delicious cookie from your local bakery or enjoying a pastry in a coffee shop with a friend are both better alternatives.
Is the craving a real desire for that food, or is it to fill an emotional gap?
Feed the soul and the belly will take care of itself!
Check if anything else is creating the craving. A lack of sleep can cause a sugar rush to bolster our energy. Some fruit or a quick walk is a better alternative. Other cravings can be related to other physical issues such as a calcium, magnesium or omega deficiency… all detectable with a blood test.
Information is key, as it gives you the opportunity to change things.
Craving something is fine, except when it takes you away from a path of wellness.
Thanks for reading,
Christina