Cravings
— It’s not all about willpower —
Food Cravings
If you are frustrated because you eat “well” all day long, but then struggle with the seemingly out-of-control cravings later in the the afternoon and evening, you’re not alone! Food cravings often have physical component, habitual component, and a mental or emotional component. When you’re fighting all three it’s hard to make progress. Luckily, when you take out the physical component of your cravings you are often able to manage the other two much more easily. Learning to balance your blood sugars throughout the day (even if you have no trouble with your blood sugars), making sure your body is nourished, and learning to pair foods correctly can help you overcome your cravings quickly and see progress toward your goals!
Do you relate to any of these?
- I eat well all day long, but can’t control myself when I get home from work
- I often binge on sweet treats
- I struggle to make progress toward my goals because I always feel deprived and hungry
- I often struggle with my energy levels and turn to foods
- Certain foods are a slippery slope for me — once I have one I can’t stop
- I often am hungry within 2-3 hours after eating a meal
- I rarely feel satisfied by what I eat (physically or mentally)
- I am frustrated because I feel like I have no will power
If you can relate to any of the above, you’re not alone. It isn’t all about will power. It’s about learning what your body needs and when.
Common Causes of Food Cravings:
- Blood sugar imbalance (even if you have no blood sugar issues)
- Yeast overgrowth (Candida)
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Improper ratio of carbs, protein, and fats
- Emotional issues relating to food
- Food restriction
- Poor sleep habits
- Stress
Take out the physical component to food cravings and you can see improvements in just a few days!
How to Address Food Cravings:
- Learn to listen to your body
- Pair protein, carbs, and fats correctly
- Address nutrient deficiencies
- Address yeast overgrowth
- Time meals and snacks appropriately
- Practice mindful eating
- Address emotional eating issues
- Get adequate sleep
- Manage stress (develop other coping mechanisms)