3 Simple Ways to Allow Your Cravings to Work for You

Let’s choose to lean into curiosity and away from judgement! Really this applies to all areas of our lives, but to narrow the focus we’ll apply this idea to cravings. Over the past month you’ve gained a deeper knowledge and understanding about cravings. At this point you’re clear that cravings aren't inherently bad, or trying to steer us in away from your goals, they're simply a source of information. How we process and understand the information cravings provide is key, and this is where we’ll begin.

Today I’ll provide simple steps to tune inward and allow your cravings to work for you. Cravings can lead to great understanding of our needs if we can look at them in a more mindful way. This blog will share three ways our cravings help us to to better understand our needs. So without further ado, let’s dig in!

Stress & Fatigue

Our emotions and physical feelings are huge contributors to our cravings. Think of a day when you’re flat-out exhausted. Maybe you have a little one that doesn’t let you get a full night’s rest, or maybe stress about your family & work are making it hard to get quality sleep? Whatever the reason, know that exhaustion will send your cravings into overdrive. When we’re tired we’re far more likely to crave unhealthy foods, and to overeat in general.

When our bodies are stressed or exhausted a natural craving is to eat calorie-dense foods to seek comfort. This is important, so I’ll say it again, this is a natural, and a way our body works to bring us back to equilibrium. Applying mindfulness and observing the craving helps us understand the real cause.

Habits

Have you ever notice that certain times of day you reach for the same predictable foods? For me, by about 10am grabbing my Perfect Bar for my mid-morning snack, and this pretty much happens without fail. However, there are times when I have to stop and think about whether I’m even hungry or if I’m reaching for this snack because I love the taste of it, and also I’m just looking for a reason to take a quick break from the work day.

When you take the time to observe I’d be willing to bet that you have several times throughout your day when you grab for different foods or drinks simply because it’s a habit that’s been formed. Consider taking a break from the automatic response, and think about whether you’re really hungry - or whether that food you’re reaching for is really the one you want to eat. This small step in gaining awareness can be a game-changer.

Overall Well-being

There are times when our body craves food to bring itself back into an overall state of well-being. I was recently talking to a friend who was returning from vacation and she said “I’m so ready to be back home, cooking and having vegetables again!” So true! We go on vacation and we eat out way more than we would at home, and when we’re back our bodies inherently crave more water, and fresh fruits & vegetables.

This idea of bringing our bodies into balance also ties back to our Primary and Secondary food balance. An overall shift in Primary food can very much relate to a craving we experience for Secondary food. Try to observe how your cravings may be working to bring you back to a state of overall well-being.

My hope is that this brief overview of three simple steps has shifted your perception of cravings, and given you actionable ways to explore your cravings more mindfully.

Are you anxious to learn more? If so, I highly recommend checking out Deconstructing Cravings and Busting Myths: All cravings are bad, to better understand how to cravings can work for us and help guide our decisions!

My hope is that this has left you inspired to learn more. If these ideas have sparked curiosity, I highly encourage you to check out the Mindbody Collective, which is my holistic health coaching membership. You can click here to join the waitlist and receive amazing freebies while you wait for doors to reopen!