Our Cravings

If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard that…
“Cravings are our bodies telling us that we need something”

It’s interesting to note that, you seldom hear about people craving spinach (except Popeye) or broccoli, salad and other low calorie foods. So, it’s hard to believe that cravings tell us what we need …

The other night when I came home from work “I wanted something, but couldn’t Figure out what!”

I tried eating a variety of things even after I was full.

It then dawned on me that I didn’t want food …
I wanted energy because I was physically and mentally exhausted. My body didn’t need energy or food … it needed SLEEP … and was trying to find a substitution.

Our cravings are usually triggered by emotions or sight …

Have you ever seen a commercial for Twinkies and then just had to have one?
Have you ever been sad or depressed and crave chocolate?
Have you ever ate a whole bag of chips as you were winding down from the day?

What is it that we crave?
For most people it’s usually something with a high fat content, sometimes salty and sometimes sweet.

According to a research at University of Alabama at Birmingham we have two kinds of appetites – metabolic and hedonic.

Metabolic Appetite is needed for energy or calories.

Hedonic Appetite happens when we restrict appetizing foods. In response, “our brain’s reward system kicks in and causes us to crave yummy tasting foods,”

According to a recent study at Flinders University in Australia, visual and sensual distractions are effective in decreasing cravings.

If certain places set off cravings try to avoid them …

Don’t drive by the donut shop on the way to work
Steer away from the break room at work
Stay out of the kitchen between meals
Stay away from the Cinnabons at the mall

While on your weight loss plan it’s important that you eat a variety of foods. Plan for your favorite foods and don’t have any forbidden foods. This should decrease your cravings.

The key is knowing the difference between real hunger and emotional cravings, and learning how to control them.

Struggling to Lose Weight?
Try the 12-Lesson Program at DietWatch to free you from Emotional Eating.

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