Non-Food Cravings

Good morning everyone! Today we will look at NON-FOOD CRAVINGS.

Sometimes we crave food for emotional reasons. Maybe we are looking for excitement in our lives or looking for comfort after a stressful situation. This nourishment is a kind of emotional feeding. It’s not really about the food, but the emotion it creates.

Are you craving entertainment?

We often use food to distract us from boredom. It’s important to decipher true cravings from eating as a form of entertainment. If you are bored, try to deal with the issue directly rather than distracting yourself by snacking and munching to fill time. Boredom is a challenge to be more creative with your life. The prime example of this craving is at work. Many people snack or eat just to take a break from staring at the computer. The next time this happens, try taking a walk around the block with a co-worker. Or close your office door and stretch for five minutes.

Are you craving a hug?

One of the biggest problems with diets today is that people attribute their cravings to appetite and hunger, when these cries are usually from another part of their being that is starving. These cravings have nothing to do with physical nutrition. They are for love, affection and fulfillment. Food can fill you, but not fulfill you. Touch is an important part of the human experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for a hug when you need it. Try it with your friends, your kids, your siblings or whomever you are close with in your life. You might be surprised at how many hugs you’ve been missing.

Are you craving movement?

Stress, hard work and lots of thinking create tension in the body, which can lead to chronic aches, tightness and constipation. Many people try to alleviate these symptoms with alcohol and sugar, which only serve to dampen their unease and slow down the body. Exercise is an ideal way of releasing a build-up of physical tension. Developing a regular exercise program to suit your particular body type and lifestyle will have numerous rewards. Start small. Go out for a walk or check out a gentle yoga or swim class. Listen to your body about what kind of movement it desires.

Stay Nourished and start Flourishing,

~Coach Stephanie