Crave, Eat, Exercise, Repeat!

To begin, all of those who have or are experiencing cravings should know that they are NORMAL. Although they are difficult to ignore, the desire or urge to eat that specific food item is natural. We all have different desires, and they differ from one person to another. Hunger differs from cravings. Hunger occurs when we have an empty stomach and want to eat a full meal or at least a reasonable portion of food, whereas cravings require only a small portion of food to satisfy our desire to consume that particular food item. Chocolate is a fibrous food that we crave, followed by other high-calorie, sweet and savory foods. Fruits and other low-calorie foods have also become prominent for cravings. Cravings are not only nourishing, but also cognitively beneficial to our happiness. Let’s talk about causes and types of cravings, as well as how to distinguish between hunger and craving by exercising proper control.

Cravings may be caused by a variety of factors, including our physical and mental health. Physical causes include leptin and ghrelin imbalances, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), lack of sleep, dehydration, or a change in diet, as well as an increase in physical activity. Stress, mood swings, and hormonal imbalance are among the mental causes. We must be able to distinguish between hunger and cravings. Some people confuse hunger with cravings, and having more cravings than hunger is unhealthy, especially if the cravings are mostly for high-calorie foods. Even if it is nutritious, it is always better to eat a small portion since eating large portions can become a routine and affect our regimen. . Our book, The Urban body Fix has a chapter about how to interpret what your cravings tell you and understanding the importance of moderation by learning about cravings and how to control them. So, folks, if you’re looking understand your cravings, this is a must read for you. 

Although it is not recommended to ignore your craving, one should learn to conquer their cravings by having self-control over it. Here are some strategies to control cravings:

-        Slow down and savor small portions of food.

-         Before you indulge in a craving, make a plan to eat something healthy first.

-        Purchase the cravings in smaller quantities.

-        Once the craving has been satisfied, try to distract yourself by engaging in some physical activity.

-        Get plenty of rest and exercise.

-        Always have a craving substitute, but it should be a healthier alternative.

-        If you can, avoid being overly hungry.

Let's indulge in our cravings, but in a healthy manner. Share your craving-control strategies with @UrbanBodyFix.