Our cravings really do say a lot about what's going on internally. In my particular case, I've spent the last two months packing, worrying and fretting about moving, eating on the go, and finally moving to a new town. All of that has caused my stress hormones to rise and fall like a rollercoaster ride. I don't think eating those potatoe chips would be a huge problem if only I ate a little here and there...
So what can I do when that urge to sit at my desk and eat a bowl of crisps/potato chips consumes me? The quickest thing to do is grab some celery and smear it with peanut butter or go for a jar of olives. Then I need to consider increasing my essential fatty acids...maybe eat more wild caught salmon or eat some walnuts. I typically drink smoothies with lots of greens and chia seeds or flax seeds but when things are packed in boxes...not much I can do.
And what about craving sweets? You may be deficient in magnesium, tryptophan, sulphur or even chromium. If you find yourself having difficulty in resisting those temptuous desserts then try eating some sweet cantaloupe or honeydew⎯that should calm the craving, and then consider adding or increasing raw cacao (high in magnesium). You can't go wrong by increasing your consumption of leafy greens but make sure you incorporate a little oil⎯olive or avocado, i.e., to help maximum the digestion of those nutrients. Also consider eating seeds, nuts and some more fruit. Next time you have a 'craving attack' take a deep breath and consider why⎯then go for the healthier choice. (Of course it's helpful if have the healthier choices already available in your kitchen.)
I also want to mention the emotional aspect of cravings. If one is craving sweets perhaps one needs more kindness, hugs and sweetness in one's life. If that's the case, why not volunteer doing something that brings you a little joy and smiles or try visiting with good friends more often. As for the salt craving, emotionally, I think I was just feeling overwhelmed. Things happen, right?
Here is a link to an excellent article about cravings; it refers to the mind and body aspect of cravings. Have a look and see what your cravings say about you:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6322/The-Physical-Spiritual-Meaning-Behind-Your-Cravings.html
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