Eat What You Crave

Amy Lippmann, Knowledge Level: All Levels, Keywords: Eating, Nutrition, Enough, cravings

What types of foods have you been craving lately? Some of the things I hear often from my clients are cravings for chocolate, sweets, chips, fried foods, and comfort foods.  Are any of these on your list?

What happens when you deny yourself what you crave?  Do the cravings diminish or get stronger? You may find that the more you deny your cravings, the more intense they get. And then you may find yourself binging on the particular food you were craving, leaving you feeling guilty and down on yourself.

I believe it’s better to allow yourself to eat what your body is craving, and there are two ways to do this without any guilt. 

Option 1: Eat a small portion of what you’re craving. So, if you want ice cream, get a kiddie cup.  If you’re out to dinner and want dessert, share it with someone.  If you’re craving chips, buy a snack sized bag. If you’re also feeling hungry at the time, combine the food you’re craving with something healthy â€" to create a larger snack or meal.

Option 2: Find a healthier substitute for what you’re craving. Think about the type of food you’re craving and the particular qualities that appeal to you. Some of the qualities to think about are hot, cold, creamy, crunchy, salty, sweet, rich, and light.  Once you’ve determined the qualities you’re craving, think about what other foods have those same qualities. For example, if you’re craving ice cream because you want something cold and creamy, you can substitute with a homemade smoothie.

Your goal here is to satisfy your cravings, while eating with pleasure and without guilt. Try one of these two options the next time you get a craving and let me know how you do!

Are you feeling confused about how and what you should be eating? I know how you feel because a few years ago I was exactly where you are, and I don’t want you to struggle (as I did) to figure out how to eat in a way that works for you. 

My whole life I have craved a healthy relationship with food and my body. A couple of years ago I started making changes to my diet and focused on eating mostly whole foods. I wanted to be able to eat foods I enjoy without going hungry or gaining weight. In my process of self-exploration, I became the go-to person for friends and family wanting nutritional advice. I realized that I had a passion for helping others find a way of eating and a lifestyle that works for them. My formal training is in Eastern/Western nutrition and holistic health from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, and I am certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. I currently have a practice based in Carrboro, NC, but work with clients in Boston, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. I received a BA from Washington University in St. Louis. My background is in training and development, non-profit management, and marketing.. Article on Eating, Nutrition, Enough, cravings by Amy Lippmann

Tags: [cached]: chocolate sweets, craving ice, fried foods, type of food, small portion, smoothie, guilt, snack, two ways, dessert, chips, pleasure,

More Recent Articles

• Is Eating Out Sabotaging Your Results?
• Holiday Etiquette for Small Businesses
• In A Rough Economy, Entrepreneurs Stand to Ga...
• Planning for The New Year
• Demystifying the Bailouts
• Customer Service In a Down Economy
• How To Be Your Own Best Advertisement (Withou...
• Should You Talk About the Economy In Your Mar...