Our body’s are amazing: It knows when to go to sleep, when to wake up, and when to go to the bathroom. It maintains a temperature of 98.6 degrees, repairs itself when wounded, and knows the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth. Your heart never misses a beat. Your lungs are always breathing. The body is a super computer, and it never makes mistakes.

We all have cravings. We may crave sugar, salt, crispy, starchy etc etc.

We are sometimes annoyed/frustrated at our cravings. But look at your cravings carefully, learn from them and understand them.

Look at the foods, deficits, and behaviors in your life that are the underlying causes of your cravings. Many people view cravings as weakness, but really they are important messages meant to assist you in maintaining balance. When you experience a craving, deconstruct it. Ask yourself, what does my body want and why?

*One of the most important reason for a craving could be LACK OF PRIMARY FOOD. If you have not read my earlier blog, “Primary foods” are not what you put on your plate. Primary foods are your relationships, your career, your physical activity and your spirituality.
Being dissatisfied with a relationship or having an inappropriate exercise routine (too much, too little, or the wrong kind), being bored, stressed, uninspired by a job, or lacking a spiritual practice may all cause emotional eating. Eating can be used as a substitute for entertainment or to fill the void of primary foods.

*Water: Lack of water can send the message that you are thirsty and on the verge of dehydration. Dehydration can manifest as a mild hunger, so the first thing to do when you get a craving is drink a full glass of water. Excess water can also cause cravings, so be sure that your water intake is well balanced.

*Often times, cravings come from foods that we have recently eaten, foods eaten by our ancestors, or foods from our childhood. A clever way to satisfy these cravings is to eat a healthier version of one’s ancestral or childhood foods.

The above are some of the reasons for your craving. So next time you have a craving. Stop and think what it could be?

Take the first step to a healthier, happier life,
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Ashrafi Bhagat
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
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