Foof Cravings

Seeking solace in a hamburger?

Cravings are not just physiological – emotions can also play a huge part in why you crave the foods you do.

It’s easy to associate certain foods with certain times or places that make you feel soothed or comforted. These associations can be directly related to your cravings. For example, if you're tired or ill, you may crave chicken soup like your Mom used to make.

If you’re lonely, you might crave ice cream because that’s what your parents gave you to cheer you up when you were a child. In times like these, it's important to focus on the nurturing that your body really needs. For instance, do you need a break? More rest? More nutrients?

There is a very fine line between what can be called a craving and what may be an episode of emotional eating. Next time you experience a craving, ask yourself if it has any emotional motivation.

It might be hard to admit to yourself that you're reaching for food to help make you feel better, and even harder to face and deal with the stress and emotions that lead you to seek comfort from food in the first place. But if you can establish a connection between a craving and an emotional need you can learn to satisfy the emotional need instead of numbing it with food.

Before you go craving mad

Everybody experiences cravings now and then, whether for physical, emotional or any other reasons. It’s nothing to stress about and nothing to feel guilty over.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with cravings is not to let them get out of control – learn to recognize what’s going on with your cravings at a physical and an emotional level, and try to prevent the craving if you can.

If you can’t prevent it, remember that sometimes satisfying your craving a little, before you go craving mad, is the best way to respond.