What Do You Crave?

I had a conversation recently with one of the members from my fitness classes about cravings. Obviously the conversation started on the topic of sugar and sugar cravings, and after sharing some thoughts and perspectives with one another it became about cravings in general. Whether it’s sugar, chips, alcohol, the high off of a session at the gym, or a salad, when we have something in our life in excessive amounts, our brain recognizes a feel good, or reward sensation when we feed into that craving – literally.

We have had scientific evidence on food cravings and addictions (sugar and fat to name a few) for a number of years. Though it is slightly frightening to think that many people are affected by this, it is also exhilarating to know that you can change that. We associate too much negativity when it comes to addictions. So how about we change that around?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good burger with some sweet potato fries from time to time, or a decadent dessert shared in good company, but I for one have come to love vegetables in my day. I have noticed over the years however, that if I go a day or two without a beautiful salad, I will crave it. On vacation when choices may be slim, or when I’m running around during a work week and have to resort to wraps and a smoothie to keep me fueled, I can feel my body missing that salad. And not just lettuce and dressing here. I’m talking about a whole meal salad. With flavor, greens, vegetables, protein, cheese and fruit.

So, if you thought you had to go on the “Salad Diet” to achieve your goals and never enjoy a scoop of ice cream again, well you definitely don’t. How about we try a different angle to bring in healthy habits? Instead of saying “no, no, no” to those tempting foods that, well, in all honesty are on every corner wherever you look, why don’t we take an approach to add something good in and see how our taste buds respond and dance around? I mean, if I can cut down from three double-doubles a day (yes, in my younger years), to appreciating the flavor of black coffee now, or very much enjoying plain yogurt with berries and home made granola, then I think there is reason to believe that we can all take the dive. You believe in yourself right?