OMG my chocolate cravings are killing me!
Every afternoon the overwhelming cravings for the chocolate hit like a freight train. There is none in the house, thank goodness, but I’ll check the cupboard anyway! What’s this? A tin of Milo! Well that could work……. 1,2,3…7,8 spoons of milo in milk and a few spoons straight into the mouth, aaahhhh! That’s better, now I feel a bit sick and a bit fat. WHY do I do this to myself? L
Cravings for sweet food are very common. They are relentless and unstoppable. I have discovered the common triggers that lead to these outbursts and cravings and have been able to take control. However, unless you are able to be prepared, know the warning signs, the cravings will still happen.
Your body needs carbohydrates which are turned into energy. If you have not consumed enough of the right type of carbs your body will ‘run out of puff’. Once you have this lack of energy and your body is screaming out for a quick fix. You have no choice but to eat the quickest form of sugar or go to sleep.
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate. In this form (chocolate) it will not last in your system for long, causing you to feel worse in a short time. Eating good (low GI) carbs, such as brown rice, whole grain breads, oats and sweet potato earlier in the day will give you lasting energy.
The result of either, lack of sleep or, not eating enough energy providing food during the day so far.
If I stick to my food plan by eating a big breakfast consisting of PROTEIN, CARBS AND OMEGA3 (healthy fat), morning tea snack consisting of the same P,C,O3. Lunch P,C,O3 (not even hungry) but eat anyway, afternoon snack, then my body has plenty of energy to last through the afternoon slump. This is when chocolate never enters my mind.
The other time is when your body is very tired and it looks for a break or 20 minute meditation/time out. If you are able to do this when required, your body will be refreshed again and no longer craving. The instant sugar hit which only gives you an initial short term fix, soon after, you will be experiencing another ‘sugar low’ and the craving will return. You will consume too many calories for your daily allowance and overtime, weight gain will result.
In conclusion:
Always plan to have eaten most of your food in the early part of the day which will sustain your energy levels all day long.
If you don’t get a good night sleep, chances are you will need to take a 20 minute power nap during the afternoon to avoid the sweet food cravings.
You cannot fight your body when it decides you have not provided the essential nutrients for daily functioning.
By Kerry Jeffs Nutrition and Fitness
