Hi! I hope you’re feeling inspired to knock out more junk food today! Today I’d like you to think about what drives your junk food cravings.
When I ask this question, the top response is stress, especially when running on tight deadlines and suffering post-lunch energy crashes. This leads to grabbing chips and cookies from vending machines, for a quick boost that can soon leaves you asleep under your desk.
Why not feed yourself food that fuels you, rather than robbing you of your precious energy?
I want you to imagine sailing through your work day with steady energy, feeling positive and joyful. Outside of work and personal stress, I want you to consider non-food factors that may influence your cravings.
Think back to a time when you were madly in love. Your partner’s care made you feel satisfied and appreciated. Many people crave sweets when they are lacking supportive relationships. Take a look at the people you surround yourself with – is it time for a change?
I regularly tell people that while what is on their plate is important, healthy relationships, regular physical activity, a fulfilling career, and a spiritual practice can fill their soul and satisfy their real hunger for life. These other aspects of life are what Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches like me call Primary Food.
When these areas of your life – your primary foods – are balanced, your life feeds you, making what you eat secondary.
Give this a try: Next time you find yourself responding to a craving with a junky snack, focus on the root of the urge.
Consider these primary foods:
- Relationships
- Physical activity
- Career
- Spirituality
Rate each one personally on a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being completely satisfied and 1 being dissatisfied.
After you’ve identified which areas you are not 100% happy with, you can move forward and begin to truly nourish yourself without turning to food as a crutch.
Now that you’ve taken some major steps toward achieving balance, consider non-food ways you can reward yourself.
Make a list of treats to indulge in when your primary foods get out of balance. Some good ideas are a new book, a manicure, massage, or a long, luxurious walk with your best friend.
See you again tomorrow!
