Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine what the body is really craving. Are you really craving ice cream, or are you craving affection? Are you really craving chocolate or are you craving magnesium?
Sometimes it means slowing down to really listen to its cues, like really listening instead of dashing off to your next appointment. When you start to listen in equal parts to your body’s craving of broccoli or kale as you do to its craving of sugar you are heading in a great direction for balanced health. This can take time and trust that your body, mind, and emotions are working as a team to speak clearly. You also need to learn how to turn your listening ears up, please.
Action
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The chocolate challenge….yup, we are going to forgo our diet for a minute to do a science experiment. If it’s important to not eat chocolate, then try a very ripe strawberry something else sweet. Please pick a small piece of chocolate about the size of a Hershey kiss.
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First: sit and make yourself comfortable, take 10-15 deep breaths, and ground into your body.
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Hold your chosen food and just look at it. What emotions is it bringing up? Do you want to devour it immediately? Is it making you anxious? Giddy? Happy? Uncomfortable?
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Smell the food. What new emotions does this conjure? An emotion or memory?
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Put the food in the mouth, but don't chew it. Let it begin to dissolve. If you have chosen chocolate, start to really taste it as it melts. Monitor how your body reacts and responds to this.
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Chew it up and swallow. How does your body feel now? Do you want more? Was it too sweet?
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If you want, journal about this experience. Share your food & findings with the group.
Meal Plan Support
Sometimes we all need something sweet, but instead of indulging in a half-pint of ice cream, try overnight oats as a delicious alternative. Here are some yummy versions that everyone in the family will love.
Overnight Oats Recipes You Should Try
Another option?! Try this amazing thick smoothie that reminds us of a milkshake! Just add some extra berries for some extra pop!
Mindfulness
Mindful Eating Mediation - 10 minutes
Like our chocolate experiment, you'll need a piece of food to explore.
There are quite a few options out there so feel free to search for other options.
Self Care
Sing Your Favorite Song
It's fast, easy, and free... AND when we belt out our favorite song at the top of our lungs and maybe even do a little dancing, the body gets a hit of serotonin and oxytocin (the "happy hormones").
So turn on the music and have some fun singing away our friends! Bonus points if you have a mic!
Health Hacks
A Little Exercise in Upgrading:
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Grocery store chocolate - try high-quality dark chocolate
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Store-bought cookies - instead try baking your own homemade cookies by making small changes. For example use organic or higher quality ingredients, GF, dairy-free, or with collagen for added protein
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Ice Cream- Instead use overripe bananas to make this delicious ice cream
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Boxed hot chocolate mix - try cacao powder and milk with a teaspoon of monk fruit sugar
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Store-bought popsicles— buy popsicle molds and fill them with your favorite smoothie recipe
