What do your food cravings tell you about yourself ?

For a really long time, I personally struggled with food cravings. Even if I was on a clean diet, every now and then I would binge on what I craved. It could be a bar of chocolate, a huge block of ice-cream or some sugary treat after lunch. I thought this was normal – I mean isn’t that the concept behind “cheat meals”?

Cut to the present where I’ve started to believe that you no longer need cheat meals. And no this isn’t because I’ve started to exercise some superhuman willpower or I’ve inherently started hating anything sinful. It’s because I’ve started to understand that cravings are signals. Signals that our bodies are giving our mind about deficiencies – both physical and mental. This isn’t to say that I don’t have sweets or anything else, it only means that I’ve stopped using cravings as an excuse to stray into what I know is not the best for me because I have greater control.

Most of us cover up our emotions with food. We eat when we are too bored, too sad, too happy, too anxious, too stressed or even start munching just because someone else is munching on it.

Scientific research has proven that when you’re unable to identify and process your emotions, you tend to over-indulge in food and binge eat. The relationship you have with food is the relationship you have with yourself. And during the course of my journey and career, I’ve seen the following patterns emerge:

1. Sweet (Pastries, Desserts, Candy, Pie etc.) :

The most common of the cravings, these are usually experienced by people who have really busy lives, to-do tasks, tend to feel exhausted by all the work. It’s almost as if the work has eaten into the time that they could’ve spent on themselves or relaxing.

According to Ayurveda, the underlying emotional need is joy.

Alternatives:

·      Read a good book

·      Get a foot massage

·      A small walk outdoors

·      Try Aromatherapy

2. Spicy

Those who love spicy food to the point of sniffles and teary eyes are in need of excitement. They love to explore new things, places, experiences and the lack of those in their lives gets channeled through food.

Alternatives:

·      Learn a new skill

·      Develop a hobby

3. Salty

The idea behind salt is that it allows the fluids in our bodies to ebb and flow better. This in turns helps us relax, which is the underlying need in this case.

Alternatives:

·      Meditate

·      Deep breathing exercises

·      Painting

4. Caffeine

Caffeine alerts the mind and puts our bodies on a slight overdrive, creating the illusion that we are on top of whatever work we have lined up for the day. When we want to fuel our ability to mentally juggle, however this can lead to exhaustion and caffeine merely creates an illusory feeling of being at the fore.

Alternatives:

·      Treat your mind to some genuine rest

·      Go to bed early

·      Meditate

5. Crispy/Crunchy Food

Crispy, crunchy food can be an outlet of anger, or a way to illicit artificial prominence especially after scenarios where we may not feel recognized/noticed.

Alternatives:

·      Journal writing can help untangle some of these emotions and find ways to express yourself

6. Chocolate

What better way to feel all’s well, in love than with chocolate? It has all the right ingredients to light up the brain in the right centers.

Alternatives:

·      Take a moment to think about the love in your life

·      Go and get a hug or cuddle from someone you love

7. Soft starches

They signal comfort and nourishment to our brain and the emotional need is for support and little bit of comforting. When we’re craving a little-hand hold or hugs, we gravitate a lot more towards these foods.

Alternatives:

·      Speak to a friend

·      Join a support group if that helps

·      Start a creative activity

8. Ice Cream

Most people associate ice cream with the freedom that comes from childhood. There’s a tinge of nostalgia and being carefree. Sometimes also used just as a balm for unresolved hurt.

Alternatives:

·      Taking the time to enjoy simpler things in life – like a cup of tea, music, long walks in nature to untangle and let go of such feelings

9. Cheese

Associated most strongly with the feelings of nourishment and wholeness, cheese almost has a warm, maternal link and helps you feel comforted.

Alternatives:

·      Creating or joining some form of support group

·      Spending quality time doing something you connect with in a group that you enjoy

Lastly, I also want to point out that the above is a guideline and a small check and balance for us in everyday life. If you feel like you need support or consultation, reach out for professional help.

Cravings can be a signal that can be channeled well if properly understood and it can be liberating if used well.