Cravings and Body Language
Is this really What I Need?
Demystifying cravings can happen when we relearn to read our own body language.
When I hit by an unexpected ice cream craving, this was a good opportunity to practice a strategy in the Emotional awareness toolkit to explore what my Ice cream Craving revealed, about what my body really wanted.
The Mind-Body Re-Connection
At the presentation of a craving there is sudden fear response and experience, an uneasy reviewing of my resolve and will power in the face of this seeming ‘image of paradise’ as it is presented t o my mind.
Practice Makes Perfect
Getting a Clearer Picture of What is behind the Craving
Unpacking the Craving
Context: Taking stock, is just taking time to realize how I feel, including about my environment, physical state and activity engaged in.
Imagery /Associations: Allowing myself to imagine the ice cream I was able to ask some questions and get to some answers.
Employing Self Coaching Questions
The context was it was a very bright spring day. It was also the end of a long work day filled in which I had been in all day and I felt tired and with less energy than when I started. Ready to down tools!
What I was craving or looking forward to was the cold, refreshing, liquid sensation sweetness and awakening cold.
The image and association was with relaxing, summer break treat and reward at the end of a long period of work
Questions to further unpack the craving
Q. What other sweet foods are a real treat?
Q. What else do I feel is cold or cooling when consumed?
Q. Are there other foods I like that is high in water (wet) and refreshing?
What other things are associated with relaxing, summer break treat
So what did I end up eating?
I had Pineapple (which for me is spelt paradise) and a glass of water…this took care of that craving nicely (without the sickly sweet sugar and the guilt and necessary weight loss after) and with the added bonus of lifting my mood and sense of triumph. I treated myself to another helping!
Practice Makes Perfect
This outcome is a great contribution to positive memory associations for future good eating habits during touch times of craving.
Nourish and Hydration Foods
Come to think of it, not a drop of water or liquid had passed my lips for the day. I can see now how many times I have simply misinterpreted the messages my body has been trying to send me as I have been out of touch. I Feel the more I give my body what it needs the clearer it speaks to me.
Why not try the Emotional Self Awareness technique today and start seeing results as you begin to understand your Cravings and Body Language.
Healthy Eating Mission accomplished another small win Yey! It all helps