The Craving Cycle: Understanding What Your Body Is Really Asking For

Cravings are communication, not condemnation, what your body may truly need.

What if I told you, you have been looking at cravings all wrong?!

I think it's safe to say we have all been there! When the cravings seep in, knocking at the door... You think about eating just half of a donut. You convince yourself that you have the willpower to take only half of a bite. But deep down, you know that was a lie, beautifully disguised to feed that uncontrollable craving, you've been experiencing. Determined, you walk to the kitchen, take the donut, and bite into it! "this is so good!" you may think, half the donut suddenly turns into eating 3 or 4! Immediately after you, guilt comes creeping in. The few minutes of joy, are now overshadowed by the intense feeling of guilt, shame, and disappointment! You may think to yourself "I'll never reach, my goal", and if that wasn't enough, the domino effect of bad decision takes effect. There is usually a follow-up habit of binge-watching a TV series when you previously committed to being productive.

Does this sound familiar? Can you relate?! Unfortunately, most women can. The unfortunate part is not that you experienced this. The unfortunate part is that we start to look at food cravings and sugar cravings as the culprit! While I do sympathize because I have been there, let me explain.

Every symptom, craving, or behavior around food has a positive intention. Therefore, the symptom of cravings, or binge eating 3 donuts and a box of chocolate chip cookies is not the problem. You might be saying to yourself, "Surely Kristen has lost it! Lol. But hear me on this: these cravings are the best solution your body has come up with. Your body is signaling to you, that there is a desire to be nourished, whether it be soul, spirit, or body.

WHAT IF.. Instead of shaming, criticizing, or judging these behaviors, you appreciate what they were trying to do for you and use them as an invitation to seek a better solution and get curious.

Therefore, your cravings and binge eating aren't the problem, it is a way of coping.

All cravings have a positive intention.