Why we crave certain foods. & How to avoid it.

Dairy Cravings (milk, yogurt, ice cream)

A natural anti-depressant ~ exercise aerobically (boosts endorphins), write about your blue mood in a journal or have a good cry, and/or use affirmations. a. I am safe and secure b. I give myself permission to relax c. All my needs are taken care of, right now.

Salty Snack Foods (chips, pretzels, crackers)

Often used to relieve stress because the crunching motion releases tension in the jaw and other muscles. Throw out the tempting food, address the source of your tension, stress, or anxiety, and/or exercise.

Spicy Foods (Mexican, Thai)

Stimulation and pain relief. Make sure that you have fun with life, and cultivate your enthusiasm for a hobby, a class, or a personal goal, so that you have plenty of energy and excitement without having to eat these types of foods.

Liquid Cravings (soda, diet soda, coffee, juice)

May correspond for unfufilled romantic needs or desires, or need for steady energy throughout the day. Instead of filling up on these drinks, exercise and seek loving relationships, and make sure that you get plenty of rest at night.

Nuts and Peanut Butter

Cravings for fun, enjoyment, and relaxation. Better ways to fulfill these cravings include scheduling a period of time each day that is for you to unwind after stressful interactions or performances (such as after school), working out (helps relax the body), and/or finding a hobby that is entertaining and engaging.

Breads, Rice, and Pasta

These are comforting, calming foods, so cravings for them suggest that you are insecure, anxious, or fearful about something. In order to reduce them, find other ways to console yourself ~ such as hugging a stuffed animal, curling up in a fetal position, or curling up in a favorite blanket, exercise to release your stress, and address the sources of negative emotions.

Cookies, Cakes, and Pies

Cravings for these foods may indicate that you are using food as a reward for accomplishments, using sweet, rich foods to replace love in your life, or using their tastes and textures to reassure yourself that everything will be fine. Perhaps instead you could establish non-food rewards for your achievements, seek out/cultivate loving relationships in which you are nurtured, or find other ways (such as bubble baths, facials, afternoon naps in the sun) to indulge yourself.

Candy Cravings

Candy can function as a quick energy source, self-rewards, and entertainment. You may be able to decrease these cravings by eating fruit rather than candy to keep up your energy, finding other rewards for important accomplishments, and discovering non-food sources of entertainment to bust your boredom.

High-Fat Foods (Fries, milk shakes)

If you crave these types of foods, you may be fearful of feeling empty. Look for ways to fulfill your emotional and physical needs without filling out your hips.