staying balanced..

I like this advice although some of it is just "common sense" but well, I think it is worth the reminers...

Here are 7 essential solutions to overcome food cravings via "MindBodyGreen":

1. Practice stress reduction.

Your entire being needs to know that you are not at a 4-alarm fire! Even five minutes of mindfulness meditation twice daily can calm your nervous system, help your cortisol levels return to normal, and transform your life. I practice a “quickie” meditation whenever I feel my stress level mounting. It goes like this: While inhaling deeply to the count of 4, say to yourself “I AM” and on the exhale to a count of 4 say “AT PEACE.” Rinse and repeat 4 times.

2. Practice mindfulness in food choices and while eating.

To do this, simply take a moment before you eat something to really check in with yourself, from a place of centeredness. Ask yourself whether this is optimal for you and take a moment to think about what your body really needs right then. Eat only when you feel relaxed. Eat slowly so that you can enjoy and savor your meals. Food should be one of our great pleasures in life. Mindful eating can help you break free from the grip of food addictions and feel better about your choices so that you can enjoy eating once again.

3. Keep your blood sugar balanced.

Blood sugar balancing is a key to alleviating food cravings. Eat a healthy breakfast with a good quality protein every day. Eat only nutrient rich foods, emphasizing proteins, high quality fats, and vegetables. Sugar sends your body on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows. The lows (hypoglycemia) trigger your brain, which depends on sugar for energy, to think you are in a state of emergency and causes your stress response to get activated full tilt boogie. Stable blood sugar = stable stress hormones, smoother emotions, and healthy weight.

4. Keep your fridge and pantry health friendly.

Simple logic: If you only have healthy food choices, you’re more likely to eat well.

5. Optimal nutrient intake will help with satiety.

If your body isn’t getting the nutrients you need, you will crave more and more food as your body tries to get the nutrition you are really craving. This takes you back to points 2, 3, and 4 above. Taking a good multivitamin and mineral can also provide missing ingredients for optimal health.

6. Sleep well.

This means getting 7 to 8 hours each night. Less than this also leads to activation of the stress response and increased cortisol levels. We’ve all experienced fatigue leading to sugar cravings. Back to the same vicious cycle of stress, cravings, weight gain and so on.

7. Find ways to feel full other than food.

Sometimes feelings of emptiness, sadness, loneliness or boredom can also activate our stress response and trigger hormones and chemicals in our brains that stimulate cravings – a need to fill ourselves. Since fat, sugar, and salt “feed” us when we are in a stress response, calming the anxiety that arises when we feel fight-or-flight feelings, or depression, these are what we tend to crave when we feel empty emotionally. Tending and mending the broken parts of us is part of becoming whole and healthy.

Herbal medicines called adaptogens, for example, ashwagandha, rhodiola, maitake and reishi mushrooms, and American ginseng are especially helpful for restoring adrenal health, healing burn out, regulating blood sugar, and nourishing the immune system. They can also help with “brain fog” and memory problems that also accompany stress, fatigue, and sugar cravings, and they boost mood naturally. They are safe except if you are pregnant, on SSRI antidepressants, or medications for your immune system.

I use a formula called Vital Adapt by Natura Health Products, and another by Planetary Formulas called Reishi Mushroom Supreme. Gaia Herbs makes an excellent formula called Adrenal Health, and there are many adaptogen blends on the market. They need to be taken for at least 3 to 6 months to be effective.

Love your body. Love your food. Love your self. BREAK FREE! YES, YOU CAN!!!