Have a sweet tooth that just won’t quit?

Do you indulge in an entire bag of candy when just one piece would have done the trick?

Still crave crunchy, salty food after trying to curb it with your homemade kale chips?

Taming your temptations for sweets, salts and carbs is much more than finding a healthy “swap,” or practicing self-control.

When you have a craving that feels like it’s invading your entire being, it’s time to dive deeper to learn what that craving really represents.

A Roadmap to Your Cravings

To discover the root cause of your craving, you need to backtrack...

• Did you get a good night’s sleep? Sleep deprivation clouds your brain (and your judgment) making it far too easy to cave into cravings at the first sign of an energy slump.
• Are you eating at regular intervals? If not, your blood sugar may drop – leaving you desperately seeking a pick-me-up of the sweet or salty variety.
• Do you have a nutrient deficiency or nutritional imbalance? Surprising fact: Magnesium deficiency is common in people who obsessively crave chocolate. Their body really needs a good dose of this mineral, instead of a sugary cocoa-filled indulgence.
• Did you set your day up right? Eating a balanced breakfast with an adequate amount of protein and fat is essential to prevent cravings before they even start.
• Are you thirsty? We often mistake hunger for thirst. A tall glass of water may do the trick.

If all of these things are in working order, then it’s time to plunge even deeper into your psyche.

• Is your craving giving you pleasure that you’re not experiencing elsewhere? You might truly be seeking a laugh, or a bit of love, instead of a food-based treat.
• Is your craving providing energy? Coffee or chocoholics – be wary of artificial energy that will send your blood sugar through the roof… only to come crashing back down.
• Is this craving returning you to a place of comfort or familiarity? Determine what memories your craving represents for you.

When you uncover the real meaning behind your craving, then and only then will your body be truly satisfied.

TIME TO TAKE ACTION:

Your body communicates to your through your cravings. Are you listening?

This week, I challenge you to tune into your body and its wisdom by sharing:

I crave ___________. But, what I’m really craving is ____________.

My personal example: I crave a chocolate peanut butter “anything.” But what I’m really craving is an energy boost for my sleep-deprived body.

Post your answer below and you’ll be entered to win a Nutribullet to whip up a delicious and nutritious pick-me-up (think Red Velvet Smoothie  or Blended Green Soup) whenever you need something sweet or savory in a flash.

*UPDATE: Thanks to all of you who submitted comments for the "Cravings Challenge".  Suzi is the (random) winner of the Nutribullet.  Craving more challenges?  Let me know, and we can plan another one sometime in the near future.