Omnomicon

Hey you guys,

I wanted to dialogue a bit about cravings. A good friend of mine and I talk constantly about how we are struggling to get ‘back on the wagon.’ I can only speak for myself and as such will do so.

The cleanse was a really interesting experience. It was completely challenging and despite some mini cheating, due largely to lack of honey :( for smoothies I think I did pretty well. I think it is beneficial whatever diet you are on to eat as much fruit\veg as possible. It really does make the difference on a day to day basis. Granted that was much easier to do when I had a very long, long list of forbidden foods. 

Still I really want to have at least 2 fruits a day. 

Returning now to cravings there has been a lot of talk in the nutritional community (whatever that means) about cravings and linking them to having an emotional component. One of the steps they advise you to take really think about what you are craving and why. Personally my cravings fall into two categories sweet and salty\savory: I have noticed I tend to crave sweet when I’m feeling down or insecure unsure of myself. When I’m bored I tend more towards salty snacks (chips, pretzels). 

So I have had some time to see and evaluate my eating tendencies, my moods (what aggravates them, what is beneficial) and I am starting to look at making some changes diet wise. I’m not going to lie. It’s been pretty stressful lately. My familial, financial, scholastic, life situations have been not ideal and thus are causing a lot of turmoil for me that is manifesting itself in a physical way i.e. tiredness and these constant nagging cravings. 

I think there are three central contributing factors:

1. Idleness: I have a lot of free time because I have been unable despite my best efforts to secure neither employment nor internship positions :(
2. Stress: from pretty much every facet of my life 
3. Questionable Environment: my family is not on board with my dieting journey, and with no $$ of my own I have to try and slip good foods onto their grocery list. 

Sadly all 3 factors are intertwined but I think idleness is something I can take care of the most easily. Luckily or rather unlikely I start a class soon and it’s a science so I actually have to you know, do work. I also need to start practicing my French since it’s been like a year. I am hoping more things will come down the pipe i.e. employment that will help ease my stress and stop be from hitting the candy bars\salty snacks. 

My own tips? I find it to be most helpful if I’m craving something to drink a nice cold glass of water. I read somewhere that usually when you think you are hungry, you are actually just thirsty\dehydrated. Speaking of which I should get another glass of water.

Until next time, 

x