CROTON, N.Y. -- Ever notice when the seasons change, your cravings seem to change too?
Theres a very good reason why you crave different foods based on season changes. When you crave a lot of leafy green salads in the spring, its your bodys way of detoxifying after winter. On hot summer days, you may crave cooling foods that are high in water content such as watermelon or cucumber. In fall, you crave warmer more comforting foods such as baked sweet potatoes and in winter, you crave more of the fatty foods that provide fuel and warmth.
Pay attention to this. This is your bodys way of telling you that its in need of something and a lot of times that something pertains to specific nutrients. We tend to self-sabotage ourselves when this happens since most of us opt for a quick fix in the form of junk food. The key is to look at this craving as an opportunity to tune into your body and get creative. Instead of grabbing the nearest piece or bag of junk food, listen to your body and give it what it needs. How do you do this? Its easier than you think.
Lets say you are craving something sweet. This is your body most likely asking you for the mineral and sugar content of fruit so instead of grabbing a candy bar or a soft drink; opt for healthier versions such as an apple or a pear. These are great fall fruits that will satisfy your sweet tooth and give your body the nutrients it needs. Eat them raw or slightly poach them with your favorite spice for a warmer healthier sweet treat this season.
Lets say you are craving salt. Your body is most likely screaming for sodium & the many minerals salt supplies our body. However, Im not talking about your run of the mill table salt, Im talking about unrefined sea salt which contains an abundance of essential and trace minerals. Just add a pinch to your meal. Its more potent in flavor than table salt so you need much less. This is great added to stewed fall vegetables such as zucchini, cabbage or stewed carrots.
Some other clues to which you can tune in on are meat cravings. Instead of stopping at the nearest fast food joint, most likely depleted of its nutrients; opt for healthier meats such as organic, grass-fed lean meats (Applegate Organics is a great brand which you can get in most grocery stores). Your body is most likely craving B vitamins or iron in some cases.
Lastly, chocolate, oh for the LOVE of chocolate!! A lot of times when we are craving chocolate, we are in need of magnesium. I never say deprive but if you indulge, opt for only 2 oz. of dark (85 percent or above) good quality organic chocolate. However, chocolate is a whole other topic in of itself Ill cover very soon!
In knowing all of this and in paying attention to your cravings, you can align yourself with the healthiest intentions. All you need to do is just give in to your cravings with something wholesome and good for you. The best part is that your unhealthy cravings will start to diminish over night. Doesnt that sound tasty?
Dana Pettit, Certified Health Coach
914-419-2238
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