Cravings, Cravings, Cravings...

I think by far the hardest thing about becoming a fit chick was fighting my extreme sweet tooth. I actually remember thinking in the very beginning, I can't do this... I NEED sugar! And I actually did believe that. Most people don't realize that sugar is as addicting to the body & mind as most drugs. We grow dependent on it. What I didn't realize is that about 90% of the athletes that I train with, also share my outrageous love of all things sweet.... Which leads me to my theory that all competitors have a strange love of torture, but that's for a different blog. ;)

Not all cravings are created equal. Sometimes your body is actually lacking a nutrient and you're craving something for good reason. *SUGAR IS NOT A NUTRIENT* If you're eating the right diet for you, that shouldn't really be happening much. It's a matter of getting to know your body. I have a tendency towards anemia from iron deficiency when I'm not eating properly. So, I know that if I don't have one serving of red meat once a week, I will start craving it. This craving is a little different from me really wanting that cookie after dinner.

This leads me to the next type of craving... emotional attachments to particular foods. I wasn't joking about craving a cookie every night after dinner. I was blessed enough to grow up with amazing grandparents that ate well at appropriate amounts, so they always stayed at an ideal healthy weight. They ALSO had a little dessert after dinner every night. I love that they had such balance and control. But, out of that I created my own attachment to having something small and sweet after dinner. Those emotional attachments to food are the hardest ones to part with. At one time I even believed that they helped get me through a divorce. But those beliefs can be changed and those attachments or dependencies can be broken!!

The first two weeks are by far the worst! And like any addiction or attachments, you will go through withdrawals. Your body may even react negatively at first, but just drink a lot of water, sweat it out with some cardio, and STICK WITH IT! Trust me, the rewards are worth it. And now when I allow myself to have a little cheat on occasion, I think... How did I eat this on a regular basis? You'll also savor those occasional treats so much more. But, one of the most important things I've learned in my 32 years... Is not to let the yumminess of sweets be a substitute for the sweetness of life.