It's Ok to "Give In" Your Cravings

Cravings get a bad rap. Unless you're craving a salad, of course. But honoring your cravings can be the absolute best thing for beginning to cultivate a healthier relationship with food. I know, I know, you're probably asking, "What if all I crave is unhealthy food all the time?" and I totally hear you. Don't worry, we'll hopefully address all of your burning questions with this pretty counter-culture stance on cravings. Let's dive in!The common belief is that if we allow ourselves to listen to our bodies and eat what we're craving, essentially, we'll never want to eat anything healthy... that our default is to eat "junk food" and dessert all day, every day. So, when you hear someone talk about intuitive eating or maybe read about it, I totally understand why you maybe have some red flags pop up.Also, you're likely taking into account all of your past experiences where you have let yourself have something you were craving and that led to a night of binging on the whole carton of ice cream.I totally get it! But I also believe that it is possible to find a place where you feel comfortable honoring your cravings, and actually have even more joy and satisfaction with eating because of it, while also nourishing your body and feeling calm around food.The story you've been told, that we're all told from diet culture, is that we can't trust ourselves and our cravings. We're made to believe that our bodies can't be trusted and that if we don't have rules about how to eat, strict meal plans, pre-made "diet" food, etc. that we will gain weight and ultimately won't be healthy. So of course, the belief is that if we let ourselves even think about our cravings and what we actually want, that we'll end up in a downward spiral of uncontrolled eating.The mindset here is restrictive and controlling.But let's look at why it's actually ok to consider your cravings. 

PSYCHOLOGY & HONORING OUR CRAVINGS

The way our psychology works around food is that when our bodies sense restriction, they suddenly become hyper-concerned with the potential of starvation. This is a primal instinct that has kept us safe and alive for many years. What happens is our brain sends signals to increase our drive to eat which is why a lot of times we feel out of control once we do let down our defenses around food.Honoring your cravings takes away that restriction and sense of starvation so your body is able to relax around whatever that food is (ice cream, chips and guac, etc). 

WHAT IF I ONLY CRAVE "UNHEALTHY" FOODS?

So what about if your only cravings are for "unhealthy foods"?It's not that nutrition isn't important here. It definitely is. But especially if you have a history of dieting, you may associate foods like fruits and vegetables and whole grains as "diet food" and that's just not appealing to anyone. But by giving yourself time and your body time to realize that food is just food...not diet food, not non-diet food...you'll likely find yourself wanting to eat (and dare I say craving :) ) nourishing foods.But the important thing here is to give yourself grace. And time.You are creating a new and trusting relationship with your body. With each time you honor your cravings and let go of another food rule you are giving your body proof that it's not going on another diet anytime soon. While you are learning to trust your body, your body is also learning that she can trust you! This is all about creating a new relationship you with your body, and your body with you. And just like in relationships in general, building trust takes time.

SO WHERE DO YOU START?

The best place to start with honoring your cravings is to #1 give yourself permission to listen to and acknowledge your cravings. Approach whatever answer your body gives you with curiosity instead of judgement or shame.And little by little, more joy will sneak it's way into your relationship with food until you are totally and completely free and calm.