ISOLATE YOUR CRAVINGS

Cravings are your body's way of telling you that it needs something. That 'something' doesn't necessarily mean food. Your body could be sounding its need for sleep, mindfulness, hydration. The problem is that we read these signals through food.

If you're tired, your body asks for caffeine or sugar, but what it really needs is a jolt of energy. The solution may actually be that you pause, meditate or take a nap, because your body is tired. Or that you take a step back and address your sleep hygiene and nighttime routine. Cravings have nothing to do with food. When you are hungry, you feed your body accordingly. But when it comes to cravings, it's important to pause and decipher what your body is trying to tell you.

When people crave salty, unhealthy foods--like chips or pretzels--your body may be dehydrated and asking for minerals (salt being one). Rather than opening the bag of chips, take a breath and assess if you've been drinking water. Need an extra boost? Add electrolytes or some sea salt to your water and make sure you are eating enough leafy green vegetables throughout the day.

Around our periods, women often crave chocolate. That usually means we need more of the magnesium, another mineral. When we crave ice cream and other creamy foods during this time of the month, it could mean our estrogen levels are off--and there are healthier food solutions than the desserts that come to mind. Eating broccoli and cruciferous vegetables will balance your estrogen levels and reproductive hormones.

Without the 'anchors' of an office job and a commute, we have more freedom to do things we want, but the lack of structure is not great for many people. On the other hand, creating a rigid schedule during such an ever-shifting situation is dangerous, because if anything throws you off, you're off kilter again. Creating a loose structure with what to call an 'anchor' immensely helps. In the morning, do one thing that reminds you or your intention for the day; something that helps you stay in your wellness lane for the rest of the day. For me, making a healthy breakfast, drinking my morning brew and taking my supplements are the things that anchors the beginning of my day.

I also create a window to move, even if it's not perfect. For me, my exercise happens after eating breakfast. It's imperative to move your body, in whatever way you choose. Jump around, dance, stretch, find a workout you love or simply get outside. Moving kicks up positive energy in your body and gets your endorphins flowing. Also making times to create beautiful meals for yourself is just as important. Nobody's rushing you and it doesn't have to be expensive. Feel free to make fancy, simple meals at an affordable price. But most importantly, I treat myself with kindness and compassion. I tell myself to focus on being resilient and malleable and flexible enough to cruise through whatever life throws at me. Instead of striving for a perfect schedule, work towards an open, strong mind that says, "Today is not panning out how I wanted. How can I anchor myself throughout my day to remind me of what my purpose is and what my intentions are today?"

#nutrition