What Your Cravings Can Teach You

Sprouts, a local health food store, has these flaxseed brownies that are my kryptonite. 

These puppies are gluten-free, gooey, and practically melt in your mouth with chocolatey goodness.

It would be an understatement to say that I have a weakness when it comes to these delicious brownies.

I am a health coach, so I know WELL why eating these brownies is not beneficial for my body and brain.  Sure, they are made with nutrient dense ingredients like flaxseeds, but there are also made with a lot of sugar.  So overall, not a good choice.

Now, there is not a problem with eating AN occasion flaxseed brownie.  The problem lies in the loss of control that happens when they are around.

It is easy for several of those delicious brownies to disappear in a short time.  And in many (Ok, all) situations, consuming the brownies has nothing to do with being hungry.  There is another need this is fulfilling.

First, it’s important to understand that there is a chemical reaction that occurs upon eating ingredients like sugar, that make the pleasure centers of the brain light up like a Christmas tree. 

Just like any other drug, this creates a dependency as our brain tells us to go back for more “pleasure”.

You see, back in the day when your ancestors were hunting and gathering for food, this response was necessary. Your brain needed to triggered to consume food (especially sugar) whenever it could for survival. 

Nowadays, most people have to make an active attempt to avoid food (especially sugar) so unfortunately this mechanism in our brain creates a problem.

Now it’s important to remember not everyone is created equal biologically.  Some people can eat a little sugar and walk away, others can’t.

This doesn’t mean one person has more willpower than the other, its just a matter of genetics.

At the end of the day you don’t have time to worry about why you are one way and other is not.  You need to take action to take care of yourself today.

You have to work with what you are given. 

Being aware of how your body works is the most important thing. 

I know that if I bring those brownies into my home, I am going to be having a battle with myself about eating them. 

So, I avoid buying them, or buy them when I know I’ll be sharing most with others. 

I don’t beret myself for not being able to say no, I just make choices to set myself up for success.

Is there a food that brings that you struggle to say no to?

What action have you taken to gain control?

Comment below and share your story so others can benefit.

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