A question that comes up a lot when I work with clients on a weight-loss journey is: how do I manage the cravings?
My answer: What are you really craving?
Because very often it's not whatever food you’re reaching for. It might be…
Connection
Comfort
Relaxation
Distraction
Stillness
Numbing
Or something else
You’re not wrong for craving food. Food is an amazing tool for coping with life’s ups and downs. It’s easy, it’s available, it’s delicious. Rare are those who haven't turned to biscuits in order to sweeten a tedious work task, or ice-cream to soothe a broken heart, or a second helping of pasta to comatize a particularly difficult day.
Unfortunately, the fact food is such a great coping tool means that many of us struggle with chaotic and unhealthy eating patterns that can eventually cause weight gain and other health issues. And this creates a negative spiral: we feel worse about ourselves, which causes us to turn to food more often. The other problem is that we don't learn other coping strategies.
When cravings start getting in the way of your health and happiness, then it’s time to take a closer look at your food choices and their root causes.
A new way to look at cravings
I encourage you to approach cravings from both an emotional and practical perspective.
On the emotional side, it means looking at what the craving is masking, and finding an alternative. For example, if it's a craving for connection, exploring how to create more connection in your life.
On the practical side, it means finding ways to satisfy the cravings in healthier ways. For example, if you find yourself often craving sweets, or chips, or cake, looking at alternative foods that hit the spot while also supporting your body and health.
Food itself is not the enemy. Food does not need to become something we use to numb ourselves, or a vehicle for future health issues. As a French-Italian, I see food as a love language: a shared meal brings family and friends together; you can write a love letter to your body with every meal. Understand what's underneath your cravings, and you're on your way to reconnecting with the joy of food.
How coaching can help
I use a combination of coaching and Compassionate Inquiry therapy to help you:
Explore the patterns behind the cravings;
Understand the traumas and emotions underpinning food choices;
Uncover new ways to relate to emotions;
Let go of chaotic eating patterns;
Choose foods that nourish rather than numb;
Create a diet that loves you back.
If you're curious about how this approach could support you, click on the button below to book a free introduction call.
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