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CURB & CONQUER YOUR FOOD CRAVINGS - Part I: Nourishing Your Body-Mind System
By Kelly Hayford, C.N.C.
The topic of food cravings is a complex issue. That's why most people are unable to overcome them. With a little understanding and practical know-how, however, you too can successfully quell cravings and adopt a balanced way of eating.
First, it is critical to understand that food cravings are your body's way of speaking to you. It is begging you to feed it properly, and it won't stop begging until you do. It's that simple.
When you give your body/mind system adequate amounts of the nutrients it needs and stop giving it substances that trigger insatiable desires, the cravings will go away. To start, follow these simple, yet vitally-important recommendations to be sure your body is getting what it requires:
1 ~ Eat three regular meals a day consisting of 70-100% natural, unprocessed, preferably organic foods, such as fresh fruits & vegetables; whole grains (i.e. brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa, etc.); legumes (i.e. white, red, mung or aduki beans); and fresh meats, fish or poultry.
2 ~ Take a "green food" supplement daily - especially barley grass or a blend that contains barley grass as it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which will help with cravings for sweets and other substances as well.
3 ~ Make sure you're getting enough of the "good fats." Consume 1-3 tbps. extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, virgin coconut oil or raw, unsalted nuts and seeds daily. AND, take an essential fatty acid supplement daily (i.e. Evening Primrose oil, flax oil, fish oils, etc.)
4 ~ Because the overwhelming majority of people today are depleted of nutrients in general, it is also wise to take a broad-spectrum whole food supplement every day. Berry Young Juice, Frequensea, Body Balance, Noni Juice and Berry Greens are at the top of my list as they are especially effective at reducing cravings for poor quality foods.
5 ~ Supplementing with an ionic mineral formula is also helpful because our soils and processed foods are so deficient in these essential nutrients.
When introducing supplements into the body, it is wise to start with one at a time, taking half the recommended dose and gradually build up from there. I have known people who have quelled their cravings just by taking the above-mentioned supplements regularly without making any changes to their diet.
For best results and your overall health, however, it is best to avoid or eliminate altogether substances that trigger cravings, such as the following:
1 ~ Stimulants - including caffeine, refined salt, alcohol and refined carbohydrates (sugars, high fructose corn syrup, white refined flour, etc.) These substances act like drugs in the body sending your biochemistry soaring out of balance, which can cause powerful, addictive desires for them.
2 ~ Common food allergens - including, but not limited to wheat, dairy, soy, corn, etc. Most people today are sensitive to one or more of the common food allergens, which are also notorious for inducing unnatural cravings.
3 ~ Processed foods - especially those that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame or hydrogenated oils. MSG and aspartame are neuro-toxic additives that trigger the brain to crave more food in general. Hydrogenated oils, or the "bad fats," deplete the body of essential fatty acids causing cravings for fatty foods in particular.
Because they do not nourish the body-the very definition of food-none of the above can truly be classified as food. In fact, these substances are known as anti-nutrients because they deplete the body of existing nutrients in order to process them through.
Stay tuned for more help with this complex topic in Parts 2 and 3. In the mean time, Follow the above recommendations consistently for the next 30-90 days and I guarantee your cravings will start to fade. You'll also start feeling better and have more energy to do all that you desire!
About the Author
Kelly Hayford, C.N.C., is the award-winning author of "If It's Not Food, Don't Eat It!" As a former junk food junkie turned nutrition and health coach she has helped thousands reverse dis-ease, and restore their health, energy and natural weight. For tips, talks and teleclasses on healthy eating and holistic self-care, visit: http://www.FoodFitnessByPhone.com or call 303.746.8970
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