Today I was craving chocolate so I ate chocolate, then I wanted something to quench my thirst so grabbed a soft drink, then I was looking for crisps, I got the packet in front of me but didn’t open it. Whilst it would satisfy me in this moment, in about 20 minutes I would be annoyed I ate them. Realistically, they aren’t going to give me any nutritional benefits or satisfy my unsatisfiable cravings so what would be the point?
To be honest recognising this and stopping myself is a huge deal. I am more than happy to eat crisps so I am not saying I will never eat them again nor am I saying you should never eat them. What I am saying is; in this moment eating those crisps will not satisfy me.
This year, I have been helping myself become aware of the food I eat. I have increased my vegetable intake by about 50% and weirdly, and I can’t believe I am about to say this, but I love veg! I actively seek it out and have even ordered a side of it when dining out. Oh how I have changed.
I am finding now when I have chocolate in particular, it doesn’t give me the feeling I want. If I am not hungry then clearly it isn’t helping me. It doesn’t mean I don’t eat it. I am like you, I crave chocolate from time to time or ice cream, I eat it and feel great, but equally there are times like today when eating it is not giving me any kind of satisfaction, in fact I feel worse and dissatisfied. So I stopped myself eating the crisps.
So how did I get here? What is causing my cravings or sense of no satisfaction. Like I said being more aware this year of my food. I have been spotting patterns in my eating, particularly when it is out of the norm. So here is a list of possible reasons for my need to be food fulfilled and my thoughts on each.
- I walked for hours yesterday so my body is likely looking for food to help replace all those calories I burnt as well as repair any muscle damage too. This could also explain why I am feeling tired and emotional.
- It’s almost my time of the month so I know chocolate is required! This would also tie in with feeling emotional and unsatisfied with food today.
- I am stressed out – work is full on right now and I am trying to keep a variety of plates spinning with some almost falling on the floor. Emotional eating in times of stress is my forte! I have been watching myself on this one. I know sometimes a jar of Nutella will hit the spot – I don’t necessarily eat the whole jar in one sitting but a spoonful of this hazelnut chocolate delight is pure bliss and can make a stressful day, calm, chocolatey and manageable. As an occasional go to, it helps me. I do keep a jar of Nutella in my drawer at work in case of an emergency. When I go to reach for it, I ask myself if I really need it., I stop, take a couple of deep breaths and make a decision. Most of the time, I put the jar and the spoon back in the drawer. The days where it is needed I don’t even ask myself, the jar is open before I know it and I have a Nutella moment! Those few spoonful’s are so satisfying I know it was the right decision. Getting to the point, stress may be part of why I am unable to find food to satisfy.
- Hangover – whilst I did have a few drinks last night, I certainly am not hungover. Plus when I am, I usually crave salty food – so I would have dived right into those crisps. I can rule this out.
Whilst the blog post has been about me and my struggle to find satisfying food today. I wanted to be real and show that we all have off days, where we want to eat foods that perhaps won’t serve us. We shouldn’t feel bad about it. I have been so intrigued by my relationship with food this year, it has been an eye opener to understand what triggers my impulsive need to eat chocolate or crisps.
I would say to all of you, whilst a balanced diet is of course what we are all aiming for, it isn’t realistic to never crave or have sweet or salty foods. Be kind to yourself and pay attention to your food cravings. Perhaps some of the 4 reasons I have given may resonate with you but if they don’t, that’s ok, we are all different.
Choose this week to notice what you are eating and why.
Thank you for reading. Have a great week and look after you!
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 