Chocolate has been a treat for thousands of years. It has been considered everything from health food to junk food and it is one of the main foods that people crave.
For many of my clients, chocolate is a frequent craving, but what does it mean? Helping my clients deconstruct their cravings is one of the things I do as a health coach. So, let’s take a minute to look at a few possible reasons behind chocolate cravings.
First is exhaustion. If you have not slept well, you are more likely to crave foods that will boost your energy and chocolate is one of them. Unfortunately, the energy you get from chocolate only lasts for a brief time before your energy levels dip and you begin looking for more of it.
If you feel exhaustion may be contributing to your cravings, you may want to look at your sleep hygiene. Maybe you need to turn your bedroom into a more sleep inducing environment. Try keeping it quiet, dark and cool and get computers, TV and work materials out of your bedroom.
The next reason you may crave chocolate is stress. Cravings for sweet foods like chocolate are an appealing choice because they offer a boost of endorphins that you unconsciously seek to help cope with stress. Chronic stress can take a toll on your health. Try managing your stress by taking time for self-care, deep breathing and moderate exercise.
If you have thoughts of chocolate dancing in your head, it may be helpful to explore your feelings around your sugar cravings. Become conscious of your thoughts. Are you using chocolate to help you deal with your emotions? Ask yourself: “if I eat a small amount of this chocolate, how will it affect me?”
Eating chocolate is by no means a terrible thing. Take a bit of time before starting to eat the chocolate so you can get in the right frame of mind. Learn to make that craving work for you. Eat your chocolate mindfully and slowly. Truly savor the experience.
Every time you stand up to your cravings, you strengthen your long-term resolve and you are more likely to be satisfied with a smaller amount and less likely to binge.
If you have been seriously thinking about getting help strengthening that long-term resolve and getting your life back, it is time to sign-up for my Three Pillars of Wellness program. I still have a few spots left so message me and let’s chat.
Hoping your day is full of blessings,
