Food Cravings: An Exercise in Mental Toughness

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Food cravings affect everyone at some point in time.  Do you long for salty or sweet snacks? or both?  For me, I crave salt.  Sometimes, a craving could indicate that there is something lacking in your diet but for the most part, we crave things we’re not ‘supposed’ to eat, especially during times when we’re not supposed to eat them.   


Last week, I was grocery shopping and saw a product with cheese in it that my mind tried very hard to convince me that I needed.  Imagine that, even though I’m lactose intolerant, my cravings run so deep in my nervous system that I wanted to eat it!  


I had a mental battle going on in my head where one side was coming up with reasons for why I should eat it i.e. it’s just a treat, you have been so good avoiding it, a little bit won’t hurt and the other side of my mind was fighting just as hard i.e. you’re doing great, don’t give in and you can walk away.  


At one point, I actually picked up the product, put it in my basket and then was able to take it back out and put it back on the shelf.  I proceeded to run away from that aisle and out the store.  Close call.  By the end of it all, my mind felt fatigued with all the decisions and mental gymnastics,  however I was proud for putting the item back.  I had won this round in mental toughness yet I knew there was still a long way to go.  


I also notice that I have more food cravings during times of increased emotional or mental stress when my body is in fight or flight mode.  Food cravings also signal to me that it’s time to take care of my body and get it checked for neuro abnormalities (i.e. physical, emotional or mental stress).  


Next time you find yourself face to face with chocolate or chips that you’re not supposed to eat, see it as an opportunity to practice your mental toughness skills.  Or, do what I did, put the item down and run out of the store.
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