Many of my clients have concerns about how to proceed when cravings arise. For instance, a client is craving a cookie but does not feel worthy of eating one since he or she feels too fat or too unhealthy. Of course, my clients are not “cookie cutter” people, they are individuals, so the strategy that works best for one client may not work for another. However, I often find that when clients avoid a certain food or food group in the midst of intense cravings, they often inadvertently cause themselves a binge session. So I offer a few suggestions:
- The art of allowing is very powerful. If you allow yourself to eat the food which you are craving, without judgement, it may be possible to gain a sense of satisfaction. Satisfaction from eating desired foods helps many of my clients to avoid the binge cycle.
- Prepare a healthy alternative treat with similar ingredients. For instance, create a healthy, homemade sugar free oatmeal cookie with raisins. Use a natural sweetener rather than cane sugar in the batter. This can provide an individual with a feeling of satisfaction and well-being simultaneously.
- If you are an individual with a food addiction, “once you pop, you can’t stop” you may want to ask yourself if your craving is real or feigned. Perhaps you are craving sugar because you did not eat enough for dinner. Sometimes cravings can be misleading. While you might think you want a cookie, what you are actually craving is love or touch. It might be a good idea to take out a journal and write down what you are thinking feeling. If your craving is arising from uncomfortable emotions, this is a good time to call a friend or loved one, or seek the advise of an expert.
If you would like to learn more about addressing cravings and avoiding the binge eating cycle, call Integrative Psychotherapy for a free consultation, 917.535.9519.
