What do YOU do when cravings strike?

Chocolate bar compilation
photo by captcreate

As I near the end of my first year of blogging, I realize just how much I’ve learned, and just how much this blog has evolved.  I always want to keep it true to who I am and what I want to inspire you with.  Along the way, I have realized that it’s not enough to share recipes and nutritional facts with you.  I need to be more open and personable about my life–the good and the bad.  I never want to send out the impression that I am a perfect eater and that I exercise every day no matter what.  Who wants to listen to someone like that?  I want you to know what I struggle with and how I overcome those struggles (or that I haven’t overcome them yet).  I hope that this next year of blogging will entertain, inspire, and provoke meaningful conversations.  Please join in by leaving comments.  I love to hear what you have to say, especially when you make me think about something in a new way or when you share something that you struggle with too.  Thank you, dear readers for coming on this journey with me.  I hope you stick around and join the conversation.

So let’s start with this.  Cravings.  Everyone has them, but not everyone acts on them.  What do YOU do when cravings strike?

White Chocolate MacadamiaToday I came home and was so tired.  I knew there was a Butterfinger bar in the pantry.  It has been there since Christmas when I got it in my stocking.  I wanted it.  I was craving it.  I knew it was a bad idea.  So much sugar and fat, I knew it would only make me break out and have a tummy ache.  Still, I wanted it.  I opened the cupboard and almost grabbed it.  Then I grabbed a Clif granola bar instead.  The best choice?  No.  A better choice?  Much.  The granola bar satisfied my sweet tooth, and I was much happier than if I had eaten that candy bar.  The point?  I should always have something around that can satisfy my cravings in a healthier way.
Or I could just get rid of the candy bar that is lurking in the pantry.  
What do YOU do when cravings strike?



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  • Shelley (@momma_oz) February 4, 2011 at 3:56 am

    Try to distract myself with another activity. Or identify what I'm really craving (salty, sweet, crunchy) and find another healthier option… And sometimes I give in to the craving… And don't beat myself up over it.

  • Martha@simple-nourished-living February 4, 2011 at 4:09 am

    I think it's great advice to have a healthier replacement available for the foods you crave. I've found that it is also important to be compassionate with your cravings and curious about them. The more I don't try to resist them, the less intense they've become. Now I can be satisfied with a spoonful of Ben & Jerrys; but there was a time I would have eaten most of the carton!
    It's a continuous exploration šŸ™‚

  • fittoindulge.com February 4, 2011 at 4:29 am

    I try to keep temptation out of the kitchen, but when I want a treat I have a treat.. last Friday I made sugar cookies just so I could have a spoonful of dough. I had my dough ball, took the cookies to the neighbors, and life was good again. šŸ™‚

  • Kimberly February 4, 2011 at 4:43 am

    I redirect myself, most of the time. However tonight I fell prey to a few mini hersheys with almonds. There's a certain time of the month (ahem) when chocolate just has to be there. I think that snack could have been a lot worse. I just assess the situation!

  • Rachel @RachelSteffen February 4, 2011 at 5:36 am

    I pop some minty flavored gum when a sweet (emotional eating) craving strikes. šŸ˜›

  • lorrie February 4, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    recently I've been giving in to the cravings at home theres goodies in the cupboard and a candy dispenser on the counter but I think i will try the others tips to get better

  • Jessica & Tracie February 4, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    I try to bake. By the time whatever it is, is done I'm usually over the craving. And if I'm not at least I know exactly what went into it. I'd rather fill my craving with whole sweets (haha if there is such a thing…real sugar, butter, eggs, etc) than hfcs and fillers!

  • Jessica & Tracie February 4, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    I try to bake. By the time whatever it is, is done I'm usually over the craving. And if I'm not at least I know exactly what went into it. I'd rather fill my craving with whole sweets (haha if there is such a thing…real sugar, butter, eggs, etc) than hfcs and fillers!

  • Heather @ Not a DIY Life February 4, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    I try to distract myself with exercise or housework that needs done. Or a drink of water. If that doesn't work, I allow myself a small piece of dark chocolate. (I hardly ever crave salty, so the chocolate satiates my sweet tooth.)

  • biscottiqueen February 4, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    I try almonds, an apple, or craisins. Sometimes a small container of yogurt will do.

  • Trainer Momma February 4, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    Drink a ton of water. Get busy with something else. Leave the house. Or have a chocolate protein shake. Yum.

  • Trainer Momma February 4, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    Drink a ton of water. Get busy with something else. Leave the house. Or have a chocolate protein shake. Yum.

  • Christina February 6, 2011 at 1:55 am

    What a great idea. I actually find that crystal light lemonade satisfies my sweet tooth a lot. šŸ™‚

  • Such The Spot February 7, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    Happy {almost} blogiversary.

    As for what I do when cravings strike, I drink water. And then some more water. And allow myself some Facebook time. That usually does the trick…