WHAT ARE YOU REALLY HUNGRY FOR?

Okay, before you reach for that chocolate or that danish pastry....stop and think about it for a second. Are you truly hungry? Chances are if you can't put your finger on what you really want, what that craving is really for, maybe you aren't really hungry for food after all. I know, I know... you may not want to really think about this, but you don't have to be a slave to this type of emotional eating. Could it be it's your heart that needs some nourishment? Eating to fill an empty space in your life or heart never really fixes anything. It just seems like a good idea at the time until eventually you can't buckle your pants or zip up your jeans and then on top of heartache you get depressed from the added pounds. It's a vicious cycle. Feelings of depression, disappointment, sadness, loneliness, and boredom often come disguised as hunger cravings. Next time you feel like grabbing a bowl of ice cream or a candy bar ask yourself, "What is making me feel empty right now? What am I missing or needing in my life? Will eating change this?" Try a warm bath or a massage or maybe light some candles and put on some music that you love to listen too. Consider learning a new hobby or taking a class to challenge your brain. Think about doing some volunteer work or read a book (to yourself or someone else). Go for a hike or take a walk outside. Plant flowers or a garden. You have options. Try filling your hungry heart with things that make you feel good instead of food that makes you feel bad. You might just realize that you've got a lot to be thankful for and even lose some weight in the process. Next time you get a craving, think about it and make sure you are feeding the proper hunger. No matter how good it may taste at the time, there is not enough food in the world to fill the hungry hole of an aching heart. But doing some random act of kindness for yourself or someone else is a great place to start. So tell me, what are you really hungry for?