We all have one. Mine is sugar. What might yours be?
I like to pretend like I have my sugar habit under control, but when I take on a challenge, such as this 3-Day Green Smoothie cleanse, where any sweetness of the fruit I am eating is disguised by the greenness of my greens, the depth of my addiction shines as bright as my wardrobe. My idea of junk food is likely not what most people would consider junk food. Cocoa balls, cookies, and carrot cake made from whole grains (or no grains) and sweetened with honey or dates. It’s not like I somersault off the wagon and binge on food grade petroleum based high fructose corn syrup junk, but what I do have is still sweetness to the taste and therefore feeds the habit.
Our addictions, these habits are chemical in nature. They do funny things to the chemicals in our brain that just make us want to have more.
The body craves its’ worst poison. We reach for alcohol, sugar or a cigarettes when we are feeling stressed, or upset. These stimulating substances further strain the adrenal glands- our friends on top of the kidneys that produce the hormones that help us cope with stress. When these guys get overworked, just like us, they burn out. See… connections! Stimulating substances give us a little high – but what goes up, must come down- and there we have the cycle. We come down. We want more. The habit.
Before we bring out the violins to accompany this sad tale of biochemistry, let me just say this, we crave certain foods or substances because we want to change the way we are feeling right now. This brings up the idea of conscious eating and bringing awareness to the foods we eat and why. We want to consume something (wait.. does shopping fall into this category?) as it will temporarily relieve the craving. We feel good while we eat it as it tickles that little bit in the brain.
Not getting into any deep science as some of you haven’t had a solid meal since Saturday night, but just accept the fact that it is much easier to become addicted to refined and processed foods than whole foods. Why? Who could ever be addicted to Brussel’s sprouts or nori sheets (well… me). When foods are processed, naturally occurring nutrients needed to digest them, are lost. The body must call on other resources and here comes an imbalance that alters the signals to the brain and VOILA! A craving.
Any regret or doubt you may be feeling as we come to the half way point in this 3-day smoothie cleanse. Get over it! You are breaking habits and that is a powerful transition in your body. Live it! Love it! And stop snapping at your partner/friend/lover/boss/employee/mail-man/guy-in-front-of-you-on-the-freeway.
In denial?
- Once the craving hits, can you not stop thinking about the food and the next time you’ll eat it?
- Will you then eat it, knowing there may be icky consequences?
- Does your willpower melt like that pint of Hagen Daz?
- Does not giving into your craving result in a physical discomfot- cramping stomach pains, swollen joints, migraine headaches or skin outbreaks?
Yep. Habit. Just a taste? Feed that habit.
So even though right now I may be wanting to dip some slices of honey drizzled apple into almond butter, I am off for Green Smoothie number 5! Five down, four to go.
oh my… you are right on the money Meghan! Seriously right on the money!! just four smoothies to do (and then I hope to transition out like I transitioned in… but you better believe i’ll enjoy that raw salad on Wednesday night like I’ve never enjoyed a salad before! hahaha!! ;-P)
It is definitely a learning experience and your constant support has been SO helpful! I’ve been slurping on a green mojito, and while I wish it were pretzels… it’s curbing the hunger!
Thank you for this great commentary and doing this with us!! it’s been a really good experience.
uhm.. yeah.. and my little addiction would be absolutely sugar, bread… and PIZZA… and chicken… and.. ;-P
They say that food cravings indicates a food sensitivity. My mother insists on it. I accept the theory to some degree. Sometimes you just want that things you crave for a psychological reason or because it tastes good. Furthermore, I’ve never personally found that cravings and sensitivity are linked.
I rarely crave but my sugary desires tend to lead me ice cream, which can exist in my freezer for quite awhile uneaten. More so, I tend to not be able to stop once I start rather than craving and than reaching and some sweet things are hard to resist when they’re in front of me. Butter tarts, for example. Gooey, sugary goodness. And President’s Choice Butter Pecan Tart ice cream? Total sugar rush. First time I bought it the entire tub was empty in three sittings.
Happy cleansing! While you’re doing that, I’m going to a wine tasting tonight.
Honey drizzled apple in almond butter? Oh my! I never thought of that. Must have…Of course, on Thursday.
I teach. And teaching while slightly hungry on a good day is bad for me. Add the rain and not going outside for recess and it gets worse. Add the fact that I teach intermediate core French and its a miracle I made it through the day!
I love that this is happening near Earth Day. While my colleagues are consuming totally ridiculous meals full of really crappy ingredients that are not even real, they are also throwing away lots of trash and pre-packaged wrapping. I on the other hand know I am eating organically and almost totally package free.
Yep, that’s me all right! Sweet, sweet, sweet. ANYTHING sweet! But your approach is inspiring, and you’re motivating so many people to eat better–way to go.
Yes my dear, as I have stated several times. Dates. Sugar. I am addicted.
Everyone always says to me- “but you eat so healthy, you can’t be doing anything wrong!” But I am like you, even though they are HEALTHY, wholegrain, cookies/cakes/whatever I still love em!! Keep it up girl! You are doing so well and thank you for all your inspiration and wonderful information. I love learning from you
p.s. I sent you an email
[...] seems that my post entitled “What’s Your Poison” which contained the line “food grade petroleum based high fructose corn syrup [...]
I know, it is so funny because people don’t get it when they ask me what I really crave -and well I tell them it is sweets, but healthy sweets – they are confused. But sugar is sugar, and I still crave it – even if it is a raw chocolate pie made out of bananas, dates and goji berries. I hear you Meghan, but going back to my days of cherry blasters and jelly bellies is just not worth it – at least I am getting some nutrients from the bananas!!
Teachy Green- I work from home and all day I’ve been looking longingly at my bed. I have heard you and I just put the pot on to boil- See my new post for a warming tea. Perfect for a night like tonight.
Ricki- thank you so much!
Coconutgal- didn’t see an email from you.