Understanding Cravings as Messengers

by Rebecca Clio Gould

What Messages Can You Get from Cravings?

Sometimes a craving is a straightforward, crystal clear desire for the actual thing your body is asking for. But sometimes there’s something else you need, or at least something else that can satisfy you. And that something else can take the form of nutrients, actions, or emotions.

For example, craving chocolate could indicate that your body needs more magnesium. Or it could be that you’re craving physical touch, a feeling of satisfaction through the pleasure of connection, or a rush of oxytocin. It could mean that you’re thirsty or that you’re feeling sad and could use a hug or a walk in some fresh air. Craving a snack, in general, could indicate that your blood sugar is low and you really do need some food. But often, cravings are born out of thirst, boredom, depression, anxiety, or even habit.

So, get curious. Not suspicious, shameful, or restrictive. Just curious.

PRACTICE: Identifying Deeper Cravings

At the first sign of a craving, shut your eyes and take a deep breath. Ask yourself:

Am I thirsty?
Am I sleepy?
How am I feeling emotionally?
How do I want to feel?
What do I really want?

Maybe you just need some water. Or maybe you really want to snuggle or laugh with a lover or friend instead of eating half a pizza or drinking that glass of wine. Or maybe you really do want that pizza or wine, but it’s unlikely you’ll consume as much of it if you’re being mindful of your deeper feelings, desires, and needs. You can even enjoy it more now, guilt-free.

As you become more conscious of what underlies your cravings, you’ll be empowered to choose whether, and how, to act on them. When you get curious, you’ll find the healthiest ways to satisfy your cravings and gain more clarity about what it is you truly want or need.

Final Thoughts on Cravings

It’s okay to crave what you crave, and, assuming no serious health issues, it’s okay to give in sometimes to things we might consider “bad for us.” You don’t have to always find a substitution. But you do need to stop thinking of it as “bad” if you’re going to eat it.

When you feel bad about what you’ve eaten, it defeats the whole purpose of trying to feel good and experience more pleasure. Plus, negative thoughts about what you eat can result in creating a dis-ease process in your body. So be careful what you think-not fearful, just careful and mindful. Think good, loving, nurturing thoughts about what you take into your body, regardless of what it is.

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And if you’re going to indulge in a craving for something like ice cream or pizza, or reach out to a partner for sex, let it be from a place of already feeling filled up and content rather than down or empty. It’s natural, and can even be healthy, to give in to your food cravings or reach out for connection, but let’s try to go about it from a place of already feeling good.

The Benefits of Relationships and Care

You don’t need to feel great to reach out to somebody. One benefit of friendships and relationships is receiving support and an energy boost from your interaction. After all, we all need people. But the idea here is that it’s important to do your practices and take good care of yourself so you can remember that the core of your being contains your own essence, bliss, and contentment.

So, reach out consciously rather than in an unconscious sort of default mode. It’s okay to need others, social interaction, and even food, to increase your energy and alter your mood, but be aware of what you’re doing, and do your part to feel your best on your own.