| Get Out N Play Newsletter |
| | Deconstructing Cravings | September 2010 |
| | | | The path we travel Recently on a gorgeous Sunday, I traveled to the White Mountains of New Hampshire to hike. I love mountains and I was eager to reach the summit. As expected, the reward was a sweeping vista and made me smile. After a tasty lunch and some lingering in the warm September sun, I retraced my steps back down the mountain. With the summit reached, my objective was meet and I briskly descended the mountain. And then I paused. Why was I so eager to rush out of this beautiful landscape? I was so quick and focused to reach my destination, that I was overlooking all that was around me. We all do that. We get so caught up in that goal, that final destination or big event that we loose sight of the process. I need to remind myself to enjoy the ride. Even now as I am planning my October wedding, I am so caught up in the big day, that I need to remind myself to pause and connect with my emotions and the experiences. Life is more than these big memorable events. It is the little pieces along the way. We must not lose sight of that. Embrace the journey and the path you are traveling. |
| Deconstructing CravingsThe body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat, digesting whatever food you put in it and maintaining homeostasis. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline? I'd like to suggest that cravings are not a problem. They are critical pieces of information that tell you what your body needs.
The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too restrictive or devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water or more love in your life. The key to stopping the sugar craving is to understand and deliver what your body really needs.
No book or theory can tell you what to eat. Only awareness of your body and its needs can tell you. Of all the relationships in our lives, the one with our body is the most essential. It takes communication, love and time to cultivate a relationship with your body. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body's cravings, you will create a deep and lasting level of health and balance.
The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of a weakness. Try these tips to respond to your body: - Have a glass of water and wait 10 minutes.
- Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet or root vegetables.
- What is out of balance in your life? Is there something you need to express, or is something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving?
- When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savor it; notice its effect. Then you will become more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time.
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Recipe: Maple Fruit Compote with Honey Ginger Walnuts  I encourage you to spend an afternoon with your friends or solo and go apple picking at your local orchard. Enjoy the fall colors and sweet experiences of the season. Here's a recipe to use the fruits of your harvest. - 2-3 apples
- 2-3 pears
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup walnuts or nuts of your choice
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
Directions
- Wash, core and chop fruit into slices or chunks.
- Place in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water. Add the maple syrup and raisins.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook for another 10 minutes, until soft.
- While fruit is cooking, place chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle honey over the nuts and add ginger, but keep stirring since the honey can easily burn.
- Top warm fruit with toasted nuts and enjoy!
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| | Thank you for spending time learning how to nourish your health. |
Sincerely,
Aubrey Schulz
Get Out N Play
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