The Whole You October 2016 | Page 6

Canada where the sun is out for such small periods during winter, the cravings might be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A lack of vitamin D, buildup of stress, and sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your health. We all know the feeling. You had a rough day or a tough week and you reach for something in hopes it will make you feel better. Many of our guilty pleasures aren’t chock full of nutrients so you end up feeling more lethargic and heavy, again reaching for the wrong food in hopes it will take you away from the moment. It is important to keep track of your cravings and learn when you need to listen and when you need to ignore. Categorize the Cravings There will always be times when a craving must be met. By all means, meet it. Just be aware of your choices and try not to make a frequent habit of it if you find it affects your health. I wrote above about how cravings aren’t from a need to survive, but that is not entirely true. I also mentioned how food psychologists speculate that our cravings for energy dense foods were around even in our caveman days as a way to ensure we were eating enough to get us to the next meal. With the amount of sugar and fat filled food options readily available today, it is a little less necessary. And with all our cravings being met easily, we are running into health issues like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Then there is the endless cycle you can find yourself in by meeting every indulgence. If my exhaustion drew me to doughnuts each morning I would become heavier and more exhausted from my choice, overtime inevitably suffering from health issues. Whereas a bowl of oatmeal each morning would give me energy and in the end make me feel