What Do I Do About My Food Cravings?!
Everyone and their mother has experienced the relentless tug of a craving at some point. Seductive and annoying… most people try to reduce cravings, avoid them, or feel helpless in the face of them.
If you’re tired of feeling like cravings are a constant battle, you’re not alone. Cravings are one of the biggest sources of stress for so many of us.
I get it—cravings can feel overpowering and unpredictable. But what if, instead of pushing your cravings away, calling them cruel, and trying to run from them, there was another way?
What if you could tune in and discover what they need?
‘Okay, Chelsea, what are you saying?’
I’m saying…
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✨You befriend them✨
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Yupp, that’s right. As woo woo as it sounds, befriending your cravings means getting to know them.
It means getting to know:
Their personalities, desires, and their fears.
When they’re most active, whether it’s a certain time of day, month, or year.
Their triggers: what situations or emotions make them loudest.
When you understand your cravings, you understand their needs. You gain clarity on how to consciously and compassionately respond to them.
Awareness Before Change
The first step in working with your cravings is to approach them with curiosity instead of judgment. Rather than seeing cravings as “bad” or “wrong,” try getting curious about them.
Start by noticing the qualities of your craving.
Pay attention to:
Sensations in your body when you feel the urge for a certain food.
Thoughts that accompany the craving (over time you might notice patterns).
Emotions that accompany the craving, like stress, boredom, or happiness.
By getting curious about your cravings, you begin a relationship with them.
Instead of banning them, calling them evil, or wishing they’d disappear, you’re inviting them in and saying, “I want to understand why you’re here and what you’re trying to tell me.”
Want to stay connected? Sign up for my monthly newsletter here!
Cravings Have Reasons
Food cravings aren't random.
Here’s what might be going on:
Biological cravings: Stem from hormones, nutrient needs, or medication.
Emotional cravings: Surface in response to stress, boredom, or specific memories.
Environmental cravings: Triggered by certain situations, like parties or a night out with friends.
Understanding your cravings is crucial for knowing how to respond to them in a way that meets your needs.
Cravings Are Unique, Just Like You
There’s no cookie-cutter formula for handling cravings because your body and its needs are unique. Often, cravings are rooted in a real need and you need to figure out what that need is.
For instance:
Your body might crave certain nutrients. Low in B12? You may feel a stronger pull toward meat. Feel a cold coming on? You might crave citrus for its Vitamin C. (🙋♀️ Both of these are from personal experience!)
At different stages of your menstrual cycle, you might notice new cravings.
If your cravings are rooted in an emotional need, you might notice them more when seeking comfort, pleasure, or relaxation.
The more familiar you get with your cravings, the more clarity you will have on when and how to respond. You might even notice that the craving fades when you’ve said ‘hello’ and tuned in to its message.
Try These Steps Next Time a Craving Strikes
Next time a craving shows up, try this:
Pay attention to the quality of the craving. Notice how strong it is, where it “sits” in your body, and if it feels urgent or gentle.
Identify what needs this craving might be meeting. Are you hungry? Stressed? Seeking comfort?
Decide if you want to act on it. Choose what feels right in the moment.
Surf the urge* if you don’t want to act on it. Picture the craving as a wave—notice how it rises and falls if you let your thoughts pass without engaging with them.
Eat if you want to eat.
Repeat as needed throughout the day. Practicing these steps makes it easier to respond to cravings when they come up.
Remember: There’s a Reason Behind Every Craving
Cravings aren’t bad or wrong; they don’t mean you’re broken. You’re human, and your body is constantly sending you messages. Take the time to listen. Take the time to explore. Take the time to get curious.
Learning to understand and respond to your cravings is a journey. It takes patience, but over time, you’ll notice that the struggle softens. With every step, you’re moving closer to freedom and trust in your relationship with food.
Looking for some extra support around this? Check out my 1:1 coaching to see if working together feels like a good fit!