Conquer Cravings & Confusion: 4 Powerful Questions for Smarter Eating Choices

It's evening. You had dinner not too long ago, but there's a subtle stirring in your stomach, a whisper of hunger, or perhaps something else. You find yourself standing in the kitchen, wondering, should I eat?

This moment is familiar to many of us.

Deciding whether to eat can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. To guide you through these moments, let's explore 4 key questions that can help you make mindful, satisfying choices about eating.

Question #1: Am I Hungry?

Before reaching for food, ask yourself if you're truly hungry. Sometimes we eat out of boredom, stress, or habit. Recognizing true hunger can help you align your eating with your body's needs.

If the answer is no, get curious. Ask yourself, "What am I trying to avoid or cope with by turning to food?" This could uncover underlying issues like stress or emotional discomfort. Understanding these can lead to developing healthier coping mechanisms that don't rely on food.

Question #2: How Hungry Am I?

Hunger isn't just a binary state; it exists on a spectrum. Understanding the intensity of your hunger can guide what and how much you eat. It's about finding that sweet spot where you eat enough to satisfy your hunger without getting overly full.

This awareness can prevent under-eating, which then leads to later overeating and overeating in the moment. Aim to start eating at around a 3 or 4 on the hunger scale. Waiting much longer than this can lead to eating past comfortably full with your fullness level reaching 8 or above.

Where are you on the scale below before you start eating vs. after?

Question #3: What Do I Feel Like Eating?

This question invites you to consider not only the nutritional aspects of food but also the joy and satisfaction it brings.

When you ask yourself what you feel like eating, it opens up a dialogue with your body, helping you understand your needs at that moment. It could indicate a need for specific nutrients or a desire for a particular taste or texture that brings comfort or pleasure.

To make this decision-making process smoother, it's helpful to have a 'hit list' of nutrient-dense snacks and meals saved in your phone notes. This way, you can easily choose options that balance both nourishment and enjoyment, fostering a healthy and happy relationship with food.

Question #4: How Does This Food Make Me Feel?

Different foods impact our bodies and moods in various ways. For example, while a cookie might satisfy a craving and bring contentment at one moment, eating it right before a workout could lead to discomfort. It's essential to acknowledge that all foods, nutrient-dense or otherwise, affect us differently.

After eating, take a moment to reflect:

• Do you feel energized or sluggish?

• Satisfied or uncomfortable?

This awareness is a form of self-care, guiding you to make food choices that not only satisfy cravings but also support your overall well-being. This practice encourages a proactive approach to eating, nurturing a relationship with food that is attuned to both your physical and emotional needs.

These questions, though straightforward, are crucial for nurturing a healthier relationship with food.

They not only help create mindfulness and alignment with your body's cues but also pave the way for eating experiences that are both joyful and intuitive.

Regularly reflecting on these questions can deepen your understanding of your eating habits and preferences. 

Give these strategies a go and share your experiences with us. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our community's evolution.

P.S. Stay tuned for our soon-to-launch community program, designed to enhance your journey to greater health and balance.