Conquering Your Cravings

OK, this post was supposed to be really cool. I had read the best article about the different personality types when it comes to cravings and it even had a little quiz to help you figure out what type you are. There were also some really good tips.

Here is the bad news. I was sitting in a doctor's office when I read it (see - you guys are ALWAYS on my mind!) which means I have no idea what magazine it was or even how old the issue was.

Truly a Deanne if I ever pulled one. So I've been looking and can't find it and I'm going to wing it.

First of all, personality types. Apparently there are people that can satisfy a craving with one little bite of something and be fine and others that having that one bite unleashes a torrent of more cravings. Those are the ones that just have to say no. They need to go get a glass of water or follow one of the other tips listed below. Chemically, their brains can't get that one little taste of what they need and be satisfied. They just keep wanting more and more and that leads to any manner of problems for them.

I fall into the middle (and yes, there was a category for that. I didn't just make it up). I find that I control my cravings by controlling my environment. If I want a bite of chocolate I can be satisfied with just one bite, as long as there aren't any more than that lying around. If I have 3 pieces in my desk drawer, I'll eat all three. If I have to walk to the front counter for a piece, that is the only one I'll have and I won't go back. I'm good.

Some of the tips they mentioned - chew gum or at least sniff some mint. OK, one of my weaknesses is mint chocolate chip ice cream so I don't think sniffing mint is going to help, but I do chew a lot of gum.

A LOT of gum. I'm a chain chewer. All sugar free.

It is supposed to make your brain think you are eating and make some of the cravings so away.

The reason I chew it is because it helps you think. I read about a study that was done with kindergartners that showed that chewing gum improved their brain function. (Problem is, you can't give kindergartens gum on a regular basis since it is subject to get swallowed or stuck some place it shouldn't be!). So I chew and hope that it helps me work.

This time of year I'll take anything I can get to help me work.

So, think about your personality and watch how you handle your cravings. Like anything else on this journey, a little knowledge goes a long way.

Knowing yourself will help you help yourself.

Now, go have a wonderful day!