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I rarely get food cravings. Why? I think its because I focus food as fuel instead of food as pleasure. It also helps that I never have "cravings" type food in the house. However, if I want a Chipotle burrito or a beer, I consider just how hard I have worked out that week/month, and where I am on my fitness goals, then decide from there. I think that people like me who are at their target health/fitness/weight levels have a bit more leeway than someone who needs to lose weight.
Cravings could be caused by different things, it depends on the person. I HIGHLY doubt that their are caused by the body "needed something specific in the food" because people usually on crave sh*tty foods. "Cravers" rarely crave broccoli, spinich, or healthy things, they always crave crap. I personally believe that most people who "crave" anything do so because of either emotional issues (comfort food) or mental illness issues ("I know Im fat but I just need some pie/cake/bread/sugar/soda..........").
If food is just fuel to you, you would not be going to Chipotle or drinking beer - ever. When is that stuff ever good fuel for your body? A beer or a burrito every now and then isn't going to hurt you too much because you're in good shape and it isn't your normal diet. But don't kid yourself - you're choosing to have those treats because they taste good and you crave them because you rarely have them, not because they're good fuel for your body.
Most people crave comfort food like mac and cheese, lasagna, burritos, etc. because of the taste and the texture. Most crave alcohol because they like the taste and the buzz they get from it. And we tend to crave what we can not have every day.
And, yes, if you ever go on vacation and find yourself in an area that has little in the way of fresh produce - you will crave fresh veggies and fruits just as bad, if not worse, than the less healthy fare that you crave now.
I do not like to make any food group off limits for myself. I eat a very healthy diet of whole foods. But I eat whole grains (OMG SHUDDER) and I even eat starches (the horror). But I am always satisfied. I have no reason to overeat. I enjoy cooking and eating immensely and I enjoy exercising. Its all good. I decided a long time ago after 'dieting' that none of them where going to work...especially Atkins, which just kind of grossed me out even thought I did lose weight (though never made it to my goal which was only 15 lbs at the time. I stayed on it for 6 months and was totally sold on it at the time and looking back I have no idea why. Deprival is no way to live in the long term.
Whatever works for the individual is what that individual should follow. The absolutes about food groups is just futile and misinformed.
I get food cravings all the time. I like to eat and I really enjoy the taste of some foods. I get a lot of pleasure from a good piece of chocolate or a Chipotle burrito...mmm...anyway, sometimes I indulge and other times I don't. I want to be healthy and in good shape, but I'm not going to always deny myself a food that I really enjoy eating. Life is meant to be enjoyed too!
I get food cravings all the time. I like to eat and I really enjoy the taste of some foods. I get a lot of pleasure from a good piece of chocolate or a Chipotle burrito...mmm...anyway, sometimes I indulge and other times I don't. I want to be healthy and in good shape, but I'm not going to always deny myself a food that I really enjoy eating. Life is meant to be enjoyed too!
I agree! And this is the way to eat if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Everything is moderation. I know there are a few people here who hate the word moderation and brag about eating tons of protein an fats. But to me thats like a jail sentence. I will practice moderation and enjoy all foods and remain a healthy weight.
I have not had to think about what I eat (as far as weight gain goes) for years. I maintain my weight eating pretty much what I want and exercising.
I do eat whole natural foods and no fast food and not a lot of sugar.
Man, that pork belly i ate last night was awesome! And coconut milk ice cream for dessert.
Leftover porkbelly and stuffed peppers for lunch today.
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