How to Eliminate Your Cravings
Learning how to eliminate your cravings can be so frustrating! Especially when you don’t know exactly what causes them. I want to tell you that this craving solution works every time… but it’s not what you think!
There are actually a handful of different cause of cravings, so while it can be a challenge, there are some things you can do to learn how to eliminate your cravings.
While one of the common causes of cravings is the wrong balance of Macros, (protein, carbs and fat) what I see more often is that the ideal “balance” of Macros needs to shift based on nutrient needs throughout our 28 (ish) day cycle. It’s a huge mistake if we aren’t eating correctly to support the hormone shifts happening, because not only will that cause crazy cravings, it will significantly affect Equestrian performance.
As females, our bodies operate on a 24 hour daily rhythm where “metabolism” hormones like insulin and stress hormones such as cortisol are involved. But, we also have 4 phases of our 28 day menstrual cycle (of course give or take a few days based on individuality) where multiple hormone levels are changing every 1-2 weeks. These phases are menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
The thing is that all of our hormones are connected and an imbalance with just one will lead to a cascade of problems. This might sound stupidly obvious, but think about if you’ve ever gone in for a “regular” hormone test, had only 1-2 levels checked, and then you were told you’re normal. Andddddd then you still continue to have symptoms. This was me years ago before I started down my journey of holistic health. CLICK HERE to read more bout my story.
A HUGE key to learning how to eliminate your cravings…
Taking a “food first” approach as a solution is key as hormone shifts that happen throughout the month can lead to variations in the balance of Macronutrients needed to reduce not only cravings but moodiness, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and more. This “food first” approach is truly the foundation of everything I do with my clients. It is also the first step of my 4-step formula, known as “Nutritional Fitness!”
WHY is this piece so important? Good question! Because ALL of these metabolism and stress hormones such as cortisol, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, just to name a few, are contributing factors to how we feel on a daily basis. Their imbalances contribute to the very symptoms you might be having, as well as to poor performance and recovery.
So, if you’re still struggling with cravings, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or you just feel like your metabolism is now slower than the molasses you’re adding to your horse’s grain, do some experimentation and change things up!
Changing things up with your Macronutrients, as well as the type of foods you might be eating, is one of the major keys to figuring out how to eliminate your cravings!
If you’re someone who typically leans towards more of a Low Carb/ LCHF or Keto Diet way of eating, then add back more carbs. Start with veggies, then add fruits then add the carbohydrates that are a bit more complex. First experiment with this during the first two phases (two weeks) of your cycle. Then the next month, try this during the last two phases, or last two weeks, of your cycle.
If you tend to lean towards a higher carbohydrate diet, first try to add more protein as most women and Equestrian Athletes are actually not getting enough. You’re very, very minimum daily intake should be 60 grams daily. And honestly, this likely isn’t enough. If you’re eating more, DO NOT go down to 60. Then add more fat. And reduce carbohydrates just slightly. Again, first experiment with this during the first two phases (two weeks) of your cycle. Then the next month, try this during the last two phases, or last two weeks, of your cycle.
GUT HEALTH TIP: Either way, do not mix fruit with grains. They will cause fermentation in the gut that can lead to bloating, gas, constipation and more. Yes, I mean do not put fruit in your oatmeal despite what the diet industry has been telling you for too many years!
I know some of this might be new for you. And, I promise it works! Over the last 14+ years, I’ve helped my clients not only eliminate the cravings, but also reverse PCOS, infertility, and various Thyroid issues. I’ve also helped them release the struggle from lifelong migraines, gut problems, pre/ post menopausal symptoms, and much more. All of this with a super simple, cutting edge, 4 step “fitness” approach.
If you’re ready to THRIVE, and not just survive, let’s connect!
CLICK HERE to contact me today!