ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR LOVE?

“All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!”

~ Lucy Van Pelt

            FROM PEANUTS COMIC

I love this quote from the outspoken, iconic Lucy from the PEANUTS COMIC series by fellow Minnesotan Charles M. Schulz.

She already knows what she needs: LOVE

And yet, like most of us, she craves sweet food now and then. Chocolate. I’m with Lucy. I like chocolate, too.

Do we really understand that sometimes when we crave something sweet, what we need is NOT another row of Girl Scout cookies, but something deeper?  We are craving something that we don’t shove in our mouths: LOVE.

Ask yourself.

 Are you REALLY hungry for sugary food? Or is your body, mind & spirit, CRAVING something sweet that isn’t food…like sweet words, a big hug, a smile from someone, a soft touch, a kiss, listening to an uplifting song, someone to hold your hand, positive words at work. Are you hungry for appreciation and companionship?

And you can go a little deeper when thinking about your sweet cravings.

Do you LOVE your job/career? Do you LOVE your body? Do you LOVE your life? Do you feel appreciated for all you do? Are you fulfilled?

Oftentimes when craving sweets and other sugary foods, what we are really craving is more love, connection and intimacy in our lives.

Understanding these cravings and how to address them is, in my opinion, one important part in achieving total wellness. The mind, body and spirit are all connected.

I’ve worked with people who didn’t have weight issues but who were unhealthy and had chronic health conditions because they were craving love, intimacy and joy in their lives.

On the flip side, I’ve worked with others who were stuffing themselves with pop and other sugary foods. They were addicted to sugar and had weight issues. And what they really craved was loving words, attention, and intimacy.

Think about Lucy in the comic. She knows what she NEEDS: Love.

Do you know you need this for yourself? Are you afraid to ask for it or seek it? Are you feeding a craving for love with food that isn’t really going to “fill you up”?

It’s ok if you do. You are not alone! Just starting to have this awareness is a first step in taking charge of your health on a deeper level so you can make changes that will create a happier, healthier life.

Don’t be afraid to seek help from a health coach or other health care practitioners. They can offer the empathy, support and tools to deconstruct your cravings, address your true needs and set you on a path to better wellness.

Here’s wishing you more love and less sugary foods. Oh, yeah…and a little chocolate every now and then!