Brain Cravings
On Wednesday, I posted about how to stay full. How to fill up a stomach that feels like a bottomless pit. But let’s be honest… sometimes it’s not our stomach that’s hungry. Right? So let’s talk about when your mind is hungry…
Brain Cravings
(Not a scientific term. But you totally know what I’m talking about.)
If your brain desperately wants a bite of chocolate, have a bite of dark chocolate. Don’t try to satisfy your chocolate craving with 14 sugar free hard candies, 2 rice cakes, and some mints. You’ll still be “hungry” for what your brain is craving. That doesn’t mean eating a giant bowl of ice cream or a King Size candy bar. It means savoring a bite or two of some sinfully rich dark chocolate, and then calling it a night.
I’m not the only one that has these cravings… right?
When those types of cravings hit, try a bite of something that will truly satisfy that craving, without making you feel like you’ve given up. Here are a few easy recipes that can soothe that sweet tooth…
You only need a few ingredients for this little treat, and that granola does add a tiny bit of protein and fiber! It also takes the chocolate to an even more delicious place. Seriously, try it.
If you’ve got a few strawberries sitting in the fridge, whip up a quick batch of these, and you’ll get the enjoyment of a bite of cheesecake, without the temptation of an entire cake sitting in the fridge.
These mini banana splits come with the built-in benefit of portion control. Plus, they’re adorable, and adorable desserts are scientifically proven to be more delicious. (That’s not based on any research, but you know it’s true.)
Mmm mini desserts. Perfect for brain cravings.
Ohhhh, that granola bark looks amazing! But those little banana split things are sooooo friggin’ CUTE! I’ve found the best way to satisfy those “brain cravings” are to, like you said, stop and savor the moment. If I just throw down a sweet or piece of chocolate and go on then chances are, I’ll feel like I need more, but if I pause and slowly enjoy it, I usually only need a small amount! I had a cookie a few weeks ago that was only about half the size of my palm, but I let myself take a good 2-3 minutes to enjoy it instead of stuffing the entire thing in my mouth and it was SO satisfying…and all I needed! 🙂
I totttallly relate to this. I get those kinds of cravings all the time! Both my brain and my tummy love food haha
I absolutely love your blog, Its awesome! Cant wait to read more…
Aw, thanks Kim!
Girrrrllll I have these cravings like TWICE a day..it’s so bad. I definitely give into them, sometimes too much haha.
I’ve definitely found that a little portion of what I truly want satisfies those “brain cravings” faster than eating something else. Your mini desserts are absolutely adorable! <3
All of this sounds seriously amazing! I make raw pb cups in mini muffin tins and use those when Im feeling the sweet tooth coming on. It’s nice to just be able to pop one in my mouth. Although I do use more pb than I use chocolate 😉
Great post Liz! If its something I’ve been craving for a while like a cookie I’ll generally make a small batch, have some and move on! If its just a passing craving I’ll try to get rid of it by eating a more healthy snack like nuts
Totally with you on this one! If I want dark chocolate I’m going to eat it – or else I will just be unsatisfied. Although I find I rarely have cravings now – eating a diet higher in good quality fats and lower in sugar (and cutting off coffee) has made a huge difference.
We are on the same wave length this week, aren’t we? lol…When I have hungry days or have cravings, I just go with it and eat what I feel like. That never amounts to what the average person would consider “eating what they want” because I am happy to load up on the healthy stuff but will certainly have a slice of cake or handfuls of chocolate chips if I know nothing else will do.
Those mini banana splits are too cute and such a great idea 🙂
Usually with my brain cravings if I give in then usually a few bites is enough if I’m not actually hungry and it is more a mental thing.