Cravings

Strong Desire

If we have a craving that means that we have an intensely strong desire for something; we yearn and long for that something. Where there are food issues then there may be cravings; cravings for various foods like chocolate, peanuts and things containing carbohydrates.

Studies

There have been studies about addiction to carbohydrates; it certainly feels true that certain foods never seem to be enough to satisfy. For some, a slice of cake will not do. Gradually, although battling with the internal distress of should I or shouldn't I, alongside self loathing and disgust, a whole cake might be consumed. For many of us what was bought for the family will never be introduced to them. There are times, however, when cravings are caused by some imbalance, emotional and physical.

There are studies that suggest certain foods cause a biochemical imbalance which causes mood swings. I can see this as a possibility, otherwise why would we crave if there was no addiction to food? However the question is? "What comes first, the addiction or the food? The food or the addiction to it?"

Smoking

We might be advised to give certain things up but how do we give up eating? We can give up alcohol, drugs and smoking but food and all its elements are a more difficult issue. My belief is that it is not the food, nor the addiction but the inner self we need to address.

• Have you ever eaten something that was bought for the whole family?
• Do you have a supply of crisps and snacks purchased specifically for 'visitors' or 'children'?
• Would you describe yourself as having an addictive personality?
• What are you craving for?
• Do you often feel ill and seek food to heal?