ere!
Cravings — they can feel like a comforting friend or a gut- punching enemy, depending on what you’re craving. An estimated 90% of people experience cravings, and believe it or not, all cravings are not bad. Leaning into our healthy cravings can help establish a healthy diet. Don’t worry, we’re thinking the same thing: “If that’s the case, why do we crave sugary snacks and fatty foods the most?!” It’s complicated, but understanding your brain is a great place to start. What are cravings, really? Decades of research have proven that cravings start in our brain, not our body. This might be shocking for some, since it was commonly believed for a long time that if you were craving a steak, you were probably low in iron. However, the brain connection makes way more sense. Think about it: Does your body love circulating excess sugar that can lead to health complications, or does your brain enjoy sugar more? After all, sugar releases the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, which our brains love. A chocolate milkshake or lemon bar helps us feel good by literally triggering our brain’s pleasure centers. That means when we’re unhappy, stressed, or needing a pick-me-up, we might start craving foods that comfort us, such as ice cream. How do I stop craving unhealthy things? One thing is for sure: Restrictive diets don’t always work. It’s hard to “rewire” the brain by completely rejecting how it currently operates. Instead, you might want to consider accepting your cravings, but make slow and deliberate changes to how you satisfy those cravings. For example, if you’re craving potato chips, why not try kale chips or another crunchy but healthier alternative you already enjoy? If you’re craving soda, why not crush some fresh fruit into sparkling water instead? Make it a treat, make it special, but make it healthier. What Are Cravings? How Do I Stop Them? HOW PLAYING THE LONG GAME HELPS OVERCOME CRAVINGS
DMV Area
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Pit masters from all 50 states will be gathering up and down Pennsylvania Avenue from June 25–26 to participate in a large festival featuring demonstrations
and tastings. If you’re a fan of barbecue, put this event on your calendar right away! Truckeroo From now through October, local food trucks will be gathering monthly at the Fairgrounds at Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in D.C. It’s a family event with live music and many varieties of delicious food to try each month!
Summer activities and warmer weather may have you on foot a lot more, walking to and from work and home, or taking more strolls around the neighborhood. Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, it’s important to always brush up on some tips to help keep pedestrians safe. Scan the QR code for more information!
Happy Summer!
Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
Eating more filling, nutrient-dense food and getting more sleep are also
great ways to fight cravings. It leaves little time or room for binging on bad foods. However, a 6-month 2018 study in the National Institutes of Health has shown that flexibility in your diet can make a difference for making real, meaningful changes to your lifestyle long term. By overcoming shame and accepting your cravings, you won’t fear making a single mistake as much. It’s all about playing the long game.
(202) 933-7277 • 3
Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation • Slip and Fall • Social Security Disability • And More
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator