Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 > ... but since we live in heated buildings... Remember that it is still colder in the winter than in the summer (unless you are burning your radiators too warm). > ... I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs... Have you considered fruit? High quality sugars will satisfy your cravings for sugar while honouring your health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 > ... but since we live in heated buildings... Remember that it is still colder in the winter than in the summer (unless you are burning your radiators too warm). > ... I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs... Have you considered fruit? High quality sugars will satisfy your cravings for sugar while honouring your health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 > ... but since we live in heated buildings... Remember that it is still colder in the winter than in the summer (unless you are burning your radiators too warm). > ... I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs... Have you considered fruit? High quality sugars will satisfy your cravings for sugar while honouring your health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Hi Mckella! I really hear you! I don't live in a particularly cold climate, but I do fall prey to strings of overcast days and the Vitamin D depletion you're experiencing. It doesn't sound like your " body " is hungry for carbs and extra sweet things, it sounds like your mind is...in other words, you're feeling blue, etc. I know for myself, I have a lot of " stories " I've told myself for years around the Holiday Season...it's license to eat, it reminds me of my family/long-lost childhood, etc. Not to mention we're inundated with a media-blitz encouraging us to feel something we may not be innately feeling: joy, peace, a general festive mood and so on. I'd suggest what Geneen Roth suggests and deal with whatever is coming up for you directly. Here are some things I do around the Holiday Season to begin re-writing my Holiday story: 1. Listen to standard jazz vocalists sing Christmas songs, and dance around the house singing along 2. Visit thrift stores and buy myself a sweet Christmas outfit 3. Cut out magazine photos and make a collage of what the Holidays actually do mean to me 4. Take a hot bath with an aromatic bath salt/bubble bath that reminds me of Christmas (Spiced Apple, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint) Good luck and and may this Holiday Season be one you write for yourself, without excess food! Namaste, > > Hi everyone, I just wanted your opinion on " combating " winter cravings. > > Our bodies naturally crave carbs and have less energy, but since we live in heated buildings and food isn't scarce in the winter, these instincts no longer serve us. Also, those of us that get winter blues are dealing with low serotonin levels as well, which also triggers carb cravings. > > Though I eat intuitively the rest of the year, I'm finding it hard to trust my body right now because I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs when I know I don't need them. I'm not angry at my body and I know it's just trying to take care of itself, but my body doesn't realize that I have a full pantry and an electric blanket. The rest of the year, I can feel satisfied and know when I've had too much sugar. Right now, I can't get enough and I never feel the usual signals to stop. > > I don't know what to do, listen to my body and eat cookies all day, or try to regulate my eating from the outside. I feel like I can't trust my body right now, because I know it wants to build up fat and do whatever it can to get my serotonin up, even though eating that way will only hurt my body and brain chemistry in the long run. I don't want to restrict in any way, because we all know how well that doesn't work. I'm hoping to buy a light box with some Christmas money, but that may not happen. I have additional stressors in my life as well right now, but having winter blues makes them harder to deal with. Then there's always that underlying hum, that drive to munch. > > Thoughts, anyone? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Hi Mckella! I really hear you! I don't live in a particularly cold climate, but I do fall prey to strings of overcast days and the Vitamin D depletion you're experiencing. It doesn't sound like your " body " is hungry for carbs and extra sweet things, it sounds like your mind is...in other words, you're feeling blue, etc. I know for myself, I have a lot of " stories " I've told myself for years around the Holiday Season...it's license to eat, it reminds me of my family/long-lost childhood, etc. Not to mention we're inundated with a media-blitz encouraging us to feel something we may not be innately feeling: joy, peace, a general festive mood and so on. I'd suggest what Geneen Roth suggests and deal with whatever is coming up for you directly. Here are some things I do around the Holiday Season to begin re-writing my Holiday story: 1. Listen to standard jazz vocalists sing Christmas songs, and dance around the house singing along 2. Visit thrift stores and buy myself a sweet Christmas outfit 3. Cut out magazine photos and make a collage of what the Holidays actually do mean to me 4. Take a hot bath with an aromatic bath salt/bubble bath that reminds me of Christmas (Spiced Apple, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint) Good luck and and may this Holiday Season be one you write for yourself, without excess food! Namaste, > > Hi everyone, I just wanted your opinion on " combating " winter cravings. > > Our bodies naturally crave carbs and have less energy, but since we live in heated buildings and food isn't scarce in the winter, these instincts no longer serve us. Also, those of us that get winter blues are dealing with low serotonin levels as well, which also triggers carb cravings. > > Though I eat intuitively the rest of the year, I'm finding it hard to trust my body right now because I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs when I know I don't need them. I'm not angry at my body and I know it's just trying to take care of itself, but my body doesn't realize that I have a full pantry and an electric blanket. The rest of the year, I can feel satisfied and know when I've had too much sugar. Right now, I can't get enough and I never feel the usual signals to stop. > > I don't know what to do, listen to my body and eat cookies all day, or try to regulate my eating from the outside. I feel like I can't trust my body right now, because I know it wants to build up fat and do whatever it can to get my serotonin up, even though eating that way will only hurt my body and brain chemistry in the long run. I don't want to restrict in any way, because we all know how well that doesn't work. I'm hoping to buy a light box with some Christmas money, but that may not happen. I have additional stressors in my life as well right now, but having winter blues makes them harder to deal with. Then there's always that underlying hum, that drive to munch. > > Thoughts, anyone? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Well, I'm certainly no help as I'm in the midst of winter munchies too. And struggling against it all the way. I thought it was only me. Sandarah > > Hi everyone, I just wanted your opinion on " combating " winter cravings. > > Our bodies naturally crave carbs and have less energy, but since we live in heated buildings and food isn't scarce in the winter, these instincts no longer serve us. Also, those of us that get winter blues are dealing with low serotonin levels as well, which also triggers carb cravings. > > Though I eat intuitively the rest of the year, I'm finding it hard to trust my body right now because I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs when I know I don't need them. I'm not angry at my body and I know it's just trying to take care of itself, but my body doesn't realize that I have a full pantry and an electric blanket. The rest of the year, I can feel satisfied and know when I've had too much sugar. Right now, I can't get enough and I never feel the usual signals to stop. > > I don't know what to do, listen to my body and eat cookies all day, or try to regulate my eating from the outside. I feel like I can't trust my body right now, because I know it wants to build up fat and do whatever it can to get my serotonin up, even though eating that way will only hurt my body and brain chemistry in the long run. I don't want to restrict in any way, because we all know how well that doesn't work. I'm hoping to buy a light box with some Christmas money, but that may not happen. I have additional stressors in my life as well right now, but having winter blues makes them harder to deal with. Then there's always that underlying hum, that drive to munch. > > Thoughts, anyone? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Well, I'm certainly no help as I'm in the midst of winter munchies too. And struggling against it all the way. I thought it was only me. Sandarah > > Hi everyone, I just wanted your opinion on " combating " winter cravings. > > Our bodies naturally crave carbs and have less energy, but since we live in heated buildings and food isn't scarce in the winter, these instincts no longer serve us. Also, those of us that get winter blues are dealing with low serotonin levels as well, which also triggers carb cravings. > > Though I eat intuitively the rest of the year, I'm finding it hard to trust my body right now because I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs when I know I don't need them. I'm not angry at my body and I know it's just trying to take care of itself, but my body doesn't realize that I have a full pantry and an electric blanket. The rest of the year, I can feel satisfied and know when I've had too much sugar. Right now, I can't get enough and I never feel the usual signals to stop. > > I don't know what to do, listen to my body and eat cookies all day, or try to regulate my eating from the outside. I feel like I can't trust my body right now, because I know it wants to build up fat and do whatever it can to get my serotonin up, even though eating that way will only hurt my body and brain chemistry in the long run. I don't want to restrict in any way, because we all know how well that doesn't work. I'm hoping to buy a light box with some Christmas money, but that may not happen. I have additional stressors in my life as well right now, but having winter blues makes them harder to deal with. Then there's always that underlying hum, that drive to munch. > > Thoughts, anyone? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 I love that collage idea; the images that immediate sprung to mind when I read that were a far cry from what we see in commercials extolling the joy of Christmas (buying). My family and my childhood are sort of a black hole of struggling to appear normal in the midst of awesome denial about what was really taking place in the home. Big losses there. And, it occurs to me as I write this - I probably need time to really let that in and stop trying to out run the losses that will never be undone. What is, is and there's no point in trying to pretend it didn't affect me as much as it did. And does. I'm also a little down because I've injured myself twice at the health club and feel depressed about it. That's not a new scenario as I often injure myself when exercising whether it's yoga, walking or working out. Too many years of sitting at a desk every day. So... for me right now IE is sort of a fading water color that I'm not much able to maintain other than read and post. I did just finish reading The Overfed Head and started thinking about signing up for his program. But that includes weekly weigh-ins and my diet rebel kicked in with last supper eating right on its heels. Guess this isn't the time for that. That's it out of me, I have absolutely no wisdom to offer right now. Blessings all, Sandarah > > > 1. Listen to standard jazz vocalists sing Christmas songs, and dance around the house singing along > 2. Visit thrift stores and buy myself a sweet Christmas outfit > 3. Cut out magazine photos and make a collage of what the Holidays actually do mean to me > 4. Take a hot bath with an aromatic bath salt/bubble bath that reminds me of Christmas (Spiced Apple, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint) > > Good luck and and may this Holiday Season be one you write for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 McKella,what seems to work well for me lately is to try to eat somewhat pre-emptively. that means having food ready to eat BEFORE i get very hungry. i tend to crave simple carbs when i have gotten too hungry. i also realized recently that i tend to neglect carbs, and then i crave them all the more, and end up eating processed ones... so now i am trying to make an effort to have complex carbs available -- i buy prepared brown rice, for example, that i just have to heat in the microwave. i'm not saying to eat without hunger... but to eat before i get VERY hungry. this helps me a lot. i'm also trying to carry trail mix around (i make my own with nuts and raisins from the bulk bins at the health food store plus Reeses Pieces instead of M & Ms) and this helps a lot when i get sudden cravings. i think the high fat content with a little bit of carbohydrate helps my energy levels a lot. i'm not against getting a little heavier in winter, but i don't like how i feel when i eat processed carbs, and the more i avoid them, the more awful i feel when i DO eat them. i hope this is helpful!best,abby  Hi Mckella! I really hear you! I don't live in a particularly cold climate, but I do fall prey to strings of overcast days and the Vitamin D depletion you're experiencing. It doesn't sound like your " body " is hungry for carbs and extra sweet things, it sounds like your mind is...in other words, you're feeling blue, etc. I know for myself, I have a lot of " stories " I've told myself for years around the Holiday Season...it's license to eat, it reminds me of my family/long-lost childhood, etc. Not to mention we're inundated with a media-blitz encouraging us to feel something we may not be innately feeling: joy, peace, a general festive mood and so on. I'd suggest what Geneen Roth suggests and deal with whatever is coming up for you directly. Here are some things I do around the Holiday Season to begin re-writing my Holiday story: 1. Listen to standard jazz vocalists sing Christmas songs, and dance around the house singing along 2. Visit thrift stores and buy myself a sweet Christmas outfit 3. Cut out magazine photos and make a collage of what the Holidays actually do mean to me 4. Take a hot bath with an aromatic bath salt/bubble bath that reminds me of Christmas (Spiced Apple, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint) Good luck and and may this Holiday Season be one you write for yourself, without excess food! Namaste, > > Hi everyone, I just wanted your opinion on " combating " winter cravings. > > Our bodies naturally crave carbs and have less energy, but since we live in heated buildings and food isn't scarce in the winter, these instincts no longer serve us. Also, those of us that get winter blues are dealing with low serotonin levels as well, which also triggers carb cravings. > > Though I eat intuitively the rest of the year, I'm finding it hard to trust my body right now because I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs when I know I don't need them. I'm not angry at my body and I know it's just trying to take care of itself, but my body doesn't realize that I have a full pantry and an electric blanket. The rest of the year, I can feel satisfied and know when I've had too much sugar. Right now, I can't get enough and I never feel the usual signals to stop. > > I don't know what to do, listen to my body and eat cookies all day, or try to regulate my eating from the outside. I feel like I can't trust my body right now, because I know it wants to build up fat and do whatever it can to get my serotonin up, even though eating that way will only hurt my body and brain chemistry in the long run. I don't want to restrict in any way, because we all know how well that doesn't work. I'm hoping to buy a light box with some Christmas money, but that may not happen. I have additional stressors in my life as well right now, but having winter blues makes them harder to deal with. Then there's always that underlying hum, that drive to munch. > > Thoughts, anyone? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 I think you could take a two-pronged approach. One is to make sure you give your body all the comforts you feel it is seeking re: warmth, security, safety from the cold, etc. Snuggle with your electric blanket by the fire, try to expose yourself to as much sunlight as possible, cook warm foods such as soups, stews, chilis and have hot beverages on hand. Try a hot bubble bath with aromatherapy Next, think about your food intake. Yes, I think you're right that our bodies try to add a little more insulation in the winter months, but I don't think that instinct is entirely maladaptive. Your body does work harder to stay warm and carry out it's normal functions in the winter. Yes, we have electric heating, but our bodies still feel cold and are reacting to it. I think trust in your body is still warranted. I am going to be presumptuous here and say that I don't think you would really eat cookies all day long if given the chance. Maybe that's the restriction talking? If you are drawn to quick sources of energy, maybe there are other, more nutritious offerings that you could take advantage of? A slice of hearty bread with almond butter and a cup of tea with cream? BUT, don't deprive yourself of the cookie if that's what you really want. Just make sure that you really like that cookie. Chances are you will not eat them with abandon, given how far you've come on your IE journey. Good luck! Mimi Subject: Winter MunchiesTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 11:34 AM Hi everyone, I just wanted your opinion on "combating" winter cravings. Our bodies naturally crave carbs and have less energy, but since we live in heated buildings and food isn't scarce in the winter, these instincts no longer serve us. Also, those of us that get winter blues are dealing with low serotonin levels as well, which also triggers carb cravings.Though I eat intuitively the rest of the year, I'm finding it hard to trust my body right now because I just want to eat sweets and simple carbs when I know I don't need them. I'm not angry at my body and I know it's just trying to take care of itself, but my body doesn't realize that I have a full pantry and an electric blanket. The rest of the year, I can feel satisfied and know when I've had too much sugar. Right now, I can't get enough and I never feel the usual signals to stop.I don't know what to do, listen to my body and eat cookies all day, or try to regulate my eating from the outside. I feel like I can't trust my body right now, because I know it wants to build up fat and do whatever it can to get my serotonin up, even though eating that way will only hurt my body and brain chemistry in the long run. I don't want to restrict in any way, because we all know how well that doesn't work. I'm hoping to buy a light box with some Christmas money, but that may not happen. I have additional stressors in my life as well right now, but having winter blues makes them harder to deal with. Then there's always that underlying hum, that drive to munch. Thoughts, anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Great ideas! I too love the collage idea. I'm an artist and collage used to be my main medium, though I'm mostly painting now. I'm working on a small Christmas-ish painting for myself actually. A lot of what everyone said is true for me. Even though I do live in a heated apartment and sleep under an electric blanket at night, I tend to get very cold. I must have poor circulation or something, and I'm about 25 pounds lighter this winter than I was last winter, so I have a lot less insulation. I take a lot of hot baths, I wear layers and I've been bringing hot tea to work with me. I tend to get cold and munchy at work too (definitely emotional eating) so the tea helps a little. I don't own a scale, but I weigh when I visit my mom. I've gained about six pounds, and I seem to be pretty stable there. I'm tall, so six pounds doesn't make a difference in how my clothes fit, so this really isn't an issue. I like the idea of keeping some quick sources of complex carbs around. I made a big pot of brown rice and some whole wheat apple cinnamon muffins yesterday. I think I'll also buy some fruit the next time I go shopping, though I'm on a painfully tight budget right now because my husband hasn't had time to work during finals. We're talking pantry eating plus eggs and milk mostly. I'll figure it out though. Thank you so much for your support, and I'd still love suggestions if anyone has them. -McKella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Great ideas! I too love the collage idea. I'm an artist and collage used to be my main medium, though I'm mostly painting now. I'm working on a small Christmas-ish painting for myself actually. A lot of what everyone said is true for me. Even though I do live in a heated apartment and sleep under an electric blanket at night, I tend to get very cold. I must have poor circulation or something, and I'm about 25 pounds lighter this winter than I was last winter, so I have a lot less insulation. I take a lot of hot baths, I wear layers and I've been bringing hot tea to work with me. I tend to get cold and munchy at work too (definitely emotional eating) so the tea helps a little. I don't own a scale, but I weigh when I visit my mom. I've gained about six pounds, and I seem to be pretty stable there. I'm tall, so six pounds doesn't make a difference in how my clothes fit, so this really isn't an issue. I like the idea of keeping some quick sources of complex carbs around. I made a big pot of brown rice and some whole wheat apple cinnamon muffins yesterday. I think I'll also buy some fruit the next time I go shopping, though I'm on a painfully tight budget right now because my husband hasn't had time to work during finals. We're talking pantry eating plus eggs and milk mostly. I'll figure it out though. Thank you so much for your support, and I'd still love suggestions if anyone has them. -McKella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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