My sister in law, Mel came for her first visit to Arkansas, so I decided to take a mini vacation and treat ourselves to my favorite restaurants and foods in North West Arkansas. Among these were Wiederkehr Restaurant, Theo’s, James at the Mill, Farmers Table and MJ Pizzeria. My entrees contained several filets of beef, pizza, Benny on a Biscuit, a six inch tall slice of chocolate cake (from MJ Pizzeria) and Creme Brulee. Although she flew away Sunday morning, my taste buds were still on vacation. If I always ate like I was on vacation…well, I wouldn’t feel very healthy. I began to have a strong craving for Walkers Butter Cookies from Scotland, (confession – I had some the day before). I got my purse and headed out the door, without telling anyone where I was going.
It just so happened that my 16 year old daughter (pictured above) arrived home, as I was walking to my car. She asked where I was going. I admitted sheepishly where I was going and that I probably ought not. She said lovingly, “Mom, get back into the house! You don’t need any more butter cookies!” I had already thought that I really ought not to continue the journey, but she confirmed it, so I went back into the house and heard her telling my husband, “I found Mom sneaking off to get butter cookies.”, to which he gave me a knowing look and returned to his movie screen.
I decided that I needed to find a better way to handle my craving. I had to deconstruct my craving in order to figure out what my body really needed. Often times, when we are craving, we are a bit dehydrated and really need a drink of water. I filled a 16 oz glass of filtered water and drank the whole thing. Then, I thought about the main components of the food that I was craving: sugar, salt and fat. I looked around the kitchen and found these components, in a healthy form, out of the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box, back yard garden and the refrigerator. I created a fine salad which fully met my cravings, which would require zero guilt or extra future energy expenditure. I have included the recipe and photo below.
The Five Necessary Ingredients for Fighting Cravings:
Realization – that it is a craving – knowing is half the battle
Accountability – a strong conscience, accountability partner or a 16 year old daughter
A Well Stocked Kitchen – to have healthy ingredients on hand
A Little Creativity – ideas for using what is available
Filtered Water – first, of course!
I hope this helps you deal with your next craving!
Holly Aaron BA, LMT, HTP, INHC
Aspire Holistic Health and Wellness, LLC
Therapeutic Bodywork, Healing Touch and Health Coaching
Aspire to reach your potential in body, mind and spirit!
For appointments: Call or Text 479-283-6507
Sweet Summer Salad
By Holly Aaron
INGREDIENTS
1 small organic cucumber, diced
1 organic, fresh, local peach, diced
1/2 small red onion, sliced and diced
3 oz fresh mozarella, torn into small pieces
1/2 cup organic sun gold tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
10 fresh basil leaves, cut into small pieces
1/2 tsp celtic sea salt
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
Dice, slice, tear and measure the ingredients and stir together in your favorite salad bowl and eat immediately. Serves one person with a craving for sugar, salt and fat. Multiply the ingredients to serve more than one. This would also be a great contribution to a summer picnic or gathering of friends.