Cravings have always interested me. Probably because I tend to crave the weirdest stuff. In the very beginning of menopause I was craving rotisserie chicken and beer. Not surprising when you think of the estrogenic effects of our hormone laden chicken and the added bonus from the beer. Today I was craving paprika. I love a good smoky paprika and it goes amazing with chicken strip sammiches but why on earth was I craving it? As with any of my cravings, I thought... I’m gonna google it lol. So here is what I found: what is paprika? Paprika in its simplest form is made from grinding sweet pepper pods to create a bright red powder. It offers a variety of beneficial compounds, including vitamin A, capsaicin, and carotenoid antioxidants. These substances may help prevent inflammation and improve cholesterol, eye health, and blood sugar levels. Interesting considering the regulation of sugar is something my body has been struggling with, as well as the triglyceride side of my total cholesterol. As I read up on it, I marveled at the design of our bodies and how it communicates its needs to us but I also thought it interesting at how often we fail to interpret what it is our bodies are actually saying to us. Sugar cravings are not always about the treat side of things for example. Sometimes our body seeks a quick fix for pain, stress, or energy. Sometimes it tries to warn us about our health with cravings for weird things like dirt, plastic, etc. Sometimes we mistake our body’s need for water with hunger. Sometimes our diet is as varied as our mood. Sometimes we interpret what our body is saying well and sometimes we have no idea what our body is doing at all. My lesson in this long winded thought is this: Listen to your body. Quiet your soul and rest a moment. Roll your shoulders, close your eyes, and take notice. Focus. What did you eat today? Why did you eat it? Any odd cravings or foods that provided exceptional satisfaction? Pause and think about it. We get so busy we often leave our appetite on an automatic setting but taking that pause is like a reset moment, reaffirming our goals while recognizing our body’s cues. What is your body saying to you today? Mine was saying: woooooooo paprika hehe

Posted by kat at 2021-08-15 01:15:40 UTC