Managing Food Cravings After Treatment Has Ended

Hello, lovely friend! Welcome to this week’s Wellbeing Wednesday!

Amidst packing boxes and living in organized chaos, I’m thrilled to still be here with you, sharing insights and support.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with many breast cancer survivors: cravings and emotional eating. If you’ve ever felt like these challenges are derailing your healthy eating goals, you’re not alone. And, you’re in exactly the right place today.

Understanding Your Cravings

Cravings can feel like they’re working against your efforts to eat healthier, especially after breast cancer treatment when everything seems overwhelming. Many survivors, including Lynn and Alice from our Resilient Routines program, have shared their struggles with cravings and emotional eating. Lynn found herself battling persistent sugar cravings she’d never experienced before, while Alice feared slipping back into old, unhealthy patterns.

Both realized that understanding their cravings was key to overcoming them.

Here’s Why You’re Not Alone

Cravings and emotional eating are common after breast cancer treatment. They often stem from hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and emotional triggers. It’s essential to recognize that these are normal responses and that you can manage them effectively with the right strategies. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing situation. Finding a balance or rhythm that works for you is the key to feeling in control and confident in your food choices.

Three Simple Strategies to Manage Cravings

1. Identify Your Triggers

Cravings can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, or emotional stress. Pay attention to what prompts your cravings. For instance, if you crave chocolate, it could indicate a magnesium deficiency. Instead of reaching for supplements, consider munching on magnesium-rich almonds.

2. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves savoring each bite and paying attention to your hunger cues. When you eat slowly and focus on your food, you’re less likely to overeat out of habit or emotion. Think of it as developing a deeper relationship with your food—like Julia Roberts in *Eat, Pray, Love*, savoring every bite of pizza.

3. Keep Healthy Snacks Handy

Having nutritious snacks available can help you resist less healthy options. Consider carrying a small bag of nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit. These snacks are convenient and help curb cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.

These simple strategies can make a significant difference in managing cravings and emotional eating. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many women have faced similar challenges and found ways to overcome them with support and practical tools.

Join Our Upcoming Masterclass!

If you’re looking for more in-depth guidance on making healthy eating easier after breast cancer, I invite you to join our upcoming masterclass: *From Difficult to Doable: 4 Key Steps to Make Eating Healthier Easier After Breast Cancer*.

We’ll explore these strategies in detail and provide additional support to help you achieve your health goals. You deserve to feel empowered and confident in your eating habits. 

Click here to register for the masterclass and start your journey to easier, healthier eating today!

Wishing you all the best on your path to wellness,

xoxo Karin