# Overcoming Food Cravings: My Journey to Health and Wellness
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding the Challenge
Conquering an eating disorder is often regarded as one of the toughest battles to fight, primarily because food is essential for our existence. In today’s world, however, many diets are filled with ingredients that make it increasingly difficult to resist unhealthy options. These substances often resemble food but are packed with fillers, sugars, and chemicals that contribute to weight gain and poor health.
Fortunately, overcoming this challenge can be achieved through two essential phases: Separation and Replacement. The first phase involves distancing yourself from inflammatory ingredients, while the second phase focuses on substituting those with healthier choices.
Chapter 2: My Personal Transformation
I eliminated four inflammatory foods from my diet to help manage my eating disorder, curb my cravings, and ultimately shed pounds.
Section 2.1: The Reality of Diet Juices
I used to consume diet juices as if they were water, believing they were a healthier option due to their low sugar content. However, just because a drink is sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s nutritious. These juices often contain:
- Sucralose, which sweetens the drink but harms gut health.
- Artificial colors, preventing the juice from appearing diluted.
If you have a craving for diet juice, opt for those labeled as: Organic, Pure, Fresh Pressed, or Not From Concentrate.
Section 2.2: The Truth About Crackers
Most crackers are made with enriched wheat flour, one of the most heavily processed flours available.
Additionally, they are often cooked in oils like canola, sunflower, and soybean, which are highly inflammatory. This combination can lead to:
- A rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
- Significant damage to gut bacteria.
For a healthier snacking option, choose crackers made with Organic Cheese and Olive Oil.
Section 2.3: The Risks of Snack Chips
While all chips are generally unhealthy, mainstream options like Cheetos, Ruffles, and nachos are particularly detrimental. These snacks are loaded with MSG (monosodium glutamate), a synthetic flavor enhancer designed to create a rush of dopamine, enticing you to keep eating.
Instead, I recommend Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, which offer a healthier alternative by being:
- Fried in Avocado Oil.
- Free from MSG.
- Lacking Artificial Colors.
Section 2.4: The Deceptive Nature of Zero-Calorie Sweeteners
We often overlook the fine print regarding zero-calorie sweeteners. Many of these products, such as monk fruit and stevia, are mixed with substances that can be misleading, including:
- Dextrose (a form of sugar).
- Erythritol (a sugar alcohol that can cause bloating).
- Natural flavors that often lack true natural ingredients.
After extensive searching, I couldn’t find a genuinely healthy artificial sweetener. My best advice? Stick with natural stevia powder or drops.
The first video, "9 Strategies to Stop Overeating," offers practical tips to help you regain control over your eating habits.
The second video, "How long did it take me to lose weight when I stopped binge eating?" shares a personal account of the timeline and challenges faced during the weight loss journey.
Section 2.5: The Path to Daily Improvement
Remember, I’m not an expert—just someone sharing my journey based on personal experience. Embrace the idea of striving to be “One Percent Better Every Day.”