Really Hungry?

My daughter Eden has truly discovered the joys of candy. How did that happen? I wasn’t going to let her have candy until she was at least 14! Somehow it never works that way. There are those good-intentioned people around who love to offer candy to kids, and my daughter is not exempt! Furthermore, I want to be able to give her sweets now and then not only because she enjoys them, but a way of teaching moderation.

A little candy here and there has awoken Eden’s cravings, and hardly two hours go by when she doesn’t ask for something “special.” She has even gone so far as to say, “I need candy, Mommy!”

I can’t really be too hard on her because there are times when I think those same words. I need something. A pick-me-up. Maybe a little chocolate. In those mid-afternoon hours, I can feel shaky and sluggish. I’m hungry! Or am I just craving food?

Recently I read a health article that suggested a good to test to see if what we’re experiencing is a craving or actual hunger. It’s called the apple test. If you would say yes to an apple, the feelings are probably hunger. If you’d turn down the apple as unappealing and turn to salty or sugary foods, the feelings are probably cravings.

It is important to keep from getting too hungry, since food is what fuels our bodies. Still, there just might be many times when I’m reaching for the caramel instead of the apple. If I’m not sure if I’m really hungry or not, perhaps I’ll stick to apples just to play it safe.