That's Fit

Did you know there are two kinds of cravings? A biological craving occurs when you're physiologically hungry -- it doesn't go away. I suppose that's where the term "gnawing hunger" derives from. An emotional craving is temporary -- you can distract yourself from this type of craving. Hmmm ... I guess munching on that three-pound bag of peanut M&Ms in between swigs from a bottle of cold 7UP at the drive-thru movie as a kid was satisfying an emotional craving, not a true biological need. I start wishing for that three-pound bag whenever we pull into a drive-thru theatre.

One diet expert recommends you should go ahead and satisfy those cravings, however try and shore up the nutritional content of the desired food. For crave-instance:

• Can't stop thinking about a Fluffernutter marshmallow sandwich? Choose whole-grain bread, spread one side with all natural peanut butter, the other with a thin coating of the sticky white stuff and sprinkle on wheat germ.
• Just gotta have cookies? Make a batch of oatmeal raisins with a mix of rolled grains, a handful of dried cherries and some flaxseed.
• No need to lug that bright yellow, three-pound bag of peanut M&Ms to the movies, I can pick up a bag of dark covered chocolate soy nuts instead. Disclaimer: there's no way my mom would go for this!
• Want to cradle a mug of hot chocolate? Try mixing hot skim milk with Ovaltine.

I spoke with Oprah Winfrey's health expert and best selling author, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the other day. I have to say, the man is not only brilliant....he tells a really funny story too. We were talking about his personal fitness habits when I asked him if he has ever had an issue with his weight. This is what he told me.

Dr. Oz: Yes, but only once! I was in the sixth grade at a new school and it was a point when I wasn't involved with either community or school sports. I went to the school cafeteria and found this sandwich called a "fluffernutter". Have you ever heard of that? It's a sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow inside. I had never tried this thing before, but once I did I was like "Wow! I want another!"