If you have started incorporating raw food into your life, you are becoming aware of how different you feel after eating a raw food meal than a traditional one. Instead of the stuffed, bloated, low energy coma, you feel alive, alert and energized. It is great, you are excited but, there can be challenges. Especially around the holidays.

I know that when I get stressed, my first instinct is to reach for my old traditional comfort food. While this might calm me down for a moment, in the long run, it is very counterproductive and actually feeds the stressful condition. High carb, sugar rich food temporarily boost your levels of serotonin, which is the feel good transmitter. The key word being temporarily. The second it drops, we find ourselves craving more.

Is there a better way to deal with the stress? We can start by being present. When the craving hits, instead of blindly feeding it, recognize it. Sit with it. What is it that you are really craving? Is it food or is it just connection to the fond memories associated with that food.

Take a deep breath, be in your body. Realize that you are in control, not the food. Don’t let the food take charge, you take charge. Feed yourself a healthy snack. Shift your focus to the good food and how you feel when you eat it.

I have more raw food snacks around at this time of year. Spiced nuts, flat breads with spreads, even raw cookies and truffles. At least you know that you are nourishing your body, not setting yourself up for another fall.