5 Grateful Craves & Recipes

Here we go, a day of feasting. There is a reason our body craves so many flavors and textures. The tongue and organs need different flavors to support biochemical processes in the body. In Chinese medicine, each organ system (Heart, Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys, Liver) has a taste, or flavor, associated with it.  The flavor related to each organ is beneficial in healing that specific organ. Through the foods you crave, you can get a better idea of which organ systems might be depleted. The flavor of a food can be said to carry the action of a food to a particular organ in the body, as well.

1. Salty: Kidney: Salt craving moistens, softens, detoxifies, counteracting the hardening of muscles and glands. It regulates the moisture balance in the body, stimulates digestive function and improves concentration.
2. Sour: Liver: Sour foods can activate the blood and eliminate stagnation.
3. Bitter: Heart: Bitters stimulate digestion and draw out dampness and heat. It is used in conditions of cold or deficiency. It acts mostly on the heart but also benefits the upper respiratory tract.
4. Sweet: Spleen: mildly stimulate the circulation and nourishing us

Before you eat any meal check in with your body to connect if you want hot or cold food and sweet or savory. Feel first, this is the new way to be accountable to yourself and a balanced life includes all of these flavors.

Here are a few of the cravings that may come up for you and also some upgraded recipe suggestions.

1. Hot/Sweet: Sweet potatoes ala Heather. This is my personal favorite: 3 pounds sweet potatoes
   • 1 cup roughly chopped pecans
   • 2 tablespoons unsalted organic butter
   • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
   • 2/3 cup honey
   • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (a bit more if you like a good kick)<
   • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
   • Cut potatoes then boil until slightly tender with skins on. Drain water and place in coconut oil greased 2-quart casserole dish.
   • Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, add the pecans and lightly toast until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes (watch them carefully so that they do not burn). Add butter and coconut oil, let melt, then add the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cayenne. Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble for 4 to 5 minutes. Let simmer for 5 additional minutes, until slightly reduced.
   • Pour pecans over the taters and bake for 30 minutes, then Enjoy!
2. Hot/Creamy: Cauliflower Mash. I am a cauliflower and creamy junkie lately. This recipe can calm your nervous system while providing extreme nourishment.
3. Cold/Crunchy/Creamy: Coleslaw with Avocado mayo. This is one of my other all time craves. I made this with some leftover veggies in the fridge: Shredded cabbage, celery, onion, & carrots. Then add a Homemade Mayo or I totally love this Avocado oil Mayo:

4. Hot/Savory/Rich: Gluten Free Gravy:

P.S. To dive deeper into relating and understanding your cravings, check out our Conscious Cravings Guide here.