Have you had your dose of Vitamin L today? For many of us, February represents chocolate and chocolate makes us feel good. There is some science behind that phenomenon and it is called serotonin, which is the feel-good hormone that is released in our brain whenever we eat chocolate.
What if we were able to release that same feel-good feeling without the added sugar and calories? Did you know food cravings are often caused by a lack of fulfilling relationships in your life? Often we reach for food as a substitute for love. If your relationships are not well-nourished and in balance, cravings and emotional eating can occur. We are fed not only by the foods on our plate, but by the passion in our lives. We take in thousands of experiences in our lives that fulfill us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We naturally hunger for romance, connection, touch and intimacy, or “Vitamin L” for love. Getting a daily dose of Vitamin L is essential for women in order to live a happier and healthier life.

For optimal health and well-being it is imperative that you identify and recognize your passions and make them a priority. Passions can be with your significant other or things that you do just for yourself. You can increase the level of love and intimacy in your life simply by setting new intentions for yourself and exploring what you really want from your relationships.

As Dr. Dean Ornish says, "I am not aware of any other factor in medicine that has a greater impact on our survival than the healing power of love and intimacy.”

Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. Do I take time to nurture my relationships?
2. How do I show my passion for others?
3. How can I make my loved one feel special and make passion a priority?
4. What makes me feel passionate about myself?
5. What is something I can do to increase the passion in my life?

Take some time this month to evaluate what you need to do to increase the Vitamin L and passion in your life. Remember that you are a unique person who is worthy of love and intimacy. You will find once this piece of yourself becomes more balanced, that your cravings for chocolate will begin to melt away.

To learn more about foods which increase your mood and serotonin levels, go to: http://eattothrive.net/blog/2011/12/boost-your-mood-with-food