Spring Healing: Weeding Out Cravings

Ahhh, spring is here, and it’s launching everything into action! The flowers are blooming, but so are the weeds, taking over my veggie patch. Spring brings attention to things we’ve neglected—like the weeds, both in my garden and my psyche.

I believe we’re all connected to nature’s cycles, and just like in my garden, I’m working on clearing some mental "weeds." My personal weed? Binge eating. These roots of overeating run deep, stretching far beyond my backyard and into everyday life—billboards, TV, even your local Bunnings on a Saturday morning! 

The thing is, our brains crave finality. We want to be “done” with things, but life doesn’t work that way. If we view mental well-being like tending a garden, it takes the pressure off questions like, “Why haven’t I figured this out yet?” or “I’ve already dealt with this!”

Take boxthorns, for example. They were originally brought to York Peninsula by sheep farmers as natural fences, but if left unchecked, they can overrun entire areas. Tending to these sturdy plants is an ongoing process—it’s not about completely eliminating them, because they’re so widespread and birds will continue to spread them by eating their delicious berries. Instead, it’s about managing them so they don’t take over. Accepting that this requires regular attention helps us stay grounded, knowing that with persistence, we can keep them in check. Ignoring the weeds will only make next year’s job harder.

I’ve learned that cravings for salt and vinegar are often just a sign of low stomach acid, so adding a bit of apple cider vinegar can help! Despite this, I still face triggers all around me—like the irresistible taste of almond butter and banana on toast with maple syrup. Each year, I binge less and less, and every spring, I get a little better at pulling those weeds and staying on track.