Each week, holistic nutritionist Joy McCarthy tells us about a common health problem she's seen in her practice and how she came to a solution.

This Week's Client: Claire, a school teacher, single mom and self-professed chocoholic

The Problem: Claire was eating chocolate every evening, but it wasn't good quality, 85 percent dark, organic chocolate, her poison was processed chocolate bars such as Kit Kat and Snickers. She was desperate to kick her habit but felt she was literally addicted admitting that she was binging on these sugary treats after dinner.

Thus, she came to see me as she realized it probably wasn't a good thing that should couldn't go a single night without chocolate. And, of course, there was the fact the extra calories weren't doing her waistline any favours.

Does Claire's problem sound remotely familiar? I know I've been there, particularly during that time of the month. And it's not surprising to me as chocolate is one of the most common foods that women find themselves "addicted" to and want to break. So the question is, why are we so addicted to chocolate?

• Chocolate contains a component called theobromine which has a stimulating effect, but to a much lesser degree than caffeine, some find this addictive.
• Serotonin-connection: Foods with sugar give us an initial happy-high similar to that of serotonin. However, it's short-lived.
• Magnesium-deficiency. Dr. Natasha Turner, ND and women's health expert advises that when her patients experience chocolate cravings she has them supplement with magnesium.
• Craving sweets, especially chocolate is a sure sign you are an "emotional eater". If this describes you then read what Deepak Chopra advises for this, after the jump

So, those are some physical reasons for chocolate cravings, but, in my experience, emotional eating is at the root of almost all our food choices related to sweets. This is the advice I gave Claire and it's adapted from something I read and liked in Deepak Chopra's book, Reinventing The Body, Resurrecting The Soul. Instead of giving in or resisting your craving, do one of the following:

• Walk away and postpone your choice for 20 minutes, find a distraction, go for a walk or substitute with another pleasure that is health-promoting.
  
• Identify what you really want, whether it's love, comfort, approval or security. These are the basic needs that cravings often try to substitute for.
  
• Pursue what you really want. If you do, the craving will automatically lose its grip and in time it will vanish

For Claire, her connection to chocolate was completely emotional. She had recently been separated from her husband and she was using chocolate to self-medicate her sadness. When she became aware of this emotional attachment to chocolate, she had a complete paradigm shift and she joined a soccer league and started walking every night after dinner instead of eating chocolate. Not only was this good for her overall health, but it was incredible for her self-confidence!

As a holistic nutritionist, understanding the emotional connection to food is just as important as cleaning up your diet and making healthier food choices. These emotions were uncovered when I was doing my intake interview with Claire. However, it was critical for Claire to be open and honest with me so that I could guide and coach her to realize these things for herself, rather than "preaching" them to her. When you are ready to become self-aware, you will find it that much easier to achieve joyous health.

Joy McCarthy, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach of Joyous Health, loves to inspire others to eat well and live well. Joy is the resident holistic nutritionist at 889 Yonge, a Yoga & Holistic Lifestyle Spa in Toronto. Joy welcomes your questions or comments.

Please note: This advice is not meant to treat or diagnose, please consult a certified practitioner or your family doctor for any serious health issues.