Food cravings are usually much more significant than any of us think. According to research, our bodies are always trying to give us hints as to what is going on inside.
If we listen closely and begin to ask questions, we can sometimes find answers that can make a huge difference in our energy levels and overall health.
The following may help you identify why you may be having specific food cravings and provides ideas for overcoming them. Of course, please don't take this as medical advice.
The best thing you can do is identify your cravings, make some adjustments, and highly consider having a blood test to see exactly what your vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be.
Craving Fatty Foods
If you're craving things like fried chicken, french fries, cheese, and other high-fat foods, your body may be calling out for more essential fatty acids like Omega-3.
Instead of rushing for your favorite fast food or pizza joint when feeling this way, make an egg salad sandwich, a piece of salmon, avocado smoothie — or even consider investing in pure cod liver oil.
Chocolate Cravings
Chocolate is a combination of fats and sugars, but it also contains significant vitamins and minerals. If you're regularly craving chocolate, your body may be kindly asking for magnesium, chromium, and/or B Vitamins.
While you may be tempted to run for your favorite high sugar candy bar, instead try 90% chocolate or 100% cacao. It may take a bit of getting used to, but after a bit of time, it becomes delightful. Most importantly, you will be feeding your body what it's really craving — powerful nutrients.
I'm a massive fan of cacao nibs, which are pure chocolate. You can incorporate them into your smoothie, morning cereal, or just eat a bit right out of the bag.
Also, keep in mind that chocolate cravings can indicate that you are in need of happy hormones like serotonin. Oftentimes, when our serotonin levels are low, we're tempted to make junk food run to the store. Instead, consider keeping a dark chocolate stash nearby. It will make you feel so much better, as you'll be fueling your body with powerful nutrients.
Salt Cravings
Sometimes we all crave salty foods like chips, pretzels, and more.
Weirdly enough, the reason is often dehydration and/or low electrolytes. Other times, it can be attributed to stress. You may consider adding electrolyte drops or tablets to your water for dehydration.
If you suspect it's stress, think about increasing your Vitamin B uptake via nuts, seeds, whole grains, veggies, and fruit.
Sugar Cravings
Sugar is one of the HARDEST cravings to manage. It tastes so good and is majorly addictive. If you constantly crave sweets, you are most likely needing dense nutrients or your body is asking for quick energy.
When you begin craving sugar, consider eating some actual fruit combined with a protein to fill you up. For example, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with frozen berries and some 90% dark chocolate is perfect.
Also, make sure you drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day to ensure that you're not dehydrated. Wildly enough, dehydration has been proven to be correlated with both sugar and salt cravings.
Craving Starch and Carbohydrates
If you often crave starch and carbohydrates, it's usually a sign that you're low in energy. It also means that your blood sugar is most likely widely fluctuating.
Instead of eating a box of crackers or a few bowls of mashed potatoes, try enjoying fiber-rich carbohydrates like fruit (apples and kiwi) are an amazing choice. Also, you can go for some nutrient-rich veggies like spinach, broccoli, and artichokes.
Ice Cravings, Clay, Chalk, and Dirt Cravings
Have you found yourself craving some pretty strange things? Like dirt, chalk, or a bowl of ice?
Don't conclude that you're losing your mind if this is happening. It probably means that you have a mineral deficiency. Eat more dark leafy greens, green veggies, nuts, and seeds. Plus, definitely consider seeking a bit of advice and a blood test from your doctor. This is something you shouldn't ignore.
Last Words
I'm thankful that a growing number of people are waking up to the idea that food is medicine. It's so very important to gain a better understanding of our bodies and what we really need to thrive!
Do you have any wild cravings that you'd like to share? Have you found creative ways to overcome your cravings? Please share in the comments section below.
