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The body knows. While it’s very likely a craving for McDonalds is simply that – a craving for greasy unhealthy food – sometimes our bodies communicate with us through urges to eat certain foods. Learning to identify what your body is saying through craving certain foods will help you get over the craving, as well as help you fuel your body with the food it needs at any given time. As long as the craving you’re experiencing is physical and not emotional, following these pointers will do wonders for your health.
Chocolate
While there is no such thing as a chocolate deficiency, craving chocolate could mean you’re lacking vital minerals. Chocolate is packed with magnesium, which many people are deficient in. It won’t hurt to indulge in some chocolate now and then (make sure it’s good quality chocolate), to address a magnesium deficiency you should include more seeds, nuts and leafy greens in your diet. Steam the greens so that they maintain their nutrient content.
Crisps and salty foods
If you find yourself craving salty foods like crisps and popcorn often, you could be suffering from stress that is affecting hormones in your body. The body deals with stress with the help of the adrenal glands, which can get worn out. You can deal with stress by exercising, doing yoga or meditating, and also eat food rich in B vitamins like dairy, meat and eggs.
Cheese
Craving cheese and cheesy food like pizza could be a sign of a deficiency in essential fatty acids. Most people are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, found in coldwater fish like salmon. Taking an omega-3 supplement is a good idea, as is eating walnuts and putting flax seed oil on your salad.
Feeling snacky
If you feel like snacking often, on both sweet and salty foods, this could mean your diet is not balanced. First, start taking a good multivitamin, and then work on your diet. Eliminate as much processed food as possible, eating fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat in limited quantities.
Reaching for that food you’re craving will temporarily stop any cravings, but overall, a good balanced diet is the only way to do away with cravings altogether.
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