…or a warm, cream-filled donut? Me too! Cravings are a funny thing. When I was pregnant I craved salmon. When I’m stressed, I crave chocolate. Cravings are usually food related, although they can be physical, too. Oftentimes I crave a hug from my child or a brisk walk outside.
Cravings of any kind usually mean something is missing or deficient, either from your diet or your life. Cravings can arise from stress or anxiety. For instance, we may crave carbohydrates when we’re anxious because they raise serotonin levels which have a calming effect.1
How do you calm a craving?
If you crave salt, you might be dehydrated or have an iron deficiency. Drinking a glass of milk, eating yogurt or making a salad with dark leafy greens can help.2 For a similar taste, try adding black pepper, garlic and ginger to food. Use the juice of lemons and limes to add flavor to meat, vegetables and sauces. And be sure to hydrate. Increase your water intake with ENERGY.
If you crave fat, you might be stressed. Or you could be deficient in essential fatty acids like omega-3s. Try supplementing with avocados and raw nuts which are both good fats. Mila® chia is an excellent source of protein and ALA omega-3 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in normal growth and development and brain function.* Mila is easy to add to a variety of dishes. Find recipe ideas at livepure.com/recipes.
If you crave sugar, your blood sugar levels may be off. According to Taylor Newhouse, registered dietitian with the Texas A&M School of Public Health, “As blood glucose levels change throughout the day, the body tries to keep these levels stable.” Sugar also releases endorphins creating that “sugar high” resulting in eating more of it.2
If you’re psychologically craving someone in your life or you are unsatisfied with your life, you may be replacing those feelings with sugar. Try eating fruit or berries. Dark chocolate may help as well as snack bars that are low in fat and sugar. Click here to see a list of foods that help fight sugar cravings.
Other ways to calm a craving:
- Try getting rid of or donating foods in your pantry that you are tempted to eat.
- Before going to the grocery store, eat a light, healthy snack to curb your buying temptations.
- When dining out or attending an event where food will be served, be sure to eat a healthy meal beforehand, and bring a healthy snack to enjoy if the food provided is not appropriate for your diet.
When a craving is coming on, ask yourself: When was the last time I ate something, and what was it? What kind of mood am I in? Have I exercised? Am I stressed about something? What am I craving? Your answers could help you better understand why you are having a craving.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Look at what you are or aren’t eating, and make sure you are consuming the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Daily Build is a comprehensive multivitamin that contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent supplement to add to your regimen.
Also look beyond your food for areas in your life that may be lacking. Be open to improving these areas in your life, along with your physical health.
Lastly, drink plenty of water. Sometimes a food craving is simply a sign of thirst.
2 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160614121859.htm
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