We all get hungry. It’s a fact of life and one that generally cannot be ignored. But, being hungry and having a craving are two totally different things, one physical and one mental. When you want to eat a vat of cheese fries or that colossal ice cream sundae, it’s actually your brain signaling that your body is in need of certain nutrients.
Many foods are loaded with chemical additives, refined sugars, opioid peptides, and other additives that make you feel like you NEED that sugary, salty, rich, and most likely unhealthy fix. When you cave to the cravings, your body is more likely to crave the same foods again in the future. In many ways, it’s like a drug.
So, let’s delve into the issue of food cravings and figure out what your body is trying to tell you when you have a craving, and should you give in or hold out. If you want to learn more about good dieting habits, how to eat better, etc., you may be interested in taking personal training courses.
Sugary sweet cravings
Are you craving something sweet and sugary, like cookies, candy, ice cream, etc.? Something that can raise your blood-sugar? You could be withdrawing from processed sugar and have the feeling of missing out on a sugar high. This could be the case if you were previously a sugar junkie. Or, you could be craving carbs after under-eating and your body is in need of glucose in your bloodstream. To curb this craving, try eating some fresh, whole fruits that offer natural sugars.
Comfort food cravings
Are you having a craving for food that you used to eat after a long, hard day? Maybe it’s something special that your parents or grandparents used to make for you when you were a kid. When you crave food that brings you back to a certain time in your life, chances are your craving is psychologically-rooted. If you can, fend off these kinds of cravings and opt for a high-protein and iron meal that will keep you satisfied longer. Or, if the craving really doesn’t wear off, try altering ingredients of your original recipe with more health-conscious substitutes.
Red meat cravings
Are you craving red meats, like a steak or burger? Even if you haven’t eaten red meat in years, you can still get these kinds of cravings. So, then, what are they? Chances are these are a craving for iron. Chow down on dark leafy greens or sea vegetables. You should eat them with other foods high in vitamin C to enhance absorption. You could also obtain high protein and iron levels from nuts and legumes, which are both healthy and highly satisfying.
Dense food cravings
Are you craving foods that are dense and rich? Foods like butter, peanut butter, cheese, fast foods, or a heavy dessert? Chances are, if you are having this kind of craving, your body is in need of calories, pronto! Generally, when you’re craving calorie-rich foods, you aren’t getting enough fuel in your body for an extended period of time. So, increase your calories by eating smaller meals more often throughout the day.
The bottom line when it comes to your cravings is thinking before hitting the fridge. There are tons of cravings your body experiences, whether it’s for caffeine, chocolate, salt, etc. The examples above are some of the most common. Make sure your body tells you what it needs, not your brain telling you what it wants.
