What are your food craving telling you? We’ve all experienced food cravings, powerful desires for certain foods which usually involve indulging in something sweet, salty, creamy or full of carbs. Usually when we crave certain foods, it’s a sign that something is missing from our diets. So, what are your food cravings tell you? Here are a few of the most common cravings and the nutrients that you may be lacking.
Salty Foods – Your body needs adrenal support and electrolytes
When it comes to stress B-vitamin rich foods are essential. Eat plenty of nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help regulate your body’s hormonal response to stress. Take a quite moment and sip on a cup of B inspired inner harmony herbal tea (available soon). If you need to increase your electrolytes, coconut water is an excellent choice.
Carbs – Your body needs sugar balancing and chromium
This may indicate insulin resistance, hypoglycaemia (blood sugar fluctuations) or chromium deficiency. It could be a sign that you need to include more fiber in your diet for better blood sugar control. Additionally, you may need to consume more chromium and magnesium-rich fruits and vegetables in particular leafy greens, avocado, broccoli & seafood. Ensure your meals contain a small amount of protein to help stabilise blood sugar levels.
Chocolate – Your body needs magnesium
Chocolate is rich in magnesium, so craving chocolate could indicate a deficiency in magnesium. What’s more, levels of the mineral drop during the second half of your menstrual cycle, suggesting a possible link with many of the symptoms of PMS. Drinking too much alcohol, tea, coffee and fizzy drinks can also deplete levels of magnesium. Opt for chocolate that contains at least 75% cocoa. Nuts are actually a richer source, particularly Brazils. Leafy green vegetables are also a good source.
Sugar – Your body needs energy and chromium
Craving sugar is one of the most annoying cravings, especially when you’re trying to watch your weight and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. This craving may indicate chromium deficiency. Chromium increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and helps cells extract glucose from the blood stream. Once in cells it is used as energy. Sugar cravings may also indicate an overgrowth of yeast in the body which leaves the body craving more sugar to keep it growing. Foods rich in chromium include broccoli, wholegrain, apples, bananas and seafood.
Have you ever heard of a herb called Gymnema? Gymnema interferes with your taste buds so that your tongue is not able to identify the difference between sweet and bitter foods.You may find that your favourite sweet treats tastes different than before and may help to beat your sugar cravings. The reduction of sweetness on the tongue is only temporary. It is also important to consult your naturopath prior to the use of gymnema.
Fried foods – Your body needs essential fatty acids
When you want to indulge in fried foods it may be a sign that you have an essential fatty acid deficiency. Make sure to eat more good quality fats and oils such as salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds and olive oil.
Fizzy drinks – Your body needs calcium
Craving soda and fizzy drinks is a common craving, this often indicates a calcium deficiency.
Eat plenty of kale, tahini, almonds, spinach and broccoli.
Pica disorder
Pica is a compulsive eating disorder in which people eat nonfood items. Dirt, clay, and flaking paint are the most common items eaten. On rare occasions, pregnant women crave strange, nonfood items such as dirt and ice & may be related to an iron and zinc deficiency. I recommend seeing a qualified health professional if you feel your cravings are particularly abnormal.
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