13 Feb What do your food cravings say about you?
What do your food cravings say about you?
Have you ever wanted a specific food so badly that you will make it your life’s mission to find some?
If so, you’re familiar with food cravings and it may be your body’s way of letting you know you’re missing valuable nutrients or that you’re dehydrated. By drinking a tall glass of water first, you may give your body exactly what it wanted and alleviate the cravings altogether.
Here’s how to decode your cravings:
SWEETS
If you’re craving sweets of any kind, you may be experiencing blood sugar fluctuations. Don’t give in to sugary foods, as this will only make the problem worse by causing your blood sugar level to roller coast leading to more cravings. Restore with fruit, nuts, seeds, raisins and sweet potato. Include more high-fiber foods and whole grains in your diet to keep your blood sugar stable.
CHOCOLATE
A craving for chocolate often indicates that your body may be deficient in magnesium. Chocolate contains antioxidants especially dark chocolate but is also rich in sugar. If you eat chocolate, be sure to reach for dark chocolate (75% cacao or higher) and include more nuts, seeds, fish and leafy greens in to your diet.
SALTY FOOD
A craving for salty foods such as potato chips and popcorn often means your body is under chronic stress, lacking in minerals or dehydrated. Ensure that you eat plenty of leafy greens, Vitamin B and C along with exercise, meditation and plenty of water.
RED MEAT
Craving red meat is an indication of having an iron deficiency especially amongst menstruating women. Restore with beans, legumes, spinach, Vitamin C and dried fruit.
CHEESE
A craving for cheese indicates either an essential fatty acid or calcium deficiency, which is common since few people get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Restore with raw walnuts, salmon, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, broccoli, kale, legumes and a fish oil supplement.