Managing Your Food Cravings

Nutrition

Sep 19

Why do you crave certain foods?

Cravings have a way of sneaking up on us, whispering enticingly to our taste buds. Whether it's the allure of chocolate, the temptation of chips, or the irresistible call of comfort foods, we've all been there. But have you ever wondered why your cravings tend to gravitate towards specific foods? In this blog post, we'll explore common food cravings and their meanings, as well as strategies to keep them in check.

Understanding Your Cravings

Sweet Cravings: Imagine, it's that time of the month, and suddenly, your brain is on a one-track mission to get its hands on all things sweet. Well, get ready to meet the hormone squad once again! Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can make you feel like your cravings have a mind of their own, especially during different phases of your menstrual cycle.

Salty Cravings: Stress can often lead to cravings for salty foods like potato chips. It's not just about the stress – it's about those trusty neurotransmitters once again. When you're stressed, your brain's mood regulators, serotonin and dopamine, might be a little out of whack. And guess what they can do? They can steer your cravings towards salty, savory foods that offer a temporary escape from stress.

Fatty Cravings: Ever found yourself daydreaming about peanut butter? Those fatty cravings might be your body's way of asking for some healthy fats to keep everything running smoothly. Fats aren't the villains we thought – they're essential for brain health and more.

Carb Cravings: Carbohydrates can boost serotonin levels, which regulate mood. So, craving carbs might be your brain's way of seeking a mood-enhancing hug.

Here are some tasty food options to satisfy your cravings:

What are you craving?

Something sweet- Try a frozen banana or berry puree
Something salty with carbohydrates- Try a bowl of sea salt popcorn
Something sweet and salty- Try some trail mix
Something rich and creamy with fat- Try some peanut butter

Whatever you choose, remember, understanding your cravings and responding to them with mindful, balanced choices is the key to maintaining a healthy relationship with food. So go ahead, enjoy that bag of chips or chocolate truffle, and savor life's deliciousness while keeping your cravings in check!

Until next time-

Hi! I’m Carolyn

I’m a registered dietitian-nutritionist and certified health coach who specializes in women’s health and mindful eating. I am passionate about helping people discover the best ways to fuel their unique bodies to feel better physically and mentally.