Cravings: What are They Trying to Tell Us, and How to Overcome Them

An uncontrollable pang for a certain type of food is something that everyone has gone through at some point. Be it at 3 am for some ice cream or at 7 pm for some junk food, we have all been there, haven’t we? Especially now, with the social distancing and extended lockdowns those food cravings just have to stay unfulfilled, waiting to be fulfilled in the days to come when everything becomes safe. Food cravings come in all shapes and sizes but unfortunately they are all ill-timed. You might have just had a heavy meal, but you have this overwhelming craving for something sweet, “this is bizarre” you start to wonder, but in actual not so much. Food cravings are actually a way of your body signaling that it is in need of a certain nutrient. But, before we get into the meaning of each craving, let us first understand what are the factors that cause this overwhelming desire.

Table of Contents

• 5 Factors that Cause Cravings
• Anatomy of 7 Food Cravings and How to Overcome Them 
• Summary

5 Factors that Cause Cravings 

Several factors contribute to the sudden onset of a craving and understanding them is the first step to control that unpredictable appetite. Here are some main causes of cravings and a few helpful tips for overcoming them. 

1. Lack of sleep

Our bodies renew our energy when we sleep and when we don’t get sufficient sleep, the body’s hormonal balance is altered. This imbalance then drives your body to eat more to keep your energy levels high, thereby triggering cravings. During this time, the cravings are most often for sweet items, as the sugar content in them raises blood sugar and gives an instant surge of energy.

2. Vitamin deficiencies

The fundamental reason for eating a wide range of foods is because our body needs essential nutrients to keep functioning. If you are not giving your body enough vitamins, proteins, fiber, fat, magnesium, and other nutrients, you are bound to experience cravings because your body wants what it lacks. So, the best way to keep your cravings at arm’s length is by making sure you are having a variety of foods that provide you with the right nutrients required for the proper functioning of your body. 

3. Unhappy Gut

Your gut is the epicenter of serotonin production, which is a “feel-good” chemical. To maintain feel-good levels of serotonin, your gut needs to be in tip-top shape so it can absorb nutrients from your food and pump out serotonin through your gastrointestinal tract. This process is greatly dependent on healthy levels and the proper balance of good bacteria. But when your diet isn’t very healthy, the bad bacteria can overpower the good guys, thereby lowering levels of serotonin and creating food cravings. Cultivating a healthy balance of good bacteria by eating fermented foods, taking probiotics, and embracing gut-happy habits is key to calming your cravings.

4. Dehydration

Thirst and hunger can bring about similar sensations in the mind, causing you confusion. One of the best ways to keep cravings at a safe distance is by making sure the body is properly hydrated throughout the day. Drinking water regularly not only washes out toxins from the body, but also ensures overall well-being. 

5. Going through emotional hell

Sadness, boredom, high-stress levels are all emotional situations that lead you to promptly cruise your kitchen pantry for some comfort foods. Several studies have shown that high-stress levels lead to cravings for sweets which eventually lead to weight gain and larger waist circumference. However, since food cravings are usually for short periods, choosing to eat healthily or indulging in some activity can safeguard you from going for junk or other unhealthy foods. 

Anatomy of 7 Food Cravings and How to Overcome Them

Food cravings are actually of 2 types – Selective and Non-selective. 

Selective food cravings are cravings for a specific food, it may be the person’s favorite food like chocolates, French fries, ice cream, meat, or others. Non-selective cravings, on the other hand, is a desire to eat anything. However, this might be the result of real hunger, but it can also be a sign of thirst. But has it ever crossed your mind, what these cravings mean and how they are caused? Here, we will be discussing what each food craving is trying to tell us and how we can overcome it. 

1. Sweet

If you are craving for something sweet, then it’s your body’s way of saying your blood sugar levels are low and it needs instant energy. The only issue is that if you fulfill this craving by aiming for a doughnut or a piece of candy, chances are that it can make your sugar levels spike, followed by a sugar crash, triggering another sweet craving. So the best way to avoid this sticky situation (especially when you are trying to watch your weight) is to drink some water first and then eat a fruit along with some protein-rich foods like curd, nuts, or seeds. 

2. Salty

Some people crave foods like chips, mixtures, or savory snacks for its saltiness. Sometimes, this could be out of boredom, however, the craving could also be associated with low levels of electrolytes, dehydration, adrenal fatigue, and tiredness. Excessive sweating due to excess workout can also cause a dip in sodium levels, thereby, resulting in the craving. So, the next time you crave for something salty, hydrating yourself should be the first thing you do, followed by including foods like nuts and seeds in your diet. 

3. Oily/fatty foods

Craving for oily or fried foods is not uncommon. When you have such a craving, it might be a sign that you have an essential fatty acid deficiency. So, if your craving for fried food persists, it’s best you don’t indulge yourself and follow an alternative that is good for your body. Including good quality fats and oils like avocado, nuts, nut butters, flaxseed, coconut oil, and salmon are some of the best alternatives one can add to their diet to fight off these greasy cravings. Steering clear of trans fats, MSG, margarine, fast food, and processed food will not only reduce your cravings but also keep you safe from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

4. Carbohydrates/Junk food

The thought of having some delicious pasta, garlic bread, noodles, crackers, keep hovering in your head?! Well, this craving is a sign to add more fiber to your diet for better blood sugar control. Craving for carbohydrates or junk food is mostly caused due to signs such as hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, chromium deficiency, or fatigue. To get this craving under control you may need to consume more magnesium-rich fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, spinach, broccoli, and celery. Eating small frequent meals to curb these cravings is also a good way to go. 

5. Sour foods

Craving for unripe mangoes, pickles, tamarind, or other sour foods is your body’s way of telling you there is an imbalance in your gut. It is mostly caused due to acidity/improper digestion, high consumption of fat-rich foods, or you may be experiencing a lot of stress lately. To curb this craving, all you have to do is drink warm water with half a lemon squeezed in it or you can add citrus fruits or watermelon in your diet. 

6. Chocolate

One of the most common cravings of all time is chocolate. Chocolate cravings signify a magnesium deficiency. A deficiency of chromium, vitamin B, essential fatty acids, or even emotional problems or stress could also be reasons why you are craving chocolate. Chocolate is a rich source of magnesium, with the highest form coming from 100% cocoa. Adding 70% of dark chocolate, including more whole grains that are rich in vitamin B, and getting sufficient sleep to de-stress can all help in curbing chocolate cravings. 

7. Spicy Food

Craving spicy food is your body’s way of signaling it wants to cool off. You might think this is strange, but spicy food makes you sweat which helps if your body is overheated. Congestion or lowered immunity are also some other reasons why you might be craving spicy food. How can you overcome the craving?! Well, you can first cool off by having a glass of water but in the long run you can start by including pungent foods and spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, garlic, turmeric & pepper. However, we do recommend you keep away from hot sauces such as sriracha or schezwan.  

Summary

Who knew cravings could mean so many things, right?! Well, it’s important to pay attention to these cravings, because it’s the body’s way of sending us important messages. So, the next time you feel like succumbing to them, you should reconsider and snack on some of the healthier alternatives we have mentioned. Your body will thank you for sure.