Do you find yourself constantly craving specific foods throughout the day? Or maybe just in the afternoon? Cravings can be a helpful signal that our bodies are low in certain minerals, so listen when they come. There are many ways to prevent and overcome cravings once you know exactly what they could mean for you! With a healthful diet full of protein, vegetables, and heart healthy fats, cravings can become a thing of the past for you.
One of the most common food cravings is chocolate. Often a debated treat, real chocolate is rich in magnesium, iron and fiber. It’s okay to have a little bit every day, just be sure to get 80% cocoa or higher to avoid artificial ingredients and too much sugar. Chocolate is also a mood booster, so if you’re in need of feeling better about your day, take a walk, write in a journal or breathe deeply to reset your mind. Other ways to increase your magnesium, fiber and iron is by eating avocadoes, adding chia seeds to your yogurt or spinach to your smoothies.
Craving salt could be a sign that you need more water or are feeling stressed. Rather than grabbing that bag of potato chips, try to drink a glass of water or electrolytes and find a way to de-stress. Sometimes it’s a signal that your body needs more potassium and sodium, so re-mineralizing through electrolytes is an excellent alternative to combat a salt craving.
Along with salt, you may find yourself craving fatty foods. This often happens at the beginning of a diet when you are in a calorie deficit. It may also be a sign that your body needs more healthy fats via omega-3s. Try to eat olives, avocadoes, walnuts, or salmon to boost your omega-3’s to prevent eating fried foods.
Carbohydrates are another common craving for a lot of people. The culprit? Most likely need for an energy boost. Carbohydrates give us a quick burst of energy that can lead to another adrenaline crash, so try finding energy by moving your body. Take a walk, go up a flight of steps, do some jumping jacks, whatever form of movement is possible for you. And if needed, a quick nap is ok too.
Always remember that a craving could be a simple need for hydration. Pause, ask yourself if that food will truly make you feel better or if there is a better way to treat your symptoms. Simply drinking a glass of water the second a craving hits can prevent over-indulging in a food you wouldn’t normally eat. Treat cravings as a cue that your body is yearning for something healthy and be ready to reach for the whole food option before caving into the crave.
Overall, cravings are not a bad thing, but a way for our bodies to tell us we are in need of water, minerals, sleep, de-stressing, or more movement. It’s important to be in tune with your body and listen to its cues to know what is needed for optimal health. Starting your meals with protein and vegetables and adding on some healthy carbohydrates and fruit will ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to feel your best.
For more tips and information like this, contact our Wellness & Nutrition Team today!
