You never quite know when it will hit - an intense yearning for something sweet, salty, creamy or crunchy. We call it a craving, a word that takes on both positive and negative connotations. Despite the supposed popularity of pickles and ice cream, cravings aren't just for pregnant women; we've all experienced them at one time or another and we're sure to experience them again.
When that unmistakable desire hits, are you one to indulge, or do you fight it? Many of us follow strict diets that prevent us from eating the foods we crave. Others are more apt to follow their whims. Let's take a closer look at why we experience cravings and how they might be controlled. The next time the feeling hits, you'll be better-equipped to separate your needs from your wants.
Regardless of what you crave, it's almost certain that there is an explanation for the urge. Before you jump up to quell or quench it, take a moment to consider what might be triggering your desire. The most basic question you might ask is, "Am I truly hungry?" Did your craving materialize out of your senses, provoked by the scent of food, a glimpse of someone else's snack or a yummy-looking advertisement? If so, it may be a good idea to let it pass. Sight and smell-induced cravings are often impulsive and do not reflect a nutritional need.
If you are actually hungry and you have a definite yearning for a particular food (this could be infrequent or even daily), your body is likely to be sending you a message. Many cravings correspond to bodily need, including the need for hydration. You should first drink a glass of water when you develop a strong and sudden craving and see if it passes. A craving can also be your body's way of calling out for a vitamin or mineral, rather than a particular taste.
Addressing your need takes a little research into what your body might be lacking. For example, a craving for salty foods is not simply a sign that your body needs salt; it's often indicative of a mineral deficiency. You would better alleviate a salt craving by eating mineral-rich leafy greens or other vegetables. If you are one of the many people who crave sweets, you might try adding more natural sugars to your diet in the form of sweet vegetables (beets, sweet potatoes, corn, squash) or using natural sweeteners (stevia, rice syrup, agave nectar) instead of refined sugar. A craving for crispy, crunchy foods may mean that you have been eating an abundance of soft, creamy foods- and vice versa. And a persistent craving for caffeine could mean that your body has been receiving inadequate nutrition overall.
Food cravings can also be connected to emotions. We often associate certain foods with comfort and pleasure and we look to these foods at times of stress or unhappiness. A food craving could be linked to a need for something completely unrelated to nourishment- like exercise, affection or relaxation. If you follow a strict diet, you may find yourself craving the foods you've banned simply because you cannot have them. For this reason, many people shun the term 'diet' and refrain from banning foods. They simply indulge in small amounts or healthier alternatives, like a few squares of organic chocolate to tame a chocolate craving, rather than a stash of candy bars.
Overall, trust your body and listen to the messages it sends through cravings. Tune into your mind to better understand whether or not your craving is rooted in your emotions. And don't doubt a persistent craving- addressing it could put you in even better health!
