Conquer these 5 food cravings

Could your cravings signal more than you think?

If you crave chocolate, you may be lacking magnesium

Chocolate is craved by millions of people throughout the world but while you may feel as though you are addicted to this treat, it is believed that what many of us are craving is in fact the mineral magnesium. To help alleviate chocolate cravings, make sure that you are getting enough magnesium in your daily diet. Healthy sources include nuts, seeds and pulses.

If you crave pasta or bread, you may be lacking serotonin

Research has found that eating carbohydrates stimulates the brain’s production of serotonin – the happy hormone. This may be why many of us crave ‘comfort’ foods such as pasta when we are feeling blue. Good sources of nutritious complex carbohydrates include beans, lentils, oats and sweet potatoes. You can also reduce cravings by boosting your serotonin levels through exercise and mood-boosting activities.

If you crave sugar, you may be lacking chromium

We are all tempted by sugary treats and desserts from time to time. However, if you find yourself experiencing regular, intense cravings for sugar, this could be a symptom of low levels of the mineral chromium in your diet. To maintain normal blood sugar levels throughout the day and keep those cravings at bay, try to snack on foods such as apple slices or porridge sweetened with honey or dried fruit.

If you crave burgers, you may be lacking iron

Intense and frequent cravings for red meat could be a sign that you are deficient in iron. Opt for quality lean meat such as chicken or turkey. Alternatively, oily fish is a good source of iron and contains many other health-boosting nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. For those who wish to refrain from eating meat, vegan sources of iron such as beans, lentils and nuts can help to ease your cravings.

If you crave salty snacks, you may need to relax

Research suggests your salt cravings could in fact be a symptom of stress. Research from the University of Cincinnati has shown that the sodium in salt blunts the body's natural responses to stress by inhibiting stress hormones, meaning that your cravings for salty foods could be your body’s attempt to deal with stress. Try experimenting with different relaxation techniques, such as exercise, meditation or aromatherapy, to find one that works for you.

 

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