There are various factors that can trigger cravings, which we will discuss here. If you're similar to me, you may be aware that specific times of the month or certain seasons can lead to cravings, among other factors. However, you might not fully comprehend the reasons behind your food cravings or the internal processes at play in your body.
The following is taken from my Podcast - The Healthy Celiac Podcast. If you would prefer to listen to the episode, you can do so Here
Many people tend to criticize themselves, believing they lack willpower or are weak, and struggle to adhere to a diet due to constant cravings for fatty foods or chocolate. I've seen this time and time again in my clients. This can lead to feelings of frustration and the belief that weight loss is unattainable.
Allow me to elaborate on the reasons behind our cravings, which could potentially assist you in changing your perspective and concentrating on altering your food cravings. Understanding the root cause of your cravings enables you to address the issue and prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Here are the Top 7 Reasons for Cravings
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is likely the primary cause of food cravings for most people. It's surprising because it's such a simple issue that can be easily avoided. I've previously emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and how it can help reduce feelings of fatigue. When your body becomes dehydrated, it sends signals that can be mistaken for hunger before you even realize you're thirsty. Consequently, many people delay drinking water for too long, leading them to believe they're hungry. This results in a cycle of unsatisfying food consumption. Simply hydrating by drinking a large glass of water can often resolve this issue. I've observed this pattern even in my own children, who sometimes continuously snack until I remind them to drink water. It's a straightforward solution that can help curb cravings. Therefore, try increasing your water intake throughout the day to see if it reduces your food cravings.
2. Lifestyle
When discussing lifestyle, it's important to consider the dynamics of your relationships and your workplace. Feeling dissatisfied or unhappy may lead you to seek comfort in food. Many people use food to fill the void that should ideally be filled by fulfilling work or a loving relationship. If you are dissatisfied, you might find yourself craving something else foodwise to replace the love and attention if you're lacking it from your partner. Instead of seeking it in your relationships, you may turn to indulging in chocolate for example.
Lifestyle plays a significant role. Understanding why you turn to specific foods at particular times of the day is crucial.
One of my previous clients had a strong craving for cheese, and we had to determine the underlying cause. I asked her to maintain a food diary to identify the triggers for her cheese cravings. It turned out that every time she returned home from work to an empty and unhappy house, she would head straight to the fridge, grab the cheese, and overeat. When she shared this insight with me, she had an 'aha' moment and realized, "It's not about the cheese, it's about my home life." By making some changes at home, she was able to overcome her cheese cravings.
It's fascinating how we may not always connect our cravings to our lifestyle and personal circumstances. Exploring this aspect can be a game , and that's why I appreciate how a Health Tracker can provide support.
Check out my Health Tracker here.
3. Imbalances.
The Yin Yang theory, originating from Chinese philosophy, is a well-thought-out concept of opposites that serves to explain and simplify various aspects, including dietary choices and lifestyle. Yin and Yang complement each other, so consuming a highly Yin food in comparison to Yang will trigger a desire for its opposite. For instance, indulging in a sugary treat, which is Yin, may lead to a craving for something Yang, like meat. Often, overindulging in one type of food can unknowingly prompt cravings for another. Another perspective is that when enjoying a greasy pizza, one may instinctively desire something sweet like a Coke to balance it out. This pairing of pizza and Coke is seen as a harmonious combination that complements each other due to their contrasting qualities. However, it's worth noting that this may not be the healthiest choice ;)
4. The Past Coming Out
Cravings can also arise from our past experiences with certain foods, whether recently or from our childhood. For instance, if you haven't had chocolate in a long time and then receive a large box of chocolates at Christmas, you might think, "I'll just have a few tonight," and then find yourself wanting more the next night. This craving is triggered by reintroducing chocolate into your diet after a period of absence.
Your childhood food preferences can influence your cravings as an adult. For instance, I used to enjoy cereal for breakfast as a child, with Sultana Bran and Weet-Bix being my favorites. When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and had to give up gluten-containing cereals, I missed them. However, when a gluten-free version of Weet-Bix became available, I was thrilled to enjoy a childhood favorite again. Some mornings, I still crave a comforting bowl of Weet-Bix with honey and sliced banana, which brings back nostalgic memories. This type of craving can provide a sense of comfort by reconnecting us with our past, showing us the connection between our food preferences and emotions.
5. Seasonal
When the seasons change, our food cravings often change too. Many people feel guilty about this, thinking it's their fault. During my 6-month work with clients, I noticed a pattern over different seasons. For instance, a client might start off well in summer, eating salads with protein and enjoying smoothies. But as the weather cooled down, they'd feel disappointed for no longer desiring salads or smoothies. They would blame themselves, thinking they had failed. I would reassure them that this shift is normal because our bodies naturally crave seasonal foods. In winter, it's normal not to crave cooling foods like cucumbers but to seek warmth instead. It's important to listen to our body's needs and adjust our diet accordingly. For example, opting for warm soups or roasted vegetables instead of salads or smoothies. Our body is simply responding to nature, keeping us warm in winter and cool in summer—it's not a flaw. When we are unaware of these natural cycles, we tend to follow what we think we should be doing rather than what our body actually needs.
6. Lack of Nutrients
If your body lacks certain nutrients, you will naturally crave foods that can provide those nutrients. For instance, if you have low iron levels, you may find yourself craving red meat as your body seeks to increase its iron intake. Similarly, if you are deficient in magnesium, you might be drawn to chocolate to address that deficiency. It's important to recognize that these cravings are your body's way of signaling its needs, and indulging in the right foods can actually be beneficial for your health. While there are different types of chocolate available, with some being healthier than others, it's essential to listen to your body's signals and make informed choices about what you eat. By understanding and balancing these cravings, you can reduce the desire for less healthy options and prioritize your overall well-being.
7 Hormones
Most women are aware that menstruation involves a significant blood loss and causes changes in their bodies, affecting hormone levels such as testosterone and estrogen, leading to strong cravings. This is a natural process with various options available, some better than others. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself on what is best for your body and recognize that these cravings serve a purpose and can be managed in different ways. Developing an awareness of your cravings is key, and keeping a food diary can be helpful. By tracking what you eat, the timing of your cravings, your menstrual cycle, emotional state, hydration levels, and other factors, you can identify patterns and better understand your cravings. This approach can be beneficial, especially if you are trying to lose weight, as it allows you to stop feeling guilty about your choices and work towards finding a balance.
I truly hope that this helps you with understanding your cravings. If you have any questions or comments, please be sure to pop them below.
To navigate the challenging journey of Celiac Disease, I recommend joining Ultimate Celiac System for guidance. This will provide you with the practical advice required and the emotional support necessary for coping with this lifelong condition. You can learn more here.
If you are a scroller and scrolled straight to the bottom of this article, here is a recap of the Top 7 Cravings for you.
1. Dehydration 2. Lifestyle 3. Imbalances 4. The Past Coming Out 5. Seasonal 6. Lack of Nutrients 7 Hormones