What Your Food Cravings Say About You

Everybody craves certain foods now and then. Typically, we want something sweet, salty or carby, and instantly satisfying. Whether it’s a handful of potato chips, a scoop of M&Ms or a bowl of pasta, it’s OK to indulge every once in a while. But if you have a constant hankering for certain foods, your body may be trying to talk to you through your taste buds.

Top 3 Food Cravings

Raise your hand and join the club if you crave any (or all) of the below.

Salty foods. If you reach for salty foods, you’re either craving the satisfying crunch they bring (a form of stress relief), or you’re thirsty.

Simple carbs. Think comfort foods like potatoes, pasta and bread. If you gravitate toward simple carbs, your body may need an energy boost (carbs=energy) or some stress relief.

Sugar and sweets, including chocolate. When your energy level dips, there’s nothing like a sugar rush to prop you back up. Sugar and sugary treats help because they are carbohydrates. However, sweet snacks cause a short-lived blood sugar spike that is quickly followed by a crash, which can leave you reaching for more. Have a ravenous craving for chocolate? Most likely, you’re stressed.

7 Tips to Curb Food Cravings

1. Buy individual-sized bags of chips and fun-sized sweets to keep portions in check. Craving cookies? Buy one instead of a whole package.
2. Choose lower-calorie options.
3. Don’t let yourself get too hungry. It can lead to overeating or simply grabbing the closest, most convenient food.
4. Eat complex carbs for long-lasting energy. Whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables fill you up and provide vitamins and minerals your body needs.
5. Keep a food journal for one month. Write down what you eat and when, and how you feel at that specific moment. After a month, look for patterns and consider what small steps changes might help you break any undesirable habits.
6. Practice self-care using non-food methods for reducing stress and anxiety, such as meditation, journaling physical exercise and yoga.
7. Try swapping a few of the less healthy ingredients in your favorite baked foods for healthier options.

Related Reading

Eating on Autopilot

Hungry or Stressed?

Stress vs. Anxiety