If you’re like most people, you’ve probaby experienced a food craving. You may have thought it was just a indicator about what you’re favorite foods are. In reality, your body is a sophisticated machine, and the craving may be telling you that you need something specific to help it function better. Some foods may just taste great and bring comfort. Others may meet the important nutritional needs of your body. Here are some of the most common cravings and what they mean.
Craving Milk
There are several reasons you may be craving milk. It is 87% water, so you may be dehydrated. You could be hungry and your body is wanting the protein and calories to help meet it’s energy demands. Depending on the type of milk you drink, your body could be asking for more fat. And finally, milk contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that your body can’t create on it’s own.
Sweet Foods
If your blood sugar is low, you may crave something sweet. The problem with eating something sweet, is that it can cause your blood sugar to rise and then fall dramatically causing a continuous blood sugar roller coaster ride. Foods rich in carbhohydrates that your body can break down quickly into sugar can cause the same the same thing to happen. If you are going to have something sweet, it’s best to eat it 30 minutes after you’ve had a low carb meal that is rich in fiber. Eating foods made with natural sweeteners can also meet your desire for something sweet and not cause the blood sugar swings. Stevia and monk fruit are two examples.
Salt
Craving salty foods could mean that your body is deficient in trace minerals and/or electrolytes. First make sure you are hydrated and then rich for a healthy snack like nuts, seeds or high fiber vegetables. If you are still craving salt, then consider using a high quality sea salt that comes from mineral rich sources on your food. Sea vegetables are a good way to get vitamins and minerals that come from the ocean.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a combination of sugars and fat. But pure cacao and cacao nibs are high in vitamins and minerals. Many people are deficient in magneisum and this is one of the minerals found in chocolate. So a chocolate craving could be your body’s way of asking for more magnesium. Try a small piece of a chocolate bar that is at least 70% dark chocolate or cacao.
Red Meat
Your body may crave red meat for a variety of reasons. You may need the protein to help your body heal muscles after a good workout. Red meat also contains iron, zinc and vitamin B12 that your body may need. If you eat red meat, make sure that is high quality and orgranic or is raised in the wild. You can also get iron from fish and chicken and green leafy vegetbles like spinach and kale.
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