We have all been there where we are dying for chocolate, or absolutely must have pizza. Sometimes cravings are just desires, but when the craving is for something very specific, it might be your body's way of telling you that you need something. Here are 5 cravings you have and what they mean:
Cravings1: Chocolate
What you are actually craving: Magnesium
But Why! Ladies, this is why we become chocolate junkies before that time of the month! When your hormone levels fluctuate, your magnesium levels in the body do too. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer (think cramps). It also plays a role in blood pressure, and stress reduction.
What Can I have Instead: Nuts, beans, legumes, spinach and seeds are also a great source of magnesium. Add these bad boys to your diet a few days before you start to PMS and the chocolate monster might not rear it's ugly head!
Cravings2: Salt (chips, pickles, etc...)
What you are actually craving: Calcium
But Why! Calcium is a key player in the chemical reaction that occurs when you move your muscles. When you eat salt, calcium is released into your blood stream for your muscles to use if they need it
What Can I have Instead: For those who eat dairy, milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of calcium. Some food products, such as orange juice are fortified with calcium as well. There is calcium in non-dairy foods, such as spinach, but us humans do not absorb it. If you aren't getting enough calcium in your diet, you could try a supplement
Cravings3: Sweets
What you are actually craving: sweets...but it could be because your blood sugar is low!
But Why! If you have gone a long period of time without eating, or if you ate a meal rich in carbohydrates, blood sugar levels drop dramatically. Since your body is trying to get your blood sugar levels up, you crave sugar!
What Can I have Instead: Make sure your meals include some protein or healthy fats, and if you have a significant gap in-between your meals have a snack such a nuts that will prevent your blood sugar from crashing.
Cravings4: Burger or Steak
What you are actually craving: Iron
But Why! Similar to calcium, there is iron in foods such as spinach, but we just don't absorb it. Meat is a great source of iron, and many women don't include it in their diet. Signs of iron deficiency are fatigue, and feeling cold.
What Can I have Instead: If you have a lean cut of steak or a lean burger once in a while, it's not a bad thing! You can also get your iron fix from shellfish, and a little from nuts, seeds or beans
Cravings5: Cheese
What you are actually craving: Essential Fatty Acids
But Why! Essential in the world of nutrition means your body needs it, but can't make it by itself. In other words, you have to eat it. When you are lacking in these essential fatty acids, cheese, or foods that contain cheese, such as pizza, is a very common craving
What Can I have Instead: Salmon, tuna, and many other fishes are great sources of omega 3 fatty acids