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What Your Cravings Are Really Telling You About Your Nutrition

By DuBose Fitness

It’s commonly thought that cravings are your body’s way of telling you your nutritional balance may be off. Of course, different cravings are different for different people. But it’s possible that listening to your cravings can help ensure you get all the nutrients you need! Here’s what some common food cravings might mean.

Salty Foods

Your body needs salt to survive! Unfortunately, it’s one of those nutrients that’s gotten a pretty bad reputation. If you’re craving salt, it could mean a number of things, including:

  • Dehydration
  • Stress
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Low sodium levels

If you start craving salty foods, don’t grab chips! Instead, satisfy your cravings with a handful of roasted nuts or sunflower seeds. And don’t forget to drink some water!

 

Sugary Foods

If you’re craving sugary foods, it could mean your blood sugar is low. It could also mean you’re just plain sleep derived or dehydrated! Skip the ice cream and the cookies! Instead, snack on a banana, some whole grain crackers or even sweet potato.

 

Carbs

A carb craving can mean your body needs nitrogen. It could also be as simple as low blood sugar. If you’re trying to cut carbs, remember that some carbs are okay! In fact, they’re essential to good health. Don’t be afraid to reach for some whole wheat toast. If you’ve had enough grains today, get some nitrogen from turkey, salmon or nuts.

 

Meat

Craving meat? A sudden desire to eat a triple stack burger could mean you’re low on iron. It could also indicate your body means omega acids. To knock out cravings for meat, skip the cheeseburger. Instead, grab some wild-caught salmon for a healthy dose of iron and omega fatty acids.

 

Healthy Fats

Okay, cravings for healthy fats can sometimes be disguised as cravings for unhealthy fats. In either case, don’t forget that fats are important for your health! Healthy fats improve brain function, protect your joints and keep your nervous system in good shape. If you’re craving fats, grab some avocado, tuna or salmon. For a convenient snack, try a hard boiled egg.

 

Cheese

If you’re craving cheese, there’s a good possibility your body needs sugar, calcium or healthy fats. There’s also a possibility you may not be getting enough Vitamin D. To cure your cheese craving, nosh on a container of Greek yogurt. For added Vitamin D, eat your yogurt outside in the sunshine!

 

Caffeine

If you find yourself suddenly in need of a double espresso, it may be nothing more than a result of your habits. Do you usually wake up to coffee, but skipped your cuppa this morning? You might be craving caffeine.

However, it’s also possible that your body just seeks energy. Remember that caffeine isn’t nutritious; it’s a chemical. To curb your cravings, sip a cup of green tea, or munch on a few crackers.

 

Fried Foods

Like cravings for healthy fats, cravings for fried foods can indicate a fat deficiency. Your body may be running low on omega fatty acids. Eat an egg, or dip into a salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar topped with avocado.

Remember that food cravings may indicate different things for different people. In fact, food cravings may simply mean it’s lunch time! If you experience cravings frequently, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to rule out any nutrient deficiencies.

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