Why Those Pesky Cravings Just Won't Go Away
By Genevieve Cunningham
Most of us know the trouble that comes with intense cravings. It’s hard not to indulge when the mood strikes, especially when that mood is a hardcore, insatiable craving that just won’t let up. It’s incredibly frustrating when you’ve been rocking along with an awesome diet only to have that sweet tooth or salty bone hit you like a ton of bricks. So, what are you supposed to do? What can you do to get rid of cravings? And more importantly, why won’t they go away for good? Take a look at these reasons why your cravings won’t go away, as well as some tips for keeping them at bay.
Sneaky Serotonin
Serotonin is a chemical produced by the body that is intricately tied to mood, appetite, and general digestion. When serotonin levels are off, we might feel sad or we might suffer from cravings. Research has shown that when we feed our bodies sugar, serotonin levels rise and we feel good … but only temporarily. Then the next time you’re feeling blue, your body says, I need more sugar! That totally worked last time! It’s a vicious cycle. To combat swinging serotonin levels, exercise regularly, avoid alcohol and excessive sugar, and talk to a professional when needed.
Poor Digestion
If you’ve been having trouble with digestion lately, you’ve probably already found the source of your cravings. A digestive tract that is unwell is one that holds onto toxins and chemicals, harms your immune system, and produces more bad bacteria than good. To combat a poorly functioning digestive system, stick to loads of water, fresh foods, and avoid excessive carbs or anything that slows metabolism and digestion.
Emotional Stress
This is really a much bigger deal than most realize. Your emotions are a huge part of who you are and how you function. When you feel a certain way … whether that be sad, bored, lonely, or something else … your body and mind go looking to fill the void. And since it doesn’t know how to fill the emotion, your body might look to food to satisfy the deficiency. So, how do you cope? For starters, even out your moods by avoiding stressful people or situations when possible. It can also help to stay busy and work toward various goals. And if a hunger does creep up when you’re feeling a certain way, eat something healthy until the craving passes.
Cravings can really be frustrating. You’ve probably worked too hard to allow a measly little craving stand in your way. Figure out what might be causing your cravings, and then do what you can to remedy the problem. This will help minimize the feelings and give your willpower some extra support when trying to stay strong and fit for a lifetime.