What Are Your Cravings Trying to Tell You?
By Sara Butler
Food cravings can seem to strike out of the blue. People used to think that food cravings meant you had a nutritional deficiency of some kind, but that may not always be the reason you crave what you crave. Most of the time food cravings indicate an imbalance of some kind, which can be emotional, social, environmental, or even cultural in nature. Think of food cravings as simply another way your body is trying to communicate with you. Here is what common cravings may be trying to say.
Salt
At the end of a particularly tough workout, you may feel as if you want to eat an entire bag of chips -- or go to the nearest garden supply store and buy your very own salt lick. Sure, your body needs to refuel after an intense workout, but the salt craving is probably a signal that your body is lacking in electrolytes or is dehydrated from your sweat session.
Instead of loading up on salty foods, consider grabbing a sports drink to help replenish electrolytes and water. If your cravings for salt seem constant, then you should consult with a medical professional to see if you have something else causing your cravings.
Red Meat
Sometimes, you just want a big, fat, juicy steak. A craving for red meat may indicate that your body needs more Vitamin B12, zinc, or iron -- and red meat can provide you with a punch of each and every one.
If you want to cut back on red meat and worry that you’re not getting enough nutrients, talk to a nutritionist, chiropractor, or doctor to understand how to work in other sources of nutrients in your diet without red meat, such as legumes and beans.
Sugar and Sweets
Craving sugar may mean your body is going through some emotional turmoil. There’s a reason why people who go through a bad breakup eat an entire container of ice cream in one sitting -- studies have shown that when something bothers people on an emotional level, they often reach for sweet treats.
To fight back against these cravings, try exercise. Walking for just 15 minutes can help you deal with emotions and stress more constructively than reaching for a pint of your favorite Ben and Jerry’s.
Cravings are natural, but take the time to really understand what your body is trying to tell you and take steps to keep yourself healthy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Buford, Ga.