We all experience cravings on a daily basis. The cake may look delicious in the morning while the pizza tempting in the evening… We try to resist these insidious temptations and blame ourselves if we succumb to them.
Experts however are saying that cravings are essential messages sent by our bodies that something is missing. We could be dehydrated or lack important vitamins and nutrients…
Text: Bauer/ Good Health/ Additional Reporting: Shenielle Aloysis
You need: Calcium
Dairy products are high in calcium. Up your intake of almonds, leafy greens and canned fish.
You need: Omega-3 fatty acids
You may be low in essential fatty acids found in small amounts in hard cheese. Take low mercury seafood such as Alaskan salmon or a supplement.
You need: Iron
Craving burgers or steak can be a sign of iron deficiency. Eat more dark leafy greens.
You need: Lower cortisol
Women with high cortisol resort to alcohol to wind down. However, alcohol raises cortisol and disrupts sleep, and the cycle repeats. So, drink a glass of water before you indulge in alcohol and limit it to no more than 1 glass a day.
You need: Iron and zinc
Pregnant women often have ice-cube cravings as the growing foetus increases the demand for iron and zinc. Take a supplement and eat iron-rich beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, fish and beff.
You need: Magnesium
You crave chocolate when you are tired or have not eaten in a while. Snack on Brazil nuts, almonds or pumpkin seeds.
You need: Electrolytes
Those with fatigue often crave salt or salty foods because they can no longer produce the hormone aldosterone, which can lead to electrolyte imbalance and cell dehydration. Increase your intake by adding sea salt to soups and salads, advise experts.
You need: Chromium
This trace mineral plays a vital role in supporting normal blood glucose levels, say experts.
You need: Vitamin D
Most people crave carbs in cold weather when vitamin D levels tend to be lower due to lack of sunlight. Vitamin D boosts levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects our mood. It is also produced in the gut when you eat carbs.