When you find yourself craving a certain food, your body may be trying to tell you something. If you are craving something unhealthy, this does not necessarily mean that you should go out and eat lots of that unhealthy substance. But you might have a look at a few other factors.
1. You might be craving something which contains certain nutrients which your body is deficient in. A recent example for me was incessant cravings for canned ravioli. I eventually realized that I was also craving Tomato Soup. I began making tomato soup, using fresh tomatoes and herbs, and found that it fully handled my ravioli cravings!
What I assumed was that the tomatoes contained some nutrient(s) that I was deficient in – perhaps Vitamin C or Iron – and that this was what was behind the craving for ravioli (with all its tomato sauce). But instead of eating tons of unhealthy and fattening ravioli, I was able to pacify myself with fresh tomato soup – doing only good and no harm to my body.
2. Your craving might be a side-effect of another deficiency.
My mother always told me that when I craved sugar, this was usually a sign of a lack of protein. I have also read that when you continuously feel like you want to eat something but you don’t know what it is, that’s a need for Vitamin C.
Of course I’m no doctor. But in my personal experience, whenever I did find the correct and healthful item to fulfill my craving, it sort of “felt right” in the end.
Keep this in mind the next time you have a funny craving and you may be able to use it as an indicator for better health, instead of an impetus to indulgence.
December 28th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
In Adele Davis’ famous book, Let’s Eat Right to Stay Fit, she points out that sugar cravings result from a drop in blood sugar. Also, that alcohol cravings result from nutritional deficiencies, particularly Vitamin B3.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Hi,
Today we are continuing on with the Many Faces of Cravings – 3. One reader mentioned a possible genetic correlation of “addiction” that may contribute to cravings. Sugar and other very refined “white” flour items can act similarly in the way a person may be “driven” to consume them like an addict does a drug.
herbalife
May 31st, 2009 at 3:01 am
Hello, I have question: I have notice for the past 2 weeks I have been craving for chocolates, I’m not sure why. Is it healthy? Can someone please advise.
Thanks,
Leah
May 31st, 2009 at 4:34 am
Have you tried eating more protein and making sure you are getting enough vitamin C?
Also, have you tried eating some healthy raw oils (such as on salad) in case there was a craving for oils/fats involved?
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
eating more protein than others is not good at all, you should have a balance diet. That’s it, just balance everything in your life and don’t forget to sweat out those fats.
June 14th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Self-control and discipline is essential in fighting for our unwanted cravings..haha..=D