How To Fight Cravings & How to Replace Them With Healthy Food?

Whereas, Non-Selective cravings are the one where you do not have anything in particular in your mind that you wish to eat. Your just eat anything that is available to you. It might be because you could be hungry in real or it can also be just a craving for anything you see. But have you ever wondered that the food item that you’re craving to have today might not be the same that you’d crave for tomorrow? Why are cravings So what these cravings actually mean and how they are caused?

So here, we will be discussing what each food craving is trying to tell us and how we can overcome it.

Sweets

your blood sugar levels are low and it needs instant energy. The only issue is that if you fulfill this craving by aiming for a doughnut or a piece of candy, chances are that it can make your sugar levels spike, followed by a sugar crash, triggering another sweet craving. So the best way to avoid this sticky situation (especially when you are trying to watch your weight) is to drink some water first and then eat a fruit along with some protein-rich foods like curd, nuts, or seeds.

Oily/Fatty food

Craving for oily or fried foods is not uncommon. When you have such a craving, it might be a sign that you have an essential fatty acid deficiency. So, if your craving for fried food persists, it’s best you don’t indulge yourself and follow an alternative that is good for your body. Including good quality fats and oils like avocado, nuts, nut butters, flaxseed, coconut oil, and salmon are some of the best alternatives one can add to their diet to fight off these greasy cravings. Steering clear of trans fats, MSG, margarine, fast food, and processed food will not only reduce your cravings but also keep you safe from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Carbohydrates/Junk food

The thought of having some delicious pasta, garlic bread, noodles, crackers, keep hovering in your head?! Well, this craving is a sign to add more fiber to your diet for better blood sugar control. Craving for carbohydrates or junk food is mostly caused due to signs such as hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, chromium deficiency, or fatigue. To get this craving under control you may need to consume more magnesium-rich fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, spinach, broccoli, and celery. Eating small frequent meals to curb these cravings is also a good way to go.

Sour foods

Craving for unripe mangoes, pickles, tamarind, or other sour foods is your body’s way of telling you there is an imbalance in your gut. It is mostly caused due to acidity/improper digestion, high consumption of fat-rich foods, or you may be experiencing a lot of stress lately. To curb this craving, all you have to do is drink warm water with half a lemon squeezed in it or you can add citrus fruits or watermelon in your diet.

Chocolate

One of the most common cravings of all time is chocolate. Chocolate cravings signify a magnesium deficiency. A deficiency of chromium, vitamin B, essential fatty acids, or even emotional problems or stress could also be reasons why you are craving chocolate. Chocolate is a rich source of magnesium, with the highest form coming from 100% cocoa. Adding 70% of dark chocolate, including more whole grains that are rich in vitamin B, and getting sufficient sleep to de-stress can all help in curbing chocolate cravings.

Spicy food

Craving spicy food is your body’s way of signalling it wants to cool off. You might think this is strange, but spicy food makes you sweat which helps if your body is overheated. Congestion or lowered immunity are also some other reasons why you might be craving spicy food. How can you overcome the craving?! Well, you can first cool off by having a glass of water but in the long run you can start by including pungent foods and spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, garlic, turmeric & pepper. However, we do recommend you keep away from hot sauces such as sriracha or schezwan.

Avocado with cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is packed with natural protein and fills you up without a lot of calories. A high-protein diet (consisting of dairy products, among other things) has been shown to lead to weight loss. Cottage cheese also contains the essential amino acid tryptophan. This calms the nervous system and makes it easier to fall asleep. If you add a little avocado to your cottage cheese, you provide your body with high-quality fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fats are good for your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Carrot sticks with hummus dip

Baby carrots or carrot sticks with two tablespoons of hummus – this healthy snack is ideal for weight loss. Valuable fatty acids, high-quality protein and fiber leave you feeling full without weighing down your stomach.

Apple slices with peanut butter

If you get hungry before bedtime, cut an apple into slices and put one or two teaspoons of peanut butter on top. Simple but delicious! Just make sure to use natural peanut butter. It shouldn’t contain any palm oil, sugar or other additives.

Greek Yogurt with blueberries

Did you know that blueberries are a very nutrient-rich fruit? They contain plenty of antioxidants, which have a positive effect on your immune system. They are also low in calories. Together with Greek yogurt they make for a high-protein, low-calorie snack that keeps your body supplied with nutrients overnight.