The reward centers in our brains are triggered by the taste of rich, delicious food like chocolate, pastas, pastries and cheese. The psychological effect of food is a powerful thing and there are occasions when the food craving is literally just that. A particular food can be perceived to calm, to soothe or to cure and when this is the case it takes some inner reflection and self healing to break this cycle.
Cravings can also mean a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. Here is a list of some of the most common ‘types’ of cravings, what nutrients you might need and what you could eat instead.
CHOCOLATE: Cacao is high in magnesium, an essential mineral our organs need.
What to eat instead?
- Magnesium: Nuts, seeds, beans, veggies and fruit.
CHEESE: This could indicate a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet.
What to eat instead?
- Omega3 & DHA: Salmon, flaxseeds, sesame seeds or tahini paste, walnuts and legumes.
SUGARY FOODS: Like pastries, cakes, candy could mean the body needs a boost of a few different vitamins and minerals.
What to eat instead?
Chromium: broccoli, grapes, cheese, chicken. Carbon: Fresh fruits
Phosphorous: Chicken, beef, fatty fish eggs, nuts, veggies
Sulphur: Cabbage, cauliflower, cranberries
Tryptophan: Cheese, raisins, sweet potatoes, spinach
SALTY FOODS: If you are dreaming of salty fries or potato chips first make sure to hydrate with water as salt cravings are often a sign of dehydration.
What to eat instead?
- Chloride: Fatty fish, goat cheese & milk, celery, olives, tomato
- Silicon: Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
PASTA & BREADS: Can indicate low or out of balance blood sugar levels.
What to eat instead?
Nitrogen: High protein foods such as fatty fish and grass fed meats, nuts, beans, chia seed
RED MEAT: Boosting iron intake from others sources could help.
What to eat instead?
Iron: Beans, legumes, dried prunes and figs, cherries, seaweed, spinach.