Food Cravings: What Do They Mean?
Sweets When you're jonesing for chocolate, stop and evaluate how your sleep has been lately. When tired, many people crave carbohydrates for a quick energy boost since carbs are our main source of fuel. Simple carbs, such as sugar and white bread, are digested quicker than complex ones such as whole grains and beans, so the energy kicks in sooner.
Crunchy A handful of nuts a day can be a healthy snack, but it can also hint to an inner frustration and irritation. The act of chewing and cracking the food in your mouth can momentarily release that angst, but the problem is the second that the crunching stops, the frustration returns -- and many people go back to eating more and can end up polishing off an entire bag of chips.
Creamy Dishes such as ice cream, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese are called "comfort foods" for a reason: Craving them possibly points to worrisome thoughts, and what you really need is to be soothed. These are also high-carb, high-fat foods. Carbs boost the 'feel-good' hormone serotonin, and when you eat something high in both carbs and fat, it can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.
Caffeine Anytime the coffee shop or a soda machine calls your name, you're likely more than just thirsty. You may feel discouraged or dissatisfied with your job and reach for these 'quick fixes' to perk you up and get you through the day.
Carbs While cravings for pasta, bread and other carbohydrates can come from a number of physiological reasons, including a high insulin level or low blood sugar, it's more likely that you're depriving yourself. Typically, when someone is on a strict eating plan or has declared certain foods 'off-limits,' they will want them that much more.
[ Huffington Post ]
