Food cravings are more common in women than in men and are a longing for a specific food that is difficult to suppress until that food is ingested.
5 Common Food Cravings
- Chocolate
- Bread, pasta
- Salty foods
- Fried foods
- High sugar foods
So, what is really going on when you feel just have to consume that certain something? Some experts believe food cravings last only about 3-5 minutes.
Cravings are often for junk foods and processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.
For those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight or healthy diet and lifestyle, cravings could present as a major roadblock.
Causes
Different types of food cravings will be experienced by different people. Some of the causes are as follows:
- The regions of the brain that are responsible for memory, pleasure, and reward are responsible for food cravings.
- There could be an imbalance of the hormones leptin and serotonin.
- Endorphins could be released into the body after someone has eaten a food. This mirrors addictions.
- Emotions are often involved in food cravings, especially if a person eats for comfort.
- A pregnant women’s cravings are especially strong and may be due to the hormonal changes that can disrupt their taste and smell receptors.
- There is also the possibility of a connection between the cravings and nutrients where the idea that the body craves certain foods because it lacks nutrients.
- Cravings can be selective or non-selective.
Reducing cravings
There are a variety of ways you can reduce unwanted food cravings. These include:
Managing Stress
Feeling stressed may promote emotional eating and cravings for comfort foods and can ultimately influence several health issues.
Drinking plenty of water
One of the easiest ways to reduce food cravings is to make sure the body is hydrated throughout the day as hunger and thirst can produce very similar sensations in the mind.
Getting enough sleep
A hormone imbalance which is bought about by not getting enough sleep can cause a tendency to overeat and gain weight.
A 2013 study found that not getting enough sleep could alter the body's hormonal balance. This imbalance contributes to overeating and weight gain.
Eating enough protein
Protein can curb cravings, so it is important that you eat a healthful diet which contains plenty of sources of protein. Protein may also reduce the desire for night time snacking.
Originally published on Jul 23, 2018
