I've had a sweet tooth as a kid, I think mainly because I was not allowed to eat sweets at home. So when I went to my grandparents or friends and they asked me what I'd like to eat the answer was always chocolate.
As I got older I became more mindful with eating. Once I decided to make a sugar detox, because I was eating a lot of sweets. For two weeks I checked every label, and really stuck to it. In the first few days I felt dizzy and hangover, but then it became better, resulting in an unexpected thing: my taste changed a lot. Nowadays I can't eat anything too sweet and craving mostly salty snacks.
Salty and sweet cravings can have different underlying causes and meanings, often related to a combination of physiological, psychological, and nutritional factors. Here's what these cravings may indicate:
Sweet cravings:
Natural sweet tooth: humans are naturally inclined to crave sweetness. Sweet tastes are associated with energy-rich carbohydrates, which our ancestors needed for survival. So, occasional sweet cravings are normal and may simply reflect your body's preference for sweet flavors.
Emotional comfort: many people turn to sweet foods when they're stressed, sad, or anxious. Sugar can trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, which temporarily boosts your mood and provides a sense of comfort.
Blood sugar fluctuations: irregular blood sugar levels, such as a rapid drop after a meal, can lead to sugar cravings. When blood sugar levels dip, the body may signal a need for quick energy in the form of sugar. It is important to eat balanced meals, so you can avoid big dips. But don't let it hold you back to enjoy some dessert after a meal.
Nutritional deficiencies: In some cases, sweet cravings might indicate a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as chromium or magnesium. The body may be seeking out sugary foods to address this deficiency. For chromium best plant sources are onions, wholegrains (wholemeal and rye bread and oats), cabbage, broccoli, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, peaches, celery, bananas and apples (especially the peel). for magnesium pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, peanuts, edamame, dark chocolate.
Hormonal changes: hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can lead to increased sweet cravings in some women. Most of us know the feeling when you could kill for some chocolate in the premenstrual week.
Salty Cravings:
Electrolyte imbalance: cravings for salty foods can sometimes be a signal that your body needs more sodium or electrolytes. This is especially common after intense physical activity or on hot days when you've been sweating heavily. put a pinch of salt in a big glass of water and sip it slowly.
Dehydration: when you're dehydrated, your body may crave salt to help retain water. This is a natural mechanism to restore electrolyte balance. Drink some water or herbal tea every hour to prevent dehydration. Black tea, coffee and alcohol can also dehydrate, so please consume them mindfully.
Stress and cortisol: chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can increase salt cravings. Stress can also affect your taste preferences, making salty foods more appealing. We all know the feeling when we are nervous and just want to chew on something. My preference is some carrot sticks with hummus, chewing can help to calm down the nerves a bit.
Processed foods: highly processed and fast foods are often high in salt. If you consume these types of foods regularly, your body may become accustomed to higher salt levels, leading to cravings.
Habitual consumption: if you've developed a habit of consuming salty snacks, your body and taste buds may become accustomed to that level of saltiness, leading to cravings when you reduce your intake. If you try to cut back a little on these then do it gradually.
It's important to note that occasional cravings for sweet or salty foods are usually not cause for concern. However, if you find yourself constantly and uncontrollably craving these foods to the detriment of your health, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. They can help determine if there are underlying issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or emotional triggers, that need to be addressed. In most cases, adopting a balanced and varied diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help reduce the intensity and frequency of these cravings.
I hope these tips helped you to shed some light on the source of your cravings. Follow for more on Instagram, or book a 1:1 free consultation.
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