WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM FOOD CRAVINGS
Many clients tell me that they crave sweets, chocolate, salt, etc. When they have cravings, they often give in thinking that the cravings are their body telling them they must need the sugar, chocolate, salt.
However, food cravings are messages that the body needs more of certain nutrients and not what the craving is for. Give your body what it needs by eating sensible portion sizes of the indicated foods included as part of a regular meal. When the level is satisfied, cravings are diminished.
Here are clues to what for cravings could be mean – and how to satisfy them the healthy way.
SWEETS
Your body could be needing chromium. Chromium is a metal. It is called an essential trace element because very small amounts of chromium are necessary for human health. Chromium is used for improving blood sugar control. It is also used for depression, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), lowering “bad” cholesterol, and raising “good” cholesterol in people taking heart medications called beta blockers. Try reaching for broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans or chicken. These foods have plenty of chromium.
Your body could be needing carbon. Carbon is the essential source for the energy in your body. It serves as a bonding agent that facilitates the construction of complex chains of molecules. See if a piece of fresh fruit satisfies.
Phosphorus depletion can also cause cravings for sweets. Phosphorus is a mineral found in the body. About 85% of the phosphorus in the body is in bones. Phosphorus is the body’s next most abundant mineral after calcium. Try having more chicken, beef, liver, poultry in general, fish, eggs, or nuts.
Low sulfur is another reason for craving sweets. If you need more sulfur try cranberries, horseradish, or any of the cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, kale, cabbage, Romanesco broccoli, and spinach), coconut oil, pasture-raised meats, and eggs from pasture-raised hens. Sulfur is the most abundant mineral in the body. Sulfur is a nutrient that the skin, muscles, and bones depend on it.
Your body maybe be calling for tryptophan. Tryptophan, or l-Tryptophan, is an amino acid, a protein building block that can be found in many plant and animal proteins. Tryptophan is called an “essential” amino acid because the body can’t make it. It must be acquired from foods such as cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, or spinach.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate cravings can indicate a need for the mineral magnesium. Reach for raw nuts and seeds, legumes, and fruits. In the 1930s, researchers discovered that our bodies require small amounts of dietary manganese each day. Since then, it has been determined that each adult has about 15-20 mg of manganese stored in his or her body. It is a mineral that is important for skin integrity and blood sugar control.
SALTY FOODS
Salty foods can be in indication of the need for more chloride. Chloride is a major mineral that works with sodium and potassium to keep body fluid levels balanced. Think raw goat milk, fish, and unrefined sea salt.
SODA & CARBONATED DRINKS
Cravings for sodas could mean there is a need for calcium. Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, or sesame may provide enough calcium to satisfy.
NOT ENOUGH?
If there are strong cravings that cannot be satiated with adding the appropriate foods to the diet, there may be a deeper imbalance. Seeing a health care professional can help sort out cravings and needs. I offer hair mineral analysis, food sensitivity testing, and metabolic balance®. Contact me for a 30-Minute Wellness Assessment.
WHY CHOOSE METABOLIC BALANCE?
Metabolic balance® is not a standardized diet plan, but rather a holistic approach to putting your body’s metabolism into a healthy balance and reaching your ideal body weight.
Insulin, the pancreatic hormone, plays a central role in this process. It “opens the doors” to our body’s cells, allowing blood sugar to enter and supply the body with energy. Being overweight has a strong effect on the delicate balance between blood sugar and insulin levels and is thus the root of many common illnesses and disorders.
Healthy nutrition, as recommended by metabolic balance®, will stabilize your body’s insulin level, maintain the natural feeling of fullness after a meal and balance your body’s metabolism. The cornerstone of metabolic balance® program is a personalized nutritional “road map” based on your body’s bio-chemistry. If you are interested in finding out more about metabolic balance,®. Sign up for monthly news & tips. Contact Myra for more information. You can also visit MetabolicBalanceCalifornia.
RELATED POSTS AND SITES
SelfNutritionData is a site that lists the nutrients found in most foods.
Overcoming Emotional Obstacles to Weight-loss
Benefits of Lacto-Fermented Foods: Easy Recipe for Sauerkraut
Are You A Healthy Weight
PHOTO CREDIT
Myra Nissen, CCH
Copyright © 2014 –, Myra Nissen.
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This article was brought to you by Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Board Certified Classical Homeopath. Myra teaches women how to recognize their body’s unique needs and cues and uses Homeopathy to help empower women to take control of their bodies, health and well-being. Find out more, visit her blog www.myranissen.com/blog.