Introduction
Human bodies are self-healing machines that have very specific responses to stimuli. If we pay close attention to these responses, then we would realize that our bodies are telling us what nutrients it needs and how to heal ourselves.
Even though our bodies talk to us all the time, the vast majority of people do not understand the language, let alone know that the body is trying to tell us something at all. A dry throat tells us that we’re already dehydrated and a growling stomach tells us that our body needs nutrients. These are easy signals that we all learn as children. However, food cravings are much more difficult vocabulary to learn.
Cravings
Food cravings tell you that your body is lacking key nutrients or that there is an imbalance with your tandem foods. Here are a few examples of common food cravings and perhaps what your body really is trying to say to you:
1) Sweet cravings: You eat too much refined sugar or processed foods which are digested quickly in your mouth. Your body is telling you it needs more sugar or complex carbohydrates. Solution: Eat low GI foods such as whole grains and leafy greens and your cravings for the simple sugars will decrease.
2) Salty cravings: You may be dehydrated, your electrolyte balance is off because of excessive perspiration, or you may not be getting enough minerals in your diet. Solution: Drink water, drink coconut water or sports drinks after exercise, or add mineral supplements to your diet.
3) Ice Cream cravings: Ice cream is very often an emotional comfort food which you eat when you are stressed, exhausted or sad. Solution: Sometimes all you need is to write down how you’re feeling in a diary or talk to a friend. Sometimes all you need is a hug.
4) Crunchy, Dry, Potato Chip cravings: You are angry and don’t have another outlet for your aggressions. Solution: Eat healthy crunchy snacks like whole-grain pretzels or plain popcorn. Alternatively, you can find a friend to vent with or a boxing gym to punch your stress away.