What Do You Need Today to Satisfy a Food Craving?

Last night, while I was doing some brief cleaning up on some files. I started to get a little hungry and did the march to the frig. I grab a snack and was craving something but, nothing struck my fancy. I grab an apple and some peanut butter, went to work and found this story about cravings. Enjoy!

It can strike when you least expect it – the overwhelming urge to satisfy a food craving. All of a sudden, you’re desperate for a burger, or a glazed donut. Well the truth is - cravings are often a red flag that your diet needs attention. Dr. Fred Pescatore practices nutritional medicine in New York City, and he says that strong food cravings generally don’t occur unless your body’s crying out for particular nutrients. So, here are two common cravings, and what they really mean, courtesy of Bottom Line Health.

You crave a burger or a steak. When your body calls for red meat, it’s often a sign that you’re lacking iron or CLA – a fatty acid that helps your body burn stored fat. An occasional steak or burger is fine – once a week or so – but try incorporating small amounts of lean red meat into your regular diet instead, so you don’t go overboard in one sitting. You can also satisfy your body’s call for iron by eating dark leafy greens, such as spinach. Low-fat milk is a good source of CLA fatty acids.

You crave baked goods. If you’re desperate for a brownie or a glazed donut, your blood sugar levels are probably fluctuating. This often happens when you’re stressed, and you have cortisol surging through your system. Too much cortisol triggers the release of glucose, which causes insulin to spike – that’s the hormone that regulates your blood sugar. Since baked goods are essentially sugar and carbohydrates, they provide a quick boost in energy and feel-good serotonin when your blood sugar is low. A healthier alternative is to try a piece of fruit or a glass of pomegranate juice, which have natural sugars. A plain baked potato is good for complex carbohydrates, and getting some exercise – like a brisk walk - will help your body use up some of that excess cortisol.