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Food cravings are pretty bizarre. One minute you’re perfectly full and content, and the next, it’s like your life depends on tracking down some Oreo cookies. While cravings vary in types and severity from person to person, almost everyone has experienced a craving at least once. It turns out that oftentimes cravings can be your body telling you something. Frequently, the type of food you crave isn’t good for you, but the craving itself is a sign that your body is lacking certain essential minerals or nutrients. Read below to learn what kinds of craving mean, how to satisfy them, and how to manage them long term.
Salty Cravings
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What They Mean:
This is a really common craving, especially for surfers. Most of the time, salty cravings are actually your body signaling that it’s dehydrated or lacking certain electrolytes (makes sense after spending an afternoon in the sun and saltwater, right?).
How to Satisfy Them:
Instead of turning to salty tortilla chips or pretzels, focus on finding something salty that actually has nutritional value. Some kind of seasoned nut is a good option. Nuts are packed with healthy fats that will keep you full, and they also have a significant amount of protein.
How to Manage Them:
The best way to manage salty cravings is to keep your body hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to divide your body weight by two. That’s approximately how many ounces of water you should drink each day. However, keep in mind that if you spend a couple hours in the lineup, you’ll probably need to factor in extra water into that equation. Additionally, help your cells make the most of that water by eating foods high in potassium. Foods like bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes facilitates the transport of water through the body, so your muscles can make the most of the water you drink.
Sweet Cravings
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What They Mean:
Sugar is actually addictive. The more sugar you eat, the more your body physically craves it. If you have a high-sugar diet, and then one day you skip the sugar, your body is going to crave it.
How to Satisfy Them:
Instead of constantly eating sugar substitute products, indulge your sugar cravings thoroughly every once in a while. If you find yourself really craving something sweet, go out and get your favorite, ultra-rich dessert. Be sure to keep the portion size under control, but even a half cup of your favorite dessert should satisfy your craving.
How to Manage Them:
A great way to keep sugar cravings in-check is to swap processed sugars for fruit. Eating too much fruit, like eating too much of any sugar, can still make you feel sick, but moderate amounts can curb your craving while nourishing your body. If you find yourself constantly craving sugar, you may want to quit sugar cold turkey for two weeks. After a two week break, you should be able to reset your body, and you can slowly reintroduce sugar into your diet. This can help you keep your sugar cravings managed long-term.
Late Night Cravings
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What They Mean:
Typically, late night cravings are prompted by hormones. These hormones are triggered by fatigue: your body is overly tired and needs more energy, so it seeks food as an energy source. Another cause of late night snacking is pure boredom. You may want something to do while waiting for that load of laundry or watching TV, so you raid the fridge.
How to Satisfy Them:
If you’re actually experiencing real hunger before bed, eat something small or sip on liquid fuel like cashew milk or tart cherry juice. If you’re just bored, however, the best thing you can do is go to sleep.
How to Manage Them:
Make sleep a priority. A well-rested body is the best defense against late night snacking. Also, focus on eating a high protein breakfast and eating well throughout the day. Studies have shown that eating a breakfast high in protein can reduce late night snacking.
All Cravings
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How to Manage Them:
Give it 30 minutes. Most cravings only last 15-30 minutes, but people often give in just before the peak. If you’re still craving something after 30 minutes, then it’s time to indulge that craving, but 9 times out of 10, after 30 minutes, you’ll have moved on.
