CRAVINGS

Cravings can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they can be caused by things like PMS and depression, but other times they may actually have roots in necessity.

Sometimes when you crave certain foods, it can have a physiological purpose. For example, if you’re craving things like spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza, it may actually be something like tomatoes you’re craving. Your body might be in need of something contained in tomatoes – a vitamin or perhaps an antioxidant like lycopene.

Sometimes you can be relatively certain your body isn’t craving anything for a reason. For example, sugar cookies are pretty much devoid of all nutritional value, so it’s unlikely your body would actually need anything that they contain.

Other times, it may be very difficult to figure out whether your body is actually craving something for a reason or just because you want the flavor of the food.

If you’re craving something that you think might have a nutritional foundation, try breaking down that food’s ingredients to figure out what it might be.

If you’re craving strawberry shortcake, the only nutritionally sound potential ingredient would be the strawberries themselves. It might be possible that you could be craving the calcium from the whipped cream, but that’s pretty unlikely, especially since it is often non-dairy.

If you have a craving for strawberry shortcake, try having some strawberries, perhaps with a bit of low-calorie whipped topping. This might satisfy your nutritional needs, if present, but it may also satisfy any flavor craving.

There are almost always alternatives you can choose that will contain the same base ingredients, but presented in a much healthier way. For example, you could have some spaghetti sauce with no pasta (or whole wheat pasta) for a spaghetti craving. You could have a slice of cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich craving.

Whenever you manage to cut a craving down by having the main base ingredient, you can be sure it was probably a physiological craving. If the craving continues, it is probably just a psychological craving because you want to taste the food.

That doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy a psychological craving now and then. Having a little bit of the stuff you crave can keep you happy and continuing on your diet. Just don’t overdo it.

You have to learn how to limit the foods you eat. If you can learn how to be careful and not let the cravings take you over, you can indulge on occasion.

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