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How to Decode Your Cravings: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

Writer's picture: Kate Bozek-ManzionnaKate Bozek-Manzionna



Cravings. We’ve all been there. Standing in front of the fridge at midnight, negotiating with ourselves about whether a square of chocolate will do or if we should just eat the entire bar. (Spoiler alert: it’s usually the whole bar.)

But here’s the thing: cravings aren’t just about “willpower” or some cosmic joke designed to ruin your health goals. They’re messages—your body’s slightly dramatic way of getting your attention. And like any message, they need decoding.

So, let’s put on our lab coats (figuratively… unless you actually have one, which would be amazing) and dive into what your cravings really mean—and how to work with your body instead of treating it like a stubborn toddler demanding candy.

Sugar Cravings: The Quick Fix Your Body Loves to Hate

Ah, sugar. The reigning queen of cravings. When your body screams for sugar, it’s essentially saying, “I need energy, and I need it NOW.” Sugar is the fastest way to spike your blood sugar and give you that burst of energy—before it cruelly abandons you in a crash.

What Your Body Is Really Saying:

  • “I’m running low on fuel, and I’d like a quick, sugary band-aid, please.”

  • “Also, I might be low on magnesium, which helps with energy production. Just saying.”

What to Do Instead:

  • Give your body something it actually needs, like whole carbs or healthy fats. Think apple slices with almond butter or a handful of nuts (bonus: they’re rich in magnesium).

  • And drink some water—your body’s thirst signals often dress up as sugar cravings. Cheeky.

Salty Cravings: The SOS Signal

If you’re dreaming about chips, pretzels, or anything with a satisfying crunch, your body might be sending an SOS for balance. Salt cravings often come up when your electrolytes are out of whack—maybe from sweating, stress, or forgetting water is a thing.

What Your Body Is Really Saying:

  • “I need sodium. Like, yesterday.”

  • “Can we talk about all this stress? It’s doing weird things to my adrenal glands.”

What to Do Instead:

  • Snack on lightly salted nuts, roasted chickpeas, or celery sticks with a sprinkle of sea salt.

  • Add mineral-rich foods like seaweed or sip on an electrolyte drink (skip the ones that look like fluorescent markers, though).

Carb Cravings: Comfort on a Plate

If bread, pasta, or pastries are calling your name, you’re not alone. Carbs are the OG comfort food, offering quick energy and a serotonin boost. Basically, carbs are like your emotional support blanket—but in edible form.

What Your Body Is Really Saying:

  • “I’m tired, stressed, or maybe even a little sad. Help me feel better?”

  • “Also, we need some quick energy because someone’s been skipping meals.”

What to Do Instead:

  • Go for complex carbs like quinoa, oats, or roasted sweet potatoes. These keep your energy steady instead of sending you on a wild blood sugar rollercoaster.

  • Pair your carbs with protein and fiber to make the happy vibes last longer.

Chocolate Cravings: More Than Just a Sweet Tooth

Chocolate cravings are special. They’re like a love letter from your body saying, “Hey, I’m probably low on magnesium, and I’d also like to feel better about life right now.” It’s no coincidence that these cravings often hit during stressful times—or certain times of the month (you know what I mean).

What Your Body Is Really Saying:

  • “I need magnesium, which supports muscle relaxation, mood, and overall sanity.”

  • “Also, chocolate makes us happy. Don’t fight it.”

What to Do Instead:

  • Opt for dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)—it’s rich in magnesium and tastes decadent enough to satisfy.

  • Add more magnesium-rich foods to your diet, like spinach, almonds, or avocados.

Random Cravings: The Wild Card

Sometimes cravings don’t make sense. You’re craving pickles at 10 a.m. or a weird combo like peanut butter on pizza (hopefully not, but hey, no judgment). These random cravings often have less to do with nutrition and more to do with habits or emotions.

What Your Body Is Really Saying:

  • “We’re bored. Entertain me!”

  • “Or stressed. Or sleepy. I’m not sure—just fix it.”

What to Do Instead:

  • Pause and check in with yourself. Are you actually hungry, or is this emotional or habitual?

  • If you’re bored, try a distraction. If you’re stressed, a quick walk or deep breathing can work wonders.

The Bottom Line: Cravings Are Clues

Your cravings aren’t the villain of your health story—they’re clues. They’re your body’s way of saying, “Hey, pay attention to me!” And the better you get at listening, the easier it becomes to make choices that truly nourish and support you.

So next time a craving hits, pause. Ask yourself: What’s my body really asking for? With a little curiosity (and maybe some magnesium), you’ll be amazed at what you discover.

Now, tell me—what’s your biggest craving, and what do you think it’s trying to tell you? Let’s decode it together!

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