The Coding of Cravings
Do you experience cravings?! Do you crave salt, sweet, fat, and/or caffeine?
Maybe you crave one or two of these or all of them… What is important is that you become aware of your cravings. This is an insightful question I always ask my clients as it reveals the body’s state of hydration, nutrient deficiencies, and the health of the adrenal glands.
Cravings point to deeper needs and deficiencies in the body. They are our bodies way of signaling to us to get us to eat foods that will deliver the nutrients that they require. However, in this world where we eat large quantities of processed foods high in salt and sugar, we often default to processed salt and sugars in attempt to “address” the cravings… but they don’t address the underlying cause behind the craving. In fact, they only perpetuate the deficiency we are experiencing and promote the continuation of the craving cycle. The processed sugars and salts are very different than the naturally occurring sugars and salts found in whole plant-based foods.
For example, when you have a sugar craving and eat a processed sugar, the body is not able to fully assimilate and utilize the processed sugar as it is not the correct sugar that the body requires to function optimally. Yes, it is true the body is craving sugar as it requires glucose in the appropriate form. When you eat a salty food, that salt is not actually the bioavailable sodium that the body needs, so instead it has a dehydrating effect on the body. What the body is truly craving are whole plant-based foods that are nutrient dense. Foods that contain bioavailable glucose, vitamins, and trace minerals that are required to support the body and its physiological functions.
When we reconnect to our bodies, we become aware of what they are craving and with knowledge we can take aligned action to address their needs and nourish them appropriately.
Cravings Decoded:
SALTY CRAVINGS
The True Cause of Salty Cravings:
Mineral imbalances
Taxed adrenals
How to Balance: Eat more foods that contain bioavailable minerals (electrolytes)
Foods: celery juice, leafy greens, coconut water
Teas: nettle, peppermint + dandelion
SUGAR CRAVINGS
The True Cause of Sugar Cravings:
Glucose deficiency— Sugar is the body’s primary energy source. When the liver, adrenals, brain, + body need glucose our blood sugar dips and we begin to crave sugar.
How to Balance: Eat more frequently
Foods: whole fruits + vegetables
Teas: nettle, peppermint + dandelion
The body's primary fuel is glucose. It needs the natural sugars found in fresh fruits + starchy vegetables, as they contain glucose and other vitamins and minerals that support optimal health.
FATTY CRAVINGS
The True Cause of Fatty Cravings:
Inadequate calorie intake body
Stress or hormonal imbalances
How to Balance: Increase portion size
Foods: nutrient dense plant-based foods; potatoes, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, etc.
When we are not eating enough to meet our bodies caloric and nutrient needs, the body then goes into a deficient state. This results in fatty cravings, as fat is more calorically dense, taking longer to digest + increasing feelings of satiety.
CAFFEINE CRAVINGS
The True Cause of Caffeine Cravings:
Glucose deficiency
Caffeine addiction
Dehydration
Iron or Vitamin B deficiency
How to Balance: Hydrate, Support the Adrenals
Foods: bananas, berries, apples, squash, spinach, celery, lemon water, coconut water
Supplements: Vitamin B12, B Complex, Ashwagandha
When you begin to reconnect and listen to your body you are able to discern what it needs and with the right information you know how to address the craving(s). Not only do you address the cravings, but you begin to heal, reclaim and elevate your health in a way that you may not have even known was possible. As soon as I started nourishing my body with the healing nutrient dense foods that it actually needed my cravings disappeared all together!
Reconnect to your body. It is always seeking balance and trying to heal. It is time to listen to and nourish your body. It is time to reclaim your health.
