What causes Food Cravings? Can they be controlled?

What triggers food cravings? Everyone experiences them and when we do, the foods we crave are usually high in fat and sugar. One of the main causes of food cravings is swings in blood sugar throughout the day due to irregular and improper eating as well as hormone imbalance, emotional problems and brain chemistry.

How can we conquer cravings?

• Give your body the nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs.
• Ensure you are eating a balanced diet that consists of adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fibre and fat.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Do NOT skip meals. Start your day with a balanced meal in order to stabilize your blood sugar levels. People who skip breakfast often experience morning drops in blood glucose that triggers cravings for the rest of the day and have difficulty losing weight.
• Eat small meals every 3 hours. Spacing food this way is an excellent way to combat cravings.
• Eat complex carbohydrates (e.g. brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain breads, whole wheat pasta, fruits and vegetables). They produce a slow release of energy and will help to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
• Avoid refined foods (sweets, biscuits, pastries, soft drinks).
• Get enough sleep. When the body and mind are well rested, cravings often vanish.
• Exercise on a regular basis. Cravings are one of the best indicators that you are consuming too many refined and processed foods and not taking in sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals, essential fats and water.

Source: TNI/Canada