What do your cravings say about your health?

What do your cravings say about your health?

What do your cravings say about your health? If you’re constantly craving chocolate or sugar, there may be a reason why. Find out now!

When your body is craving a certain kind of food, it’s often a sign that you’re lacking something else. Rather than give into temptation, it’s important to understand your deficiencies and learn how to satiate your appetite in a healthy way. Hayley Nester from online therapist directory clickfortherapy.com has collated a list of tips so that you can conquer your cravings once and for all.

Sugar cravings

Many of us succumb to our sweet tooth far too easily. Just because your body’s saying it wants sugar doesn’t mean you need to put your teeth at risk of cavities. ‘Eating healthy proteins and fats with your meal helps balance your blood sugar, so you don’t get the dips and spikes that cause sugar cravings.’ explains Hayley. ‘Plus healthy protein helps keep you feeling fuller longer. Think egg, fish, lentils for the protein and fats such as avocado, cold pressed olive oil or a drizzle of flaxseed oil on your salad or soup.’ You could also consider incorporating a supplement into your teeth to keep your longing for sugar at bay. ‘L-glutamine helps to reduce, and even eliminate, sugar cravings.’ says Hayley. ‘It also helps to heal the digestive tract and supports the immune system.’ If you’re on medication, make sure that you consult with a doctor before taking any supplements.

Boredom eating

We’re all guilty of boredom eating, there’s no point in denying it! Perhaps you raid the fridge because you’re lacking energy. Maybe you do it because you’re feeling stressed. Whatever your reasoning, it’s a habit you need to try to avoid. ‘When you don’t get enough sleep, the hormones that regulate your appetite are suppressed, which means your body has a hard time reading hunger signals.’ explains Hayley. ‘Therefore when you are lacking in energy, you reach for the biscuit tin to give you that energy boost. Make sure you are getting at least 8 hours sleep.’ There are a number of different techniques you could try to combat your body’s fake hunger signals. ‘Do more of what nourishes your body, mind, and soul. Remember that stress is not created by exterior factors, but by the way we perceive situations in life.’ says Hayley. ‘Meditation, yoga and Pilates are a great place to start.’ It may be a case of trial and error, but you will eventually find a form of activity that refocuses your mind.

Chocoholic

Chocolate is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but too much of anything can be bad for you. If you find yourself reaching for a bag of treats all too often, here’s why. ‘If you are craving that chocolate bar, the real reason could be that your body needs magnesium.’ explains Hayley. ‘Magnesium is essential for more than 300 different enzymatic processes in the body. It has a role in countless body functions such as your heartbeat, muscle movement, or the production of hormones.’ Spinach, yoghurt and almonds are all fantastic sources of magnesium, so they may be worth factoring into your diet.

For more…

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Nutrition for everything you need know about making healthy choices every day.

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