We all have cravings, even though some people are better at managing theirs. The brain creates this sudden urge to eat something immediately, regardless of whether you’ve just filled your belly or not.
You’re not alone if you dream of a donut or pack of chips even after you’ve just had a meal. Cravings are often attached to indiscipline, a sweet tooth, or even unhealthy eating habits. And they are thought to appear out of nowhere, a driving force that you may have difficulty saying no to.
However, there are science-backed explanations for it, and we’ll explore them in this blog post.
4 reasons you have cravings
The sudden desire to eat something is your body’s way of calling your attention, telling you something is missing. Here are some of the common and science-backed explanations for cravings:
- Dehydration
A sudden image of food in your head, often junk or processed, may signify that you’re thirsty. When the body is dehydrated, it can manifest as a craving you may misinterpret.
So, the next time you suddenly desire a decadent snack, ask yourself the last time you drank water. And take a glass full anyway.
- Nutritional deficiencies
When you’re not getting enough macro and micronutrients, your brain will disturb you with cravings. This explains why many people become addicted to sweet foods – they don’t eat healthy enough.
People who don’t eat healthily often crave salt or non-nutritional energy sources, like carbonated drinks, caffeine, and sugar.
- Hormones
This is more relatable for women. When your period draws near, do you find yourself craving decadent snacks and foods?
Well, it’s caused by your hormones. At this point, your body is cleansing itself of toxins. You’re also processing many emotions.
So, you need to maintain your energy levels and satiate your hunger. Eating enough fruits, vegetables, and healthy staple foods can help you overcome your PMS cravings.
- Dopamine rush
You may also have cravings because your body desires a dopamine rush. It will be significantly harder to deny yourself if you’re already used to encouraging the reward system in the brain.
The reward system is a phenomenon where the brain produces dopamine because you have provided something that satisfies or makes it happy. Even when you are just thinking about eating something of that sort, the brain releases some dopamine, its own form of drooling.
get real with your body
Cravings are natural and are just a way the body sends messages about its needs. You’ll be able to satiate yourself better and healthier when you can put the finger on the cause.
To end or satisfy unhealthy cravings, you need to observe your body and give it what it needs.
We all have cravings, even though some people are better at managing theirs. The brain creates this sudden urge to eat something immediately, regardless of whether you’ve just filled your belly or not.
You’re not alone if you dream of a donut or pack of chips even after you’ve just had a meal. Cravings are often attached to indiscipline, a sweet tooth, or even unhealthy eating habits. And they are thought to appear out of nowhere, a driving force that you may have difficulty saying no to.
However, there are science-backed explanations for it, and we’ll explore them in this blog post.
4 reasons you have cravings
The sudden desire to eat something is your body’s way of calling your attention, telling you something is missing. Here are some of the common and science-backed explanations for cravings:
- Dehydration
A sudden image of food in your head, often junk or processed, may signify that you’re thirsty. When the body is dehydrated, it can manifest as a craving you may misinterpret.
So, the next time you suddenly desire a decadent snack, ask yourself the last time you drank water. And take a glass full anyway.
- Nutritional deficiencies
When you’re not getting enough macro and micronutrients, your brain will disturb you with cravings. This explains why many people become addicted to sweet foods – they don’t eat healthy enough.
People who don’t eat healthily often crave salt or non-nutritional energy sources, like carbonated drinks, caffeine, and sugar.
- Hormones
This is more relatable for women. When your period draws near, do you find yourself craving decadent snacks and foods?
Well, it’s caused by your hormones. At this point, your body is cleansing itself of toxins. You’re also processing many emotions.
So, you need to maintain your energy levels and satiate your hunger. Eating enough fruits, vegetables, and healthy staple foods can help you overcome your PMS cravings.
- Dopamine rush
You may also have cravings because your body desires a dopamine rush. It will be significantly harder to deny yourself if you’re already used to encouraging the reward system in the brain.
The reward system is a phenomenon where the brain produces dopamine because you have provided something that satisfies or makes it happy. Even when you are just thinking about eating something of that sort, the brain releases some dopamine, its own form of drooling.
get real with your body
Cravings are natural and are just a way the body sends messages about its needs. You’ll be able to satiate yourself better and healthier when you can put the finger on the cause.
To end or satisfy unhealthy cravings, you need to observe your body and give it what it needs.