3 Common Cravings and What They Mean - 3rd Week
By Genevieve Cunningham
When you first think of cravings, you probably picture a pregnant woman with ice cream and pickles. While it’s true that expectant moms have their fair share of cravings, we all get the urge to eat something from time to time. Sometimes, these cravings are nothing to worry about. Maybe the flavor sounds good or we saw something that made us think of a certain food. Other times, a craving might mean that your body needs something specific, and the craving is its way of letting you know. Take a look at these three common cravings and what they may mean about your body’s overall health.
The Craving: Sugar
What does it mean? It can mean a few things, but two of the most common are either that your blood sugar levels are unsteady or you need some energy now. Try taking an approach that covers both sides of the coin. For a little energy, grab a piece of fruit. This gives you a sugar boost without the artificial stuff floating around in your body. If you’re feeling steady, you can also try taking a simple walk with fruit in hand. The walk may energize your body while also helping to level blood sugar levels. If you’re feeling faint, skip this step and grab another piece of fruit while you call the doctor.
The Craving: Salt
Salt is a strange craving because it can have so many different causes. Often times, it means that you have too much stress, which then wreaks havoc on your hormones. While it’s OK to satisfy your craving with something healthy (lightly salted popcorn, perhaps?), handling your stress levels might be the more beneficial treatment plan. Keeping your stress levels at a manageable level can help to balance out your hormones and stop the cravings in their tracks.
The Craving: Meat
This craving often means that you are low in the necessary nutrient, iron. Iron can be found in red meats, leafy greens, peas, and a whole host of other foods. Iron is essential for maintaining a healthy appetite as well as supplying your body with oxygenated blood. If your craving for red meat never goes away even after indulging, check with your doctor to make sure an iron deficiency isn’t present.
You don’t have to give into every single craving, but you don’t have to ignore every craving either. In fact, you shouldn’t! Pay attention to the signs your body sends you. The more you listen, the more satisfied you can keep your cravings, and the healthier you can keep your body long-term.