Cravings and Comfort Foods

Food cravings are often your body's way of telling you it lacks vitamins and minerals. However, next time you experience cravings, substitute a healthier alternative.

Chocolate – Chocolate cravings can indicate a hidden magnesium deficiency. If you frequently reach for chocolate, incorporate more magnesium-rich foods into your diet, such as nuts, spinach, raspberries, pumpkin seeds and raisins.

Salty snacks – When only potato chips will do, you might have low potassium levels. However, unlike salt, potassium lowers blood pressure. Instead of opening that bag of snacks, try cashews, bananas, dried fruits or cantaloupe.

Carbohydrates – Dreaming of pasta or bread? Your nitrogen levels may need a boost, so incorporate more leafy greens, beets, garlic and citrus fruits into your diet. Fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are rich in vitamin C, which helps lower stress hormones. Other studies say these fruits decrease blood pressure and heart disease risk while improving brain function.

Alcohol – Though a drink might sound like a stress-reliever, alcohol increases cortisol—a stress hormone. Swap it for chamomile, one of the most popular herbs in the United States. While research about its effectiveness is ongoing, drinking an evening cup of chamomile tea may help you sleep better and ease anxiety.

While eating a balanced diet to help prevent possible nutritional deficiencies is essential, hormonal fluctuations, stress and mood play critical roles in food choice. Find healthy ways to avoid stress-caused cravings, such as exercising or spending time with loved ones.

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