Craving a chocolate bar? Fantasizing about French fries? Your body might be trying to tell you something.
A food craving is often a message, but not for you to reach for the snack that you are probably expecting. Cravings for nutrient-poor foods like doughnuts, cola or chips are often a sign that you’re deficient of certain minerals such as magnesium or potassium.
Ver más: How to curb sugar cravings
For example, if you’re craving chocolate, it could indicate that your body is running low on magnesium, a mineral that chocolate is rich in. In fact, magnesium levels drop during the second half of your menstrual cycle, suggesting a possible link with many of the symptoms of PMS, which is probably why you crave this sweet treat during your period.
So what are your cravings really trying to tell you? The next time you’re craving one of these foods, try eating its healthy alternative to avoid gaining unnecessary weight.
If you crave chocolate
What you really need is: Magnesium
What you should eat: Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
If you crave sweets
What you really need is: Chromium
What you should eat: Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, liver, chicken, whole grains, eggs
If you crave meat
What you really need is: Iron or zinc
What you should eat: Red meat is the best source, but if you’re vegetarian, try eating lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds
If you crave salty foods
What you really need is: Chloride
What you should eat: Raw goat milk, fish, unrefined sea salt
If you crave cheese
What you really need is: Calcium
What you should eat: Cheese, milk, yoghurt, tinned salmon and sardines, broccoli and almonds are all rich in calcium.
If you crave carbs
What you really need is: Nitrogen
What you should eat: High protein food such as fish, meat, nuts, and beans
If you crave soda
What you really need is: Calcium
What you should eat: Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame seeds
