Food Cravings, What They Mean and HOW to FIX them.

We have all had food cravings, and we all have indulged those desires. Have you ever wondered why? Do you think it's just a memory of how yummy that food was and your mind is asking for a replay to excite your senses? Well as likely as that can be, there is a deeper meaning behind our food cravings.  I have composed a quick list below that mentions the most common of cravings, what you might want to eat in place of it and why you are probably having the food craving in the first place. Before you scroll down, I want to tell you that most cravings come from a lack or deficiency in our nutrients. Weird isn't it? Most cravings are the first sign that your body is deficient in some nutrient, and is in essence craving it.

Food Cravings And What They Mean

Sugar:
Sugar has the reputation of giving energy.  First off, sugar may give a quick energy boost but if you are craving it, you are most likely in need of CHROMIUM.  People who go for the sweets usually have been engaging in an extreme diet restriction. Yes their body needs more energy, and because of the poor diet they are lacking the energy needed.  Carbohydrates are our energy sources. There are Simple Carbs and there are Complex Carbs. Our bodies are in need of the energy quickly and knows the complex carb will deliver it but, deliver it slow and steadily whereas the simple carb will be more like an instant spike, thus we go for the sweets.  Ever have that 3 o'clock slump..lack of energy? Bet you crave sugar!
The best and healthiest option to deliver that sugar craving is to eat FRESH FRUIT.

Salt:
Ok so you just have to have those potato chips, or pretzels. Well you need SODIUM.  You are probably wondering  how sodium fits into a nutrient your body needs. Well the need for it is very low on the scale, and most people who crave it have been living off raw foods. Sodium in our diets plays a role in allowing our blood pressure and circulatory systems to stay in optimal shape and prevent blood clotting.  I also know that if you find yourself feeling faint or light-headed, a quick lick of a sprinkle of salt will instantly allow you to feel better. This is especially true for those with low blood pressure.
Your best option is to eat SPINACH and CELERY.

Bread & Pasta:
Who doesn't love bread and pasta? I know I do. When we crave it though it is usually because we are in a bit of a mood. These foods are CARBOHYDRATES and they also make our SERATONIN levels rise, which in turn help us to feel happier.  So if you have always considered breads or pasta a comfort food, you are right.  There is one more reason you could be craving them though, an under-active thyroid. Which is also responsible for making people lethargic and low energy, hypothyroidism makes your serotonin levels decrease thus the craving for the carbs.
Healthy option: Whole Grains, Spelt, Ezekiel breads and pasta. Please contact your doctor if you feel you may have a thyroid condition, and get tested so you can be properly taken care of.

Ice:
Yes ice. This craving is mostly seen in pregnant women and usually means low HEMOGLOBIN in the blood. This causes anemia, and the ice actually helps relieve pain and inflammation that anemia causes.
The best solution to raise your red blood cells is to eat IRON rich foods. You can find that in green VEGETABLES, RED-MEAT, and even BEET-ROOT.

Caffeine:
I know, I know, most of us can't seem to function without our morning cup of coffee or tea.  One or two cups a day is fine. Although if you are craving it and find yourself having more than 5 cups a day, be aware that your adrenal glands are most probably taxed. They are definitely not functioning at optimal levels. Caffeine stimulates our adrenals to produce adrenalin. Unfortunately continuously making your body produce it will inevitably make you more and more tired. This only results in you  a constant state of moodiness, fatigue, irritability, and sleep deprivation. Caffeine cravings can also mean a deficiency in IRON, and VITAMIN C.
Your best option to curb that craving and that will help out the adrenals as well is to eat, CITRUS FRUITS and GREENS.

The ideal way to conquer the food cravings is to eat a diet rich in nutrients and as close to nature as possible. Cut back on the packaged foods, the sugars, the white and bleached grains, limit your caffeine intake and be sure to drink your water.