Cravings are defined as intense desire to consume a particular food or food type that is difficult to resist.   Research has shown that there are two types of cravings psychological and physiological. People who have psychological (emotional) cravings tend to crave foods high in carbohydrates for their mood impacting effect on serotonin in the brain.  Those who have physiological (physical) cravings look for food high in protein and fiber to fill them. 

 There are times when we actually crave specific foods that we are deficient in.  A recent study has show that foods that we are deprived of we tend to crave.  For example if a person were deprived of protein they would only crave amino acids which are the building blocks of protein.  On the other hand if that same person was deprived of carbohydrates their cravings would be directed to sweets and high fat foods.  They both supply our body with energy and elevate our mood.

Know the enemy!

Eat Well, Train Hard

 

Tim
Co-Fitness Director