CRAVINGS: We all have them, whether it's the 2 am ice-cream munchies or the random "I NEED CHOCOLATE NOW" attack during work. As inconvenient as they may be, cravings are your body's biological language used to communicate when it needs nutrients or satisfaction.
Sweets
Why: A craving for sweets indicates a need to uplift your mood. Or it could be that you're low on energy. You might also be low on chromium, carbon phosphorous and sulfur.
Try: Taking a walk to boost your energy (sunlight helps), napping, fruits, broccoli and sweet potatoes.
Salty
Why: If you have a strong tendency to reach for salty snacks, you may have a mineral deficiency, particularly in chloride, potassium, iron and calcium.
Try: olives, nuts and seeds, rye, celery, seaweed.
Sweet and Salty
Why: To function properly, your body needs proper glucose and sodium levels. Craving sweet and salty snacks indicates sluggish body cells.
Try: Artichoke hearts, cacao-y pears, apples soaked in lemon-lime juice, frozen cranberries.
Chocolate
Why: Chocolate releases a boost of serotonin, a feel-good neurochemical in your brain. So when we crave it, our body is telling us we need a pick-me-up.
Try: Go for it, try Belmonte Raw's vegan truffles, divine
Spicy
Why: When the body is having trouble cooling down, we reach for something spicy to help our bodies sweat and cool off.
Crunchy
Why: In a research study, those with low-calcium diets had a higher desire for crunchy foods. It also may suggest that you're frustrated as your body is probably looking for fulfillment, approval or pleasure.
Try: Jicama slices with guacamole, kale/sweet potato/apple baked crisps or chickpeas.
Carbs
Why: Your body needs nitrogen, causing you to feel fatigued.
Try: High-protein foods like nuts, beans and almonds.
Citrus
Why: Citric scents have a calming property to them. Citrus cravings mean that your body is trying to relieve itself of stress and anxiety.
Try: an orange and fennel salad
