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We all have different cravings when it comes to dealing with emotions like stress, anxiety, happiness, and boredom.
Whether you grab the first piece of chocolate you lay eyes on or the biggest bag of salty potato chips in the pantry, it’s safe to say that something else is probably triggering that overwhelming craving.
According to Kimberly Snyder, Celebrity Nutritionist and Author of “The Beauty Detox Power,” regular cravings usually represent some kind of emotional imbalance.
“A person with cravings is similar to a woman who always dates the wrong guy. Until she gets to the root of why she chooses men who don’t treat her well, her underlying attraction to these men will remain. And until you get to the root of why you crave foods that don’t nourish your body, the cravings will remain,” Snyder explains.
Every food you crave tends to be linked to a different issue or emotion that your body is just begging you to deal with.
Here is an easy guide that breaks down our most common cravings, so you can figure out what each one means, and finally get to the bottom of the underlying problem.
Chocolate
Have you been feeling down about yourself lately? If you can’t seem to satisfy your constant need for chocolate, your body may actually be trying to get ahold of what’s inside that sweet treat. Chocolate contains PEA (phenylethylamine), a powerful chemical in the brain that improves mood and even imitates the feeling of being in love. On top of PEA, chocolate also offers a healthy dose of pyrazine, a chemical that may trigger the pleasure center of the brain. If you’re constantly seeking happiness and pleasure, you may really be craving love and a sense of self-esteem that can’t be found inside a bar of chocolate.
Salty & Crunchy Snacks
When you feel like you need to chew on something salty and crunchy, your body might really be trying to show you just how stressed, angry, or frustrated you are in that moment. Indulging in empty calories will only make you feel worse about yourself than you did before you picked up that box of crackers. The best way to get a handle on your crunchy craving is to work through the real issue that’s been bothering you. Stress and anger tend to make us anxious, so it’s important to slow down and take some deep breaths before confronting who—or what—is making you feel frustrated.
Carbs
Just like chocolate, junk food offers us a quick pick-me-up that we often feel like we need to get through the day. Carbs have a unique texture and taste that feels comforting and familiar to us. If you run to the pantry for some junk food every time you’re feeling blue, just keep in mind that the boost of energy refined carbs offers you will crash just as quickly. It’s important to remember that not all carbs are bad. In fact, whole, unrefined carbs—like sweet potatoes and quinoa—can give you sustainable energy that lasts much longer than junk food.
Which foods do you crave most often? Tell us in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2015 Mike Haller/Flickr
