Have you found yourself reaching out for desserts or a savoury treat more often of late? I’ve always been an emotional eater, almost always putting down my cravings to stress (and sometimes, boredom). And while cravings are definitely your body’s way of telling you something, it’s not always psychological. Integrative nutritionist and wellness entrepreneur Ishani Vellodi Reddy breaks down the triggers and shares practical tips that could help curb your cravings.
You’re thirsty
Thirst can mimic the sensation of hunger, and often does. Your ‘craving’ may actually just be your body asking for a bit of hydration.
Solution: Drink some water and see if the craving subsides.
You might have low blood sugar
The human body is smart, and if your blood sugar dips and your body needs some energy, it will push you towards whatever is closest for a quick jolt of energy. This is the most common reason for the 4.30pm snacking that a lot of people experience.
Solution: Eat in a way that keeps your blood sugar level in check—make sure you’re getting sugar through complex carbohydrates, following consistent eating patterns and consuming lots of fibre, which regulates the speed of your body’s absorption of sugar.
Your hormones are out of whack
Hormones are pretty powerful and control just about everything. Appetite is no exception. Whether due to stress, lack of sleep, or PMS, if your hormones are off, then your perception of hunger is probably off too.
Solution: Balanced hormones are a sign of physical and mental equilibrium—it involves good sleep, stress management, eating mindfully and in a way that prevents inflammation.
Your gut is not balanced
Your gut biome is made up of a balance of microbiota that’s always changing and unique to you. Each different strain is distinctive, as well as what it thrives off. So when your gut biome is imbalanced and one strain becomes unchecked, it can trigger cravings for what that one strain thrives off.
Solution: Take care of your gut. Eat an array of whole foods, especially lots of vegetables, drink plenty of water, and manage your stress levels. Once you’re doing all that, add a probiotic as well.
You have a nutritional deficiency
Sometimes, when your body is running low on a particular nutrient, it’s reflected in a craving. For example, if you’re low on iron, you may suddenly start craving red meat, or if you’re low in Vitamin C, you may crave citrus. Though this one is spoken about a lot, in practice, it is much rarer than the other causes.
