Unhealthy Food Cravings

Did you know that food cravings are triggered by the reward center in your brain? The regions of your brain responsible for memory and pleasure, also plays a role in causing food cravings. Food cravings can happen for a variety of reasons including hormonal changes or imbalances, but more often than not, food cravings are exacerbated by your emotions, by stress and from your physical surroundings, i.e. the company office party.

When cravings hit, the desire is usually for an unhealthy alternative. Unfortunately, it is often the high fat, salty or sweet foods that seem to have a calming effect on our emotions. While it may be tough to resist a food craving, it is possible. In order to properly deal with a food craving, the best place to begin is to take a moment to assess why you are having a craving. Are you stressed from your work or home life? Is your relationship causing a level of anxiety? Are you hanging with friends or family for a holiday or get together? No matter the reason, cravings can be hard to avoid, and that’s why it’s important to deal with a craving in a healthy way.

​When you feel the urge to eat something unhealthy, take a few seconds and ask yourself why you are making this choice.  Once you determine your reason for the craving, see what healthier alternatives are available.

Some healthier options are:

Drink a glass of water.

Eat a peppermint, preferably, sugar free. 

When you want something crunchy, try opting for apple slices, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli or an ounce of nuts.

If you want something sweet, try a piece of dark chocolate, apple slices, raisins or other dried fruit.

​ If you are craving ice-cream, try opting for frozen fruit bars or sorbet

You do not always have to deny yourself a treat, but you must remember that moderation and portion control are the key to success. It’s up to you to make the final choice. Only you can decide if you are going to give in to your craving or if you are going to make a healthier choice.