If you have ever felt intense desire for ice cream, french fries or pizza, you've experienced food cravings. Unlike normal hunger, which cues desire for food in general, cravings involve specific foods or flavors. Although occasional cravings are common and harmless, frequent or intense cravings can lead to complications, such as weight gain and depression. To learn the best ways to manage your cravings, and recognize any underlying condition, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Your body requires sufficient amounts of nutrients to function properly. If your body lacks certain nutrients, your brain signals desire for foods that contain those nutrients, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center, or URMC. If you lack iron, for example, you might crave steak, chicken or beans. If you consume too few carbohydrates, your body might crave bread or sweets.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, can also trigger food cravings. Although anyone can experience it, hypoglycemia is particularly common among people with diabetes. Eating balanced meals that provide enough food and not skipping or delaying meals can help prevent it, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Heavy exercisers tend to experience carbohydrate cravings related to blood sugar decline because their glycogen stores, which comes from carbohydrates, have been depleted.
Dieting
Weight loss diets commonly restrict calories or nutrient groups, such as carbohydrates or fats. As a result, you may develop cravings related to nutrient deficiencies or a sense of deprivation as some of your favorite foods are prohibited. Cravings for simple carbohydrates, such as cookies, breads and candy, are particularly common among dieters, according to the URMC. Giving in to these cravings can trigger overconsumption of the foods, making way for a cycle of dietary restriction, overeating and, potentially, weight gain.
Hormonal Factors
Hormones play an important role in your metabolism and appetite. Food cravings during pregnancy are believed to stem from hormones circulating throughout your system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Women often experience food cravings before menstruation, as well. Allowing yourself to indulge in cravings on a moderate or occasional basis can help keep them at bay.
Emotional Factors
Many people experience food cravings during times of stress, loneliness or other emotional challenges. Rather than face your problems head-on, you may eat as a means of coping or as a distraction. Cravings for "comfort foods," such as foods you enjoyed during childhood are common during stressful and anxious times, according to the URMC. Learning positive ways to manage stressful situations and negative emotions can help minimize emotional eating behaviors.
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