Scientists have found that each craving you have actually reveals something deeper that your body really needs..
ICE CREAM – What you’re really craving is less stress. There’s a scientific reason you want it, research shows: just feeling the cold, smooth texture of ice cream in your mouth triggers the release of galanin, a neuropeptide that relaxes you instantly.
COOKIES – What you’re really craving: A quick energy jolt. A sugary-carb craving – like cookies or donuts – is a sure sign you need to boost your energy. It’s a quick fix, which is what we subconsciously look for when we feel drained.
CHIPS – What you’re really craving: A thirst-quenching drink. Believe it or not, we crave salt when we’re feeling dehydrated. Because salt helps the body hold on to water, we subconsciously seek it out. Surprisingly, when we’re dehydrated, we often don’t feel thirsty.
CHOCOLATE – What you’re really craving: Relaxation. It’s no accident that chocolate can make you feel more relaxed: It contains phenylethylamine, which is the chemical that’s released when you’re in love. It’s also loaded with magnesium – which helps stabilize blood sugar and makes you feel calm and content.
PIZZA – What you’re really craving: A break. Researchers found we tend to crave rich comfort foods like pizza, mac ‘n cheese and meatloaf when we’re feeling overwhelmed and frazzled – and not just because of the mood-boosting carbs, but because they psychologically bring us back to a simpler, gentler time.
BURGER – What you’re really craving: A mood boost. When we crave meat, we’re often in need of the iron it provides, which helps prevent fatigue and depression, and makes us feel happier. And research shows 30% of all women need more iron in their diets.
