Cravings: Your Body's Secret Language
By Katherine Andrew MPH, RD, LDN
Why We Have Cravings
As mothers, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities, leaving little time to decipher our body’s signals. But what if I told you that those pesky cravings you experience are more than just random urges? They’re typically your body’s way of communicating important messages about your physical and emotional well-being.
We often tell clients that our cravings are like children’s behaviors:
💥 They often cannot begin to understand or articulate what they are truly feeling or trying to express
💥 AND yet, they can STILL tell us that something is off by the way that they behave
How many of you have had a child hit their sibling or say mean things, and you knew that their behavior was completely unrelated to whatever was going on in the moment? How many of you have learned that when your toddler is losing it on the floors of Target, it’s often from exhaustion or hunger?
Similarly, our cravings are signs. But they aren’t signs that we need to take word for word. When I crave a glass of red wine, it likely doesn’t mean I have an alcohol deficiency. More likely, my brain is craving glucose and pleasure. It’s been a long day, and my brain wants me to choose something that will slow me down.
Often, we crave things because we have fallen into habits that we need to break. Or our brain is just exhausted from decision fatigue. Either way, the answer isn’t to simply ignore your cravings.
Here are some things that cravings could be signaling:
- Physical or mental exhaustion or overload
- Need for joy or escape
- Too much blue light and not enough natural light
- Mineral depletions (often sodium or potassium)
- Changing blood sugars
- Dehydration (sometimes mistaken for hunger)
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress or anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- Nutritional imbalances
For example, a craving for chocolate might indicate a magnesium deficiency, while a desire for salty foods could suggest an electrolyte imbalance. Cravings for carbohydrates might be your body’s way of trying to boost serotonin levels, especially if you’re feeling stressed or down.
Remember, cravings aren't inherently bad. They're your body's way of communicating its needs.
Explore Your Craving
So, the next time you notice a strong craving, consider spending just ONE MINUTE (seriously, that’s all) exploring the following:
- What could my brain be trying to tell me?
- Did I undereat a particular nutrient and my brain is seeking the fastest way to recover (i.e., eating carbs at lunch might make you crave candy in the afternoon)?
- Is my blood sugar bouncing all over the place and I really just need some protein?
- Could my craving for wine or sweets simply be a craving to give my body and brain a break for a few minutes – and could I sit down for just five minutes, do some breathwork, and feel that craving go away?
- Will what I am craving fill whatever it is my brain or body is seeking? PS, sometimes the answer is YES! And if so, how could I sit down and really enjoy that food rather than feel guilty for having it?
- Am I actually thirsty rather than hungry?
- Have I been getting enough sleep lately?
- Is this craving related to my menstrual cycle or pregnancy?
How To Deal With Cravings
Remember, cravings aren’t inherently bad. They’re your body’s way of communicating its needs. By listening to these signals and responding thoughtfully, you can develop a healthier relationship with food and your body.
Here are some mindful Strategies that we suggest for Dealing with Cravings:
- Keep a craving journal to identify patterns
- Practice quick stress-reduction techniques like breathing or stepping outside
- Ensure you’re eating fat, fiber and protein at all meals
- Stay hydrated and consider an electrolyte if you still feel thirsty
- Stop scrolling at bed time
- Move your body every day, even if in very gentle or low intensity ways
- Consider speaking with a Registered Dietitian or Therapist if cravings persist or feel unmanageable
What your most frequent cravings and can you see a connection to what they could be telling you? Remember, every mom’s journey is unique, and sharing our experiences can help us all learn and grow together!
Katherine Andrew, MPH, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Masters degree in Public Health with nearly fifteen years of experience in community public health and private nutrition counseling. Her work experience includes individual and group health counseling, interactive workshops, food systems consulting, non-profit program development and management, and safe skin care advocacy and promotion. She works with clients to identify and address health concerns, navigate food sensitivities, explore body image, plan healthy meals for themselves and their families, evaluate and improve hormone health, maximize stress management, and restore their relationship with eating so they can enjoy food and thrive. Gut health, food sensitivities, hormones, family food dynamics, and intuitive eating are a few of Katherine’s passions and specialties.
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