Sudden cravings for salty or sweet foods happen to the best of us. But for the most part, random cravings tend to be for the most calorie-dense options like brownies, pizzas, cookies, chips, and pasta. Something along the lines of two thick slices of bread layered in peanut butter or a crunchy chocolate bar. But why does this happen, and why do we get these sudden cravings for carbs?
It could mean a variety of things. Just so you know, that doesn’t mean the sudden cravings are permanent either. With a little relaxation and mindfulness, you might be able to tame these impulses down. Usually, these random cravings happen because of underlying factors. Maybe you’re not eating enough food in general? Or perhaps you’re not balancing meals with enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber to stabilize blood sugar? If it’s none of the above then you might have an underlying health condition causing you to experience low blood sugar or mineral levels. This can all create sudden cravings.
The best way to get a grip on these random cravings is to acknowledge that they’re happening. Then it’s best to start alleviating them by ensuring you are eating a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein. Try not to be too restrictive either because you need to get enough of all of these food groups. This will keep you satisfied. In fact, it’s an even better idea to go for a yearly check-up with a health doctor to make sure there aren’t any underlying health issues affecting your nutritional needs. Also, be sure you’re not overexercising or under fuelling. This will only stress you out more.
Sudden cravings for carbohydrates
Are you clear about all of this and yet still find yourself eating copious amounts of carbohydrates? It is that you’re very low on energy, and now you’re turning to the quickest option you can get. Experts recommend snacking on something with intense flavor rather than settling for something you don’t want. Avoid grabbing a boring roll or average cookies. Try to prepare snacks made with spice and satisfying textures. MindBodyGreen recommends trying smoky-flavored almonds because they’re crunchy and bold but balanced. Then at dinner time, choose cauliflower pieces that are crisp roasted with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for spice.
You won’t believe how much more satisfied you will feel. Expert nutritionists recommend trying to match the specific flavor or texture that you’re craving, but with a healthier alternative. What does this mean? Well, usually a healthier carb option is one that will provide more fiber, important vitamins, and minerals, and sometimes even protein. The point is to opt for whole food carbohydrates like legumes, potatoes, grains, quinoa, fruits, and starchy vegetables.
It really helps to clear out the rubbish in your kitchen. That way you won’t be able to snack on poor quality foods like sugary sweets or salty treats. If you’re craving something sweet, then switch it up for berries because they contain a lot of fiber. Blueberries and raspberries are amazing! You can even freeze them for a healthy sorbet treat. Researchers say berries contain about 8 grams of fiber per cup, as well as vitamin C and powerful antioxidant compounds like anthocyanins. These are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their beautiful color.
You’re Constantly Getting Sudden Cravings For Pasta
There are times in your life when all you want is to eat calorie-dense food. It’s frustrating because you don’t really want to be eating all those carbohydrates, but your body keeps craving them. Luckily there are other options to choose from when you find yourself in this predicament.
The point is to be clever with the snacks you choose. Don’t go for the bread. Sweet potatoes are amazing as a combination of sweet and savory, and they’re an instant carb killer. One medium sweet potato provides about 20 grams of carbs per serving, 4 grams of fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. They also contain the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is what gives sweet potatoes their gorgeous orange hues and 13% of your daily potassium needs.
An interesting combination is combining a little ghee and cinnamon for flavor or peanut butter and apples as a midday snack.
Legumes Kill Sudden Cravings
If you ever do, don’t underestimate the power of legumes and pulses. They’re amazing at keeping you satisfied, strong and happy throughout the day. You don’t need to be a vegetarian to enjoy their benefits either. In fact, if you’re struggling to avoid sudden cravings for pasta, bread, or pizza, then you’re a solid candidate to start eating more legumes and pulses.
Dieticians recommend beans and lentils as a fantastic carb option. This is because they provide lots of fiber and protein and your body digests them slowly. This means that when you’re in the mood for pasta, have a look for a bean and lentil-based option in your local store. Chickpea pasta is brilliant because it kills your sudden cravings for carbs, and it’s high in protein. Moreover, nutritionists explain that roasted chickpeas are good for when you’re craving a carbohydrate snack. Better yet, a half-cup serving of chickpeas will provide about 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
Sudden Cravings: Mind And Body
However, if nothing seems to kick these sudden cravings then you need to start looking within. Often we have sudden cravings because of the emotional or psychological state we’re experiencing. Your mind sometimes confuses these thoughts or emotions like stress or anxiety with feeling hungry. This is because the stress hormone (cortisol) has increased.
Therefore, your best might be to relax a bit and take it easy. Nutritionists state that most of the time, they see people who are experiencing sudden cravings for XYZ. But these sudden cravings are not fully related to the actual food or macronutrient their physical body needs. They’re coming from an emotional place instead.
Dieticians state that if you think your cravings might be coming from an emotional place, then it’s probably best to start working with a licensed health care provider. You might seek refuge through a registered dietitian or psychologist who will help and support you in figuring out the root issues. They will then guide you through processes that can help you work through these issues.
No matter what the root cause is, the point remains that your sudden cravings can be dealt with. You just need to start paying more attention to your mind and body.
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