{"id":41372,"date":"2024-05-30T17:37:45","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T07:37:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rachaelattard.com\/?p=41372"},"modified":"2024-11-15T18:14:39","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T08:14:39","slug":"effective-ways-to-deal-with-intense-cravings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rachaelattard.com\/effective-ways-to-deal-with-intense-cravings\/","title":{"rendered":"Effective Ways to Deal with Intense Cravings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Feeling guilty about wanting to get another spoonful of ice cream? Always having a strong urge for something salty?

Out of nowhere, you get this overwhelming need for a particular food, and it feels like you can’t think about anything else until you get it. Whether it’s that gooey slice of chocolate cake, or a bag of salty chips, cravings can be super powerful!

But it can be managed and I’ll help you with it :)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I\u2019ll talk about what cravings are, why we experience them, and how to effectively manage them without feeling overwhelmed. I\u2019ll share with you some of the things that helped me in dealing with cravings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT ARE CRAVINGS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But before we go to the how\u2019s and why\u2019s of intense cravings, it is important to understand what cravings are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intense cravings<\/a> are those intense, sudden desires for a specific food that you feel like you need to eat right now. Over 90% of people experience cravings<\/a>, so it’s totally normal. Everyone’s cravings are a bit different, but they usually don’t last long and are often for processed foods loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. For us women, we are more likely to crave sweet and high-fat foods<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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WHY AM I HAVING INTENSE FOOD CRAVINGS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cravings aren\u2019t just random whims\u2014there’s a lot happening behind the scenes! Unlike hunger, which tells you that you need food for energy, cravings are more about wanting something specific to eat. They’re influenced by a mix of physical and psychological factors<\/a>, and figuring out what triggers your cravings can help you manage them better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HORMONES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hormonal fluctuations can really mess with our intense cravings, especially for us women. During our menstrual cycles, changes in estrogen and progesterone<\/a> levels can make us crave certain foods like crazy. For me, it’s usually chocolate cravings hitting hard about 5 days before my period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when it comes to pregnancy, those hormones take things to a whole new level. I remember when I was pregnant my taste buds and sense of smell went into overdrive, making those cravings even stronger! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EMOTIONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Emotions can definitely play a big role in our cravings. When we’re stressed, anxious, or feeling down, it’s like our bodies start screaming for comfort foods. You know, those sugary, fatty treats that seem to make everything better, at least temporarily. They do that by giving us a little boost of serotonin<\/a> or the so-called happy hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LACK OF SLEEP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not getting enough good sleep can make you crave food, especially at night. I’ve had those times when I’m tempted to grab some chips or stare at the ice cream in the fridge in the middle of the night. Have you ever felt like that too?

That’s because not sleeping well messes with the hormones that control hunger<\/a> and feeling full. So, it’s no wonder, we’re craving snacks in the middle of the night!

RELATED POST: GHRELIN AND LEPTIN: HORMONES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL HUNGRY AND FULL
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Sharing with you my go-to natural supplements that I use daily to get a good night’s sleep :)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Women\u2019s Health and Fitness (@rachael_attard)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>