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We’ve all been there - having a huge craving for some type of food that you’ll stop at nothing to get!
So is there a reason for these cravings? What is it that makes us absolutely yearn for some particular tastes and flavours? Here are some answers to your questions...
Why we crave It is currently uncertain whether true physiological reasons exist as to why we crave. It’s likely psychological issues are the main cause of our food cravings. If nutrition played a part in food cravings, we would be craving fruit and vegetables since these provide us with many vitamins and minerals. Many females don’t get enough calcium, yet when we need more, our bodies don’t crave milk, yoghurt and cheese. Our food choices are influenced by a combination of cultural, social and psychological factors rather than any feedback system from lack of nutrients in our bodies. Chocolate Cravings Unfortunately, craving chocolate doesn’t mean you’re lacking something that is found in chocolate. However, chocolate does contain chemicals that stimulate the feel good part of the brain. Tryptophan is an amino acid which the body uses to make serotonin. High levels of serotonin make us feel good! Phenylethylamine is another chemical present in chocolate. High levels of this make us feel excitement, apprehension and attraction.
The most recently publicised feel good compound in chocolate is anandamide. This is a neurotransmitter that works on the same part of the brain as THC which is the active ingredient in cannabis. But to actually impact on the brain to produce effects, you’d need to eat a huge amount of chocolate, which would more than likely make you sick! While these compounds are found in chocolate, the effects they would have on you are likely to be negligible as the quantities are too small.
Carbohydrates Dieters often crave carbohydrates, which some speculate is due to their diet being too low in calories. Sometimes cravings can be caused by low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can affect appetite fairly quickly, leaving you hungry and craving carbohydrate type foods. But why are our cravings normally for high fat, sugary type carbohydrates like lollies or cake, rather than pasta and bread? It is likely that the craving for high fat, sugary foods is due to the palatability of these. Fat helps carry flavor which is why high fat foods taste good. Sweetness is the only flavour that we were born liking. All other flavors are acquired, so your sweet tooth has been with you from birth!
Cravings in pregnancy Many pregnant women report strong food cravings, often for foods that are unconventional compared to other cravings such as gherkins. It is thought that cravings during pregnancy may be attributed to the high levels of hormones experienced in pregnancy.
Beating cravings The trick is not to beat it, but to go with it in a more healthy way. Saying no when you really feel like something is likely to result in a binge later on. A good tip is to wait 20 minutes. If you’re still having a craving, allow yourself to have a small portion. For example, a mini chocolate bar rather than a giant one. This will give you a taste without going overboard on fat and calories. Another tip is to find a healthier alternative for your craving. Feel like something crunchy and salty? Instead of chips, go for a small handful of nuts.
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We’ve all been there - having a huge craving for some type of food that you’ll stop at nothing to get! 
The most recently publicised feel good compound in chocolate is anandamide. This is a neurotransmitter that works on the same part of the brain as THC which is the active ingredient in cannabis. But to actually impact on the brain to produce effects, you’d need to eat a huge amount of chocolate, which would more than likely make you sick! While these compounds are found in chocolate, the effects they would have on you are likely to be negligible as the quantities are too small.
Beating cravings