Craving Chocolate? What is your body really trying to tell you?

I always tell my clients to listen to their bodies, so what if your body is telling you it wants a big block of chocolate or some fried chicken? Does that mean you should go out and satisfy the craving with unhealthy food choices? What is your body trying to tell you through your cravings?

We have all experienced cravings, we should however be careful about the way in which we satisfy them. By understanding what your body is actually deficient in (assuming it is a physical, not an emotional food craving) you can get to the root cause of the crav­ings, and eventually kick those bad eating habits altogether.

BUT – before you satisfy cravings with food take the time to drink a tall glass of pure water. Quite often we misinterpret our body’s signal for thirst as a signal of hunger. By drinking a large glass of water first, you may be giving your body exactly what it wants and alleviate the craving altogether. Some experts estimate that up to 80 percent of the population is chronically dehydrated, so start with water first before you try to understand your cravings.

Still craving a particular type of junk food? If ten minutes after drinking your glass of water your cravings are unsatisfied the table below provides some suggestions about what your body may really telling you. What nutrients your body may need and what good food choices you can make to banish those cravings and stay lean and healthy!