What Your Food Cravings Might Be Telling You

Craving chocolate? You might be low on magnesium. It's especially noticeable if you're not craving other sweets. Dark chocolate is much better for you than milk chocolate, which has a lot of sugar and not many nutrients.

Instead of sugary milk chocolate, try grabbing some leafy greens, avocado, or pumpkin seeds. They're packed with magnesium. If you really can't stop at one, aim for dark chocolate with at least 64% cacao content—dark chocolate has more magnesium since the higher the percentage, the less sugar it has. Enjoy your treat in moderation!

Craving sweet treats could mean your body isn't getting enough chromium. This mineral isn't needed in huge amounts, but it helps insulin work better and can stabilize blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest chromium picolinate supplements might help reduce cravings, especially for those who are overweight.

To get more chromium from food, try adding more of these to your diet: broccoli, onions, green beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Cinnamon is another tasty option to consider.

Want to learn more about how stress can affect your sweet cravings? Check out our section on that topic.

Craving salty snacks a lot? Your adrenal glands might be stressed. These glands help balance hormones, and if they're overworked, your body might want more salt to balance out the extra sodium loss. Plus, if you're low on minerals like potassium, your body might be telling you to grab some salty snacks. Another sign could be that you're dehydrated—your body needs fluid to work properly, and sometimes it asks for salt to help retain that fluid.

To switch things up, try eating more potassium-loaded foods like bananas, avocados, tomatoes, and potatoes. Thirsty? A glass of water will do you good. If you're unsure about your adrenal glands, it's a good idea to check with your doctor. A good night's sleep can also help support your adrenal health.

Can’t stop eating cheese? You could be lacking in essential fatty acids. And less surprisingly, it may also indicate a calcium or vitamin D deficiency. Sugar cravings are another possibility as milk contains natural sugars in the form of lactose.

What to eat instead: Walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds and wild salmon are all great sources of fatty acids. Experts recommend that you eat fatty fish a couple of times per week if you are a fish eater. If calcium is the problem, greens such as broccoli and kale can boost your levels. And of course, there’s always cheese itself if you eat dairy!