Cover image via Spoon UniversityWho hasn't experienced that desire to eat something in the middle of the night, whether it be cookies, french fries, junk food, and everything that's nice and unhealthy?
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There are also those palpable [#hanger] (http://says.com/ph/foodtrip/check-out-teacher-s-village-new-restaurants) moments that you just wanted to go inside a random restaurant and eat literally everything…
… even though the average human consumption is only limited to a certain amount in a day — unless you're not human, sorry. Stereotyping unintended.
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According to studies, cravings are actual signals that your body is deficient of certain vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Nutritionists recommend that you should drink water first if you started craving for something because, sometimes, your body is just thirsty and not really hungry.
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It's time to put a stop on those unhealthy eating habits and start satisfying your cravings with the right food (hint: yes, healthy diet ahead)
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**So, wanna know what your cravings truly mean?**
Craving for: Sweets
Craving for chocolate, candies, milkshakes, cakes, choco nut? It means that **you are experiencing blood sugar fluctuations**. If this is a chronic occurrence, it could be that you are low in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This could also mean that you're tired.
**SOLUTION:** Boost your energy by taking a walk. If after doing that you're still craving for sweets, eat fruits.
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Craving for: Salty
Craving for salty foods like [potato chips] (http://says.com/ph/lifestyle/d857d87a-efde-4cb1-a764-09216696d487), popcorn, or *tusok-tusok* means that **you are experiencing stressed, dehydrated, and you lack in Vitamin B-complex**. According to Care2.com, "The adrenal glands help your body cope with stress and, in our fast-paced, hectic lives, tend to become worn out, especially from stress-hormone production."
**SOLUTION:** Meditation with 10-minuter breathing exercise is the best way to calm your body. Foods that are high in Vitamin B-complex are leafy greens, whole grains, eggs, fish, and citrus fruits according to [Health Claps] (http://www.healthclaps.com/vitamin-b-health-benefits-and-vitamin-b-complex-foods.html).
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Craving for: Carbs
Craving for carbs (ehem, burger!) means that **your body's deficient in nitrogen**. Nitrogen is present in high-protein foods like beans, fish, meats, and nuts. Symptoms of a nitrogen-deficient are *cracks at the corner of the mouth, hair loss, and red or white acne-like bumps*.
**SOLUTION:** To fight the nitrogen deficiency, eat a bowl of nuts or steamed fish and white rice to give your body the right protein that it needs.
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Craving for: Dairy
Craving for anything "cheesy" is a sign that **you need Omega 3**. Some of the symptoms of Omega 3 deficiency are *excessive thirst, attention problems, and rough skin*. Cheese "contains the stimulant tyramine and milk contains L-tryptophan which triggers the release of the "feel-good chemical" serotonin — as well as choline, which has soothing properties," said Kimberly Snyder, CN and author of [The Beauty Detox Power] (http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Detox-Power-Nourish-Discover/dp/0373893183/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427999788&sr=1-1&keywords=the+beauty+detox+power).
**SOLUTION:** You need to eat creamy fruits like durian, avocado, kaimito, or banana. You can try walking or jogging to release endorphins that will soothe your body.
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Craving for: Caffeine
Craving for caffeine means you are **suffering from iron-deficiency**. "A lack of iron can make us tired and lethargic, as there are fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body," according to Muscle and Fitness.
**SOLUTION:** Instead of relying on coffee to pick your brain cells and energy up, WebMd.com recommends to eat beef or chicken liver, white meat, beans, and tofu.
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Craving for: Junk Foods
Most of the time, **craving for junk foods like burger, french fries, and pizza** means that you are **deficient in calcium, sleep deprived, and tired**. "When you're tired your brain can confuse this with hunger because food gives us energy. The brain knows that these salty, deep fried foods activate the reward centre," according to [2Day FM] (http://www.2dayfm.com.au/scoopla/food/blog/2015/9/what-your-food-cravings-are-telling-you-about-your-health/)
**SOLUTION:** Eat salad (greens, please!) with chunks of cheese, breadcrumbs, and add a meat of your choice! Leave yourself guilt-free!
**P.S. Don't do Joey.**
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Now, what are you craving for? 🙂
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