Let's Talk Cravings (Paid)
Dynamic Duos for Satisfying Those Cravings
Howdy do friends!
Any thought or feelings about this months issue? I personally think it is pretty cool, but I also am quite easily fascinated by all things nutrition and health. That said, myth busting that sneaky old narrative about your body craving what it needs (nutritionally) shook me to my core! I was sad to learn that nutrient deficiencies don’t necessarily cause cravings - and here I thought our bodies were super duper smart! I mean, they are, but I suppose just in different ways. Anywho!
As paid subscribers, you are all in for a few extra sweet treats - a lovely podcast, some food recommendations, and suggested recipes that will address the nutritional component of each topic. Without further ago, welcome to Let’s Talk Cravings Part Two… let’s get started with some food recommendations and then we will dive into some recipes.
Satisfying Your Cravings
Now, this is a highly contested area of research. From what I have read, it is difficult to say if there are any causal relationships between cravings and specific nutrients or food groups that consistently satisfy them.
As I mentioned in the main issue, research seems to suggest that the “nutrient-deficiency theory” is far to anecdotal to be scientifically sound. The main argument used to dispel this hypothesis being rooted in nutrition needs during pregnancy. There is no rhyme or reason behind pregnancy cravings and despite the body needing more nutritionally during this period… pickles and peanut butter or bacon wrapped grapes or whatever the heck a pregnant women is craving certainly does not support the “nutrient-deficiency theory.” Interestingly, what came from this research was one particular correlation: cravings appear to be gender specific.1 I won’t dive into this much at all. All you need to know is that women experience hormonal changes following their menstrual cycle. As we learned, hormones have a profound effect on cravings. That said, women are more likely to crave sweet whereas men are more likely to crave savoury foods.2
