While food cravings are apart of everyday life

Satisfying them on a regular basis can lead to weight gain and other health issues. To better deal with these cravings, it is important to understand their causes and strategies for making healthy choices.

Emotional eating is caused when certain types of foods have left behind a sensory imprint. We have already experienced the good feelings of dopamine when we eat these foods, so the association is set and that’s why we may want more.

Hormones certainly have something to do with food cravings and feeling like you can’t go on without satisfying a craving is normal. It a part of your mind and your body, especially when going through PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). A decrease in serotonin (mood-boosting brain chemical that responds to carbohydrates) is present for both PMS and PMDD. With mood swings and crankiness common to these conditions, comfort food is understandably desired.

In her article, Bauer lists “craving cures” such as avoiding highly processed foods containing fat, sugar and salt. Other suggestions are to avoid mindless eating, save one treat for later in the day and distract your taste buds by sipping on herbal tea or a skim latte. Replacing the image of food with a nonfood item is always helpful. Eating healthy carbs such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains regulates serotonin production. Finally, don’t forget that having a regular eating schedule will help.

If you tend to skip one or more of these meals, try including them for one week. I bet you’ll find that you eat less at each meal, choose healthier options and have fewer cravings.