We always strive to live a healthy life whereby we take care of our bodies by guarding what we eat, to incorporate the saying “you are what you eat.” I’m pretty sure that most of us have been under the strongholds of cravings, for whatever reason and no matter how much we resisted, we’ve always lost the battle.
Health experts have an explanation as to why people crave certain feel-good foods and what their bodies are telling them about that. It would often be said that when you crave a certain not-so-healthy food item, your body is probably communicating a certain deficiency that you need to look at. That would then mean that instead of satisfying the craving, you need to address the deficiency.
These are some of the strategies suggested by health publications to replace your junk cravings with healthy ones:
The Cleveland Clinic publication advises that you:
- Opt for chocolate-dipped pretzels or fruit instead of entire chocolate bars.
- Swap applesauce for oil or decrease sugar by at least one-fourth.
- Opt for sparkling water without sugar instead of carbonated drinks with artificial sweeteners.
- Switch white potatoes for sweet potatoes for lower glycemic index and higher micronutrients.
- Instead of chips, try air-popped popcorn, popcorn made with extra virgin olive oil, or unsalted mixed nuts.
- Replace sugary treats with berries and dark chocolate.
- Add nut butter for protein and healthy fat.
- Try berry herbal teas, frozen berries, and homemade nut balls sweetened with Medjool dates.
The Paulina Yeh Events publication adds that homemade Greek yoghurt popsicles are a healthier alternative to ice cream, as they are easy to make and satisfy 80% of cravings. It is mentioned that Greek yoghurt is a rich source of protein, calcium, iodine, and potassium, provides healthy bacteria for the digestive tract and is made without artificial preservatives, thickeners, sweeteners, flavours, or colours.
Also see: These are the health benefits of honey
