Fixing Cravings
What your body really wants
When we want chocolate badly, is that a real need or a craving for some inner need for happy chemicals in the brain, a hug, vitamins, protein or water?
Why do we have these cravings?
While not every craving reflects a true deficiency, certain patterns strongly correlate with missing nutrients or unstable blood chemistry.
Here’s a list of swaps to fix it and forget it with each craving:
Craving sweets or chocolate
Magnesium, chromium, or B vitamins
Why: These nutrients support glucose metabolism and calm the nervous system. When they’re low, energy and mood dip, triggering sugar cravings.
What to eat instead: Nuts, seeds (especially pumpkin and sunflower), leafy greens, avocados, and dark chocolate (85%+ cacao).
Craving salty or crunchy foods
Minerals and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, zinc)
Why: The adrenals use sodium and potassium to regulate stress hormones. Under stress or dehydration, the body seeks salt to rebalance.
What to eat: Mineral-rich broths, olives, lightly salted nuts, seaweed, and plenty of fluids with electrolytes.
Craving bread, pasta, or starchy foods
Complex carbohydrates or tryptophan to boost serotonin
Why: When serotonin drops (from low mood, PMS, or lack of sleep), we crave carbs for temporary comfort.
What to eat: Whole grains like quinoa or oats, sweet potatoes, lentils, or fruit paired with protein and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar.
Craving rich, fatty, or fried foods
Healthy fats (omega-3s, monounsaturated fats) or fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Why: If your body lacks nourishing fats, it drives you toward heavy, greasy foods for energy and satisfaction.
What to eat: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, wild salmon, sardines, pasture-raised eggs.
Craving red meat
Iron, zinc, or B12
Why: These nutrients support oxygen transport, brain health, and energy production.
What to eat: Grass-fed beef, lamb, lentils, pumpkin seeds, or spinach with vitamin C–rich foods to boost absorption.
Craving cheese or creamy foods
Calcium, fat, or tryptophan
Why: The brain may seek comfort through dopamine release from dairy’s natural fats and amino acids.
What to eat: Greek yogurt, tahini, almonds, chia pudding, or blended soups made with coconut milk for a creamy texture.
Craving coffee or caffeine
Iron, magnesium, or energy support due to fatigue or stress
Why: Low nutrients or adrenal depletion mimic the need for a quick stimulant.
What to eat: Protein-rich breakfast with leafy greens, matcha or green tea (gentler caffeine), and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or maca.
Craving fast food or “comfort” combos
Energy and dopamine
Why: Highly processed foods overstimulate reward centers. The craving often points to low mood, under-eating, or emotional fatigue.
What to do: Focus on balanced meals with protein, complex carbs, and fat; support natural dopamine with exercise, music, and sunlight.
When you nourish your body consistently with real, balanced meals, cravings naturally quiet — and you begin to understand what your body is truly asking for.
Gradually, as your body builds up the correct amount needed of vitamins and nutrients, cravings change or go away almost altogether.
Changing the awareness of what the craving means helps you learn to satisfy the need with REAL FOOD.
**Schedule a one-hour deep dive. This is where you can bring all your personal questions!
Find the calendar link HERE
Remember we are all BIOINDIVIDUAL, what works for one does not work the same for another.
For more info on packages and classes visit Angie’s Real Food and discover your path to wellness.
Call or text me at (619) 807-1387 or send an email to hello@angiesrealfood.com to ask a question.
Use the link below to schedule a 20 minute chat to discuss your goals and learn how partnering with me will help you achieve them.
