Health benefits of cravings: More than just hunger pangs, here's how to to use them to heal

Understanding food cravings: Pay attention to your cravings and eat slowly, savouring each bite. This can help you connect with your body and satisfy your hunger without overeating (Image: Canva)

You’ve probably had many a food craving. From wanting your favourite sweets to comforting memories of mom’s home cooking, there are many reasons that you could want to reach out and eat a certain type of food.

Instead of looking at cravings as something to resist, ignore, or stamp out altogether, it’s possible to learn from food cravings as a way to meet the deeper needs of your body.

Here’s how to find peace in your relationship with food

Why cravings aren't always unhealthy

• Nutritional deficiencies: Sometimes, cravings signal that your body is lacking certain nutrients. For example, a craving for chocolate might indicate a need for magnesium.

• Emotional triggers: Food cravings can be a way to cope with stress, boredom, or other emotional states. It's a natural response to seek comfort and reward.

• Cultural and personal preferences: Our upbringing and cultural influences shape our food preferences, leading to specific cravings.

While it's important to listen to your body's signals, it's also essential to approach cravings mindfully. Instead of viewing them as a weakness, consider them as an opportunity for self-care:

• Mindful eating: Pay attention to your cravings and eat slowly, savouring each bite. This can help you connect with your body and satisfy your hunger without overeating.

• Emotional exploration: If you notice a pattern of emotional eating, try to identify the underlying emotions and find healthier ways to cope, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a friend.

• Nutritional balance: Ensure you're getting a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This will help prevent nutrient deficiencies and reduce cravings.

• Listen to your body: Trust your instincts and indulge in your cravings occasionally, but in moderation. Deprivation can often lead to overeating.

How to make food cravings work for you

• It’s natural for cravings to arise from time to time. Instead of ignoring, or immediately gratifying them, try sitting with the sensation. Explore the need. See if you can satisfy it by drinking some water, going for a walk or distracting yourself. And if you still want to eat that food, enjoy it without guilt. It’s not about willpower but about knowing what you need.

• Pay attention to your belly. There can be numbness, emptiness, fullness, tingling, warmth. As you focus on belly sensations, begin to count. Once you feel in touch with the sensations in your belly, feel whether you’d still like to eat.

• Don’t worry about should or shouldn’t you eat. Just delegate the task, Trust your body and know when it wants food.

• Practice sitting with your cravings and understanding your body. This can help you understand your cravings more and help you interpret your body’s needs better.

• Celebrate your needs. Don’t be afraid.

• Ask ‘what else am I hungry for? It could be more than your favourite rasgulla. You might want a hug from your favourite person, or validation, or rest. The more you listen, the better you will get at understanding your food cravings.

• Always keep the food you are craving in your house. That way the brain will remember that food isn’t such a big deal. Always eat some of what you crave in the week. This satisfies your urge and stops you from binging.