Understanding and Overcoming Your Cravings

Understanding and Overcoming Your Cravings

A variety of protein powder and shakes.

Studies have shown that over 90% of us experience cravings on a regular basis, suggesting that these cravings may not only be moments of weakness but may also be meaningful signals that our bodies are missing something. (1)

Cravings can be both physiological and/or psychological and can represent a complex interplay of multiple factors, from neurotransmitter dynamics to emotional impulses, blood sugar fluctuations, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental cues. Neurotransmitters – or lack thereof – can impact your cravings, and be the reason for your need to satisfy that sweet or salty indulgence.

Research suggests that women tend to have weaker control over their food cravings compared to men, and males are more likely to crave savory foods, whereas females are more likely to crave high-fat and/or sweet foods. (2)

Food cravings can really dismantle or interfere with following a healthy diet or wanting to make changes to your eating regime. It is important for you to understand your food cravings and how to resolve them.

Are Your Neurotransmitters Impacting Your Cravings?

Cravings to Help Increase Focus and Energy

Do you have cravings to specifically try and help with increasing your focus and energy? Then this could be related to low dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for our drive, motivation, and giving us that “get up and go.” Diets that are low in protein may be impacting your ability to focus and be motivated, and this, in part, can be due to one specific amino acid — tyrosine — which helps to make dopamine. Tyrosine also acts as a natural antidepressant, and depression can also be a trigger for cravings. It is also a natural appetite suppressant that might also help to curb hunger in general.

Foods high in tyrosine include seaweed, spirulina, turkey, chicken, beef, tofu, squash, pumpkin seeds, and eggs. If you struggle to get enough protein into your diet, you may want to consider supplementing with Tyrosine.

Cravings to Seek Comfort and Reward

Seeking comfort and reward with food can be due to a lack of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that are produced in your brain. They attach to your brain’s reward centers (opioid receptors) and carry signals across your nervous system. They are “feel-good” chemicals because they help relieve pain, reduce stress, improve mood, and put you in a positive state of mind.

Endorphins can be boosted by exercising, eating, having sex, getting a massage, and in many other ways.
Releasing endorphins has been shown to regulate appetite and help reduce cravings related to seeking comfort, especially if you seek treats as a reward. (3)

Strategies to help boost your endorphins and manage cravings can include exercise. Many people feel a “runner’s high” after a good run. But you don’t have to run to feel a runner’s high. Other forms of exercise that will help you release endorphins include power walking, swimming, dancing, hiking, as well as other pleasurable activities such as sex, acupuncture, and spending time with friends laughing.

If you feel like you need an added boost, then you may want to consider taking a D-Phenylalanine supplement.

Cravings to Relieve Stress

Stress eating can be due to a lack of GABA. GABA can take away the “food noise” and reduce the feelings of being deprived. If you struggle with feeling anxious, worried, or fearful, unable to relax or loosen up, experience physical tension/stiff or tense muscles, feel easily overwhelmed,  and burned out, have intrusive/unwanted thoughts, as well as cravings for sugar, carbohydrates, and alcohol, then you may need to look at supplementing with GABA.

However, it is not just about “popping a pill.” GABA is best taken sublingually by using a GABA spray, powder, or sucking on a GABA lozenge so it to be absorbed into the bloodstream in the mouth.

To find out more about GABA and how to take it, check out this article.

Looking for a GABA supplement that can help with this? Click here for the best ones to use.

Cravings Due to Worrying, Ruminating Thoughts, Sadness, and More Cravings in the Afternoon and Evening

This can be due to low serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to boost our mood, it acts as a natural pain reliever, and can help support better sleep. When we have low serotonin, it can cause us to have increase cravings for carbohydrates, sugar, and even alcohol and drugs.

Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps to make serotonin, so consuming foods such as turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese, and nuts can help.
However, converting tryptophan into serotonin requires several nutrients (co-factors) such as iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, folic acid, zinc, and vitamin C. Many lifestyle factors can interfere with this conversion, such as digestive issues, smoking, blood sugar fluctuations, hormone imbalances, and stress.

If that is an issue, then you may want to consider taking 5-HTP, which is further along the pathway of making serotonin.
You will need to consult with your health practitioner (especially if on antidepressants) about taking a 5-HTP or tryptophan supplement.

I have seen great success with supplementing to help control cravings and binge eating when it is related to low serotonin.

Reasons Behind Your Particular Cravings: Sugar, Salt, Chocolate, and Alcohol

Sugar Cravings

Sugar cravings can be from gut dysbiosis which is when there is to much bad bacteria or yeast (candida) in the gut can trigger intense sugar cravings to feed these pathogens. Blood sugar imbalances can also trigger sugar cravings. If you start your day with processed or high sugar foods then this can cause a blood sugar crash later on in the day resulting in strong cravings to help get the body back up in the normal range however, eating vegetables and healthy food won’t help you get that much needed boost quick enough so instead we tend to gravitate to more those quick glucose spiking foods such as refined grains, baked goods and sugary treats.

Solutions:

  • Speak to your naturopathic doctor if you think you may have candida and get tested.
  • Follow an anti-candida diet with a supplement protocol if needed.
  • Start your day with a high-protein breakfast (e.g., eggs, low-sugar Greek yogurt with berries, protein shakes) to keep blood sugars stable.
  • Balance meals through the “my plate method”: ¼ plate protein, ¼ starchy vegetables (like squash, sweet potatoes), ½ plate non-starchy vegetables.
  • Focus on high-fiber foods and consider diets like the Mediterranean Diet, Anti-Inflammatory Diet, or the Metabolic Balance Program.

Salt Cravings

High stress and adrenal fatigue can be a reason for your salt cravings. Adrenals are also responsible for keeping our blood pressure up, when they are overworked, our body calls for support such as salt to bring up our blood pressure so the adrenals can be released from this task.

Solutions:

  • Get cortisol testing (saliva testing multiple times a day) with a natruopath doctor.
  • Balance blood sugars, as low blood sugar causes a cortisol release.
  • Support adrenal health with supplements like Cortisol Manager.

Chocolate Cravings

Chocolate cravings can be due to low magnesium and often when people don’t get enough magnesium in their diet they tend to have cravings for chocolate. Chocolate contains caffeine that you also might be looking for to give you a energy boost. It also contains phenylethylamine which helps to create the chemicals that helps to give us the sensation of love.

Solutions:

  • Boost magnesium intake with legumes, raw nuts and seeds, dark leafy greens, and whole grains.
  • Choose high-quality dark chocolate (85% cocoa or higher) to avoid high sugar.
  • Supplement with magnesium bisglycinate or citrate, or relax with an Epsom salt bath. Click here for magnesium supplements.

Other Considerations for Cravings

Hormone Fluctuations

Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in regulating cravings, particularly involving hormones like leptin, which signals satiety, and ghrelin, which stimulates appetite. When a person is carrying increased weight, it can dampen the hormone that signals satiety and perpetuate a negative spiral of further cravings, overeating and subsequently more weight gain.

Women often experience heightened cravings for sugary foods due to hormonal changes occurring during their menstrual cycle and when in peri-menopause when our estrogen and progesterone are low. These hormones impact the brain’s reward system, particularly the release of dopamine, which reinforces the desire for calorie-dense foods.

Solution: There are many treatment approaches and strategies for managing cravings related to hormone imbalances. One approach is the Metabolic Balance Program which helps to reduce insulin and balance out hormones to eliminate cravings all together. Consider hormone-balancing programs like the Metabolic Balance Program.

Summary

Lack of certain neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin can all influence what you crave and why you crave it.
Cravings can also be related to nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, stress and psychological issues.

Supporting a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet will go a long way, but if extra help is needed, consider seeking counselling, a Nutritionist/Dietitian,  Naturopathic Support, or even a Disordered Eating Coach.

References

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4918881/ 
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5083777/
  3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/eating-habits-and-the-psychology-of-food
Mushroom and Spinach Egg Bites

Mushroom and Spinach Egg Bites

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

Mushroom and spinach egg bites are a nutritious and convenient option. You can make a batch of them and then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 2 months. This high protein breakfast is great for people on the go and struggle to have time to make a decent breakfast or lunch. Not only are these quick and convenient but are packed with nutrients and support blood sugar balance which is extremely important when starting your day to avoid blood sugar crashes in the mid afternoon.

Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein (with just 1 egg containing 6.3 grams), essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. The yolks are particularly rich in choline, vital for cell membrane health and cholesterol regulation as well as they help to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is important for memory and muscles. Eggs provide complete proteins necessary for muscle repair and growth, making these bites suitable for post-exercise nutrition. ​ 

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green, abundant in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support bone health, muscle function, and cardiovascular wellness. According to The Worlds’ Healthiest Foods, folate also reduces the effects of homocysteine, a blood-chemical whose excess may hasten heart attacks. Spinach’s magnesium, potassium and calcium work with sodium in the body to regulate water retention and prevent high blood pressure. Additionally, spinach is rich in antioxidants that combat inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to overall health. ​ 

Mushrooms are low in calories but high in essential nutrients, including B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants. They have been linked to immune system support and may help lower blood pressure. Incorporating mushrooms into your diet can enhance nutrient intake without adding excessive calories. ​ 

Garlic is renowned for its medicinal properties, largely attributed to sulfur compounds like allicin. It has been shown to boost the immune system as it is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial. It can help reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, thereby supporting heart health. Garlic also possesses antioxidant properties that protect against cell damage and aging.​

Incorporating mushroom and spinach egg bites into your diet can provide a convenient, nutrient-rich meal option that supports blood sugar balance, memory, brain health, immune system and gets you a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

Mushroom and Spinach Egg Bites

This high protein breakfast is great for people on the go and struggle to have time to make a decent breakfast or lunch.

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Eggs
  • 1 1/3 tbsp Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1/3 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/3 Yellow Onion
  • 2/3 cup Mushrooms
  • 1 1/3 Garlics (cloves, minced)
  • 1 1/3 cup Spinach Leaves (packed and finely sliced)

Notes

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Whisk together eggs, almond milk and sea salt in a mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and mushroom and saute for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
  3. Add garlic and spinach and continue to saute just until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and add to mixing bowl with eggs. Mix well.
  4. Line a muffin tray with liners (parchment paper cups work best). Evenly distribute the egg/spinach mixture across the muffin tin leaving some room at the top as the egg will rise. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool before removing the liners. Enjoy!

Mini Flourless Chocolate Cake

Mini Flourless Chocolate Cake

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

These delicious mini treats are gluten free and only 144 calories each. Great for a light and easy dessert after dinner or as a special afternoon treat. Eggs, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder are not only versatile culinary ingredients but also offer notable health benefits when consumed in moderation.​

Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium. They also contain choline, crucial for brain health and development.

Contrary to past concerns, moderate egg consumption does not significantly impact heart disease risk for most individuals. In fact, eggs can increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good” cholesterol, which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.​

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are derived from cacao beans and are rich in flavonoids, particularly flavanols, which have potent antioxidant properties. These compounds have been linked to various health benefits:​ 

  • Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of dark chocolate with high cocoa content has been associated with improved blood vessel function, reduced blood pressure, and lower LDL cholesterol levels, all contributing to better heart health. (1) ​ 
  • Cognitive Function: The flavonoids in dark chocolate may enhance brain function by improving blood flow to the brain, potentially aiding memory and cognitive performance. (2)
  • Mood Enhancement: Dark chocolate contains compounds like phenylethylamine, which can stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of well-being and happiness. (3)

It’s important to note that the health benefits are more pronounced in dark chocolate with higher cocoa content (70% or more) due to the increased concentration of flavonoids. Additionally, cocoa powder offers similar benefits and can be a versatile addition to various recipes. However, processing methods can affect flavonoid content; for instance, Dutch-processed cocoa undergoes alkalization, which reduces its flavonoid levels. (4) ​ 

While these foods offer health benefits, they should be consumed in moderation. Incorporating eggs, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder into a balanced diet can contribute positively to overall health, provided they are consumed thoughtfully and as part of a varied nutritional plan.

References

  1. https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/60158/20241226/health-benefits-drinking-hot-chocolate.htm
  2. https://www.health.com/dark-chocolate-health-benefits-8733315
  3. https://www.realsimple.com/benefits-of-dark-chocolate-8749926
  4. https://www.health.com/dark-chocolate-health-benefits-8733315

Mini Flourless Chocolate Cake

These delicious mini treats are gluten free and only 144 calories each.
Servings 6
Calories 144 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/16 oz Avocado Oil Spray
  • 2 2/3 oz Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cacao)
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cocoa Powder

Notes

  1. Preheat the oven to 300ºF (150ºC). Grease ramekins or a muffin tray with the oil spray, or use a silicone muffin tray.
  2. Add the chocolate and butter to a large glass bowl. Slowly heat the chocolate and butter in 20-second increments in the microwave.
  3. In a bowl of a stand mixer, add the egg whites. With a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high until soft peaks form. Slowly add the coconut sugar while beating, about one tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated.
  4. Add the egg yolks to the chocolate mixture and mix well. Add 1/3 of the egg whites to the chocolate, then stir to combine and lighten the chocolate mixture. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
  5. Pour the batter into the ramekins or muffin cups and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely, then remove them from the muffin tray. Dust with cacao powder before serving and enjoy!
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.
To add more flavor, add vanilla or espresso powder.

Trans Fats, Saturated Fats, and Mental Health: What You Need to Know

Trans Fats, Saturated Fats, and Mental Health: What You Need to Know

A variety of protein powder and shakes.

60% of our brains are made up of fat so we are literally a bunch of fat heads! Our brain is made up of both saturated and unsaturated fats. The problem is we tend to consume too much saturated fat and saturated fat from the wrong kinds of foods.

Trans Fats

Research shows that people that ate the most trans fats, had up to a 48% increased risk of depression.

Trans fats are made artificially through the process of hydrogenation. They are used to increase shelf life of processed goods and have zero health benefits. In fact they have many negative effects on the body and brain. Trans fats lower serotonin levels and increase inflammation, both of which can contribute to depression. It has also been linked to mood disorders, aggressive behaviour and can interfere with memory. It can cause liver damage, fatty liver disease, impair reproductive health, damage the lungs, as well as cause weight gain, neurological problems and digestive disorders. As you can see trans fats does not serve us in any way, shape or form. But a lot of us with busy lifestyles are looking for the quick and easy boxed foods to help us get through the day little knowing the consequences of making these kinds of choices.

 

Where do we find trans fats?

Be mindful of reading labels. Any product that lists “partially hydrogenated oil” contains trans fats.

Foods that contain trans fats and should be avoided include:

  • Fast foods – cheese burgers, French fries, fried chicken, onion rings, and nuggets
  • Some spreads such as margarine spreads and peanut butter
  • Chips, crackers, cookies, doughnuts and pastries
  • Non-dairy creamer
  • Meat sticks
  • Pre-prepared cake frostings and pie/pie crusts
  • Commercial waffles and pancakes
  • Microwave popcorn
  • Commercially pre-prepared products, such as pizza dough and cookie dough

 

Saturated Fat

Eating a standard Western diet high in processed carbohydrate and sugar-rich foods can cause your body to produce unhealthy saturated fatty acid and cholesterol in the body. Consuming a diet high in processed foods that contain a lot of saturated fat will contribute to heart disease and obesity, but it also can significantly impact our mood.

Consuming a high amount of saturated fat from processed foods will inhibit dopamine from signalling to our brain which will impact your ability to feel pleasure, contentment, motivation, happiness and satisfaction.

However, we do need some saturated fats in our body but it is where we get the saturated fat from that can be an issue as there are healthy and unhealthy sources. You need to avoid processed foods that are high in saturated fats such as:

  • corn oil and other vegetable oils
  • margarine
  • shortening
  • pizza
  • commercial baked goods
  • burgers and fries

Saturated fat, when consumed from natural whole foods, is healthy and may protect against heart disease. We need some saturated fats in our diet as they also help to make up part of our brain structure. When we say 60% of our brain is made up of fat, 50% of that is saturated fat and it plays an important part in our ability to think and remember.

Healthy forms of saturated fat include:

  • fatty cuts of meat like ribeye and lamb chops
  • heavy cream
  • beef tallow
  • butter (grass-fed)
  • coconut (oil, milk, flesh), palm oil
  • cacao butter
  • dark chocolate

 

MONOUNSATURATED FATS

Consuming MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fats) and eliminating trans fats are crucial in preventing and addressing depression. Monounsaturated fats come from plant-based foods. A study of 12,000 participants found that consuming high levels of mono- and polyunsaturated fats in the diet showed a lower rate of depression. The same study also found high intake of trans fats increased the risk of depression. This may be due, in part, to the impact it has on dopamine. Monounsaturated fats from plant food sources include: olives/olive oil, avocados, sesame seeds, macadamia nuts, cod liver oil, hazelnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts and cashews.

Olive Oil and Depression

Following the Mediterranean diet with consuming high amounts of olive oil have been shown to lower the risk of depression.

One study including more than 12,000 people showed that participants with an olive oil consumption higher than 20 grams a day (1.5 tablespoons) had a 30% lower risk of depression than those without consumption or with a very low consumption of olive oil.

It is recommended that you consume 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil a day to help lower your risk of depression.

Summary

Fats play a role in our overall health and mood. We need fats in our diet and a variety of them. Saturated fat is important in our diet but the food source of this type of fat is important and needs to come from healthy sources such as coconut oil and grass fed butter. Monounsaturated fats play a role in supporting healthy mood and brain function which is why the Mediterranean diet is seen as a therapeutic option for someone struggling with depression. And of course trans fats have no place in our diet and in our bodies and only serve to wreak havoc to various body systems and fuel depression.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26171719/

https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-assessment/default.htm