This Global Wellness Day, we look into what our emotions say about our food cravings along with healthy alternatives to swap up with your usual comfort yet not-so-healthy food choices. Glance below!
They say the first rule of discipline comes when you can control your food cravings. But how exactly are they linked in the first place beyond the sugary ones?
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN EMOTIONS AND FOOD
There are varied reasons as to why and how your emotions affect your food cravings. Imbalance of hormones like serotonin or dopamine, nutrient deficiency hence the body demanding more specific nutrient-dense foods, and seeking comfort in food.
Most cravings one can control by simply drinking water and distracting themselves but with elevated levels of emotions, that might be hard. Take a look below what your emotions are craving for and what better options you can resort to:
IF YOU’RE ANGRY:
You’re probably craving crunchy foods like chips, fast foods, hard candies and such. While nuts are a healthy option, resorting to fast foods will do more harm than good. Reach out for healthy chips or snacks such as sweet potato chips, baked apple chips, and of course, a handful of nuts. You can also munch on some veggies like carrots, cucumbers, celeries, and broccoli.
IF YOU’RE ANXIOUS/DEPRESSED/SAD:
We all know nothing beats being stressed better than desserts, but we also know it’s not the healthiest choice to resort to. At least not all the time! Healthier foods to stick to would include fruits. You can have them as salad, with your oats/muesli, or even yoghurt. Dark chocolate is also healthy keeping in mind it’s not a lot of slices.
IF YOU’RE LONELY:
If you’ve been feeling down and lonely, you’re probably going to crave filling and bulky foods, such as pasta, vegetables, and especially homemade food. While you might want to reach out for sweeter items, make sure to resort to healthier foods only. You can even stew your own vegetables in the process to feel better. Eating foods dense in nutrients such as eggs, fish, or dairy products in general can also help here.
IF YOU’RE BORED:
You’re willing to eat anything and everything. Especially now with being home all times, it’s best to stock up on healthy binge items. You can always check out our list of the healthiest binge-worthy foods here: https://globalspaonline.com/health/diet-nutrition/foods-for-comfort-6-healthiest-binge-items/
IF YOU’RE FEELING LOST:
If you’re feeling lost and simply need assurance, you’re craving either salty or sweet and salty foods. Instead of munching on too much sodium or snacks, try eating more of healthy salted nuts, roasted kale chips, or drink water immediately. Fruits once again can bring back some positivity.
Most food cravings last for only about five minutes, while others depend on how much you’ve been consuming a certain food. Make sure you’re listening to your body wisely.
Stay safe, and stay healthy!
Image Credits: unsplash.com
