Food Cravings are real. We all know the feeling: you’re standing in front of the fridge or pantry, eyeing up that last piece of cake or bag of chips. Your stomach growls, and your mouth starts to water. You know you shouldn’t eat it, but you can’t resist. Sound familiar?

We all have different food cravings when it comes to satisfying our hunger. Some crave sugary snacks, while others prefer salty or savory foods. There is a range of statistical information and research findings related to the prevalence of food cravings in people. A study found that nearly 60% of participants reported experiencing food cravings. The most commonly craved foods were chocolate, chips, and ice cream. [1]
Interestingly, this study found that women were more likely to crave sweets and chocolate. In contrast, men were more likely to crave savory and high-fat foods.
You’re not alone if you find yourself struggling with food cravings daily. But there is good news: plenty of healthy alternatives can help satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet.
What causes food cravings?
Several different factors can contribute to food cravings. One of the most common is simply the power of suggestion. Seeing or thinking about a particular food (leading to salivation) can trigger a craving for that food, even if you’re not hungry. [2] [3]
Another common cause of food cravings is an imbalance in hormones, which can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, or other factors. When your hormones (serotonin and leptin) are out of balance, it can affect your appetite and make you crave certain foods. [4] Emotions and feelings also cause food carvings. Even food cravings are enhanced during pregnancy. [5]
Certain areas of the brain are also partially to blame for food cravings. The amygdala and hippocampus are responsible for memory and sensing pleasure, respectively. When these areas are activated, it can lead to cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods that give us a “quick fix” of energy and pleasure. [6]
Here are the facts about different food cravings
When it comes to food cravings, we all have our unique triggers. For example, some crave sugary snacks when stressed, while others reach for salty foods when bored or tired. But what do these cravings mean, and is there anything we can do to control them? Let’s find out!
Salty cravings strike
When craving something salty, your body asks for more electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride. These electrolytes help maintain fluid balance in the body. They also play a role in nerve and muscle function. Most people get the majority of these electrolytes from processed foods and table salt. If you try to eat a healthier diet, you may be cutting back on these sources. This can cause feelings of irritability and fatigue.

Healthy alternatives
Suppose you’re a vegan, and you’re craving something salty. In that case, plenty of healthy alternatives will satisfy your craving without harming your health. Here are some of the best healthy alternatives for salty cravings:
1. Nuts: Nuts are high in proteins and healthy fats and are very satisfying. Almonds, cashews, and peanuts are all great choices.
2. Seeds are another great source of protein and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are all excellent choices.
3. Nut Butters: Nut butter is a delicious way to get your fix of nuts and seeds. Peanut butter and sunflower seed butter are all great options. You can also make your own nut powder by smashing the nuts in a food processor.
4. Veggie Chips: Veggie chips are a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips or corn chips. Look for brands that use healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil. Avoid those that use trans fats or artificial ingredients.
5. Popcorn: Popcorn is a whole grain that’s low in calories and high in fiber. It’s also a good source of antioxidants. [7] Just be sure to avoid the flavored kind loaded with sugar or salt.
Ensure you’re eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and unrefined salts like sea salt or Himalayan salt. By doing this, you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings and maintain optimal health.
Sugary Food Cravings
When you find yourself craving something sweet, it’s important to ask yourself what your body might be trying to tell you. Are you hungry, or are you thirsty? If you’re starving, a healthier option might be some fruit or a nutrient-rich meal. Craving sugary foods can also signify not getting enough protein or fat in your diet. Your body might be craving chromium, carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, and tryptophan at that time. When your body doesn’t have enough of these macronutrients, it will start to crave sugar as an energy source.
Stress can also trigger sugar cravings. When we’re feeling stressed out, our bodies release the hormone cortisol. This hormone tells our bodies to release glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream for energy. [8]
Healthy alternatives
If you have a sweet tooth and trying to eat healthier, you may be looking for healthier alternatives for sugar cravings. A few healthy alternatives for sugar cravings can help you stick to your diet.
1. Fresh Fruit: Fruit is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting some vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruit is always the best option, but dried fruit can also be a good choice. Just read the label, as some brands add sugar or other Sweeteners.
2. Carob: A great chocolate substitute that is low in sugar, high in fiber, calcium and minerals and vitamins.
3. Sweet Potatoes: These are sweet and have a moderate proportion of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is another natural sweetener used in moderation on healthy snacks like oatmeal or pancakes. It contains essential minerals like zinc, manganese, and some antioxidants. It has a low glycemic index and will satisfy your sugar cravings. Moreover, it prevents GIT cancer growth. [10]
5. Chia seeds: These are high in omega-3 FA, dietary fibers, and minerals. These will help you feel fuller for a more extended period.
Note: If you reach for the chocolate when feeling frazzled, take a deep breath and try to relax. Taking time for yourself – even just a few minutes – can help reduce stress levels and decrease sugar cravings.
Here are some recipes that can help you with the cravings you’re having:
- Mango Chia Pudding
- Carob Treats
Oily foods cravings
When craving something oily, your first instinct might be to reach for some fried chicken or greasy takeout; but these aren’t healthy choices. Instead, your body is asking for calcium.
Healthy Alternatives for oily foods
If you’re a vegan and you’re craving something oily, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that can satisfy your craving. Here are some of the best options:
1. Avocado: It is packed with healthy fats that can help to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. [11] It contains a healthy amount of calcium
2. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are another great sources of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They make a healthy snack or addition to any meal.
3. Olives: Olives are a great source of healthy fats and antioxidants. They make excellent food on their own or when added to any dish.
4. Green leafy vegetables: These vegetables contain very low fat and minerals like calcium and potassium. They contain unique plant compounds that reduce inflammation and protect against diabetes, cancer, and cardiac diseases. [12] [13]
5. Try baked or air-fried items: Avoid deep-fried chips if you are craving potato chips. When you deep fry a snack, it contains trans fats or unhealthy saturated fats.
Carbohydrates cravings
These are 3 different carbohydrates craving types:
1. Refined Carbohydrates:
These are the most common carbohydrate cravings and include foods like candy, cookies, cake, and chips. The best way to satisfy a refined carbohydrate craving is to choose a healthier alternative that will still give you the sweet taste you crave but without all the sugar and unhealthy ingredients.
Some good options include:
- Fresh fruit
- Whole grain bread
- Crackers with peanut butter
- Air-popped popcorn
2. Complex Carbohydrates:
Starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn and grains like rice and pasta are complex carbs. So if you’re craving something hearty and filling, opt for a complex carbohydrate instead of a refined one.
Some good complex carbohydrate alternatives include:
- Roasted vegetables
- Quinoa
- Bean salads
- Whole wheat pasta
- Brown rice
3. Sugar Cravings:
Many people can’t say no to sugary treats like candy bars, sodas, and pastries. Plenty of healthier alternatives are available if you’re trying to cut back on your sugar intake but still have a sweet tooth.
- Instead of reaching for that candy bar, try eating some dried fruit.
- And instead of soda, opt for sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or make your healthy fruity smoothie.
Simple tips to avoid overeating due to food cravings
When trying to eat healthily, it’s important to be aware of your food cravings and how to avoid them. Following are some tips to control your cravings and avoid overeating:
De-stress yourself
Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is important when you’re feeling stressed. One way to do this is to get enough rest. This means getting enough sleep, taking breaks during the day, and spending time doing things you enjoy outside of work or school.
In addition to relaxation, another way to de-stress yourself is to eat healthy foods. When you’re feeling stressed, your body needs nutrients to help it cope with the added stress. You should eat many fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to give your body the necessary nutrients.
Keep a journal

When you have a craving, please write it down in a journal, along with what you ate that day and how you felt afterward. This will help you identify patterns and determine what triggers your cravings.
Craving journaling can also help you to become more aware of your eating habits and learn to control your portion sizes. If you frequently overeat when you have a craving, journaling can help you be more mindful of your eating and make better choices when it comes to food.
Drink adequate water

Drinking adequate water helps to keep your body functioning properly and can help to curb hunger cravings. If you find yourself snacking more often than usual, drink a glass of water before reaching for a snack. It will make you feel fuller and may prevent you from overeating.
Don’t deny your cravings.
You might find yourself craving junk food from time to time. While it’s important to listen to your body and give it what it wants, you can acknowledge your cravings. Plenty of healthy alternatives can satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet.
One way to satisfy a craving is to choose a healthier version of the food you’re craving. Another way to satisfy a craving is to make a healthy version of the food you’re craving. For instance, if you love pizza, try making a personal-sized pizza with whole wheat crust and low-fat cheese. Or, if you’re craving ice cream, try making a frozen banana smoothie.
Finally, if all else fails and you can’t resist your craving, allow yourself to have a small portion of the food you’re Craving. Balance is key when trying to eat healthier. Denying yourself ultimately can often lead to bingeing later. [14] So if you want that slice of cake or bowl of ice cream, go ahead and have it – be sure not to overdo it!
Don’t allow yourself to get hungry.
You crave something mostly when you’re hungry. So if you eat a complete and healthier breakfast and have lunch, there’s less chance of you craving unhealthy stuff. Moreover, if you make a proper eating routine, it will also help you avoid unhealthy cravings.
Conclusion
We all often crave something unhealthy. Whether it’s a burger and french fries or a pint of ice cream, sometimes we can’t help ourselves. But what if there were healthy alternatives to these unhealthy cravings? This blog post explores some of the best healthy alternatives for food cravings. From healthier alternatives to your favorite comfort foods to snacks that will satisfy your sweet tooth, there are plenty of options for those looking to make healthier choices. So next time you’re feeling a craving, be sure to check out this blog post for some inspiration on what to eat instead!
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References
1. Weingarten, H. P., & Elston, D. (1990). The phenomenology of food cravings. Appetite, 15(3), 231–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/0195-6663(90)90023-2
2. Meule, A., & Hormes, J. M. (2015). Chocolate versions of the Food Cravings Questionnaires. Associations with chocolate exposure-induced salivary flow and ad libitum chocolate consumption. Appetite, 91, 256–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.04.054
3. Nederkoorn, C., Smulders, F. T., & Jansen, A. (2000). Cephalic phase responses, craving and food intake in normal subjects. Appetite, 35(1), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.1006/appe.2000.0328
4. DiLeone, R. J. (2009). The influence of leptin on the dopamine system and implications for ingestive behavior. International Journal of Obesity, 33(S2). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2009.68
5. Hill, A. J., Cairnduff, V., & McCance, D. R. (2016). Nutritional and clinical associations of food cravings in pregnancy. Journal of human nutrition and dietetics: the official journal of the British Dietetic Association, 29(3), 281–289. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12333
6. Sun, X., Kroemer, N. B., Veldhuizen, M. G., Babbs, A. E., de Araujo, I. E., Gitelman, D. R., Sherwin, R. S., Sinha, R., & Small, D. M. (2015). Basolateral amygdala response to food cues in the absence of hunger is associated with weight gain susceptibility. The Journal of neuroscience: the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 35(20), 7964–7976. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3884-14.2015
7. Coco Jr., M. G., & Vinson, J. A. (2019). Analysis of popcorn (Zea mays L. var. Everta) for antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. Antioxidants, 8(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8010022
8. Chao, A., Grilo, C. M., White, M. A., & Sinha, R. (2015). Food cravings mediate the relationship between chronic stress and body mass index. Journal of Health Psychology, 20(6), 721–729. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105315573448
9. Sørensen, L. B., & Astrup, A. (2011). Eating dark and milk chocolate: A randomized crossover study of effects on appetite and Energy Intake. Nutrition & Diabetes, 1(12). https://doi.org/10.1038/nutd.2011.17
10. Yamamoto, T., Sato, K., Kubota, Y., Mitamura, K., & Taga, A. (2017). Effect of dark-colored maple syrup on cell proliferation of human gastrointestinal cancer cell. Biomedical Reports, 7(1), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2017.910
11. Hiya A Mahmassani, Esther E Avendano, Gowri Raman, Elizabeth J Johnson, Avocado consumption and risk factors for heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 107, Issue 4, April 2018, Pages 523–536, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqx078
12. Xavier, A. A., & Pérez-Gálvez, A. (2016). Carotenoids as a Source of Antioxidants in the Diet. Sub-cellular biochemistry, 79, 359–375. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39126-7_14
13. Blekkenhorst, L. C., Sim, M., Bondonno, C. P., Bondonno, N. P., Ward, N. C., Prince, R. L., Devine, A., Lewis, J. R., & Hodgson, J. M. (2018). Cardiovascular Health Benefits of Specific Vegetable Types: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 10(5), 595. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050595
14. H. Björvell, S. Rönnberg & S. Rössner (1985) Eating Patterns Described by a Group of Treatment Seeking Overweight Women and Normal Weight Women, Scandinavian Journal of Behaviour Therapy, 14:4, 147-156, DOI:10.1080/16506078509455744
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