What Your Cravings Are Trying to Tell You
Ever find yourself standing in front of the fridge, craving something salty, sweet, or crunchy and... you’re not even that hungry? Cravings are super common, and contrary to popular belief, they’re not a sign of failure or lack of willpower. They’re your body’s way of communicating.
Let’s break down the science behind cravings and how you can respond to them with curiosity, not guilt.
Types of Cravings & What They Might Mean:
🍫 Sweet Cravings – Sometimes linked to low energy, poor sleep, or emotional comfort. Your body may be looking for a quick hit of glucose (especially if meals have been sparse or unbalanced).
🥨 Salty Cravings – These could point to dehydration, stress, or even low electrolyte levels—especially if you’ve been sweating a lot or drinking a ton of water without replenishing minerals.
🍞 Carb-heavy Cravings – Often tied to low serotonin or just plain old hunger! Carbs aren’t the enemy—your body needs them, especially if you’ve been restricting or skipping meals.
🧀 Fatty/Creamy Cravings – May signal a need for slow-digesting energy or comfort. Fat helps us feel full and satisfied, especially when paired with protein and fiber.
What to Try Instead of Ignoring Cravings:
Pause and check in. Are you physically hungry? Tired? Bored? Stressed? Identifying the root can help you respond better.
Balance your meals. A mix of protein, carbs, fiber, and fat keeps blood sugar steady and cravings more manageable.
Allow what you’re craving—sometimes. Completely restricting foods often makes cravings louder. Satisfaction matters.
Stay hydrated and well-rested. These are sneaky craving triggers!
Real Talk from Me:
I used to think craving chocolate at 9 p.m. meant I was weak or doing something wrong with my diet. Now I know it usually meant I was tired, under-fueled from the day, or just needed a little comfort. Giving myself permission to eat mindfully changed everything. No more guilt, just curiosity and care.
Try This: The next time a craving hits, pause for a moment and ask yourself: What might my body need right now? Whether it's food, rest, or a little comfort, getting curious can lead to better choices—not perfection, just progress.
Always in your corner,
xoxo,
Paige
P.S. My 30-Day Habits Challenge helps you build nourishing habits that leave room for flexibility and satisfaction—because health isn’t about restriction, it’s about connection. ❤️ Join in today!
Paige Sellers
Founder and CEO, New Paige Nutrition