Why Do I Crave Certain Foods?
Tonia from Brooklyn asks,
Why do I crave certain foods?
Eating certain foods like pasta, rice, bread, and sweets will raise your blood sugar levels. It also temporarily elevates the levels of certain chemicals in our bodies, which acts like keys to unlock other chemicals. The main one in this case is dopamine, and it releases other chemicals. Some are called endorphins, which give us a feeling of pleasure. Another one is serotonin, which gives you that feeling of well-being. Serotonin is also why you get sleepy after eating a big meal.
Many of our comfort foods are also heavy in carbohydrates. Think about the foods you want and crave when you are feeling stressed or sad. Do you want mac ’n’ cheese, fried chicken and mashed potatoes, or a bowl of spaghetti? Maybe you start craving cake, cookies, or Little Debbies. One way or another we go back to the foods that make us feel full. Combine this with the rise in serotonin levels that tells our brains that we are happy. It’s no wonder we crave foods rich in carbohydrates when we are stressed or sad
Knowing the triggers that hit our brain is the start to getting these food cravings under control. Eating regularly three meals a day with snacks in between helps. Low-fat microwave popcorn is a quick fix to the carbo-munchies!