ARE YOU HUNGRY OR YOU HAVE STRONG FOOD CRAVINGS

Cravings

We all know what it means to crave for something. What many people don't know is this; at times, when we eat, it is not because we are "really" hungry but because are are craving for that food.

There was this time in my life when I got so obsessed with eating Bread bun. I couldn't resist the aroma of this snack and I eat it whenever possible. Even when full, I still have small space for bread bun. It got to a time, I couldn't take my mind off this snack. I couldn't wait to leave work and grab this on my way home. When I realised I was spending a lot cash buying this snack, I had to force myself to stop. I still eat bread buns once or twice, when I feel like it.

Food cravings are intense desires for food. They are different from hunger, which is driven by the physiological need to eat. Food cravings are more related to appetite, which is driven by the psychological need to eat.

HOW DO WE CRAVE

• If eat a particular type of food when in you are in particular condition then you are craving. For instance, the constant eating of chocolate during pregnancy menstrual period.

• When you find yourself more interested in the 'slurpiness' of a mean rather than the satisfaction. For instance, Many eat noodle almost everyday because it is slurpy.

• When the texture of a food is what you always think of when you remember the food and when you are about the eat the food. For those just like to hear the crispy and crunchy sound plantain chip, potato chip and other chips make when chewing them, then you are craving.

• When what comes to your mind whenever food is mentioned is just one food, then you are craving.

• When you talk pleasure in eating non-nutrition based substance like chalk, clay, ice, wool or paper, then my friend you are craving.

• When just want to eat even you are not hungry, then are craving

WHEN DO PEOPLE CRAVE

PREGNANCY: It is no news to any adult person how pregnancy causes women to wan to eat certain type of food all the. While chocolate is the popular food women crave for doing pregnancy, other food like corn, groundnut, french fries, hamburger e.t.c are not left out.

MENSTRUAL PERIOD: Women crave for particular type of food during their menstrual period because it is belief to give a calming effect. This might be true as in the case of eating chocolate which contain serotonin an hormones which helps to calm the body.

WHEN A TYPE OF FOOD IS IN SEASON: In the natural order of things, not food always available all the time. Due to this, some people take pride eating as bulky as they can get, like the food is not coming back again.

AFTER A DIET: People also crave after they must have finished a particular diet. For instance, a person who is on a NO- FAT diet will not eat any food that contain food.The moment the person finishes his or her diet routine, a bite of the big mac burger or chicken and chips will taste so good like it his first time.

OTHER REASONS FOR FOOD CRAVING

Other reasons why people crave may include disorders such as Taste Affective Disorder (TAD), Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) and Pica.

TASTE AFFECTIVE DISORDER: TAD is a psychological condition with a biochemical basis. A person may develop an obsessive/compulsive relationship to a food, generally due to its sugar (specifically glucose) content. Sugar raises the level of dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter that is partially responsible for reward-driven learning. Non Food factors may also increase dopamine, such as exercise.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER: S.A.D is a mood disorder that may be related  to serotonin, but this is disputed. Symptoms may range from little energy, too much sleep and/or depression. Those affected may seek certain foods to reduce their symptoms.

PICA:Pica is a disorder that is characterised by unusual nonfood cravings for substances such as chalk or clay. Pica may be the result of acquired tastes, chemical imbalances, cultural traditions or neurological mechanisms that result in nutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency or anaemia.

HOW TO STOP FOOD CRAVING

STAY AWAY FROM CRAVED FOOD FOR 21 DAYS:  Psychologically speaking, it takes 21 days to build up or break a habit. So try staying away from food you usually crave for for at least 21 days.

STAY HYDRATED ALWAYS: Being hydrated will prevent from eating too much. Make sure you’re drinking about half your body weight (lbs) in ounces of water daily (if you’re 120 lbs, drink 60 oz of water a day). Dehydration makes one feel hungry and will kick what you are craving in. So, just stay hydrated.

EXERCISE REGULARLY: Staying fit and well rested will make you conscious of your daily intake.

In conclusion, as long as you did like to brag about that food you can't do without, just also be conscious of food that will spoil your diet. Do not be consumed by the urge to eat always. Learn to control what you eat; it will save you money, time and stress of keeping fit.