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Sep 6, 2023 · Registered dietitians explain what it can mean when you're hit with a sugar craving, and how to stop cravings from creeping up in the first place. It could be harmless—but it could also mean ...
Insatiable Cravings (Video 2006) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more.
- Overview
- Why We Get Cravings
- Coping With Food Cravings
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Sugar cravings are often caused by imbalances in blood glucose levels. Low blood sugar levels might cause you to crave something sweet in order to bring up these levels. Other factors that can play a role include psychological stress, medications, hormone imbalances, and health conditions.
It’s not unusual to crave carbs, sugar, and chocolate when you are stressed or dealing with depression. Cravings can be your body’s way of letting you know it’s not getting something it needs, such as a specific vitamin or mineral. Having certain cravings, such as for chocolate or other sweets, is also often linked to how you feel emotionally.
You don’t have to completely deprive yourself of the treats you enjoy. The key is understanding why you are craving them and making sure that your overall diet is balanced and nutritious.
Learning a little more about the connection between food and mood can empower you to control your cravings rather than letting them control you.
How to Overcome an Addiction
Common Causes of Food Cravings
Psychological or emotional stress Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications Hormone imbalances (especially in relation to pregnancy and the menstrual cycle) Physical and mental health conditions (such as type 1 diabetes, depression, and eating disorders) Research has shown that cravings can also be driven by memories rather than bodily cues. Consistently having a certain food at a certain time creates a mental link—you might say it almost “feeds” the craving. For example, if you grab a snack from the vending machine at work at the same time each afternoon, your desire for the snack may be less about satisfying hunger and more out of habit. Sweets and decadent meals are often associated with vivid memories of food at social gatherings, such as holidays, parties, and family get-togethers. If you find yourself thinking about your Grandma’s molasses cookies or your mom’s famous apple pie, you may be missing your family members, not the food. It might sound like cravings are “all in your head,” but that doesn’t mean you're imagining them. In fact, they're most often based in biology. In 2004, researchers used fMRI machines to look at people's brains as they experienced food cravings. They noticed similarities in the neuroanatomy of food-craving brains and those of people who were addicted to drugs and alcohol (who may also experience cravings for these substances). In a 2011 study, researchers found that when one area of the brain was activated, it temporarily decreased food cravings, particularly for sweet foods and carbohydrates. Findings from similar studies have helped researchers understand the phenomenon of food addiction, which can be another factor if someone is experiencing persistent cravings. Research has also shown that some foods tend to be more "addictive" than others, including highly processed foods with a high glycemic load. The way the mind and body (especially the gut) are connected, the mechanisms that drive hunger, as well as our unique memories, tastes, and dietary needs make food cravings very complex.
The Serotonin Theory
One theory about food cravings involves serotonin, a neurotransmitter needed for mood regulation. Researchers believe that having an imbalance of serotonin in the brain contributes to the development of depression. When you're craving carbs, you're usually being drawn to foods that encourage serotonin production. In a sense, reaching for sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods can be a way of self-medicating depression. Research seems to support this theory: Having a meal high in carbohydrates tends to raise levels of serotonin, while a high-fat, high-protein meal may reduce them. The effect of carb cravings on low mood may be stronger when people eat food with a high glycemic index, such as candy, as these cause a higher peak in blood sugar levels.
The Role of Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin. That means your body needs tryptophan to make serotonin. Tryptophan may also produce a calming effect through interactions that take place within the realm of the gut-brain axis. Several studies have proposed that low levels of tryptophan can increase hunger and drive food cravings, as well as contribute to symptoms of depression. A diet with plenty of high-tryptophan foods may be helpful in boosting mood and managing cravings. Tryptophan is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as seafood, eggs, and poultry, and can also be taken in the form of a supplement.
While you might feel better at the moment, overindulging in sweets to cope with stress has long term physical consequences such as weight gain. There are also emotional consequences. Over time, a high-sugar diet may worsen symptoms of depression (especially if you tend to feel guilty about having or "giving in" to cravings).
There are some ways you can learn to cope not only with cravings but what is causing them. It’s important to address what’s really driving you to reach for a cookie when you’re upset so you can better care for your mind and body.
- Nancy Schimelpfening
A man shocks his girlfriend by revealing that he bought them a large house (which used to be an old bordello) without her knowledge, and he infuriates her by inviting his spiteful ex-girlfriend to the surprise party of friends.
May 16, 2023 · Learn why food cravings occur and what factors influence them. Find out how to cope with cravings and choose healthier alternatives with tips and examples.
Insatiable Cravings is a roleplaying card game. Using a standard 52-card deck and some d6s, you’ll build a hand of cards that will either kill the other player’s character or blossom a relationship between the two.
Jan 1, 2007 · Is Insatiable Cravings (2007) streaming on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Peacock, or 50+ other streaming services? Find out where you can buy, rent, or subscribe to a streaming service to watch it live or on-demand. Find the cheapest option or how to watch with a free trial.
