By: Dr. Eileen Psencik
Attempting to avoid those holiday treats at the multiple events you are required to attend this holiday can be nearly impossible. What most people do not know is that your insatiable cravings could mean something; they could be your bodies cry for nutrition! Most who have tried to diet once in their lifetime have heard that hunger pains could be mistaken for dehydration (the bodies cry for water). This holiday season listen to your body, see what your crave most from that sweets table and try reaching for these foods instead. Personally, I like to come to holiday events prepared, taking extra adrenal support like Nutriwest’s DSF and having my SP Allerplex on hand in case I am exposed to any foods that I am sensitive to. A great herbal remedy to curb sugar cravings is Standard Process’ Gymnema. You may see a trend in the list below – load up on your proteins, good fats, fresh fruits and vegetables during the stressful holiday season. Getting the right good fats can be complicated, remember to have us check what oils you are taking to help curb the cravings and reduce your inflammation.
Craving Chocolate? Need Magnesium. Food Sources: Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruit
Craving Sweets? Deficient in Chromium, Carbon, Phosphorus, Sulfur and Tryptophan. Found in: broccoli, grapes, cheese, chicken, fresh fruits, beef, fish, eggs, nuts, cranberries, kale, cabbage, any tree-like greens, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Craving Bread/Toast? Need Nitrogen. Found in: high protein foods
Craving Salty Foods? Chloride deficiency. Try using mineral packed sea salt and make sure to take your adrenal supplements!
Craving Fatty foods? Need Calcium. Foods: Broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
- Lectures, Cheryl M. Deroin, NMD, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Spring 2003 (healthy food recommendations)
- Bernard Jenson, PhD, The Chemistry of Man B. Jensen Publisher, 1983 (deficiencies linked to specific cravings and some food recommendations)
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