Your cravings can be a tell-a-tale sign of what nutrients you’re missing. Women’s Health decoded women’s most common cravings Here.
When You Crave Salty Food
Longing for salty chips is your body’s way of telling you that you may have a mineral deficiency.
Studies have shown that women who eat low-calcium diets want salty foods more than those who get enough of the bone builder, says Michael Tordoff, Ph. D.
When You Crave Chocolate
Chocolate releases serotonin-the feel good hormone, that can act as an antidepressant. Your chocolate craving is a sign your happy chemicals are low.
When You Crave Spicy Food
This could mean your body is having trouble cooling down and is craving a fiery taste to make you perspire.
Some research also suggests that people become addicted to the rush of spicy food—the spiked blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, and rapid breathing, says Tammy Lakatos Shames, R. D., a coauthor of The Secret to Skinny.
When You Crave Sweets
Lusting for sweets can mean that you’re looking to boost your mood (like with chocolate) or that you’re low on energy.
When You Crave Sweet + Salty
Your body needs glucose and sodium to function properly and not feel so tired.