Help! Why Can’t I Stop Snacking?

Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Every Craving!

We all sometimes struggle with snacking. We snack because we are board, we emotionally snack hoping that the snack will change the way we are feeling, and we snack because we have that inner craving for a specific type of food that we just cannot ignore.

Why do we crave certain types of foods and how can we address these craving in a healthy way? Cravings are a way for your body to tell you what it needs. Therefore, instead of becoming frustrated with yourself for having them, I encourage you to listen to the message they are telling you. They may be letting you know that you are lacking some important vitamins or minerals in your diet, that you need to get more sleep, that you need to care for your emotional well being or that you are dehydrated and need to consume more water.

If you crave…

Salty Foods

• You may be dehydrated. Often when our bodies do not maintain their natural fluid balance we get the craving for salt.
• You may have an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are elements and compounds that occur naturally in the body. They control important physiologic functions.
• You may be under a high level of stress. The adrenal glands are responsible for releasing cortisol which helps regulate blood pressure and your body’s response to stress. Sodium slows down the release of cortisol during stressful periods. Craving salt could be one way your body is trying to deal with unusual stress.
• You may need sleep. A lack of sleep raises cortisol levels just like stress. As your cortisol levels rise your body will crave salt to bring them back down to normal.

Sweet Foods

• You may have a blood sugar imbalance. When your body ingests sugar, your blood sugar spikes and your body releases insulin to lower it to a safer level. If the insulin brings your blood sugar level a bit too low, as often happens, your body craves foods that will raise it and increase your energy.
• You may be lacking Magnesium. Magnesium regulates glucose and insulin levels, as well as the neurotransmitter dopamine. A deficiency will cause intense sugar cravings, especially for chocolate.
• You may need more protein. Protein and fats slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream, when you don’t consume enough of them your blood sugar can rise and fall at an abnormal rate.

Fried or Fatty Foods

• You may need more fat in your diet. Fat is a source of essential fatty acids, which the body cannot make itself. Fat helps the body absorb vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.
• You may need more calories in your diet. Calories provide our bodies with energy and we are not able to function without them.

Spicy Foods

• You may be depressed or need some excitement in your life. Spicy foods release endorphins which boost your mood and make you feel good.
• You may be overheated. Spicy foods cause your body to sweat which naturally cools down your body temperature.

Now that you have determined the possible reason for your craving, here are some healthy ways to satisfy it.

Have a glass of WATER!

First start with drinking a glass of water. We often mistake dehydration with hunger and turn to food when our bodies are really telling us that they need more fluids. A good rule to follow is to drink 8oz of water 30 minutes before eating anything. This will give your body time to register that it has the fluids it needs and then you can determine if you are still craving a snack. If the craving has not subsided try one of the healthy snacks below.