Whether you are a mechanic or not, we all know when there is something wrong with our cars. It may make a funny noise. It may drive differently. And if we still don’t pay attention to the signs, a light will eventually come on to alert us we need to take it into the shop. I thank God for my maintenance lights that come on when I need an oil change or my tire pressure is low.

Well, just as it is with our cars, our bodies are machines that are designed to do the exact same thing. If you have ever received a life altering diagnosis from your doctor there were signs along the way. You felt it or noticed it.

ladywithfingersinearMost people always know when something is wrong with them. They may not always attend to it – usually due to fear – but they usually know. They just choose to ignore the signs.

Our bodies are always talking to us. God designed them that way. It tells us when we need to go to the bathroom, when we need to rest, when we need to get up, when we’re thirsty, when we’re hungry. It ALWAYS tells us what we need to do.

By the same token our bodies will also tell us what we need to eat. Unfortunately, many people are too controlled by their cravings to notice. They’re so accustomed to responding to cravings, that they don’t really know what their body needs.

Here’s some good news – you don’t have to allow cravings to dictate your actions. In fact, cravings are really an indication that something is off. When your body craves a particular thing, its because it’s missing something. So when you crave salty potato chips or chocolate cake, that’s not really what your body wants. It’s telling you there is a deficiency of a key nutrient.

Here are Five Primary Causes of Cravings:

1. Water – lack of water of water can send the message that you are thirsty and on the verge of dehydration. Dehydration can manifest as a mild hunger, so the first thing to do when you get a craving is drink a full glass of water. Excess water can also cause cravings, so be sure that your water intake is well balanced.

2. Seasons – often the body craves foods that balance the elements of the season.  In the spring, people crave detoxifying foods like leafy greens or citrus foods. In the summer, people crave cooling foods like fruit, raw foods and ice cream. In the fall, people crave grounding foods like squash, onions and nuts. During winter, many crave hot and heat-producing foods like meat, oil and fat. Cravings can also be associated with the holidays. That’s when many people crave foods like turkey, eggnog and sweets.

3. Lack of nutrients – if the body has inadequate nutrients, it will produce odd cravings. For example, inadequate mineral levels produce salt cravings, and overall inadequate nutrition produces cravings for non-nutritional forms of energy, like caffeine.

4. Hormonal – when women experience menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, fluctuating testosterone and estrogen levels may cause unique cravings.

5. De-evolution – when things are going extremely well, sometimes a self-sabotage syndrome happens. We crave foods that throw us off, thus creating more cravings to balance ourselves. This often happens from low blood sugar and may result in strong mood swings.

So, now that you’re aware of the reasons behind your cravings, do you think you can start listening to your body and responding to what it needs?

I’d love to hear your response. Please leave a comment on my blog.

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