What Your Food Cravings Mean & How to Find Healthy Substitutions

By Sunwarrior Last Edited 7-16-2024

Food cravings are a common experience, often signaling our body's need for specific nutrients or emotional comfort. However, indulging in unhealthy cravings can lead to poor dietary habits and health issues. Instead, consider healthier alternatives that satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body. Sunwarrior, known for its plant-based, high-quality products, offers excellent substitutions for common unhealthy foods. Here’s a look at what your food cravings might mean and how you can make healthier choices with Sunwarrior products.

Craving: Fats (deep fried foods, high fat animal meat, whole milk)

What it Means: When you are undernourished or are not consuming enough calories the body tends to crave fats for more energy.

For women especially, desire for fats could indicate that your body needs healthy fats to normalize hormonal imbalances (hormones are made up of fatty acids!).

A craving for fatty foods might suggest a need for essential fatty acids or a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Substitution: Incorporate Sunwarrior Omega-3 Vegan DHA & EPA supplements into your diet to ensure you get healthy fats from algae, which are crucial for brain and heart health. Also, try adding Sunwarrior Classic Protein to meals to provide essential nutrients without unhealthy fats. Healthy fats can also come from Avocado, Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk, Nuts, Seeds, Nut or Seed Butter.

Craving: Chocolate

What it Means: Craving chocolate can indicate a need for magnesium, a mineral essential for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health.

Substitution: Opt for Sunwarrior’s Magnesium Capsules or add Sunwarrior Collagen Building Protein Peptides in chocolate flavor to your smoothies. These alternatives provide the necessary nutrients and a rich chocolate flavor without the excessive sugar and calories of traditional chocolate. If you feel like you need chocolate, you could also opt for a dark chocolate or a quality cacao like Sunwarrior Be Well Cacao.

Craving: Sugary Snacks

What it Means: A strong desire for sugary snacks often points to blood sugar fluctuations or a need for quick energy. It can also be a sign of a deficiency in chromium which is a mineral that helps insulin function to control blood sugar levels.

Other deficiencies that result in cravings for sugary foods are carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, and tryptophan

Substitution: Eat Broccoli, Oats, Fresh Fruit, Nuts, Legumes, Raisins, Cranberries, Kale, and, for on-the-go satisfaction, replace sugary snacks with Sunwarrior Sol Good Protein Bars, which are coming soon! These bars offer natural sweetness from fruits and are packed with protein, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy.

Craving: Salty Foods such as chips, sea salt, popcorn

What it Means: Cravings for salty foods can indicate a need for electrolytes or dehydration. It can also be a sign of stress, as the body seeks salt to balance stress hormones. Or it could be a sign of mineral depletion.

Our bodies need trace minerals to stay healthy, these can sometimes taste salty so when we are lacking these minerals it feels like we are craving salt, when in reality we are craving minerals such as calcium, sodium, zinc and magnesium.

Substitution: Sea Vegetables, Chia, Hemp, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Cashews. Hydrate with Sunwarrior’s Active Hydration which can provide those missing electrolytes and minerals. Consider supplementing your diet with Sunwarrior’s Magnesium.

Craving: Caffeine

What it Means: Craving caffeine can be a sign of fatigue, lack of sleep, or a need for a quick energy boost. It may also indicate a magnesium or iron deficiency.

Substitution: Instead of reaching for coffee, try Sunwarrior’s Active MCT Oil powder, which promotes energy and boosts metabolism to help you power through the moments that matter most. You can also opt for Sunwarrior Warrior Blend + Greens for a satisfying and energizing protein boost.

Craving: Carbohydrates

What it Means: If you are constantly craving carbs it might mean you are lacking tryptophan, an amino acid . Tryptophan is needed for our bodies to create serotonin, a mood-regulating hormone, so a lack of carbs may lead to a bad mood and anxiety.

Substitution: Nuts, Beans, Chia Seeds, Spinach, Sweet Potato, and High Protein Foods like Sunwarrior Active Protein with its complete amino acid profile.

It is important to recognize what foods you are craving and then determine why you are craving these foods in order to properly nourish the body and overcome the craving.  Keeping a cravings food journal can be a helpful way to understand why you are having these cravings. 

Be sure to write down the foods you crave, the time of day, and how you are feeling at the time.  If you know that your cravings are caused by emotional needs, such as stress or anxiety, a good way to curb them is to do something for yourself. Whether it is exercise, a massage, watching a movie, or reading a book.  Remember, moderation is key, and it's always beneficial to listen to your body's signals and respond with nutritious choices.

Understanding your food cravings can help you make healthier choices that nourish your body and support overall well-being. Sunwarrior offers a variety of plant-based, nutrient-dense products that can serve as excellent substitutes for common unhealthy cravings. By integrating these substitutions into your diet, you can satisfy your cravings while maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

How to Stop Food Cravings Naturally?

Stopping food cravings isn’t just about resisting the urge; it’s about understanding what your body might be asking for. Cravings can sometimes signal that your body is missing something, whether it’s a specific nutrient or just a bit of extra self-care. One way to curb cravings naturally could be to maintain your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
Eating balanced meals: Ensure every meal includes healthy fats, protein, and fiber. This combination may help reduce blood sugar spikes & crashes, potentially maintaining balance.
Staying hydrated: Sometimes, cravings could simply be a sign that you're thirsty! Drinking water regularly may help manage those feelings.
Getting enough sleep: Feeling fatigued might lead the brain to seek a quick energy boost from sugary or carb-heavy foods. Prioritizing sleep could help reduce cravings.

Best Supplements to Reduce Food Cravings

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cravings persist. Certain nutrients might help regulate cravings by addressing potential imbalances in your diet. Here are a few that may be helpful:
Magnesium: Magnesium is believed to help reduce cravings for chocolate and sweets. Adding magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to your diet or supplementing with Sunwarrior’s Magnesium could be a supportive approach.
Omega-3: Craving fatty foods? Your body may be asking for healthy fats! Sunwarrior's omega-3 is a great option for those looking to add essential fatty acids.

Chromium: This mineral may play a role in regulating blood sugar levels, which could help reduce cravings for sugary snacks.
How to Manage Cravings While on a Diet?
Managing cravings while dieting can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’re cutting out certain foods. Here are a few strategies that may help:
Plan your meals: Knowing when and what you’re going to eat might keep your hunger in check, potentially preventing impulsive eating.
Choose nutrient-dense foods: Foods rich in nutrients might satisfy your body better, which could reduce cravings.
Find healthy swaps: Craving carbs or sweets? Opt for nutrient-rich alternatives like sweet potatoes and dark chocolate for a satisfying snack.

How to Differentiate Between Hunger and Cravings?

Hunger and cravings may feel similar, but they can be quite different. Real hunger is your body’s way of telling you it needs fuel, while cravings can often come from emotional or habitual triggers.

Can Nutrient Deficiencies Cause Food Cravings?

When your body needs certain nutrients, it may trigger feelings of hunger or cravings for specific foods. However, cravings could also be related to other factors, such as emotional or habitual responses.