What Our Food Cravings Really Mean

Do you have any recurring food cravings? My main cravings include nuts (especially almonds and cashews, mmm) and chocolate, usually once every month. According to nutritionists, our food cravings actually allude to vitamin and mineral deficiencies (among others), and can be easily and healthfully satisfied by opting for healthier food choices that contain the nutrients our bodies are after.

For more healthy alternatives to your food cravings, check out 2nd Wind Body Science’s list.

While we’re on the topic of food, check out some of these Thanksgiving recipes.

Fitness Bit: Carbs Can Be Good For You

When we are distraught or in pain — think heartbreak, PMS, or we’re just stressed out — consume complex carbs such as those found in whole wheat pastas and brown rice rather than reaching for candy. Complex carbs trigger serototin production in your brain, which is the feel-good hormone that helps you sleep better, stabilize your mood, and calm your appetite.

When you are trying to lose weight, don’t cut carbs from your diet completely. Complex carbohydrates including green veggies and oatmeal tend to be more filling without being loaded with calories.

How To Cut Calories At Starbucks

I treat myself to one or two “gourmet” Starbucks coffees a week. If I’m going to spend $4-$5 on a latte, it needs to be specially made to suit my diet and taste buds for a truly worthy treat!

This is what I usually order:

a double tall sugarfree cinnamon dulce skinny latte, no whip

What does all this mean?

• Double tall – Order an extra shot of caffeine for a jolt of energy, tension muscle ache relieve (long days at the office!), and to quicken your metabolism. I order the tall-sized latte to cut calories and coins spent.
• Sugarfree – Says, “No refined sugar, please!” If your latte tastes bland per this request, add Splenda or cane sugar to taste.
• Skinny – Says, “Nonfat milk, please!” Alternatively you could order a soy latte for added protein and lactose-free energy, but soy milk is 50 cents extra.
• No whip – Hold the whipped cream. I don’t want or need the added sugar!

How do you order your Starbucks drink?