Constantly craving chocolate? Always reaching for yet another bag of crisps? This could be your body's way of telling you to stock up on vitamins and minerals, say nutritionist Joanna Hall and Nadine Masseron of the British Naturopathic Association. Here they give the healthy alternatives you should be reaching for.
YOU'RE CARVING Burgers, chips and takeaways
YOUR BODY NEEDS Salt
"When your body is working hard, through exercise, stress or even working in an air-conditioned office, it loses salt," says Hall. "Fast food is an instant way of
getting it, but you're taking in more than you need, which restricts your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure, as well as piling on calories."
SO EAT Sushi. This is full of sodium-rich seaweed and fish. Or you could go old school and have sardines on toast.
YOU'RE CRAVING Crisps and bread
YOUR BODY NEEDS Protein
"A high metabolism means you burn food quicker so you crave carbs that will fill you up," explains Masseron. "But you'll be hungry again soon after. Protein takes longer to digest, so you'll feel satisfied for longer."
SO EAT Meat, fish, chicken or eggs - have one of them in every meal (and as 50% of your meal portion).
YOU'RE CRAVING Chocolate
YOUR BODY NEEDS Magnesium
"Magnesium helps the body's metabolic system give you energy," says Hall. "When we're tired, chocolate is tempting as it contains magnesium, but sugar will just make you lethargic. Avoid."
SO EAT Nuts, seeds and wholegrain (found in wholemeal bread and porridge).
YOU'RE CRAVING Caffeine
YOUR BODY NEEDS Iron
"Women lose a lot of iron during their period," says
Masseron. "If you don't replace it quickly, you'll feel tired because it helps distribute oxygen around the body. You may crave coffee to perk you up, but after the caffeine wears off, you'll feel tired again."
SO EAT Crudités, such as raw broccoli, or dried fruit, such as apricots and figs. For a sweeter snack, try liquorice.
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