Are We Viewing Cravings All Wrong? A Chef’s Perspective
Hey friends, Chef E here! Let’s talk cravings—because I think we’ve been viewing them all wrong. Cravings have been painted as something we need to “beat” or “overcome,” but what if we saw them as gracious messengers instead? I truly believe our cravings aren’t the enemy—they’re our body’s way of signaling a deeper need for specific nutrients. We have a good Creator who designed us intuitively & intentionally, and cravings are part of that wisdom! Here are some of the most common cravings I see—both in my own experience and in the experiences of others—and what they might actually be telling you about your body’s needs!
1. Chocolate Cravings: A Cry for Magnesium or Copper
That deep chocolate craving isn’t just about wanting a sweet treat—your body might actually be asking for magnesium or copper. These two minerals are some of the most depleted in our modern diets. To support your body, try including cooked leafy greens, cacao, and bone broth for magnesium, and liver, bee pollen, and shellfish for copper.
(At New Leaf Table, we love incorporating these powerhouse ingredients into our meals!)
2. Sugar: Your Body Needs Energy & Balance
If you’ve ever been shamed for craving sugar, let’s clear something up—your body needs energy, and sugar is a quick source of it! The key is choosing nourishing forms like raw honey, maple syrup, and ripe fruit instead of processed sugar.
And if you get afternoon sugar cravings? That might be a sign you didn’t eat enough protein at breakfast!
3. Dairy: Calcium Calling
I LOVE dairy, and sometimes it’s all I want. Every time I’ve tested my mineral levels in those seasons? I’ve needed more calcium!
4. Nut Butters & Fatty Foods: A Call for Fat-Soluble Vitamins
If you crave nut butters all the time, especially after going dairy-free, it could be that you really need fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Butter, ghee, coconut oil, and full-fat dairy (if tolerated) are amazing sources of these nutrients.
5. Excessive Water: More Minerals, Less Dilution
Did you know that drinking too much mineral-lacking water can actually flush minerals from your system? If you’re craving crazy amounts of water, your body might actually need hydrating minerals like those found in adrenal cocktails, bone broth, milk, and hydrating fruits. Try adding trace mineral drops or using a mineralizing filter!
6. Coffee: Is It Really Magnesium You Need?
Intense coffee cravings can sometimes be your body’s way of asking for more magnesium—or simply telling you that you need better sleep!
7. Salty Foods: Listen to the Craving!
If your body is asking for salt, guess what? It needs salt! Sodium is one of our top four essential minerals (along with magnesium, potassium, and calcium). Intense salt cravings can also signal that your adrenals and stress response need support.
8. Cheese: The Comeback Craving
Many people who reintroduce dairy after years without it suddenly can’t get enough cheese—and there’s a reason! Cheese is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and calcium, two things the body will crave when they’ve been missing for a while. I personally love organic and raw cheeses when I can find them!
9. Bread & Starchy Foods: A Call for Quality Carbs
If you can’t get enough bread and starches, your body might simply need more quality carbohydrates. Some of my favorite sources? Root veggies (yes, potatoes included!), ripe fruit, honey, maple syrup, sprouted grains, and sourdough.
The Bottom Line: Cravings Are Friends, Not Enemies!
Your cravings are not a lack of willpower—they’re your body asking for what it needs! Instead of feeling ashamed, let’s learn to listen and respond. This doesn’t mean we mindlessly indulge, but it does mean we honor our body’s signals and give it the right kind of fuel.
At New Leaf Table, we believe in making it easy to nourish your body the right way. That’s why we create balanced, nutrient-dense meals that naturally provide the minerals and macros your body craves.
So next time a craving hits, take a moment to pause and ask yourself—what is my body actually asking for? You might be surprised at the answer. And when you start listening, amazing things happen.
With love & nourishment,
Chef E
© 2024 New Leaf Table