We tend to think of cravings as a “bad” thing, but overall, cravings can be our bodies way of telling us they need something we are deficient in. Sometimes cravings are our bodies way of telling us they need more water or rest, or that our stress levels are rising. Tending to those needs are always a great place to start when it comes to caring for our bodies.

On the other hand, if you are craving a specific food, it could be that you are lacking nutrition in a certain area. To ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs, focus on eating a balanced diet that includes lean sources of protein, dairy, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and nuts.

When I experience cravings, i always like to think a bit deeper as to what is bringing them on. Personally, my cravings went away almost completely years ago when I made sure I was eating a balanced diet, was eating enough to fuel my body, and allowed myself all things in moderation. I also found that getting enough sleep and keeping stress at bay helped me manage cravings.

After years of being craving-free, here are my top 5 tips to deal with cravings:

1. Ditch the sugar and find all-natural low sugar replacements you enjoy.
2. Fill up on healthy fat and protein sources, which will keep you satisfied throughout the day. It will also keep your blood sugar levels stable which is crucial for preventing cravings.
3. Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night which will prevent carb cravings that come from being overly tired.
4. Ditch the dieting & restrictions. Enjoy your favorite sweets in moderation, and find replacements to your favorites treats that you can enjoy in a healthy way on a regular basis.
5. Cut out the stress. Cortisol is a hormone that is released which when we are stressed, which also leads to sugar cravings.

If your diet is balanced, you are getting enough sleep, are managing stress, and you are keeping sugar to a minimum, and you are still having cravings, try finding healthier swap outs for the things you crave. I like to swap out Greek yogurt for ice cream, frozen berries and smoothies for milkshakes, and cauliflower pizza crust for the deep dish kind, just to name a few.

Whatever your cravings may be, there are almost always a healthier swap that is just as delicious, and if your looking for ideas, Dashing Dish is a great place to start! xo Katie