You know the feeling when you just can’t stop thinking about a warm chocolate chip cookie? 

Or maybe you’ve been obsessing over a fat, juicy burger? 

You’re experiencing a craving – and oftentimes, it means something.  

According to Ro Huntriss, a nutritionist from the Simple App, food cravings can have different meanings and may be triggered by various factors.

You could be experiencing emotional cravings, thought-based cravings, and even hormonal or physical cravings. 

‘Sometimes cravings are emotional – for example, when we’re feeling sad, low, or stressed, we might reach for comfort foods,’ Huntriss said.  

‘On the flip side, even when we’re happy or celebrating, food and drink often become part of the occasion.’

When your cravings are thought-based, this means you’re craving it simply because you’ve seen it somewhere, smelled it, or even just thought about it. 

Nutritionist Ro Huntriss said that cravings typically have reasons – either emotional, thought-based, or physical

Thought-based cravings can also be the result of being bored or not mentally engaged.

‘When there’s a lack of stimulation, the mind can easily drift to food,’ Huntriss said. 

And then of course, cravings can always be the result of something going on in your body – either physically or hormonally.  

‘Women often experience cravings at certain points in their menstrual cycle, particularly during the luteal phase, which occurs in the second half of the cycle, after ovulation and before menstruation,’ Huntriss said. 

‘During this phase, energy needs are typically higher than usual, which can lead to increased cravings for food.’

She explained that physical cravings, on the other hands, are usually an indicator that your body is in need of something. 

You might be hungry, feel low energy, or fatigued – which all point to your body lacking and needing fuel or specific nutrients.  

‘Understanding the difference between emotional, thought-based, hormone-driven and physical cues can help people respond to cravings in a more mindful and balanced way, rather than feeling like they have to give in or resist completely,’ Huntriss said.

Chocolate can be a hormonal or emotional-based craving, depending on whether you’re at a certain point in your menstrual cycle or not (stock image)

So how exactly do you decipher your cravings… and more importantly, how do you give your body what it wants and needs without constantly succumbing to junk food? 

Huntriss broke down exactly why you’re having a craving and what you can do to tame it. 

Craving chocolate

If you’ve reached for the closest Snickers bar any time you’ve been on your period, you’re not alone.

Huntriss explained that chocolate cravings can either be emotional or – for some women – be linked to hormonal changes during certain points in their menstrual cycle.  

‘It can also signal low energy,’ she said. 

But that doesn’t mean you have to ignore your craving.

Huntriss suggested that a few squares of dark chocolate with 70 percent cocoa or higher can satisfy the craving – especially if you pair it with a handful of nuts for added fullness. 

Craving a juicy burger

This doesn’t mean run you should automatically run to your nearest fast food drive-thru and order their biggest, fattest burger. 

‘This craving may be driven by physical needs,’ Huntriss said. 

‘You could be low on protein or iron, or simply looking for something hearty and satisfying.’

The best option here is to go with a lean beef, turkey or plant-based burger on a whole-wheat bun with vegetables.

Even if it’s not exactly what you’re craving, it’ll still satisfy you. 

Burger cravings can be an indication that your body is low on protein or iron (stock image)

Craving soda

‘This is often triggered by a need for sweetness, caffeine, or the fizz,’ Huntriss said. 

If it’s about the sweetness, an easy swap is a sparkling water with fruit or some sort of low-sugar kombucha. 

But if it’s caffeine your body is craving, she said that tea or coffee can do the trick. 

Craving fries or chips

It’s no secret that craving fries or chips means that you’re looking for something savory, but that’s not all it is.  

‘Craving French fries or chips is often driven by a need for salt, crunch, or habit,’ Huntriss said.

And this craving can absolutely be curbed with something like homemade sweet potato wedges, air-popped popcorn, or even roasted chickpeas.

Craving a cheesy pizza 

Sometimes, cravings are just about comfort and flavor – and craving a pizza is typically similar. 

The great thing about pizza is that there are a lot of different ways to make it.

Huntriss suggested making a DIY lighter version using things like whole-grain flour or cauliflower crust, light cheese, and plenty of veggies.  

‘You can even create a mini pizzette using pita bread,’ she said.