Hunger masquerading as a chocolate
When it comes to chocolate, it is common knowledge that the craving signifies a deficiency in magnesium. Since cacao is considered the food with the highest amount of magnesium per gram, it comes as no surprise that chocolate is the first thing we reach for when we encounter such a deficiency.
Waiting out your cravings can also work – although this might seem difficult, doing things to distract yourself can help those urges to grab a few bars of chocolate to subside. Take a stroll, call a friend, do some chores – if your cravings haven't eased, then try eating a chocolate substitute instead.
Nut butters like peanut, almond, cashew, walnut and hazelnut are full of taste, very high in protein and low in carbs. These chocolate craving substitutes contain a good amount of fibers – almond butter is the highest on the list – which can also help improve digestion.
Carob is a tasty and healthful alternative to dark chocolate. It has a slightly nutty, roasted, sweet flavor with a close taste to dark chocolate. Due to its high fiber content, antioxidants, low fat and sugar content, lack of caffeine and gluten; it tastes similar to chocolate and is a fantastic substitute.
Hunger masquerading as a chocolate craving means you need a snack that will satisfy and keep you fuller longer. Reach for something high in protein, which takes longer than other nutrients to digest: Greek yogurt, beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, tuna, cottage cheese, protein bars.
The clear winner.
Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.
yes, high amounts of chocolate cravings are a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium regulates glucose (blood sugar) and insulin levels (helps the body use and store glucose), as well as the neurotransmitter dopamine.
For example, it contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which can trigger the release of endorphins, creating a pleasurable sensation. Additionally, chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, which can have a stimulating effect and may contribute to cravings.
Drinking water can help you feel full and may decrease the desire to eat chocolate. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and try to eat slowly and consciously, savouring each bite. This can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions.
If you're craving chocolate regularly, you may have a chocolate addiction. Chocolate provides many real positive benefits for your mind and body, so it's no wonder so many people crave it and may become addicted to it. We naturally seek out the things that make us feel happy — especially with food.
People tend to crave it because it makes people happy and it can actually lower your levels of stress as well. Chocolate contains some magnesium which women tend to be deficient in. This could explain why women seem to crave chocolate more than men.
Cocoa is really nutrient dense with magnesium, iron and fiber. If you follow a plant-based diet, you might be craving chocolate if you're anemic or low in iron. Chocolate has a small amount of iron, but it's easy for your body to access.
Might Improve Your Heart Health
Cacao contains flavonoids—antioxidants found in certain foods such as tea, berries, leafy vegetables and wine. Flavonoids have various health benefits, including improved heart health. Since dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cacao solids by volume, it's also richer in flavonoids.
Very low magnesium levels may cause:
Headaches. Nighttime leg cramps. Numbness or tingling in the legs or hands. General body weakness.
A drop in essential fatty acids may be the culprit behind increased sugar cravings, says nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in one of her recent IGTVs. To get sufficient essential fatty acids, eating ghee is important. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 is also a reason for increased sugar cravings.
White chocolate is the worst – it has more calories than milk chocolate and more sugar than dark. Read more: Why does chocolate make us happy?
Choose dark chocolates with the lowest levels of heavy metals. The Consumer Reports study found five chocolates — one each from Mast, Taza and Valrhona, and two from Ghirardelli — with relatively low levels of both lead and cadmium.