Food and Mood
What's Behind Your Cravings

Many women would agree they definitely feel a close connection between food and mood, that a certain mood makes them crave a certain food. But did you know...

the foods you crave may also say a lot about the state of your mind and body.

French researchers looked at the eating habits and cravings of over a thousand people and came to the following conclusions about food and moods:

• Women have more food cravings than men, and their cravings peak during times of anxiety or sadness.
• Men tend to eat more when they're feeling happier.

• Chocolate cravings may signal that you are tired.
• An urge for dairy foods or salty foods may be your body's way of saying "I need a real meal!".
• Those who had frequent cravings were more likely to be trying to lose weight or dieting.
• Winter weather also makes you crave carbs such as bread or pasta. People with (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder also tend to crave carb-filled foods.

• Researchers theorize that women may experience more cravings for feel good foods because of the increased social pressure to be thin, which also leads them to diet more frequently than men.

It may seem like cravings overtake us without warning and without reason, research shows that they are actually very predictable, arriving at particular times and in particular situations.

You may have noticed that your strongest cravings come at certain times of the day -- or month.

If you know a food craving is going to strike, you can substitute something else -- a healthier snack or a nutritious breakfast or lunch -- rather than giving in to your craving. Here are proven methods to help tame your cravings:

• Eat carbs, protein and a small amount of fat at every meal. When we eat meals that are lacking in one kind of food, we may actually trigger a craving later on.
• Don't skip meals. Plan healthy meals of carbs, protein and good fats. Any snacks should also contain a combination of protein, carbs and fat, especially afternoon snacks, when cravings for comfort foods seem strongest.

The reasons for emotional eating of feel good foods is extremely complex, and is affected by both biological and psychological factors.