Do you ever wonder why you’re craving chocolate at 3PM… chips after dinner… or carbs all day long?
You’re not alone—and no, it’s not just stress or a lack of willpower.
👉 Your cravings are actually clues—powerful messages from your body asking for something deeper. And yes, I have them too.
Even as a hormone and functional medicine practitioner and health coach, I have days when I reach for the chocolate or crunchy snacks and have to pause and ask: What’s really going on here?
Sometimes it’s hormone shifts. Sometimes it’s stress or sleep deprivation. And sometimes, my body just needs a break or more nourishment—not a snack.
The key is knowing how to listen—with curiosity, not criticism.
Cravings Are Clues: What Your Body’s Really Asking For
Let’s decode a few common cravings so you can start feeling more in control and in sync with your body (especially during back-to-school chaos and changing routines):
1. Sugar (especially mid-afternoon or late-night)
Root causes:
• Blood sugar rollercoaster, not enough protein, too many carbs
• Estrogen/progesterone dips (PMS or perimenopause)
• Poor sleep or high cortisol
• Emotional “reward” after a long day
Try this instead:
→ High-protein, fiber-rich breakfast
→ Balanced meals every 4–5 hours
→ Magnesium-rich snacks: dark chocolate + almonds, or half banana with nut butter
→ Berries are a sweet but low sugar treat
2. Salty or Crunchy Snacks (chips, pretzels, cheese)
Root causes:
• Low cortisol/adrenal fatigue
• Mineral imbalance or dehydration
• Stress coping mechanism
Try this instead:
→ Add healthy fats like avocado, seeds, or olives to meals
→ Sip a mineral-rich drink (like coconut water + pinch of sea salt)
→ Snack on seaweed, cucumbers + hummus, or roasted chickpeas
→ Take a 5-minute brain break (not just a snack break)
3. Comfort Foods (mac & cheese, wine, bread, pasta)
Root causes:
• Low serotonin or mood shifts
• Emotional depletion (hello, back-to-school juggling!)
• Hormonal fluctuations
Try this instead:
→ Meals with protein + complex carbs + healthy fat
→ Foods rich in tryptophan & B vitamins (like turkey, greens, lentils)
→ Evening mocktail with magnesium or calming adaptogens
→ Journaling or voice-note to check in with what you really need
4. Carbs All Day Long
Root causes:
• Low estrogen/progesterone (especially in perimenopause)
• Sleep deprivation
• Under-eating protein or calories
• Chronic stress = fast energy cravings
Try this instead:
→ Front-load your day with a savory, protein-rich breakfast
→ Include smart carbs like oats, quinoa, or sweet potato with fat and protein
→ Aim for 25–30g protein per meal
→ Take a walk after meals to support insulin and energy levels
Cravings aren’t the problem—they’re the signal. Your body is asking for balance, nourishment, and support.
When you know how to decode those messages, you stop feeling out of control—and start feeling empowered.
Ready to Tune In, Not Just Power Through?
If you’re ready to figure out what your body is really asking for, Let’s Chat in a free Healthy Hormone call, get on my schedule HERE
You don’t need to fight your body. You just need to listen differently. 💙
Here’s my Free Guide on “5 Steps for Women to Boost Energy after 40- Naturally”, go HERE to download your copy!