6 Things to Eat When You’re Craving Chocolate

Introduction:

You may are on track following your healthy diet and changing your eating habits but suddenly cravings strike for countless reasons, insufficient sleep and stress may related to craving, other nutritional deficiencies could be a reason for chocolate craving.

According to nutrition expert there are two types of hunger, the first is Homeostatic hunger, or the physical need to eat, and the second is hedonic hunger, the desire to eat foods for pleasure.”

The second type is related to psychological reasons like feeling depressed or sad. Considering Homeostatic hunger is related to deficiencies in some nutrients and minerals.

If you’re in an emotionally stable and healthy mental place and still find yourself craving chocolate, it’s likely that you’re experiencing a magnesium deficiency.

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral related to relaxing muscle. You mainly found it in nuts, seeds and dark chocolate, so an insatiable craving for it—whether your pleasure is silky, milk chocolate or rich, dark chocolate—could indicate that you really need to load up on magnesium-rich foods.

What to eat when you’re craving chocolate

Next time you’re craving chocolate, try eating one of these magnesium-rich foods instead.

1. Raw Cacao

Even it will not satisfy your sweet mouth immediately but it is high in magnesium. So try adding a spoonful to your morning smoothie, or even sprinkle it into a warm bowl of oatmeal.

2. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in magnesium, satisfying and easy snack to be taken everywhere. Add them to salad or soup and enjoy them!

Two tablespoons of dried pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas) will provide you with 96 mg of magnesium, for example. Brazil nuts, flaxseed, cashews, sunflower seeds and almonds are all great options, too.

3. Dark Leafy Greens

Eat them as smoothie or with salad and enjoy their taste.

4. Lentils

They are rich in protein, fiber and magnesium. Yet they are satisfying and energizing powerful food.

5. Bananas

Banana are rich in magnesium and they are good snack yet delicious. You can increase your magnesium intake by having 1 tablespoon of peanut butter along with banana.

6. Tofu

One 3.5-ounce serving of tofu contains 13% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium at an impressive 53 mg. Throw it in a stir fry with some dark leafy greens to get the most benefits.

Sources:

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-things-to-eat-when-youre-craving-chocolate.html

http://mentalfloss.com/article/57507/20-things-you-never-knew-about-chocolate