If you frequently find yourself at the mercy of food cravings, you are the rule rather than the exception: food cravings, defined as a strong yearning to eat, are experienced by approximately 90 percent of the population.
These cravings can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Poor hydration
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stress, anxiety, or sadness
- Nutrient imbalance
- Tiredness
In this article, we will list down several win-win foods that will help you satisfy your hunger cravings while also boosting your health and energy.
10 Healthy Foods to Eat to Satiate Your Food Cravings:
1) Avocados:
In general, fats tend to make us feel fuller for longer periods of time (satiated). They also add taste to our food and, therefore, feel tastier and more satisfying.
Avocado is one such food item and, while it can be combined with numerous other foods, they are also quite delicious and fulfilling all on their own. Since they are full of healthy plant-based fat, they can keep you satiated without messing up your blood sugar levels – making them a good option for diabetics and pre-diabetics.
Avocados also contain fiber which also plays a role in satiation and the stabilization of blood sugar.
2) Greek Yogurt:
Alongside being indulgent and creamy, Greek yogurt is also very healthy.
Compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has a lower sugar content and higher protein content. Other than that, it is an excellent source of calcium, good bacteria, and the B-vitamins. This nutritional combination makes Greek yogurt extremely beneficial for gut/digestive and bone health.
Besides, combining Greek yogurt with some fresh fruit will multiply the health and nutritional benefits, and also be a more effective combatant for your food cravings.
3) Frozen Grapes:
Grapes derive their taste and sweetness from natural, healthy sugar. Other than that, they are hydrating and contain plenty of fiber, both of which contribute to the fruit’s satiation abilities.
Frozen grapes can be a real treat, especially when the mercury is off the charts.
4) Dark Chocolate:
If you deal with chocolate cravings, you could try swapping your regular milk option for a bit of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate with a 70% or higher cocoa content is not just delicious, but also full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are extremely beneficial for our health, and can reduce the risk of many diseases including cardiovascular problems and certain types of cancers.
That said, you still need to exercise portion control. While smaller amounts of dark chocolate can be beneficial, eating them in larger quantities will increase your sugar consumption and likely offset many of the health advantages.
5) Dark, Leafy Greens:
Dark and leafy greens like Kale, Mustard greens, and Swiss chard, are loaded with nutrition. They contain:
- Vitamin K (improves blood flow and bone health)
- Vitamin C (an antioxidant that boosts immune system performance)
- Vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Vitamin B9 (Also known as ‘folate’, Vitamin B9 is essential for blood flow and nerve health)
- Fibers (improve digestive function and makes you feel satiated)
- Protein (reduces food cravings and increases muscle mass and strength)
Final Word:
Instead of reaching for that bar of Snickers by your bedside, you can instead turn to one of these healthy foods the next time you have a food craving. Not only will these foods help you feel fuller for longer, their nutritional makeup will have a beneficial effect on your overall health and vitality.
To learn more about energetic and healthy foods, please feel free to check out some of the other blogs on our website.