We have all asked ourselves or perhaps thought, “Why do I crave Chocolate”? Or maybe you just get that sudden urge that has you thinking, “I could so just eat a bar of chocolate right now”. It’s weird isn’t it? But pretty common nonetheless. It isn’t exclusive of course, as many will find they desire a cold beer on a hot day in similar fashion. But chocolate. Its special, it really does have you at times, literally craving for it.
There are many reasons why you might crave chocolate.
Sugar and fat. Chocolate is high in both sugar and fat, which are two nutrients that our brains are wired to crave. Sugar gives us a quick energy boost, while fat helps us to feel full and satisfied.
Magnesium deficiency. Some studies have suggested that chocolate cravings may be linked to a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an important mineral that helps to regulate mood, energy levels, and sleep. If you’re not getting enough magnesium in your diet, you may be more likely to crave chocolate.
Hormonal changes. Chocolate cravings are common during times of hormonal fluctuation, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or pregnancy. The hormones oestrogen and progesterone can affect our appetite and cravings, and they may make us more likely to crave chocolate.
Stress. Chocolate is a comfort food that many people turn to when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. The combination of sugar and fat in chocolate can help to boost our mood and make us feel better temporarily.
Food associations. If you’ve had positive experiences with chocolate in the past, such as eating it as a reward or as a way to celebrate, you may be more likely to crave it in the future. This is because our brains associate certain foods with certain emotions, and these associations can lead to cravings.
If you’re concerned about your chocolate cravings, there are a few things you can do to manage them.
First, try to identify the triggers that are causing your cravings. Once you know what’s causing them, you can start to develop strategies for coping with them. For example, if you’re craving chocolate when you’re stressed, try to find other ways to manage your stress, such as exercise or relaxation techniques. Sound advice when you think we have all met that friend who ‘comfort eats’. Don’t get us wrong, we obviously love chocolate and are proud of our range. Still, we advocate eating sensibly and with good health in mind at the same time.
You can also try to make healthier choices when you do crave chocolate. Instead of reaching for a sugary confectionery bar, opt for a piece of dark chocolate that’s high in cocoa content. Dark chocolate has many health benefits, including antioxidants and magnesium. Plus, the higher the cocoa content the less sugar content. So the chocolate you crave with less potentially harmful ingredients. Healthy pleasure can only be good.
If your chocolate cravings are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor.
They can help you to rule out any underlying medical conditions and develop a plan to manage your cravings.
However it’s interesting that the main factor in our craving, to many people, is sugar. Yep, sugar gets us going, literally.
There are many reasons why we crave sugar.
Here are some of the most common:
Evolutionary factors. Sugar is a high-energy food, and our bodies are wired to crave it. In the past, sugar was a scarce resource, so our ancestors would crave it when they were in need of energy. This craving has persisted even though sugar is now abundant in our diets.
Dopamine release. When we eat sugar, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s associated with pleasure. This release of dopamine reinforces the behaviour of eating sugar, making us more likely to crave it in the future.
Blood sugar imbalances. When our blood sugar levels drop, we may crave sugar as a way to raise them quickly. This is because sugar is a simple carbohydrate that can be easily broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Psychological factors. Stress, boredom, and other psychological factors can also lead to sugar cravings. This is because sugar can provide a temporary boost of energy and mood.
Food associations. If we’ve been conditioned to associate sugar with positive experiences, such as rewards or celebrations, we may be more likely to crave it in the future. In these more enlightened times, we see more and more parents giving the trusty carrot or sliced cucumber as a treat or snack.
But, there’s no need to abandon chocolate altogether. Our Friars sugar free range has many great flavours to satisfy your yearning for chocolate whilst being careful about your health. Truffles and ganache, dark and milk options all await your shrewd and discerning eye, and palate of course.
But did you know that there's a scientific reason why we crave it so much? Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which releases endorphins in our bodies. Endorphins are the body's natural feel-good chemicals that produce feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
We need magnesium to help turn the food we eat into energy. As dark chocolate is high in magnesium, some argue that chocolate cravings stem from a magnesium deficiency.
Haar says that one of the most probable reasons you're experiencing chocolate cravings is simply that you desire sugar and fat, two things that chocolate is chock-full of.
Why chocolate can be so satisfying to eat. Their study findings suggest humans love chocolate mostly because of the feel and texture of the fat content on its outermost layers breaking down in our mouth as we chew.
You can beat your chocolate craving by filling up on something else. Once you aren't hungry anymore, the intrusive thoughts about chocolate should subside. Look for foods that are low in sugar and high in protein or whole grains. These foods will keep you full longer and prevent a sugar crash.
Due to its high sugar and fat content, chocolate — like any other addictive food — can cause a withdrawal-like response when you stop eating it. High-sugar foods are on top of the list of commonly-craved foods among Americans, with the average American taking in about 22 teaspoons of added sugar daily.
Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.
In simple terms, this means that there are lower levels of a hormone that promotes calm (serotonin) and more stress hormones (cortisol) in our bodies at this time of the cycle. These hormonal changes may lead to us craving comfort foods such as candy or fast food.
A chocoholic is a person who craves or compulsively consumes chocolate. The word "chocoholic" was first used in 1961, according to Merriam-Webster. It is a portmanteau of "chocolate" and "alcoholic".
Or, for a midday chocolate fix, simply dust a fruit and nut mix of your choice (we like almonds, walnuts, pecans and dried cherries) in cocoa powder. Not only is this a great way to stave off chocolate cravings, it's also healthy, cheap, and quick to rustle up.
1. Lack of calcium and magnesium causes cravings for sweets. If you are craving sweets like carbonated soft drinks, you may be lacking in calcium and magnesium, making your body tired and not alert.
Studies have found that there are multiple components within chocolate that can give us that feeling of happiness and satisfaction. One element in particular is called tryptophan; this is an amino acid that helps the brain to make serotonin; a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good.
In accordance with experts, you experience chocolate cravings when your body needs certain nutrients. For instance, when your body runs low on nutrients like Magnesium, it sends up cravings for chocolate so that you can satiate and fill up the requirement.
For instance, chocolate cravings are often blamed on low magnesium levels, whereas cravings for meat or cheese are often seen as a sign of low iron or calcium levels. Fulfilling your cravings is believed to help your body meet its nutrient needs and correct the nutrient deficiency.
While chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, can certainly be part of a balanced diet, it's crucial to remember the age-old adage: moderation is key. Consuming too much chocolate could lead to various health issues such as body weight gain, tooth decay, and an even increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Psychological factors: Negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can make people turn to chocolate for comfort and reassurance. Some people also tend to associate chocolate with comfort food, which is craved when in need of a mood boost.
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