Food Cravings

Chocolate
Craved by 40 percent of U.S. women and 15 percent of men.
Chocolate has a phytonutrient called theobromine, which acts
like caffeine and can promote alertness.
Carbs
Eating carbs can elevate mood in about 20 minutes, according to
research.
Men typically crave meat and "meal" foods more than women.
Sugar
Sugar promotes a sense of relaxation.
Sugar may be even more addictive than cocaine.
Crunch
People crave salt when they're stressed.
The crunchy texture of chips provides a release for anger.
Cookies
"Highly palatable foods" high in salt, sugar, and fat increase feel-
good chemicals in the brain.
It's important not to deprive yourself. A recent study found people
who practiced rigid dietary restraint and had a severely limited diet
were more likely to have strong cravings and a higher body weight
than those who didn't.
-PCC Sound Consumer News, January 2013