Food craving is a sudden, intense and uncontrolled desire for certain specific food. This type of hunger is a major roadblock for people dieting with an intention of losing weight. The problem of food craving is gaining increased attention amongst medical fraternity because of a research focussed on brain imaging and other studies related to compulsive overeating and pleasure centres in the brain.

Irritability, mood swings, headaches, insomnia and depression are manifestations of food addiction. Individuals with food cravings may actually have neurochemical and hormonal imbalances that trigger these cravings. They change the brain’s chemistry, increasing the level of serotonin, a feel-good neurochemical.

According to research, the highly palatable foods are rich in sugar, fat and salt. Potato chips and their close cousin, French Fries are the two most favoured foods for food cravers. The scientists point out that each type of craving is a signal for you to understand. If you crave for something salty, you are lacking salt in your diet. Relishing junk food could mean you are low on healthy fats such as omega-3s. Craving for cheese points to mood fluctuations, and problem with concentration and memory.

Following a healthy lifestyle with a focus on maintaining healthy weight, exercising regularly and refraining from drinking, smoking and vaping is the fastest way to managing food cravings.