If your hormones could talk, they’d want you to know this about your cravings!

Hormonal shifts can make cravings feel like they have a life of their own. But what if those cravings are actually your hormones trying to tell you something important about what your body needs? Here’s what your hormones might be asking for:

Craving Chocolate?

If you're craving chocolate, especially during PMS, it's often a sign your body is asking for magnesium or serotonin support. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters and can help ease irritability and muscle cramps. Meanwhile, chocolate (dark chocolate, ideally) boosts serotonin levels, giving you a mood boost. So, don’t feel guilty – this craving is your body asking for a calming and mood-lifting nutrient!

Craving Salty Foods?

Do you find yourself reaching for chips or salty snacks around your period or during stress? This could be your body asking for more sodium or adrenal support. When cortisol levels are high from stress, your body may crave salt to replenish what’s lost. A more balanced response could be adding sea salt to meals or eating avocado (which provides healthy fats and potassium to balance sodium).

Craving Carbs?

During the luteal phase of your cycle (right before your period), cravings for carbs (especially simple ones like pasta or bread) are common. This happens because progesterone increases, and it can make you feel like you need extra fuel. Carbohydrates help produce serotonin, which balances your mood. The trick is to opt for whole grains and complex carbs like sweet potatoes, which provide long-lasting energy and help prevent blood sugar crashes.

Craving Red Meat?

Craving steak or other sources of iron-rich foods? It could be a sign your body is low in iron. This happens because women lose iron during menstruation. Red meat, spinach, and lentils are great ways to replenish iron levels, which is important for energy and mood balance.

Craving Fruit or Citrus?

When you're reaching for fruits like oranges, strawberries, or kiwi, it’s often your hormones asking for Vitamin C. This vitamin helps support adrenal health, which is important for managing stress hormones like cortisol. Plus, vitamin C supports the synthesis of progesterone, helping balance your hormones overall.

Listen to your cravings – they’re not just indulgent; they’re messages from your body! Next time your hormones send a signal, try to nourish with the nutrients they’re asking for.