Food cravings are real. Most professionals and entrepreneurs who struggle with it typically feel guilty and fail to admit it.

I used to crave "cakes" after almost every meal until I understood the trigger and the role my environment played.

I struggled with it for some time.

Like hunger, food cravings have a biochemical process that leads to them. This time, these activities occur in the pleasure centers in the brain.

Unless you conquer food cravings, you may be at risk of lifestyle diseases.

In this article, you'll learn how food cravings work and how to overcome them using the TiME eating method.

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What are food cravings?

A food craving is an intense desire to eat a specific type of food. It is not the same as normal hunger. Unlike hunger, food cravings are for a particular food and come with an intense, almost uncontrollable desire.

How food cravings occur

Cravings are due to the complex interactions that involve the brain, hormones, food behaviors, and immediate environment.

Neuroscientists have found that eating specific foods stimulates the brain's reward regions (Hypothalamus), which influences our food choices.

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When we eat certain foods, the neurons in the reward region become active. This leads to the secretion of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical, in the hypothalamus.

Dopamine sends signals to other nerves, and this triggers a series of highly positive emotions that make us continuously seek these foods.

Neuroscientists describe foods that can stimulate dopamine activities in the brain as hyperpalatable foods. These foods are easy to digest, sweet, salty, or fatty. Most refined or processed foods and drinks (soda, sugary beverages) typically fall into this category.
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These hyper-palatable foods also distort and stimulate other hormones, such as stress hormone and leptin, which further contribute to cravings.

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Triggers of food cravings

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There are various triggers of food cravings. However, those for professionals and entrepreneurs typically include the following:

i) Stress and emotional states: These factors release stress hormones, which contribute to cravings.

ii) Hormonal changes and imbalances: An imbalance between appetite and hunger hormones may stimulate cravings.

iii) Socio-environmental triggers: Processed foods in the office, home, or social networking events can trigger cravings. When you see the food, your brain reminds you of the good "feeling," which leaves you anticipating the reward.

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Health impact of food cravings

The inability to control our desire for specific foods, especially refined ones, has potential health consequences.

1. Constant fatigue

Cravings for food high in sugar can lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels. These fluctuations reduce energy, focus, and productivity during critical work hours.

2. Higher risk of obesity

Exposure to hyper-palatable foods with high sugar or fat increases the calories consumed. The body converts these excess unused calories to fat, which slowly results in weight gain or obesity if not controlled.

3. Increased risk of chronic diseases

The unhealthy active ingredients in processed foods increase the risk of developing chronic disorders and heart diseases.

4. Mental and emotional disturbances

The intense desire for food comes with an emotional roller coaster. For instance, some people may become stressed if they don't satisfy a craving. Others may feel a sense of guilt or shame after satisfying a craving. These emotional disturbances can affect a person's ability to make proper decisions and affect business or work performance.

5. Gut health issues

The ingredients in most foods we crave may affect our gut health. Regular consumption of these foods could lead to indigestion, irregular bowel movements, and other gut health concerns in some people.

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How to overcome cravings using the TiME eating method

In my new ebook, “The Power of Healthy Eating Habits,” I introduced the TiME eating method, a practical strategy for professionals and entrepreneurs to take control of their eating habits.

Discover hidden pitfalls in your current eating behaviors and learn how to overcome cravings, prevent type 2 diabetes, and maintain lasting energy.

This isn't a diet book – it's a guide to "how to eat" for lasting health.

Click the link below to download your copy now and start your transformative health journey today!

​Download the Healthy Eating Habits ebook.​

Let me know how you manage your cravings.

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Finally, remember to "Own your health daily."

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