[align=center][img]http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/_FBBGQlwjqYtdICZwCOrxQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0yNTA7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/2408460.0[/img] [b]Chocolate[/b][/align] No wonder we crave chocolate. Scientists believe that certain chemicals called alkaloids, which are found in chocolate, raise brain serotonin levels and help to lift your mood. Chocolate also contains B vitamins and magnesium, both of which control the body's energy production. Try this Opt for dark chocolate over milk or white chocolate. Ideally, choose chocolate that's at least 70 per cent cocoa solids, which are rich in antioxidants. This way, you will get the biggest health benefit. And remember, moderation is key. Too much chocolate will expand your waistline and cancel out any other benefits. [align=center][img]http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/06C456YSOt9qGBFLRM8LVQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0yNTA7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/2408464.0[/img] [b]Pasta[/b][/align] A major trigger for carbohydrate cravings is low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia. 'When your blood glucose levels are too low (caused by lack of food as a result of going too long between meals) your body will crave carbohydrate such as potatoes, bread and pasta,' says nutritionist Zoe Harcombe. Try this To curb your craving and balance your blood sugar levels, opt for good carbohydrates not refined ones. Refined ones will only play more havoc with your blood levels. Oats, fruit and whole grain pasta and rice are your best options [align=center][img]http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/gjt9d9Vvnn_CKYGsPK6o.Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0yNTA7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/2408466.0[/img] [b]Spicy food (curry)[/b][/align] Recent research into curry addiction at Nottingham Trent University found that people eating curry experienced an increase in both blood pressure and heart rate. This is because chilli and many other hot spices are stimulants, which fire up the body's circulation and raise body temperature. If you're craving a curry it could be your body's attempt to cool you down by inducing a much-needed sweat. Try this If being too hot isn't a problem, you could be coming down with a cold. Chillis are rich in vitamin C (one chilli contains seven times more vitamin C than an orange), and they also give relief from nasal congestion and coughing by increasing the metabolism and dilating the airway of the lungs. [align=center][img]http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/fvk9lS7cjuoa.f6W_lTCGg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0yNTA7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/2408468.0[/img] [b]Bread[/b][/align] When you can't wait to dig your teeth into a crusty loaf, you may be subconsciously aching to get a dose of the mineral selenium. This is vital to the body's immune system, thyroid metabolism and reproduction. It's also part of the body's antioxidant defense system that helps prevents damage to cells and tissues. Try this While a diet high in bread is not recommended (see pasta for more on this), eating wholegrain bread at breakfast or lunch will give your body the right dose of selenium. If you want to avoid bread, try a handful of Brazil nuts. This will boost your mineral levels and satisfy your cravings. [align=center][img]http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/7RshjpadA.ni5AZHXsOKVQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0yNTA7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/2408470.0[/img] [b]Crisps[/b][/align] Sudden cravings for salty foods like crisps can be a symptom of adrenal exhaustion, especially in people who live fast-paced, stressful lives. This means your body needs the additional minerals found in natural salt. Salt contains 60 trace minerals, but common table salt and salt in processed food is stripped of these. Opt for popcorn (without butter and salt) to nix your craving. Try this Finally, bear in mind salt cravings have also been linked to serious health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia. If you find yourself craving salty food out of the blue, pay a visit to your GP. [align=center][img]http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Gs0wqVW_48C3.utOsA1ehg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0yNTA7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/2408472.0[/img] [b]Steak[/b][/align] Craving red meat could indicate that your body needs more protein. Protein is one of the big three macronutrients that the body needs to stay healthy - the other two are carbohydrate and fat. This is why approximately 15 per cent of your total calories should come from protein. Try this Try to have protein twice a day (chicken, fish and eggs), but keep red meat to a minimum because eating too much is linked with colon cancer. If you're vegetarian and craving steak, you may need to find a better protein source. Vegetable proteins are either missing amino acids (the building blocks of protein) or have too few of them compared to animal proteins. Try soy protein as an alternative. [align=center][img]http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/AO0fTTQDpBagsp0Gy7p3Ow--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0yNTA7cT04NTt3PTMwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/2408474.0[/img] [b]Water[/b][/align] If you can't get enough to drink no matter how much water you consume, or you're drinking much more than usual: it could be a sign of diabetes - especially if it seems to go hand in hand with countless trips to the bathroom. Try this In Type 1 Diabetes, symptoms like unquenchable thirst tends to develop rapidly over a couple of weeks (other symptoms are tiredness and weight loss).