Do you find yourself breaking down each month, indulging in your chocolate craving? Chocolate cravings are the most common food cravings in the United States, affecting 40% of women. In this article, you will discover the reason you crave chocolate and how to reduce your cravings.
When your body is craving something, it is usually a signal that we are lacking something in our diet. Craving chocolate is actually a common sign of magnesium deficiency. Women crave chocolate even more so before their period because it is high in magnesium, which is very helpful in alleviating those highly dreaded menstrual cramps. Plus, magnesium is critical for easing PMS symptoms, alleviating pre-menstrual migraines, reducing mood swings and irritability, has a calming effect and helps us sleep better.
As far as chocolate goes, organic dark chocolate is always best because it is the lowest in sugar and contains the most magnesium. Avoid high sugar milk chocolate which contains much less magnesium.
To prevent and reduce your chocolate cravings, supplement with magnesium. Below are some great ways to treat your magnesium deficiency.
1) Supplement with Magnesium Glycinate. This form of magnesium is the best to supplement with because it doesn't have the laxative effect that other forms like Magnesium Citrate do. If you are constipated, however, this is the form of magnesium that will help you the most.
2) Take a hot epsom salt bath. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, helps to alleviate muscles aches and tension and is a great way to calm down and unwind after a long, stressful day. You can add some calming essential oils like lavendar, ylang ylang, clary sage or geranium as an added perk for stress relief and hormonal balance.
3) Spray or rub it in. Magnesium also comes in a topical form that you can apply to your skin in the form of a spray, cream or gel. This is a great way to get your magnesium, especially when you have an area of your body that is particularly tight or achy. If you feel a strong tingle or slight burning sensation, this is a sign that you are deficient in this mineral. (Don't worry, this sensation only lasts a minute.)