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Craving for chocolate especially when you are hungry

Chocolate has a distinct taste and its smell is definitely appetizing thus stimulates your senses too easily;

Chocolate has a low melting point that definitely contributes to the pleasure of eating it because it becomes soft in your mouth immediately and the fat content in chocolate also helps enhance its texture.

If you are going to indulge in more that a small square of chocolate - than ask yourself this - Are you hungry, or did you skip a meal? Is it dark chocolate as it has more cacao percentage than regular chocolate and hence healthier. What are the healthy foods that you ate today? Are you stressed? The few seconds you spend pondering will help change the level of your craving. Research suggests that processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt are addictive.

Craving for chocolate and blood sugar levels

Chocolate cravings may be due to low blood sugar levels as chocolate provides a quick energy boost plus helps fight fatigue or an irritable mood caused by low blood sugar;

It is wise to note that the sugar in chocolate tends to increase your blood sugar levels immediately so opt for smaller portions as well as the healthy dark chocolate as it is low on the glycemic index, so it can help stabilize blood sugar levels to a certain extent.

Craving for chocolate and Serotonin levels

It is a fact that eating chocolate makes you feel good as it helps increase levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of well-being and enhanced mood.

You could get a similar boost in your Serotonin levels by eating a handful of Nuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Whole grain crackers, Popcorn, or a healthy sandwich...

Or opt for tryptophan rich fruits and vegetables as serotonin is synthesized in the body from tryptophan. Fruits that contain tryptophan are pineapple, bananas, kiwi fruit, plums, tomatoes, avocados, dates, cantaloupe... Vegetables that contain tryptophan, include leafy greens, mushrooms, broccoli, and peas.

Studies indicate that cravings are directly connected to low Serotonin levels. - Read the below article to understand more:

5 Physiological Reasons you have food cravings...
Source: Dr. Shawna Darou
Excerpt: Food cravings associated with low serotonin levels are carbohydrates in general, sweets and especially chocolate.

Craving for chocolate during periods

Cravings during periods is real and the reasons for the same may be predominantly psychological or physiological.

Many suffer from mood swings due to fluctuating hormone levels during their periods and consuming chocolate does help improve mood. Opt for dark chocolate as it increases endorphins a natural chemical that helps feel good.

It is common for many women to suffer from menstrual cramps and the psychological good feel effects of a piece of chocolate is considered effective in taking attention away from menstrual pain.

Experts also suggest that women may experience lower serotonin levels around their menstrual periods and this is why premenstrual women often have powerful cravings for chocolate. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of well-being and enhanced mood.