The Truth About Midday Cravings: Are They Healthy?

Let’s Settle This Once and for All

Snacking has a bad reputation. But here’s the truth: Snacking is not bad. Poor snacking is. Let’s explore the good, the bad, and the healthy way to snack.

Why Do We Crave Unhealthy Foods?

Have you ever felt like eating chips, chocolate, or ice cream even when you are not hungry? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most of us go through food cravings, especially for unhealthy options. But why does this happen?

Our brain loves pleasure. Foods like sweets, fried items, and junk snacks are high in sugar, salt, and fat. These ingredients satisfy certain chemicals in the brain that help you feel good like dopamine. It makes us feel happy, but only for a short time. So we might start craving that feeling again and again.
Emotions play a big role. Many people choose unhealthy snacks when they feel bored, stressed, sad, or even lonely.
This is called emotional eating. Instead of dealing with the real emotion, you might use food as comfort. But we all know unhealthy food becomes an easy escape.
However, lack of nutrition can signal your body by causing you to crave unhealthy foods.
Especially When your daily diet is low in important nutrients like protein, fiber, or healthy fats, the body keeps sending hunger signals.

Also read: Importance of healthy fats in your fitness journey

Also, sleep and stress affect cravings. When we don’t sleep well or are under too much pressure, our body produces more of the hormone ghrelin (which increases hunger) and less of leptin (which controls it). That’s why we feel like bingeing on chips or sweets after a tiring day.

Another big reason is habit. If we’re used to eating biscuits with tea every day or ordering pizza every Friday night, it becomes a routine. The body starts expecting it, even if you are not really hungry.

So, what can we do?

Eat balanced meals throughout the day
Drink plenty of water
Sleep well and manage stress, an important aspect of fitness journey.
Don’t skip meals (especially breakfast!)
Replace junk with healthier options like fruits, nuts, or homemade snacks

Also read: Natural alternatives for unhealthy food that can be healthy for you.

Practice mindful eating

Cravings are normal, but understanding why they happen is the first step in controlling them. You don’t need to completely avoid your favourite foods, just learn to enjoy them in moderation.

Your health is built on small choices, made every day.