Cravings Decoded Part 2: Salacious Salt

FACT: If you’re finding potato chip crumbs in your couch cushions, you may be a salt addict (and in need of a vacuum!) Crave salt? Read on-

As I mentioned yesterday, when our 5 Pillars are off, we compensate with the food on our plate. Our cravings are like an air raid signal saying “system meltdown!” It’s easy to just give in and sometimes you should, but it’s also a great time to tune in and listen to what your body is telling you. A salt craving is often indicative of a mineral deficiency. So what is a mineral and why should you care? As opposed to vitamins that come directly from plants and animals, minerals come from soil and water and are absorbed by plants or eaten by animals. Minerals like sodium, chloride, and potassium are key players in maintaining the proper balance of water in the body. Calcium, phosphorous and magnesium are important for healthy bones. 

In its natural form, salt contains over 60 trace minerals that help the body to transport oxygen, regulate the nervous system and repair tissue. Most people use common table salt that has been refined and stripped of all the trace minerals we need. With most of our food over-processed, it’s no surprise salty snack foods are so popular. We keep searching for the good stuff!

The cure for what you crave?

1. Eat a wider variety of veggies, especially the leafy green kind that is high in mineral content. 

2. Use high-quality sea salt (vs regular table salt) when you cook to tame the inner salt monster and curb the craving before it starts. 

3.Most Important: Tune into what’s going on when you get the craving. Are you stressed? Upset? Emotions are our biggest triggers and teachers. When you’re aligned, cravings dissipate. So make a mental note/write it down and look for patterns. Introspection is the key to happiness, health, a rockin’ bod and life