Why We Get Cravings

A food craving is defined as an intense desire for a specific food. Most people experience cravings at one time or another, and there are many factors that determine their frequency and intensity:

• Psychological or emotional stress;
• Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications;
• Hormone imbalances (especially in relation to pregnancy and the menstrual cycle);
• Physical and mental health conditions (such as type 1 diabetes, depression, and eating disorders).