I believe our bodies do not make mistakes. Therefore, when we have cravings, or impulses to binge on things we know are not good for us, we need to look at this not as a failure of willpower, but as a critical piece of information from which we can learn.

Some cravings are indications of nutrient/dietary deficiencies.

• intense and regular cravings for chocolate can indicate a magnesium deficiency
• cravings for salt can indicate a mineral deficiency
• cravings for fatty foods could mean a lack of essential fatty acids (which we get from healthy fats)
• cravings for sugar and carbohydrates can result from systemic yeast overgrowth

Sometimes making dietary shifts based on the cravings can reduce or eliminate them:

If you are regularly craving sweets, include more of the following in your diet:
• semi-sweet vegetables: turnips, rutabagas, parsnips
• sweet vegetables: carrots, corn, onions, beets, winter squash, sweet potatoes, yams
• sweet foods made with whole grains, higher fiber, or protein (i.e. nuts, beans)
• less sweet versions of what you are craving, e.g. dark chocolate
• high quality, organic, delightfully decadent versions of what you are craving
• you may need to try a yeast-reducing diet for a period of time

If you are regularly craving something salty, include more of the following in your diet:
• an array of green leafy vegetables for trace minerals and celery for natural sodium
• punch up the flavor of your foods with fresh herbs, garlic, onions, leeks, or other spices
• high quality sea salt is a better choice for table-side seasoning or cooking

If you are regularly craving something bitter (coffee or dark beer), increase intake of:
• dandelion, arugula, mustard greens, kale, collards
• craving of bitters can be a signal that digestion is compromised or diet is high in saturated fats
• a digestive enzyme supplement can help with compromised digestion

If you are craving something pungent (like Chinese food - which could be a sensitivity to MSG, a neurotoxic nerve stimulant), try:
• adding fresh grated ginger on your vegetables, soup or salad
• other pungent flavors: cayenne, scallions, onions, leeks, garlic, pepper

Sometimes it is a blend of qualities we are craving. If you like to overthink and analyze things like I do, and you are craving a specific item, try to break down the qualities it has that seem so appealing and consider whether healthier options will suffice. For instance, if you are craving a cinnamon bun, you might consider the aspects of this treat: cinnamony, sweet, warm, heavy, pastry. Next, try to come up with other items that share many of the qualities and rank them in order from healthiest to least healthy option. For instance, you might consider a baked apple with cinnamon, bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon, an oatmeal raisin cookie, or perhaps a smaller version of the cinnamon bun. Some days, you are just going to want the darned cinnamon bun. But on the days when you can, try to substitute a healthier option.