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FOOD CRAVINGS
FOOD CRAVINGS stem from a multitude of physical, emotional, and spiritual
causes. The resulting nature of these cravings may vary, but for most people, carbo-
hydrate cravings tend to increase in severity and frequency as summer fades away
into autumn and winter. At this time of year, many experience a sudden increase
in sugar or starch cravings. Some people choose autumn to begin working with a
nutritionist because they’re struggling to find solutions to cycles cravings followed
by energy crashes that ensue. But it’s natural to want more carbohydrates in winter
months; this seasonal shift in food-based urges is built into human physiology, a
ADO sign that we haven’t escaped our relationship with the planet’s rhythms.
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New Season,
Different Cravings
In accordance with the season, a
combination of cooler weather and less
light brings heavy, starchy foods to har-
vest. Winter squashes, root vegetables,
and hearty big game animals come into
season in autumn. With proper storage,
winter squash can keep for multiple
months, allowing us to draw upon their
nourishment in the darkest of weather.
Richer in starches, these golden-hued
vegetables are more calorie dense than
their summer counterparts, allowing us
to draw more energy per bite to insulate
us from the cold. Beyond the benefit of
their caloric density, winter squashes
and root vegetables, such as carrots and
sweet potatoes, are rich in beta carotene,
which the body converts to vitamin A;
this ultimately helps our ability to see
in the dark, which is extremely useful
during seasons with less daylight hours.
Research shows that humans tend
to consume more calories and move
less during the cooler winter months.
Overall hunger may not be substan-
tially different, but changes in light
and heat may influence the types of
foods we crave, leading to increased
calorie intake. A 2005 study showed
that daily calorie intake was nearly
100 calories higher in autumn than in
spring. Additionally, physical activity is
typically lower during winter, and lack
of activity itself can influence cravings
and appetite. While this study indicat-
ed that fat intake peaked in the winter
and carbohydrate intake peaked in the
summer, many people crave a combi-
nation of starch and fat year-round.
Temperatures notwithstanding, the
decrease in daylight hours influences
brain chemistry and can have a power-
ful effect on food cravings. Serotonin
production directly correlates to the
number of daylight hours, so having
less light results in reduced serotoninRealigning Your Carb Cravings
Eat your way through the colder seasons worry-free with these healthy carb tips and recipes.