And usually, the first response many people have is “how can I control my cravings.”
But “controlling” your cravings isn’t exactly what we want to do — we want to understand them.
Cravings are one of the many ways your body communicates to you. The more you understand your cravings and determine where they’re stemming from, the better you’ll be able to care for your body and its needs and the more ease you’ll have with your food choices.
6 Common Causes of Food Cravings
Although they may appear to be random and without rhyme or reason, there are quite a few well-supported causes of cravings.
While each individual may experience them differently, many of the reasons for why we’re experiencing cravings can be explained through science.
1. Inadequate Nutrient Intake
In order for the body to function properly and efficiently, we need to supply it with energy through food. The major food groups that we need to ensure intake of are protein, starchy carbohydrates, non-starchy carbohydrates, and healthy fat.
When consumed in adequate amounts for your body’s individual needs, you should feel satiated and energized. Yet when some of these items are lacking in the diet, it’s not uncommon for you to experience intense cravings in response.
For example, if you’re maintaining a diet that is consistently low in starchy carbohydrates, you may experience intense cravings for refined sugars and potent sources of carbohydrates. This is your body’s way of telling you that you are not consuming enough starchy carbohydrates.

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