{"id":60382,"date":"2024-05-07T16:12:54","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T16:12:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=60382"},"modified":"2024-05-07T16:12:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T16:12:54","slug":"why-am-i-craving-chocolate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#What_Does_Your_Body_Want_When_You_Crave_Chocolate\" >What Does Your Body Want When You Crave Chocolate?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Why_Am_I_Craving_Chocolate\" >Why Am I Craving Chocolate?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Why_Am_I_Craving_Chocolate_All_of_a_Sudden_Habits_and_Rewards\" >Why Am I Craving Chocolate All of a Sudden? Habits and Rewards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Why_Am_I_Craving_Chocolate_for_No_Reason_Familiarity_and_Hunger\" >Why Am I Craving Chocolate for No Reason? Familiarity and Hunger<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Craving_Chocolate_During_Stress_May_Be_a_Relaxation_Problem\" >Craving Chocolate During Stress May Be a Relaxation Problem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Craving_Chocolate_at_Night_May_Indicate_Circadian_Rhythm_Changes\" >Craving Chocolate at Night May Indicate Circadian Rhythm Changes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Why_Do_I_Crave_Chocolate_When_Im_Tired_The_Stimulants\" >Why Do I Crave Chocolate When I\u2019m Tired? The Stimulants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#What_Deficiency_Causes_Chocolate_Cravings\" >What Deficiency Causes Chocolate Cravings?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#What_Does_Craving_Chocolate_Mean_Hormones\" >What Does Craving Chocolate Mean (Hormones)?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Craving_Chocolate_on_My_Period\" >Craving Chocolate on My Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Craving_Chocolate_Pregnancy\" >Craving Chocolate (Pregnancy)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#How_Do_I_Stop_Craving_Chocolate\" >How Do I Stop Craving Chocolate?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#How_to_Stop_Craving_Chocolate\" >How to Stop Craving Chocolate<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Eat_the_Right_Chocolate_to_Stop_Chocolate_Cravings\" >Eat the Right Chocolate to Stop Chocolate Cravings!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Get_More_Sleep_to_Combat_Chocolate_Cravings\" >Get More Sleep to Combat Chocolate Cravings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Reduce_Stress_to_Curb_Cravings\" >Reduce Stress to Curb Cravings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#What_to_Eat_When_Craving_Chocolate\" >What to Eat When Craving Chocolate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#For_more_chocolate-related_information\" >For more chocolate-related information:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Why_Do_I_Crave_Chocolate_When_Im_Tired\" >Why Do I Crave Chocolate When I\u2019m Tired?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#What_Can_I_Eat_Instead_of_Chocolate\" >What Can I Eat Instead of Chocolate?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Does_Chocolate_Affect_Periods\" >Does Chocolate Affect Periods?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#Does_Chocolate_Increase_Estrogen\" >Does Chocolate Increase Estrogen?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why am I craving chocolate? It\u2019s a question shared by many, but the answer is known by a few. You likely wonder whether it\u2019s simply that time of the month or something you lack. You think your body may need something when you crave a specific food item, but what is it telling you?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=why_am_i_craving_chocolate\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why am I craving chocolate, is a common question to which you\u2019ll find the answers here today. While no single answer can satisfy this question, you&#8217;ll have a better idea of what you can eat and do, to soothe those intense chocolate cravings. Let\u2019s show you why you might crave chocolate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Your_Body_Want_When_You_Crave_Chocolate\"><\/span><b>What Does Your Body Want When You Crave Chocolate?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u201cWhy am I craving chocolate\u201d question isn\u2019t always as straightforward as having a sweet tooth. Instead, here\u2019s a sneak peek at what your body may need or might be trying to tell you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have a habit of eating chocolate and feel rewarded (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167587\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6234835\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/18\/18\/9791\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be hungry and want the familiar texture and aroma of chocolate (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re stressed and eat chocolate for the feel-good chemicals (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4350893\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6616509\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/biobeat.nigms.nih.gov\/2020\/02\/the-chemistry-of-chocolate\/#:~:text=Chocolate%20does%20have%20significant%20amounts,t%20actually%20influence%20our%20mood.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7711493\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You crave chocolate at night because you need better sleep hygiene (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34164846\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re tired and need an energy boost (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/169593\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8202818\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7862879\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You <\/span><b><i>may<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a magnesium deficiency (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be about to start menstruating (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5517000\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may suffer from menstrual cramps and associate it with a pain reliever (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/331212992_DARK_CHOCOLATE'S_EFFECT_ON_MENSTRUAL_PAIN_IN_LATE_ADOLESCENTS\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10454194\/#:~:text=The%20flavonoid%20content%20in%20dark,the%20pain%20experienced%20during%20menstruation.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be pregnant and experiencing hormonal and sensory changes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4172095\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be perimenopausal and have low estrogen levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3074428\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, let\u2019s understand why you\u2019re craving chocolate, before making assumptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Am_I_Craving_Chocolate\"><\/span><b>Why Am I Craving Chocolate?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why am I craving chocolate? Craving the smooth texture of chocolate is more common than you realize. Let\u2019s delve into the reasons behind those cravings before showing you ways to strategically overcome them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Am_I_Craving_Chocolate_All_of_a_Sudden_Habits_and_Rewards\"><\/span><b>Why Am I Craving Chocolate All of a Sudden? Habits and Rewards<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sweet tooth debate is real. However, you may not only crave the sugar in chocolate. The USDA shows a 44-gram bar of milk chocolate contains 22.7 grams of sugar and 13.1 grams of fat (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167587\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Saturated fat, the less healthy kind, is 8.14 grams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research by the University of California and others reviewed over 200 studies, research papers, and systematic reviews to determine whether sugar addiction contributes to obesity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6234835\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Compelling evidence suggests that sugar affects the brain\u2019s reward system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating high-fat, high-sugar hyperpalatable food produces more dopamine, which feeds the brain\u2019s reward system. Shockingly, human PET scans have shown similar reward system activations between drug users and obese subjects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=why_am_i_craving_chocolate\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/6-2.png\" alt=\"why am i craving chocolate\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The research suggests dopamine is involved in human eating behavior and motivation, being capable of forming habits. A later review of over 100 studies suggests that while the palatability of sweet foods may have hedonic reward value, the authors disagree with the \u201caddiction\u201d model being applied to the causes and effects of sweet food overconsumption (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/18\/18\/9791\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). They argue that the controls of food intake in humans are too complex for \u201caddiction\u201d to make sense as a model.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/30-day-fat-burner-challenge\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">challenge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the evidence is that while positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans have shown similarities between drug addicts and obese people in human trials, these results have not proved reproducible. .<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More concrete evidence is necessary, but the current reviews support that hyperpalatable sugary (and high-fat foods) may trigger the reward system, or at least have hedonic reward value. This may cause you to want chocolate for that quick dopamine fix.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Intense sweat sessions, working weight loss tips, lip-smacking recipes come in one package with the BetterMe app. And all of it is at your fingertips, <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=why_am_i_craving_chocolate\">start transforming your life now! <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Am_I_Craving_Chocolate_for_No_Reason_Familiarity_and_Hunger\"><\/span><b>Why Am I Craving Chocolate for No Reason? Familiarity and Hunger<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might crave chocolate for no reason. Chocolate cravings don\u2019t always have physiological reasons. You may just be hungry or in the mood for something sweet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the chocolate\u2019s fat, sugar, and smooth texture make it a familiar and fast snack when hungry. Another small experimental study at the University of Pennsylvania found that sensory satiation of eating chocolate may be involved in cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7972390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals who ate smooth white chocolate partially satisfied their cravings, while those who consumed the same cacao amounts in a tablet didn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Craving_Chocolate_During_Stress_May_Be_a_Relaxation_Problem\"><\/span><b>Craving Chocolate During Stress May Be a Relaxation Problem<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress and cravings sometimes go hand-in-hand, but here\u2019s why. Chocolate might help relieve stress. A clinical controlled study in Saudi Arabia split 60 students into groups to eat dark, milk, or white chocolate (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4350893\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Students, especially females, who ate dark or milk chocolate saw a decrease in perceived stress over two weeks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another small study of 26 adults at Edge Hill University found that polyphenol-rich dark chocolate reduced salivary cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6616509\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The researchers hypothesized that the inhibition of 11\u03b2-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity may be responsible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chocolate has other compounds that may influence stress and relaxation chemicals. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences suggests chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA) and theobromine alkaloids (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/biobeat.nigms.nih.gov\/2020\/02\/the-chemistry-of-chocolate\/#:~:text=Chocolate%20does%20have%20significant%20amounts,t%20actually%20influence%20our%20mood.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A review of therapeutic applications of PEA by the Department of Psychiatry in Chicago found that it may elevate mood (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7711493\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, more human research on healthy adults is necessary because the current study included patients with psychological conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, dopamine is another stress reliever, and you know eating chocolate can release the feel-good hormone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6234835\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/18\/18\/9791\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Finally, research by the University of Arizona suggested that hedonic chocolate cravings may stimulate serotonin, another feel-good hormone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The American Psychological Association reports that 76% of Americans experienced health impacts due to stress in 2022 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/news\/press\/releases\/stress\/2022\/concerned-future-inflation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Feeling stressed increases cortisol levels, which may make you crave chocolate for those feel-good releases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Craving_Chocolate_at_Night_May_Indicate_Circadian_Rhythm_Changes\"><\/span><b>Craving Chocolate at Night May Indicate Circadian Rhythm Changes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craving chocolate at night may be due to your need for improved sleep. A randomized controlled trial of 19 postmenopausal women at the University of Murcia examined the women eating chocolate in the morning or at night or no chocolate over two weeks (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34164846\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The researchers monitored the sleep cycles of the women. They found that those who ate chocolate in the evening had more regular sleep episode timing and lower variability of sleep onset. Still, the study was small, short, and limited, so more evidence is necessary to confirm whether or not chocolate might help you sleep better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/vegan-chocolate\/\"><i>Vegan Chocolate: Where Ethics Meets Indulgence<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_I_Crave_Chocolate_When_Im_Tired_The_Stimulants\"><\/span><b>Why Do I Crave Chocolate When I\u2019m Tired? The Stimulants<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine. Dark chocolate contains 35% or more cacao solids and milk chocolate has 20-30% cocoa solids (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/biobeat.nigms.nih.gov\/2020\/02\/the-chemistry-of-chocolate\/#:~:text=Chocolate%20does%20have%20significant%20amounts,t%20actually%20influence%20our%20mood.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). A tablespoon (about 5 grams) of cocoa powder has 12.4 milligrams of caffeine and 111 milligrams of theobromine (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/169593\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caffeine is a common ingredient people crave when tired. A recent review shows that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) by enhancing short and long-term memory and attention processing speed (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8202818\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Many people find that it makes them feel awake and attentive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, a small clinical trial by Johns Hopkins University found that theobromine may slightly increase ratings of things like energy and alertness in some people, especially when combined with caffeine (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7862879\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The physiology wasn\u2019t well documented, and more research is necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sugar in most chocolate products can also provide a quick source of actual energy, so it makes sense that you might crave chocolate when you are feeling tired or sluggish.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Deficiency_Causes_Chocolate_Cravings\"><\/span><b>What Deficiency Causes Chocolate Cravings?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A theory exists that craving dark chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency, but the evidence isn\u2019t straightforward. Dark chocolate has the highest magnesium concentration compared to milk or white chocolate per 100 grams (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/170273\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167587\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167571\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark chocolate has 228 milligrams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk chocolate has 63 milligrams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White chocolate has 12 milligrams<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A review of past literature and studies by the University of Arizona listed self-medication for dietary deficiencies such as magnesium as one possible reason for chocolate cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, ,ore research is necessary to confirm whether chocolate cravings are truly sometimes due to magnesium deficiencies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=why_am_i_craving_chocolate\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/9-1.png\" alt=\"why am i craving chocolate\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Craving_Chocolate_Mean_Hormones\"><\/span><b>What Does Craving Chocolate Mean (Hormones)?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craving chocolate may be hormonal on many levels, but let\u2019s look at why women sometimes crave chocolate. Almost half of American women crave chocolate during the premenstrual cycle (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5517000\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Culture may have something to do with it, but hormones are another possible culprit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Craving_Chocolate_on_My_Period\"><\/span><b>Craving Chocolate on My Period<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A girl craving chocolate on your period isn\u2019t uncommon. Culture influences whether women or girls crave chocolate during menstrual cycles because Americans associate chocolate cravings with menstruation, more than women in other countries (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5517000\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, there may be some benefits to eating chocolate while on your period..<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a small Malaysian study found that dark chocolate may reduce menstrual cramps in adolescents (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/331212992_DARK_CHOCOLATE'S_EFFECT_ON_MENSTRUAL_PAIN_IN_LATE_ADOLESCENTS\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Meanwhile, an Indonesian study suggested that dark chocolate may contain anti-inflammatory benefits in reducing prostaglandin hormones responsible for cramps (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10454194\/#:~:text=The%20flavonoid%20content%20in%20dark,the%20pain%20experienced%20during%20menstruation.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Craving_Chocolate_Pregnancy\"><\/span><b>Craving Chocolate (Pregnancy)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A review of past studies by the University of Albany regarding hormones and cravings found some indirect evidence that suggests hormone fluctuations are one factor that may cause cravings during pregnancy (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4172095\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). One theory says hormonal changes change sensory perception in pregnant women.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, familiar textures and tastes can ignite cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7972390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Additionally, the sensory changes make expectant mothers more sensitive to the potentially distasteful compounds in plant-based foods, potentially making expectant women crave familiar and much-loved foods (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4172095\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More research is needed on the relationship chocolate has with pregnancy hormones, but indirect evidence suggests that hormonal and other changes during pregnancy may lead to cravings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Whether you\u2019re looking to simply pep up your fitness routine, jazz up your diet with mouth-watering low-calorie recipes or want to get your act together and significantly drop that number on your scale \u2013 BetterMe app has got you covered! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=why_am_i_craving_chocolate\">Improve your body <\/a> and revamp your life with us!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_I_Stop_Craving_Chocolate\"><\/span><b>How Do I Stop Craving Chocolate?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s give you methods to stop unwanted chocolate cravings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Stop_Craving_Chocolate\"><\/span><b>How to Stop Craving Chocolate<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, let\u2019s start with simple and practical tips to help you combat chocolate cravings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eat_the_Right_Chocolate_to_Stop_Chocolate_Cravings\"><\/span><b>Eat the Right Chocolate to Stop Chocolate Cravings!<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You saw that hunger, reward systems, and habitual eating patterns may be involved in chocolate cravings\u00a0 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6234835\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/18\/18\/9791\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Also, the smooth texture and familiarity bring some comfort when eating chocolate (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7972390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). In addition, you may be about to start your menstrual cycle or need a quick burst of energy (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5517000\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t panic! You can eat chocolate in moderation. Try to choose a piece of dark chocolate with 70-85% cacao solids because it has more magnesium, flavonoids, caffeine, and other beneficial compounds (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/170273\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167587\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167571\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0 It also has the strongest chocolate flavor and is likely to hit the spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides, dark chocolate is lower in sugar than milk or white chocolate, and less likely to contribute to weight gain, especially in moderation.\u00a0 A review by the Department of Dietetics at Queen Margaret University shows that dark chocolate may increase satiety and be helpful for weight regulation among obese adults in moderation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24000103\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). So, have a small piece, and enjoy the texture and smoothness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_More_Sleep_to_Combat_Chocolate_Cravings\"><\/span><b>Get More Sleep to Combat Chocolate Cravings<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enough evidence suggests being tired may cause chocolate cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8202818\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7862879\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Be careful of caffeine as it may keep you awake. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society agree that you need at least seven hours of sleep a night as an adult (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4434546\/#:~:text=Adults%20should%20sleep%207%20or,and%20increased%20risk%20of%20death.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the recommended sleep hours rise to nine or more hours a night if you\u2019ve slept poorly or you\u2019re a young adult. Also, have a small piece of dark chocolate before bed when the cravings hit too hard as it may help you sleep better (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34164846\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reduce_Stress_to_Curb_Cravings\"><\/span><b>Reduce Stress to Curb Cravings<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress may be a valid reason for craving chocolate because chocolate may reduce perceived stress, has polyphenols that may reduce cortisol, and may elevate your mood with PEAs (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4350893\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6616509\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/biobeat.nigms.nih.gov\/2020\/02\/the-chemistry-of-chocolate\/#:~:text=Chocolate%20does%20have%20significant%20amounts,t%20actually%20influence%20our%20mood.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7711493\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Chocolate may also increase dopamine and serotonin (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6234835\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/18\/18\/9791\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, taking a deep breath might reduce stress-causing chocolate cravings. A systematic review of 15 studies from Italy concluded that learning to control your breath may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6137615\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopt mindfulness to combat daily chocolate cravings related to stress. A systematic review of studies with a 12-month follow-up in the UK found that mindfulness significantly reduces stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7511255\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">26<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try practicing progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) daily to reduce stress. A Malaysian systematic review found strong evidence across 46 studies and over 3,000 adults to confirm that PMR reduces stress, anxiety, and depression (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10844009\/#:~:text=Previous%20research%20suggests%20that%20Progressive,gap%20in%20this%20research%20area.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation could also help you reduce chocolate cravings by eliminating stress. Johns Hopkins University conducted a systematic review of 47 trials to determine whether meditation could reduce stress (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4142584\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Guided and self-meditation can help reduce stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/enjoy-keto-hot-chocolate-recipe-for-invigoration\/\"><i>Enjoy Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe For Invigoration<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Eat_When_Craving_Chocolate\"><\/span><b>What to Eat When Craving Chocolate<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, eating magnesium-rich foods can help you combat chocolate cravings if a lack of magnesium is the reason for your cravings, and you don\u2019t want to just eat chocolate (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, dark chocolate is the magnesium-rich option with 228 milligrams per 100-gram bar (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/170273\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Alternatively, the Cleveland Clinic lists these magnesium-rich foods (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/15650-magnesium-rich-food\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avocados<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry beans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edamame<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/green-vegetables\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green vegetables<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nuts and nut butter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oat bran<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shredded wheat cereal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheat germ<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole grains<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yogurt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cleveland Clinic says men should get 400-420 mg while women need 310-320 daily (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/15650-magnesium-rich-food\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Also, notice how yogurt provides magnesium. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to yogurt for a natural chocolate taste and extra magnesium boost (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/169593\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8202818\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, add protein and fiber to your daily meals to slowly reduce cravings in general. A small study of 27 obese men in Missouri found that a higher protein intake of 25% of their daily calories reduced late-night desire to eat and preoccupation with thoughts of food (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4564867\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">27<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein reduces the hunger hormone called ghrelin. A clinical trial at the University of California found that the soluble fiber and protein in dry beans increased cholecystokinin and apolipoprotein b48 responses in men to make them feel full and fuller for longer (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11340104\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating a balanced diet with fiber, protein, and magnesium-rich foods may combat chocolate cravings caused by magnesium deficiencies or hunger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=why_am_i_craving_chocolate\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/16.png\" alt=\"why am i craving chocolate\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_more_chocolate-related_information\"><\/span><b>For more chocolate-related information:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/enjoy-keto-hot-chocolate-recipe-for-invigoration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoy Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe for Invigoration<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/gluten-free-chocolate-cupcakes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/vegan-chocolate\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vegan Chocolate<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_I_Crave_Chocolate_When_Im_Tired\"><\/span><strong>Why Do I Crave Chocolate When I\u2019m Tired?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energies are low when tired, and craving chocolate is common because it contains theobromine and caffeine (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/169593\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) Caffeine and theobromine may stimulate memory, attentiveness, and alertness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8202818\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7862879\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Most chocolate products also contain sugar, which provides a quick burst of actual energy. You may just need an energy boost.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_I_Eat_Instead_of_Chocolate\"><\/span><strong>What Can I Eat Instead of Chocolate?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A great healthier alternative is yogurt with a tablespoon of cocoa powder, which has a similar texture to stop cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7972390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The blend has great chocolate flavor, and yogurt gives you magnesium in case that\u2019s why you\u2019re craving chocolate (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/15650-magnesium-rich-food\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Also, cocoa powder has a little caffeine to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/foods-that-wake-you-up\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wake you up<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if those cravings originate from feeling tired (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/169593\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8202818\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Chocolate_Affect_Periods\"><\/span><strong>Does Chocolate Affect Periods?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A small Malaysian study on 50 teenagers found that eating dark chocolate during their menstrual cycle reduced menstrual cramps (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/331212992_DARK_CHOCOLATE'S_EFFECT_ON_MENSTRUAL_PAIN_IN_LATE_ADOLESCENTS\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). A randomized controlled trial in Indonesia suggested that the high flavonoid content in dark chocolate has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce prostaglandin hormones responsible for menstrual cramps (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10454194\/#:~:text=The%20flavonoid%20content%20in%20dark,the%20pain%20experienced%20during%20menstruation.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Chocolate_Increase_Estrogen\"><\/span><strong>Does Chocolate Increase Estrogen?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chocolate contains a class of phenolic compounds called catechins which can act as\u00a0 phytoestrogens (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3074428\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). A review by NC State University described phytoestrogens as having weak estrogen-like activity, and sometimes anti-estrogen activity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3074428\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). They do not increase or decrease natural estrogen levels in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=why_am_i_craving_chocolate\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why am I craving chocolate shouldn\u2019t be a mystery question anymore. Instead, you know why you might be craving chocolate at night when you feel tired or at certain times of the month. Determine why you\u2019re craving chocolate with the evidence suggested here. Then, choose a method to stop craving chocolate that combats the reasons you crave it. Good health!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why am I craving chocolate? It\u2019s a question shared by many, but the answer is known by a few. You likely wonder whether it\u2019s simply that time of the month or something you lack. You think your body may need something when you crave a specific food item, but what is it telling you?\u00a0 Why [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":60396,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[131,2],"tags":[],"coauthors":[178,87],"class_list":["post-60382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-eating","category-nutrition"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u2605 WHY AM I CRAVING CHOCOLATE \u27a4 is a common question, and you\u2019ll be surprised to discover how many reasons exist. Then, use proven methods to stop craving chocolate.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u2605 WHY AM I CRAVING CHOCOLATE \u27a4 is a common question, and you\u2019ll be surprised to discover how many reasons exist. Then, use proven methods to stop craving chocolate.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shutterstock_2090695711-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Caroline Lambert, Kristen Fleming, RD\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Caroline Lambert, Kristen Fleming, RD\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Caroline Lambert\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/308889c151e7dd2633af5309a1898a6c\"},\"headline\":\"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/\"},\"wordCount\":2451,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shutterstock_2090695711-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Healthy Eating\",\"Nutrition\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Why am I craving chocolate? It\u2019s a question shared by many, but the answer is known by a few. You likely wonder whether it\u2019s simply that time of the month or something you lack. You think your body may need something when you crave a specific food item, but what is it telling you?\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Why am I craving chocolate, is a common question to which you\u2019ll find the answers here today. While no single answer can satisfy this question, you'll have a better idea of what you can eat and do, to soothe those intense chocolate cravings. Let\u2019s show you why you might crave chocolate.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Does Your Body Want When You Crave Chocolate?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The \u201cWhy am I craving chocolate\u201d question isn\u2019t always as straightforward as having a sweet tooth. Instead, here\u2019s a sneak peek at what your body may need or might be trying to tell you:<\/span>\\r\\n<ul>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">You have a habit of eating chocolate and feel rewarded (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167587\/nutrients\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">, <\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6234835\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">, <\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/18\/18\/9791\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">)<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">You may be hungry and want the familiar texture and aroma of chocolate (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">)<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span st ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/\",\"name\":\"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? 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Unfortunately, the once top school athlete (with provincial colors), struggles with weightloss, exercise, and healthy habits. As a result, Caroline is here to not only share valuable advice from experts and proven studies, but she\u2019s also here to begin her journey with you. Caroline\u2019s greatest downfall is that she has worked remote for 18 years. Now\u2019s the time to find evidence to support her lifestyle changes, sharing them with you. Caroline also has a passion for various nutritional journeys as she loves trying new regimes and cultural differences. She has the determination to change, and she prides herself in helping others through proven methods to lose weight and gain self-control, mentally and physically.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caroline-lambert-75a29839\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/caroline-whittington\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It - BetterMe","description":"\u2605 WHY AM I CRAVING CHOCOLATE \u27a4 is a common question, and you\u2019ll be surprised to discover how many reasons exist. Then, use proven methods to stop craving chocolate.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It","og_description":"\u2605 WHY AM I CRAVING CHOCOLATE \u27a4 is a common question, and you\u2019ll be surprised to discover how many reasons exist. Then, use proven methods to stop craving chocolate.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shutterstock_2090695711-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Caroline Lambert, Kristen Fleming, RD","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Caroline Lambert, Kristen Fleming, RD","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/"},"author":{"name":"Caroline Lambert","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/308889c151e7dd2633af5309a1898a6c"},"headline":"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/"},"wordCount":2451,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shutterstock_2090695711-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Healthy Eating","Nutrition"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why am I craving chocolate? It\u2019s a question shared by many, but the answer is known by a few. You likely wonder whether it\u2019s simply that time of the month or something you lack. You think your body may need something when you crave a specific food item, but what is it telling you?\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why am I craving chocolate, is a common question to which you\u2019ll find the answers here today. While no single answer can satisfy this question, you'll have a better idea of what you can eat and do, to soothe those intense chocolate cravings. Let\u2019s show you why you might crave chocolate.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Does Your Body Want When You Crave Chocolate?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u201cWhy am I craving chocolate\u201d question isn\u2019t always as straightforward as having a sweet tooth. Instead, here\u2019s a sneak peek at what your body may need or might be trying to tell you:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have a habit of eating chocolate and feel rewarded (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/167587\/nutrients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6234835\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1660-4601\/18\/18\/9791\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be hungry and want the familiar texture and aroma of chocolate (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524390\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span st ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/","name":"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shutterstock_2090695711-scaled.jpg","description":"\u2605 WHY AM I CRAVING CHOCOLATE \u27a4 is a common question, and you\u2019ll be surprised to discover how many reasons exist. Then, use proven methods to stop craving chocolate.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shutterstock_2090695711-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shutterstock_2090695711-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/why-am-i-craving-chocolate\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Nutrition","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/nutrition\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Why Am I Craving Chocolate? The Reasons Beyond the Sweet Tooth and How to Fix It"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; Fitness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization","name":"BetterMe","alternateName":"Betterme Limited","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"BetterMe"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/x.com\/betterme","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236","https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/308889c151e7dd2633af5309a1898a6c","name":"Caroline Lambert","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/c61a71bc1a51f609cb376b968e8cf399","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/photo_2023-09-12_12-26-39-150x150.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/photo_2023-09-12_12-26-39-150x150.jpg","caption":"Caroline Lambert"},"description":"Caroline has spent much of her life battling against the urge to eat her way to happiness. Unfortunately, the once top school athlete (with provincial colors), struggles with weightloss, exercise, and healthy habits. As a result, Caroline is here to not only share valuable advice from experts and proven studies, but she\u2019s also here to begin her journey with you. Caroline\u2019s greatest downfall is that she has worked remote for 18 years. Now\u2019s the time to find evidence to support her lifestyle changes, sharing them with you. Caroline also has a passion for various nutritional journeys as she loves trying new regimes and cultural differences. She has the determination to change, and she prides herself in helping others through proven methods to lose weight and gain self-control, mentally and physically.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caroline-lambert-75a29839"],"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/caroline-whittington\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60382"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60382\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60382"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60382"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60382"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=60382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}