You know when you get that craving for something sweet or salty that just won't go away until you satisfy it? 

Well, these cravings are actually your body’s way of telling you that it needs something - and not the chocolate bar or bag of chips you think you want. Here are some of the most common cravings and what your body actually needs to satisfy them.

Craving sweets?

This can mean one of two things according to health experts.  A sweet craving can be an indicator that you are not getting enough sleep and are tired. So, next time you have a sweet craving think about taking nap or making a conscious effort to get more sleep at night. Craving sugary sweets can be a sign that you have a blood sugar imbalance or your body needs more magnesium and chromium.  By indulging in a sweet snack, this can actually make the blood sugar imbalance worse. Health experts recommend eating a piece of fresh fruit instead as this will help to even out you blood sugar levels. If you are specifically craving chocolate this can also be your body’s way of telling you it is lacking in magnesium or carbohydrates. Eating a chocolate bar will give you a rush of energy that your body is craving but will then lead to a sugar crash. Instead, it is recommended that you have a snack of oatmeal or hummus as they help to provide your body with the energy it is craving without the negative sugar crash side effect.

Craving salty foods?

Wanting salty foods is often due to low levels of electrolytes in the body, stress induced hormone fluctuations, or dehydration. Managing your stress levels is the best way to keep this craving at bay, however, there are also foods you can eat to help replenish the electrolyte level in your body.  Making sure you are hydrated is one of the best ways to help with electrolyte levels.  You should also eat foods that contain vitamin-B. This includes foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. It is also recommended that you make sure you are eating plenty of green, leafy vegetables which will help your adrenal glands by providing your body with the proper minerals.

Craving caffeine?

This can be an indicator that your body needs more iron.  When your body is lacking in iron you have less red blood cells carrying oxygen around your body making you tired. If you are constantly craving caffeine you should think about adding more lean meats or eggs into your diet to keep your iron levels up instead of going for that second or third cup of coffee every morning.

Craving fatty foods?

This can include foods from pizza to French fries.  Craving these foods can be a good indicator that your body is lacking simple fatty acids. Wanting cheese can also be an indicator that you have an essential fatty acid deficiency. While it is tempting to give into these fatty food cravings, there are ways to provide your body with the fats you need in a healthier form.  Try getting fats from nuts, fish, or avocados. These foods will curb your craving and are a part of a healthy diet.

Being able to identify your cravings and what they actually mean your body needs is a good way to ensure that you are getting enough of all nutrients, fats, vitamins and minerals that your body requires to function. This will also help you to maintain a healthy diet because you will be able to curb your not-so-healthy cravings by indulging in healthier options that will provide your body with the nutrients it actually wants.