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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v08n15)
Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - by Laura Minor
posted: Jul. 22, 2011

Gettin' Ripped in Ripple header

Does What you Crave = How you Behave?
I have always been intrigued by food cravings in regard to sweet vs. salty. Most of us crave both, depending on the situation, but you probably know which you crave more often. I frequently crave foods with a more salty and savory flavor, while my husband is hands down a sweet tooth. Why is this? Is it due to a deficiency in the body that leads to the desire, it is a positive or negative emotional response or is it simply a result of what we ate growing up and nothing more than a habit? I found some interesting research on this topic, and while I am not completely convinced it applies to me specifically, I thought it would be good to share with you so that you can determine if you fall into one of these categories.
Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., head of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago and the author of What Flavor Is Your Personality? studied the cravings, food choices, and personalities of more than 18,000 people for over 25 years. "Cravings definitely have a physical component, but they also give some insight into the type of person you are," states Hirsch. He broke down his findings into 5 categories: salty, chocolate, spicy, sweet+salt, and sweets. Each category lists both physiological and personality indicators. Here is a summary of his findings:
If you crave salt:
Your Body → Strong desire for salt may indicate a mineral deficiency. Studies have found that those with low potassium, calcium and/or iron typically crave more salt than those with normal levels.
You → You are more likely to go with the flow and let other people and situation determine your fate, instead of taking direct control. **This certainly is not me!
If you crave chocolate:
Your Body → Chocolate stimulates the release of Serotonin which basically acts as an antidepressant. When you may be feeling down, your instincts are more likely to crave chocolate for a quick pick me up.
You → Interestingly, this is divided by the type of chocolate you prefer.
Dark chocolate: Very social, outgoing and involved in projects/challenges.
Milk Chocolate: Introverted, quiet and prefers to be alone or in small groups over larger events.
If you crave spicy:
Your Body → If you have trouble cooling down, you may crave spicy food because it can make you perspire which aids in thermoregulation. (Interesting!)
You → You are organized, do not like wasting time, and are detail oriented.
If you crave sweets:
Your Body → As with chocolate it could be a mood booster. Along with that, you could be low on energy and sugary foods which are absorbed into the body faster than other foods can give you immediate energy (but beware, it won't last long!).
You → You like to stand out, get attention and take risks.
If you crave sweet+salty:
Your Body → If you are feeling sluggish, you may need both glucose and sodium. . . in which case you reach for a chocolate covered pretzel!
You → You are an introverted, creative, and of the loner variety.
When I think about it, I loosely fit into all of the categories since I tend to crave all of the above depending on my mood. The subconscious mind is an amazing entity indeed. Certainly it isn't an awful thing to enjoy chocolate or potato chips from time to time. . . just don't let your subconscious wreck your health!



Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail laura@BroadRippleGazette.com




laura@broadripplegazette.com
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