Are you one of those people who finds themselves often craving a tall, cold glass of milk? Milkshakes, cereal, hot chocolate – it doesn’t matter how you get your fix, sometimes you just can’t help it. Cravings are a strange thing. You can be content in the moment and suddenly your brain tells you that only one particular food will satisfy that craving. So why do so many people find themselves craving the classic choice of a tall glass of milk? As it turns out, there are some clear explanations for these cravings that might make you think twice about reaching for the jug in the fridge.

What Causes Milk Cravings?

Milk cravings can be broken down into three basic categories. The first is psychological – you may have been conditioned to drink or eat something from a young age, or it may be a comfort thing that provides you with a feeling of security. It may even be related to your emotions. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, the study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy shows that snacking can be a form of self-soothing for some people.

Nutrition is another big factor behind milk cravings – most people know that milk is an excellent source of both protein and calcium, two important elements in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So if your diet is lacking in either of these, you may be driven to find a way to get enough of them in.

Finally, cravings can be caused by our own hormones. The study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found that there is a link between dopamine levels and cravings. People who have low dopamine tend to find themselves constantly in search of something that will give them a little bit of an energy boost or comfort feeling.

Is Craving Milk a Sign Of Something?

Whether or not these milk cravings are actually a sign of something depends on what’s behind the urge to drink or eat it. If it’s a psychological or hormonal thing, then yes, it’s likely a sign that something isn’t quite right. It could be a sign of something simple like dehydration or stress, or it could be something more complex and linked to nutrition like a calcium and protein deficiency.

The good news is that as long as you’re aware of why you’re craving it, you can take steps to address the underlying issue, be that dehydrated or stressed.

Quote from An Expert

“There can be a few reasons why people crave milk and dairy products, however, it is important to understand what is driving the cravings in order to be able to control them,” says nutritionist Felicia Stoler, MS, RD. “It could be as simple as being dehydrated, as milk is mostly water, or looking for some added fiber, protein or calcium that may be lacking in the diet.”

How Do I Stop Craving Milk?

If you’re finding your milk cravings too hard to resist, the first step is to figure out what’s behind them and addressing it in a way that doesn’t involve reaching for a glass of milk. If it’s a psychological or comfort thing then talking to someone about it might be a good starting point, as it can help you to understand the issue better.

If it’s nutrition related then try making sure you’re eating enough of the right foods. High-fiber and protein-rich alternatives like nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of both of these. The American Institute of Cancer Research also recommends alternative calcium sources such as leafy greens, salmon, and sardines as better calcium sources than dairy.

Finally, if you’re lacking in energy then try making sure you’re getting enough sleep and exercise to give yourself an energy boost and limit sugary snacks that provide a temporary high. Eating regular meals in smaller portions can also help to regulate your energy levels.

Conclusion

Milk cravings can be difficult to ignore but understanding what causes them can help you to take steps to address the underlying issues without relying on a glass of milk too often. If you’re feeling stressed, tired, or lacking in key nutrients, then try to find healthier, more sustainable alternatives to a glass of milk – but don’t forget that there is nothing wrong with indulging every once in a while too!

References

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