Nut butters like peanut, almond, cashew, walnut and hazelnut are full of taste, very high in protein and low in carbs. These chocolate craving substitutes contain a good amount of fibers – almond butter is the highest on the list – which can also help improve digestion.
When it comes to chocolate, it is common knowledge that the craving signifies a deficiency in magnesium. Since cacao is considered the food with the highest amount of magnesium per gram, it comes as no surprise that chocolate is the first thing we reach for when we encounter such a deficiency.
Carob is a tasty and healthful alternative to dark chocolate. It has a slightly nutty, roasted, sweet flavor with a close taste to dark chocolate. Due to its high fiber content, antioxidants, low fat and sugar content, lack of caffeine and gluten; it tastes similar to chocolate and is a fantastic substitute.
We need magnesium to help turn the food we eat into energy. As dark chocolate is high in magnesium, some argue that chocolate cravings stem from a magnesium deficiency.
For example, it contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which can trigger the release of endorphins, creating a pleasurable sensation. Additionally, chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, which can have a stimulating effect and may contribute to cravings.
The symptoms of a magnesium deficiency range from anxiety and irritability to poor digestion and insomnia. This is why you might feel better and more relaxed after eating chocolate. You may find that a diet abundant in magnesium-rich foods will help keep your chocolate cravings at bay.
The clear winner.
Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.
For many, chocolate and candy are the go-to options when energy levels tank, and this makes physiological sense. Sugar provides a quick energy fix by boosting blood sugar levels.
Cocoa is really nutrient dense with magnesium, iron and fiber. If you follow a plant-based diet, you might be craving chocolate if you're anemic or low in iron. Chocolate has a small amount of iron, but it's easy for your body to access.
Nuts. Nuts are great alternatives to chocolate as they contain both the magnesium and nitrogen found in chocolate. Sometimes your body craves foods with nutrients that it lacks. Therefore, when you crave something, your body is not only craving the food itself, but the nutrients within the food.
Supplements of magnesium can reduce sugar craving and help stabilise blood sugar levels[1]. If you have Type 2 diabetes or Pre-diabetes you are more likely to have low magnesium levels[2, 3].
Reach for your favorite fruit
When the chocolate cravings come knocking, they may be satisfied by a different sweet treat. And there's no better choice than fresh fruit. Unlike most chocolate confections, fruits like grapes, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, oranges, grapefruit and melon are low in fat and calories.
Whilst not being exactly like chocolate, carob does taste similar and is a much healthier substitute for cocoa, because: Carob contains no caffeine or tyramine, two substances which have been linked to headaches.
White chocolate is the worst – it has more calories than milk chocolate and more sugar than dark. Read more: Why does chocolate make us happy?
Choose dark chocolates with the lowest levels of heavy metals. The Consumer Reports study found five chocolates — one each from Mast, Taza and Valrhona, and two from Ghirardelli — with relatively low levels of both lead and cadmium.
According to health experts, food cravings in some cases may be indicators of nutritional deficiencies. This explains why you crave fatty foods and sugary treats while on a diet. As an example, chocolate cravings are often a sign of magnesium deficiency.
A drop in essential fatty acids may be the culprit behind increased sugar cravings, says nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in one of her recent IGTVs. To get sufficient essential fatty acids, eating ghee is important. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 is also a reason for increased sugar cravings.
What are the consequences of eating chocolates? Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption could be associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. Keep in mind that cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals.
Stress and sugar cravings
Stress can not only increase one's intake of food overall, but also affect the kind of foods that are eaten. In general, stress triggers greater consumption of appetizing, calorie-dense foods—like chocolate, ice cream, potato chips, and fatty junk food, for example.