What Your Cravings Are Really Trying to Tell You

We’ve all had those days when a craving comes out of nowhere — not a mild “hmm, that sounds good,” but the kind that won’t go away until you finally give in.

Sometimes cravings are emotional or habitual, but other times, they’re your body’s way of saying “hey, I need something.”

And recently, I had one of those moments that reminded me just how smart our bodies really are.

When My Body Spoke Loud and Clear

I’d been busy — really busy. Between clients, workouts, and spending time in the yard, I completely forgot to take my vitamins for almost two weeks.

One hot afternoon while working outside, I felt unusually thirsty. I kept drinking water, but it just wasn’t hitting the spot. On a whim, I grabbed a small glass of orange juice… and before I knew it, I had finished nearly a full liter over the next two hours.

That’s so unlike me — I might drink orange juice maybe eight times a year, if that. The last time I craved it that strongly was 24 years ago, when I was pregnant with my second child.

It hit me: my body wasn’t just thirsty — it was craving vitamin C.

When we go through periods of stress, heat exposure, or skip our supplements, our body’s stores of water-soluble vitamins (like vitamin C and B vitamins) can deplete quickly. My craving was its way of signaling “refill, please.”

What Your Cravings Tell You

1. Craving Citrus or Juicy Fruits → You Might Need Vitamin C or Hydration

If you suddenly want oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, or pineapple, what your cravings are trying to tell you is that your body could be low in vitamin C, which supports your immune system and collagen production.

It could also be mild dehydration — citrus fruits contain water and electrolytes, which help restore balance when water alone doesn’t feel satisfying.

Try this: add a squeeze of lemon to your water, eat a few slices of orange or kiwi, and make sure you’re consistent with your multivitamin or collagen + vitamin C supplement.

2. Craving Chocolate → You Might Be Low in Magnesium

That deep chocolate craving isn’t always about dessert. Chocolate — especially dark chocolate — is rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps calm your nervous system, ease muscle tension, and support better sleep.

Women often lose magnesium through stress and workouts, so a craving for chocolate can be your body’s way of asking for relaxation and recovery.

Try this: include magnesium-rich foods like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or spinach — or spray magnesium oil on the bottoms of your feet at night to help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

3. Craving Red Meat → You Might Need Iron or Vitamin B12

If you find yourself dreaming about steak or burgers, you might be running low on iron or B12, especially during times of fatigue, heavy periods, or high activity.

Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood, and B12 keeps your energy stable — both are essential for women over 40.

Try this: add lean beef, turkey, or lentils to your meals a few times a week, and if you follow a mostly plant-based diet, consider a B12 supplement.

4. Craving Salty Snacks → You Might Need Electrolytes or Adrenal Support

When you crave chips, pickles, or anything salty, it could mean you’re low in sodium, potassium, or adrenal minerals — especially if you’ve been sweating more, stressed, or drinking lots of water without replacing electrolytes.

Try this: sip on coconut water, add a pinch of mineral salt to your water, or use electrolyte drops during workouts. Sometimes your body isn’t craving salt — it’s craving balance.

5. Craving Bread or Pasta → You Might Be Low in Energy or B Vitamins

A sudden need for carbs doesn’t mean you’ve “lost discipline.” Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred energy source, and low blood sugar or B-vitamin deficiency can trigger strong cravings for quick energy foods like bread or pasta.

Try this: eat balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and slow carbs like quinoa, oats, or sweet potatoes. If cravings persist, add a high-quality B-complex supplement or whole-grain sources instead of refined carbs.

The Bottom Line

Cravings aren’t the enemy — they’re information.Your body is wise and constantly communicating. The key is to listen without judgment and learn what it’s really asking for.

Next time you crave something unusual or out of character, pause before labeling it as “bad.”Ask yourself: What could my body need right now?

Sometimes, it’s comfort. But sometimes, it’s literally vitamins.