Picture this: It’s 9 PM. You’re cozy in bed, but your brain is yelling “Doughnut, Chocolate!” Or maybe it’s the hot slap of slap chips doused in vinegar and salt. We’ve all been there. Cravings feel random, urgent, even emotional. But what if they’re not just about indulgence? What if your body is actually sending you a message?
In this Wellness Lab feature from WELL N WELL, we’re decoding cravings and translating your body’s inner voice into something you can understand, respond to, and even nourish. Because in truth? Your body speaks in whispers before it screams.
Your body isn’t out to sabotage your diet or make you weak-willed. Cravings are biological signals, influenced by your:
Gut microbiome
Hormones
Blood sugar levels
Stress chemicals (hello, cortisol!)
When you’re craving sweets, for instance, it’s often your body asking for an energy boost, comfort, or a dopamine hit. The gut and brain are in constant dialogue via the vagus nerve, meaning what’s happening in your gut heavily affects your mood, mental clarity, and yes, those 10PM cravings.
In Mzansi, these cravings show up in unique ways:
1. Chocolate
Could mean a magnesium deficiency.
Also a desire for a mood lift via dopamine or serotonin.
Healthy hack: Try a piece of dark chocolate (70% or more) or add raw cacao to your morning smoothie.
2. Chakalaka & Pap
Often craved after a long, stressful day.
Comfort food cravings usually signal emotional or sensory hunger.
Healthy hack: Substitute with Mabele pap with fermented vegetables.
3. Salty Chips
Could point to dehydration or low electrolyte levels.
Often tied to adrenal fatigue.
Healthy hack: Snack on roasted or air-fried chips with Himalayan salt or sea salt.
4. White Bread and Vetkoek
May indicate blood sugar imbalances.
Carbs bring temporary calm by triggering serotonin.
Healthy hack: Choose sourdough or make wholegrain vetkoek with almond flour.
For women especially, cravings often sync with hormonal shifts, especially around menstruation. Progesterone and estrogen influence appetite and mood, while a drop in serotonin may have you reaching for sweet, starchy comfort foods.
Stress is another major player. When you’re anxious or overworked, cortisol spikes. This not only increases hunger but amplifies cravings for energy-dense foods. Your brain isn’t irrational; it’s just looking for fuel to fight fire.
The gut microbiome is like your body’s internal garden. When it’s thriving, cravings are balanced and manageable. But when it’s overgrown with sugar-loving bacteria, guess what you’ll crave? Yup. More sugar.
Start with these gut-healing tips:
Eat fermented foods (like WELL N WELL cultured almond drinking yoghurt)
Add fibre-rich veggies like spinach, beetroot, morogo
Drink enough water and spring water if accessible
Limit ultra-processed foods and refined sugars
When your gut is happy, your cravings become aligned with your actual nutritional needs.
Instead of judging yourself for craving vetkoek or chocolate, lean into curiosity. Ask: What am I really needing? Energy? Comfort? Connection? Once you know the signal, it’s easier to respond with healthier swaps, compassion, and strategy.
At WELL N WELL, we believe wellness isn’t about restriction. It’s about realignment. Our products are designed to nourish both your biology and your nostalgia. Because healing doesn’t have to taste boring.
Try It Now!
Curious to explore? Visit our www.wellnwell.co.za/shop-online page for plant-based nourishing awesomeness!
Disclaimer: This blog post on WELLNESS LAB is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.
