Have you ever had an intense craving for a particular food that you suddenly felt inclined to type “where is the best burger shop near me” on your phone? Well, you are not alone. Food cravings are very common. The desire to eat may seem uncontrollable, and you feel like your hunger won’t be satisfied until you get that food you’re craving for.
A circuit inside the brain seems to cause protein cravings [1]. Same with all animals, humans need protein to survive. That’s why several scientists believe that those food cravings are the body’s reaction when you’ve burned through your carbs, and your body is now trying to tap into protein for fuel.
Protein is a crucial macronutrient needed by the body during its anabolic states, particularly during pregnancy and infancy. However, the specific circuits within the brain that are responsible for protein hunger remain undiscovered.
But, did you know that there are other reasons why people crave particular foods?
Why People Crave for Food
Food cravings may come out of nowhere. Even seeing an advertisement or smelling a certain food can trigger a craving. Why do we really crave food like a burger loaded with toppings of our choice? Here are some of the reasons why you tend to search for the “nearest burger shop near me”.
Food euphoria
When people consume foods they typically enjoy, it activates the feel-good centres of their brains [2]. What happens is that it causes them to eat more. It’s worth noting that a person’s brain can sometimes end up chasing the pleasurable state that comes with food euphoria.
Lack of sleep
The lack of sleep can also trigger your food cravings. Sleep deprivation may cause an increase in hunger because it causes a person’s hormones to shift. For instance, ghrelin, the hormone that controls appetite, tends to increase when you’re sleep-deprived. This hunger hormone stimulates appetite and increases your food intake. Meanwhile, leptin, the appetite-suppressing hormone, decreases.
Stress
Some people often choose to eat their feelings. Stress eating is natural for most people. They use food to distract them from negative thoughts and feelings.
Food cravings are nothing but natural. So, if you suddenly feel like having a delicious burger, why not indulge yourself with one?
Hashtag Burgers & Waffles has got the juiciest burgers in town! Whether it’s in Fortitude Valley or the West End, we can be the best burger shop near you to satisfy your cravings. Order from us now!