Why do we crave fatty, sweet or salty things before bedtime? A nutritionist has given 6 reasons

nutritionist, nutritionist, member of the National Society of Nutritionists and Nutritionists

There is a scientific explanation for why we crave fatty, sweet or salty foods closer to bedtime. It has to do with the way our bodies work and the way we live. Here are the possible reasons for this.

Why do you want to eat fatty foods?

The desire to eat such food may indicate a lack of fats in the body. This is often caused by poor diet or diseases that disrupt metabolism. Or it is due to low levels of the hormone leptin, which regulates the feeling of satiety.

A frequent cause is also insufficient calorie intake during the day. As a result – in the evening there is a strong desire to eat something nutritious. This is also indicated by a lack of fat-soluble vitamins. Such as beta-carotene and vitamin E.

Why crave sweets?

The urge to eat sweets can be due to two main reasons. The first is a lack of carbohydrates in the body or low sugar levels. The second is low serotonin. This, in turn, is what can cause depression. Therefore, in order to improve your mood, you want to have a sweet tooth.

What other problems could there be? Poor thyroid hormone production. Because of this, eating behavior is disturbed. The result is a craving for sweets.

Why do you want salty?

The desire to eat salty can indicate a deficiency of sodium in the body. For example, with profuse sweating during physical activity or diseases that are accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

It can also be associated with impaired kidney function, which are involved in the regulation of the balance of electrolytes in the body. An unobvious factor is also a deficiency of calcium. Why? Salt can, albeit temporarily, but increase the level of this chemical element in the blood. The body mistakenly believes that the problem is solved.

There are also common causes. Among them stand out:

Problems with hormones

The hormonal background in a person changes during the day. In the evening, the level of leptin, which controls the feeling of satiety, may be lower. Conversely, the level of ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, is higher. This leads to increased feelings of hunger and the desire to eat something specific (fatty, sweet or salty).

Nutrient deficiencies

Lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, zinc, can lead to a desire to eat something specific. For example, sweet or salty foods. This is especially true for women during menstruation, when the body loses a lot of iron.

Stress and fatigue

The desire to eat fatty, sweet or salty can be caused not only by physiological, but also by psychological factors. Which are?

In the evening, many people’s stress and fatigue levels increase. People try to solve this problem with food. Especially those that contain a lot of sugar and fats. Stress causes an increase in cortisol levels, which increases hunger and makes us more prone to overeating.

Lifestyle

An irregular and active lifestyle often makes you want to eat more in the evening. Why? The body needs to make up for the calories lost during the working day. If you skip breakfast or lunch, then in the evening there is a feeling of intense hunger. As a result – the desire to eat something caloric and satiating.

After a hard day, we often relax, watch TV, spend time on the computer or phone. All this causes the desire to snack. How to control it? It is necessary to maintain a dietary regimen and avoid snacking in the evenings.

Sleep disorders

Lack of sleep or disturbance of the regime also affects the increase in appetite, including the desire to eat something fatty, sweet or salty.

Habit

The habit of snacking in the evenings is detrimental. Over time, it becomes a habit that is difficult to get rid of. The body begins to constantly request fatty, sweet or salty at the same time of day.