Maybe there are times when a craving for a particular food gives a clue about a nutrient that the body needs.

For instance, I get cravings for Marmite (a British stuff made from brewer's yeast). I turns out this stuff is one of the best dietary sources of chromium. Chromium has been suggested as an important substance for people (like me) who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

It also turns out that brewer's yeast is a source of alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid appears to be helpful for those suffering from type 2 diabetes. There was also a study that found lower than average levels of alpha lipoic acid in acne sufferers. I have been blighted by acne even into my 40th year, despite hospital treatment in the past for it.

Coincidence(s)?

Maybe there are times when a craving for a particular food gives a clue about a nutrient that the body needs.

Interesting. You could be on to something. Sometimes this works, but sometimes it doesn't.

Have you seen SuperSize Me? It is a documentary (sort of) about McDonald's. One interesting point (perhaps we could argue the validity) is that McDonald's works hard to make a child's experience a terrific one at their stores. That way, they associate McDonald's with good feelings (family, warm emotions, happy times, playing together, etc.) and so they associate the food with the happy feelings. That way, when they are lonely, they will want McDonald's food -- as they grow, they will keep that association. I can witness from experience that it worked with me. :mad:

I think it would be difficult to test your theory -- there are so many "nurture" things that cloud the testing of the effect of "nature" on our systems. Hope that made sense.

You're probably right -- but learned associations also create cravings, so how can you tell the difference between the two?

Anyway -- those are my thoughts.

Agree with you two -- cravings are usually because we lack somethings. I'm sharing my experience if you don't mind...

Last year I was home-alone, also we just moved back here at the Philipiines, so I was very lonely. Guess who became my best friends? They were, Mr. Junk food, Sir Sodas and of course their cousins and neighbors (pizza, mcdo etc)... No wonder I got fat. I also forgot about my best friend (Mr. exercise). Not to mention all the bad habits I still have (smoking, drinking etc)

This year is not much different, I'm home alone again. But thanfully I have new friends (literally) and some other friends, exercise, nutrition and JSF :claplow: But somehow, whenever I'm lonely, I crave for some junk food and sometimes the cravings are so damn irresistable. i don't know why, but breads and pastries are my comfort foods lately. But I'm trying to limit as much as I can, and thankfully it's working.

Sorry for the pointless post, just sharing my experience :o