Sneaky reasons for your unhealthy cravings

So, you’ve got a hankering for a salty snack, like popcorn or potato chips. Or maybe you’re more in the mood for something sweet, like a dish of ice cream and a slice of chocolate cake. You’re not alone. One study found that 97 percent of women and 68 percent of men experienced cravings.

Why is your body telling you to eat these foods? How can you sate your cravings without blowing your diet? The answers, though simple, might surprise you. Here are four reasons for your most unhealthy cravings, plus ways to beat them.

Medically reviewed in October 2019.