14 Surprising Fat-Burning Foods that Satisfy Unhealthy Food Cravings: Foods You Thought Were Healthy and More

Unhealthy food cravings are most often triggered by hormonal imbalances in both men and women. Serotonin is the hormone that controls mood, appetite and cravings. When levels are low, the body begins to crave high carbohydrate foods which lead to weight gain.Sudden uncontrollable urges to binge on zero fiber, calorie dense foods such as cookies, doughnuts and ice cream quickly improve mood and satisfy cravings but provide temporary satisfaction. Before long levels become depleted again and the nagging cravings return. The unfortunate consequences are elevated blood sugar levels, unhealthy weight gain and increased risk of disease.

The over consumption of fast food is another major source of serotonin depletion. Burgers, fries and milk shakes sold at fast food restaurants are calorie dense, nutrient deficient foods. They will temporarily restore serotonin levels and improve mood but before long you will have to have more to feel better again.

The big question is “what is the initial cause of low serotonin levels in men and women.” There are several contributors but the most significant is lack of nutrition capable of sustaining adequate levels of serotonin for long periods of time. Consuming foods rich in tryptophan and omega 3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining adequate serotonin levels in the body. When serotonin levels are healthy, food cravings are diminished.

When cravings come, instead of satisfying cravings with zero fiber, carbohydrate rich foods, choose foods rich in tryptophan and omega 3 fatty acids to restore tryptophan levels and high fiber foods to allow you to feel full on less. Not only will serotonin boosting and sustaining foods improve mood and eliminate craving, they will prevent them from returning.

Here, listed in order of tryptophan potency, are the 14 fat burning foods that will eliminate unhealthy food cravings:

1) Low-fat Milk (preferably organic) - 1 cup contains 612 mg and is a source of omega 3 fatty acids.

2) Winged beans - 1 cup contains 401 mg and is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.

3) Raw Oat Bran - 1 ounce contains 315 mg and is an excellent source of dietary fiber and a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.

4) Chia seeds - 1 ounce contains 202 mg and is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber.

5) Eggs (preferably free range) - 1 egg contains 182 mg. Spinach - 1 cup of raw or steamed spinach contains 156 mg and is also high in fiber.

6) Part skim milk mozzarella cheese - 1 ounce contains 94.9 mg and is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.

7) Halibut (preferably wild) - 1 ounce contains 93.8 mg and is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. All other types of fish are also rich in tryptophan.

8) Turkey - 1 ounce contains 77 mg.

9) Chicken - 1 ounce contains 75.6 mg.

10) Crab - 1 ounce contains 75.3 mg and is high in omega 3 fatty acids. Other crustaceans such as alaska king, crayfish and lobster are also excellent sources.

11) Ham - 1 ounce contains 65 mg.

12) Portabella mushrooms - 1 cup contains 60.5g and is a source of dietary fiber.

13) Lamb - 1 ounce contains 59.4 mg and is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.

14) Asparagus - 1 cup contains 36.2 mg and is a good source of omega 3 and dietary fiber.

Combining any of the above foods is always a good idea to increase intake of tryptophan, dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.