That mid-afternoon urge to reach for something salty or sweet isn’t just a lack of willpower â it’s something many Americans experience every day.
Surveys have found that people report an average of two cravings daily, with urges peaking at about 3:45 p.m.
There are a few reasons why, told Fox News Digital.
“Most of us can relate to the , and it’s tied to a couple of key factors,” North Carolina-based science communication consultant Megan Meyer, Ph.D., told Fox News Digital.
A or skipping one altogether, can lead to a spike and drop in blood sugar, Meyer said, which “signals to the brain to seek out food â usually salty or sweet snacks â to stabilize blood sugar.”
Add in a natural dip in circadian rhythm and widespread sleep deprivation â both linked to increased cravings for high-calorie foods â and the late-afternoon starts to make sense, she said.
But cravings aren’t just about biology.
” so inherently personal and tied to experiences and emotion,” Meyer said.
and even what’s within arm’s reach can shape what â and how often â we crave.
“I’ve also noticed that my environment really shapes my eating patterns,” she said. “If I am surrounded by less options, I often crave those foods. When I remove them, those cravings tend to go away.”
Rather than viewing cravings as something to fight, they can be useful signals, South Carolina-based registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker told Fox News Digital.
“Cravings are a natural part of how our bodies communicate with us, often signaling a need for energy, comfort or specific nutrients,” Manaker said.
“Rather than , it’s helpful to approach cravings with balance and acknowledge them without judgment.”
Instead, planning “satisfying, and snacks throughout the day can help reduce the intensity of cravings, especially during that mid-afternoon slump,” Manaker said.
Still, modern food culture can complicate things.
“There’s a lot of unhealthy expectations around food,” Meyer noted, pointing to the pressure of social media and so-called “influencer-worthy” meals.
A healthier approach is less about perfection and more about awareness.
“Remember, in a mindful way is an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship with food,” Manaker said.
