Hi Karen. Thank you for sharing your inspiring experience starting at 76. It is truly commendable.
Food cravings can have both physical and psychological causes. As a researcher, I am happy to share my thoughts and experiences, but please note that they should not be considered medical advice.
Nutritional deficiencies can often lead to cravings. Maintaining an energy balance is crucial for the body, especially for the brain. For example, if you're not consuming enough carbohydrates, you may need to increase your intake of healthy fats to provide adequate energy.
Hydration is also critical. Diets such as keto and intermittent fasting can cause the body to lose electrolytes faster, which can lead to cravings when the body mistakes dehydration for a nutritional deficiency.
From a psychological perspective, addiction to any substance or behavior can also trigger cravings. Sugar is particularly addictive and is hardwired in the brain. If the body does not have enough energy, it is normal to crave sugary foods.
A friend of mine, who is of similar age, takes a teaspoon of high-quality honey when she craves sugar. Although honey is mostly sugar, it is a natural and whole food that offers other benefits beyond processed sugar.
Another friend solved his craving issues by increasing his consumption of dairy foods like cream and cheese.
I hope these points provide valuable perspectives. It would be great to discuss this with your family physician, who has access to your medical history and may be able to identify risk factors and provide a practical plan.
I also shared a story of a younger friend who solved her food cravings. I've linked it here in case you're interested in taking a quick look
