Can't resist that chocolate cake ? You might have a valid reason...

You may think your cravings are just part of day-today life, but they could be a warning sign that something is wrong with your diet. So before you give in to that desire, try curbing those cravings with healthy alternatives.




CHEESE:
You might be deficient in: Essential Fatty Acids
Try replacing with:  Fatty acids: omega-3s, chia seeds, walnuts, cashew nuts, flax seeds.

PASTA, WHITE BREAD, PASTRIES:
You might be deficient in:  Chromium, a mineral that helps with functions such as digestion.
Try replacing with: Onion, romaine lettuce, tomato, sweet potato.

RED MEAT:
You might be deficient in: Iron
Try replacing with: Spinach, legumes, dried fruit. Eat fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C as this helps with iron absorption. i.e. squeeze lemon juice over your spinach.

CRISPS:
You might be deficient in: Chloride (salt)
Try replacing with:  Olives, tomato, celery, kelp (seaweed), broccoli, almonds and a little slice of feta cheese.

CHOCOLATE:
You might be deficient in: Magnesium
Try replacing with:  Raw cacao nibs (beans, powder), pulses, nuts and seeds.

FIZZY DRINKS:
You might be deficient in:  Calcium
Try replacing with: Sesame seeds/tahini, broccoli, kale, spinach, soybeans, okra.

COFFEE:
You might be deficient in: Iron
Try replacing with: red meat, beans, chickpeas, moringa tea.


CURB THOSE CRAVINGS

• If nothing but carbs will do, opt for wholegrain varieties, as they have a lower GI. Oatcakes are a good snack option. 
• Don't let habits form. Eating little and often rather than always reaching for something at 4p.m. will help avoid this. Vary your healthy snack choices - a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese with veggie sticks..
• Distract yourself - walk away from the crisps/chocolate cupboard and go for a walk, phone a friend, listen to music.
• Cut back on the alcohol - it stimulates the parts of our brain that provoke hunger, and decreases your inhibitions so you're less likely to care about eating the wrong things.
• Rest and relax - it's common to turn to naughty foods in times of stress. The hormones ghrelin and leptin, which control hunger, are also influenced by how much sleep we get, so rest up !
• Stay hydrated. Did you know that we often get our hunger pangs confused with thirst? When you feel an intense craving creeping up on you, try drinking a pint of water, and wait for the craving to fade...

​Ginger and Moringa is an incredible pair known to promote better health and longevity.
For decades, moringa and ginger have been used to combat multiple diseases and have always yielded excellent results, recent studies have shown that if these two ingredients are used in combination and in the right portions, their effect is much faster and more effective… and that is why synergy is my favourite word !
 
Read on for the health benefits which almost everyone can benefit from: 
 
Treats Arthritis:
 Moringa contains anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. It also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Further, ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties and together they turn out to be one of the most effective remedies to treat arthritis.

Cancer Preventative:  
 Several studies have suggested that moringa can diminish cancerous cells as it contains benzyl isothiocyanate. This is often recommended for patients who have undergone chemotherapy. The plant compounds of ginger provide radio-protective effects to healthy tissues and prevent the concerns of toxicity in the patients.

Reduces Cholesterol:
 Moringa has been proven to be successful in reducing cholesterol levels. 
 
Whereas ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for the heart Researchers concluded that ginger may be useful as a cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory blood thinner. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a number of studies that suggest ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting. They also had a reduction in inflammation markers.
 
Treats Headaches:
 Moringa has been in use since ancient times as a natural painkiller. It is highly reliable in treating chronic headaches and migraines. It works as an analgesic and deals with all kinds of pain. Further, ginger helps in alleviating migraine symptoms and also eases nausea which is quite common in migraine sufferers.
 
Reduces High Blood Pressure:  
 Moringa contains nutrients such as thiocarbamate and isothiocyanate. These help in reducing  elevated blood pressure in patients. The presence of ginger in this recipe also helps in lowering blood pressure as it is an anti-inflammatory agent and a potent blood thinner.

Soothes the Stomach:
 Moringa contains high anti-ulcer properties which help with the healing of gut and stomach issues. Ginger is also known for its ability to soothe the stomach and prevent morning sickness. Hence, this duo is the best thing you can opt for to drink as a tea in the morning.

Keeps The Liver Safe:
 Liver diseases can be kept under control with the help of moringa leaves. It helps in healing the organ and also fights against liver diseases. Ginger contains antioxidants and triglyceride lowering effects that help to prevent or reverse fatty liver disease.

Helps to Reverse Anaemia:
 Moringa is known to contain 25 times more iron than spinach. It contains high amounts of significant minerals, vitamins, proteins and also improves the blood quality significantly.  Ginger has also been found to have a medicinal use as a treatment for anemia and is especially useful for those where anaemia has been caused by chemotherapy or renal disease.
 
The best way to incorporate both moringa and ginger is in the form of a tea or a smoothie where you add a teaspoon of moringa leaf powder and some fresh or powdered ginger. Enjoy !