Most likely, when you hear the word “craving,” you think of sweets like chocolate or fried, salty foods. But sometimes someone might want something as healthy as fish, and health experts say this could mean a few different things.
Food cravings can occur because of physiological, psychological, or emotional reasons. Some of them are even simple social or habitual habits, like wanting popcorn while watching a movie. If you really want fish, though, the most common reason is that you might be on a strict diet. Per Dr. Michael Lam, an expert in nutritional and anti-aging medicine, said, “Not getting enough protein can make your body crave protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and chicken.” Making sure you eat a balanced diet is one way to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs, not just protein.
Protein is important for a lot of things in our bodies, like keeping our nails and hair healthy and making sure our organs work right. As a result, if you happen to be in the grocery store’s seafood section, you should definitely pick up some sardines, salmon, or prawns to meet the recommended daily intake.
Salmon is one of the most popular and nutrient-dense fish. Some people really want salmon because it has a buttery texture, lots of good protein, and lots of omega-3 fatty acids. But what does it mean when you suddenly want salmon? What makes you want salmon?
Salmon cravings can arise for several reasons In most cases, it signals your body and mind need specific nutrients found abundantly in salmon. But comfort, taste preferences, and even pregnancy can also trigger salmon cravings
Let’s explore the top reasons you may be craving salmon and how to healthily satisfy the urge
Your Body Needs Omega-3s
Salmon is one of the best natural sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. These essential fats are linked to improved heart health, brain function, and mood.
Since our bodies can’t produce omega-3s, we must get them through oily fish like salmon. If you are deficient in omega-3s, intense cravings for salmon could arise as your body cries out for this critical nutrient.
Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency include dry skin, fatigue, poor memory, and low moods. Eating salmon or taking a fish oil supplement can help restore optimal levels.
You Are Low In Protein
Salmon is a complete, high-quality protein containing all essential amino acids. Your body may associate salmon with satisfying protein, making you crave it when lacking adequate protein intake.
Consuming salmon provides the amino acids needed for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you full between meals. If your current diet is low in protein sources like fish, eggs, beans or dairy, salmon cravings are a sign to increase protein intake.
Your Body Needs Vitamin D
Salmon is naturally abundant in vitamin D, a fat soluble nutrient many people are deficient in. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium absorption for bone health and supports immune function.
Low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of infections, bone loss, and mood disorders. Since vitamin D is found almost exclusively in animal foods like salmon, cravings can arise when vitamin D intake is too low.
You Are Missing Key Minerals
In addition to omega-3s, protein and vitamin D, salmon provides vitamins B12, niacin, selenium, potassium, iron and magnesium.
Cravings for salmon may indicate your body is lacking in these essential minerals and is triggering an innate desire for nutrient-dense salmon to restore optimal mineral levels.
Pregnancy or Menstruation
Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and menstruation can cause cravings for salty, rich foods like salmon. The omega-3s and B vitamins in salmon are also especially important for pregnant women.
Giving into salmon cravings moderately during this time can help satisfy temporary hormonal urges. Just be mindful of limiting mercury exposure from fish during pregnancy.
It’s Your Comfort Food
Beyond nutritional needs, salmon can also be a nostalgic comfort food. You may subconsciously crave salmon because it reminds you of beloved family meals growing up or cooking for your kids.
Since salmon elicits positive memories, you naturally want to repeat the comforting experience. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying salmon in moderation for an emotional pick-me-up.
You Love The Taste And Texture
For some people salmon just hits the spot. The rich, fatty taste and velvety smooth texture provides satisfaction unlike any other food.
If you crave salmon frequently, it may be your personal preference and favorite go-to food. As long as salmon is prepared in a healthy way, there’s no harm in enjoying it often to fulfill taste and texture cravings.
How To Healthily Satisfy Salmon Cravings
Give into the urge for salmon in a balanced way by:
- Choosing wild-caught Alaskan salmon to minimize contaminants
- Incorporating salmon 2-3 times per week for a nutritious protein source
- Baking, grilling or poaching rather than frying to cut down on excess calories
- Pairing salmon with vegetable sides and brown rice or quinoa instead of heavy carbs
- Watching portion sizes and avoiding all-you-can-eat salmon buffets
Moderation is key to prevent overdoing a good thing. But overall, craving salmon is typically a sign your mind and body are lacking its valuable nutrients. Satisfying the craving in a healthy, balanced way will help restore what salmon provides while avoiding excess.
Signs You Are Eating Too Much Salmon
While satisfying salmon cravings moderately is perfectly healthy, overdoing it on salmon can cause problems. Here are signs you may be going overboard:
- Eating salmon multiple times per day, every day
- Noticeable weight gain from excess calories
- Persistent fishy odor
- Mercury toxicity symptoms like numbness or vision changes
- Unbalanced diet as salmon crowds out other nutritious foods
Sticking to two 3-4 oz servings per week and incorporating other omega-3 foods like walnuts, chia seeds and fatty fish can help provide variety in your diet.
Healthy Swaps When Craving Salmon
If you’ve overindulged in salmon or want to mix up protein sources, these options can help satisfy cravings:
- Tuna or sardines
- Grass-fed beef
- Pasture-raised eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Tofu or edamame
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Ground flaxseed
Incorporating these foods allows you to reap benefits of omega-3s, protein, minerals and healthy fats while not solely relying on salmon.
Craving Salmon When Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Pregnancy increases need for omega-3s, vitamin D, B vitamins and protein – nutrients found abundantly in salmon. But it also increases mercury exposure risks.
When craving salmon during pregnancy or breastfeeding:
- Stick to 8-12 oz low mercury salmon per week
- Choose wild-caught Alaskan salmon
- Avoid raw sushi
- Mix in other protein sources like pasture-raised eggs, beans, and yogurt
This approach helps you safely satisfy salmon cravings while limiting contaminant risks.
Should You Avoid Salmon If Craving It?
For most people, giving into salmon cravings moderately does not need to be avoided. The nutrients and health benefits of salmon far outweigh potential risks when consumed twice a week or less.
However, if you have a salmon allergy or follow a vegan diet, you may need to curb urges for salmon and choose plant-based alternatives to meet nutritional needs in other ways. Those with certain medical conditions like gout may also require limiting salmon intake.
Overall though, mildly satisfying salmon cravings is perfectly healthy for most people and can be seen as your body telling you it needs salmon’s nutrients.
The Takeaway
Salmon cravings are common because salmon provides so many vital nutrients and health benefits. From omega-3 fatty acids to high-quality protein, craving salmon is usually a sign you need more of what it offers in your diet.
While overdoing salmon intake can cause issues, satisfying the urge moderately provides physical and emotional nourishment. Next time you crave salmon, enjoy it mindfully as part of an overall balanced diet.
You enjoy eating fish or you’re looking for variety
What your food cravings are trying to tell you is a nuanced subject. And sometimes, like with fish, it could just be that you like that kind of food. Perhaps you like its texture or taste. Or maybe an over-baked halibut reminds you of your childhood. It could also mean that youre looking for variety in your diet.
Dietitians think that cravings for things like salt, ice, fatty foods, and chocolate could be signs of health problems. However, there isn’t enough evidence to say that all cravings are caused by a lack of nutrients.
As registered dietitian nutritionist Sharon Palmer told Prevention, “There is very little science-based evidence on food cravings linked to nutritional deficiencies. And if food cravings were related to something you need, then wouldnt you be craving kale or apples, not ice cream and French fries? Instead, people tend to crave foods that are rich in fats, carbs, and sugar.”
What Eating Salmon Every Day Does To Your Body
FAQ
Why does salmon make me feel so good?
Why do I like salmon so much?
Why do I crave raw salmon all the time?
Can I eat salmon every day?
Why do I crave salmon?
Salmon cravings indicate a shortage of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, or iodine. Salmon is abundant in these nutrients, so if you crave it, you’re probably not getting enough of them in your current diet. In short, you must get some salmon or find alternative sources with the same nutrients. How to stop craving salmon?
Why is salmon good for health?
For those who like fish and do not have a fish allergy, salmon is a high-quality, nutrient-rich food to include in the diet. The flesh of wild fish is rich in protein, vitamin B12, selenium, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats. All of these nutrients are required for optimal health. The regular consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA supports healthy triglyceride levels and benefits cardiovascular health. Additionally, substituting omega-3 fats for saturated and trans fats can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline if consumed regularly.
How to stop craving salmon?
If you want to stop craving some salmon, you must get the necessary nutrients from it. You may also want to consume some salmon to help you overcome your cravings. Most cravings are caused by a nutritional shortage or by a yearning for the texture and flavor of salmon.
Can you eat salmon if you’re craving it?
You may also want to consume some salmon to help you overcome your cravings. Most cravings are caused by a nutritional shortage or by a yearning for the texture and flavor of salmon. As a result, the only option to quit desiring salmon is to receive that nutrition from other foods or eat the salmon itself to satisfy your demand.