When we speak of red meat, we mean meat from adult or gamey mammals. Usually, we refer to beef, lamb, and pork (in some cases). Such types of meat provide us with satisfying flavor and taste, which is why we often crave them. Still, you may ask:
Why am I craving red meat? If you’re craving red meat, you may lack iron and protein. However, since red meat is rich in iron and protein, your body may seek it through cravings. At the same time, red meat can also help you lift your mood if you’re craving it in an emotional sense.
Red meat cravings are easy to solve if you give in and enjoy some red meat. First, however, it would be best to understand what causes it and what it means. This way, you can address it adequately and make sure you don’t compromise your health.
In this article, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about red meat cravings and how to deal with them. This way, you can make sure that you keep a healthy diet while still enjoying the red meat that you crave.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- Why do I crave red meat?
- Why am I craving red meat all of a sudden?
- Why am I craving red meat all the time?
- How to stop craving red meat?
- What to eat when craving red meat?
- Craving red meat during pregnancy
- Craving red meat before period
- Craving red meat on period
- Craving red meat at night
- Craving red meat when sick
- Can you have a red meat addiction?
- Is craving red meat a sign of pregnancy?
- Can you eat too much red meat?
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
- Resources
Why do I crave red meat?
What does it mean when you are craving red meat? Red meat cravings can be due to one of the reasons below. Thus, if you crave such, you may have an idea of what’s happening by reading further below.
Let’s have a look!
Iron and protein deficiency
One of the reasons why we crave red meat is that we have an iron deficiency. Since red meat is an excellent source of iron, our bodies crave such whenever we lack this nutrient.
At the same time, red meat is also an excellent source of protein, so it goes the same way when we crave such a type of meat.
Now, if your red meat cravings are due to this reason, you should give in to your craving to get more iron and protein for your body.
Such nutrients are essential for our bodies to function properly. Thus, giving in to your cravings will be ideal and beneficial to your overall health.
Hunger
Another reason why you crave red meat is hunger. If you feel hungry, you can crave all sorts of food. Now, if you like red meat, it’s one of the cravings you’ll often experience.
Like all other types of meat, red meat can give you enough calories to make you feel full while it provides you with enough nutrients throughout the day.
In short, it would be ideal for giving in to your cravings and eating some red meat. This way, you won’t only have your fill but also get the essential nutrients for your body.
Satisfaction and comfort
Red meat is comfort food for many people, including you. Thus, it’s probably an emotional response if you crave red meat.
If such is the case, your red meat cravings may be rooted in your body’s emotional response to your mood. For instance, if you enjoy eating red meat, your craving can be viewed as a form of self-medication or satisfaction.
Thus, it would be best to give in to your cravings to lift your mood or help yourself relax. This way, you can enjoy and push through with your down moments. As long as you keep it in moderation, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Why am I craving red meat all of a sudden?
If you’re craving red meat all of a sudden, you probably need the nutrients you can get from it. In most cases, you likely need iron and protein.
Iron and protein are essential nutrients for the body. Both nutrients help the body operate in many ways. For this reason, a deficiency in these nutrients may make you crave red meat.
In short, it will be beneficial for your body to give in to your cravings and eat some red meat. This way, you can be sure you take the right amount of nutrients that your body needs.
As long as you keep your red meat consumption in moderation, you won’t have anything to worry about.
Why am I craving red meat all the time?
If you’re craving red meat all the time, it means your current diet does not give you enough nutrients. In particular, your diet may not be giving you enough protein and iron.
Iron and protein are nutrients that the body needs for growth and development. Thus, having a deficiency in both nutrients can take a toll on your body.
For this reason, your body will benefit if you give in to your cravings and get some red meat. At the same time, you should also consider adjusting your current diet and getting more iron and protein-rich food.
This way, you can prevent further red meat cravings and ensure you get the proper nutrients your body needs.
How to stop craving red meat?
It would be best to get enough nutrients from red meat to stop craving it. However, you may also want to eat some red meat to get over your cravings.
Typically, cravings result from a nutrient deficiency or a desire to experience the taste and texture of red meat.
Therefore, the only way to stop craving red meat is to obtain that nutrient through other food sources or to eat red meat itself when you have a craving for it.
What to eat when craving red meat?
Red meat cravings usually happen because of protein or iron deficiency. Therefore, if you feel like eating red meat, you can indulge in your cravings. It is always possible to find alternative options to red meat if you cannot access red meat or do not want to eat it.
Please note that nutrients may help you cope with your cravings. Even so, if you want to satisfy your body and your mind, you should eat some red meat.
Craving red meat during pregnancy
Why are you craving red meat when pregnant? When you crave red meat during pregnancy, it’s because your body needs extra nutrition. Red meat is an excellent source of these nutrients.
Protein, zinc, and iron are plentiful in red meats such as beef, pork, and lamb. Therefore, pregnant women should consume these essential nutrients adequately during pregnancy.
In summary, your body will be healthier if you give in to your cravings and eat some red meat. It will also help you stay healthy during pregnancy. However, limit your red meat consumption to avoid further complications.
Craving red meat before period
Why are you craving red meat before your period? If you’re craving red meat before period, it means your body seeks iron to help you through the coming menstrual period.
The iron in your diet helps your uterus contract and remove its lining, resulting in your monthly period. Nevertheless, red meat is high in prostaglandins that cause cramps. So while red meat is high in iron, it is also high in prostaglandins and should not be eaten during menstruation.
In short, you should find other iron-rich food instead of red meat. This way, you can avoid the high levels of prostaglandins and ease yourself from the possible menstrual cramps before your period.
Craving red meat on period
Why are you craving red meat when you are on your period? When you crave red meat before your period, it means your body needs iron to help you through the coming period.
The iron in your diet helps your uterus contract and remove its lining during your monthly period. However, red meat contains a lot of prostaglandins that trigger cramps. So, in addition to iron, red meat is also high in prostaglandins and should not be eaten during menstruation.
Rather than eating red meat, find other iron-rich foods. By doing so, you can prevent the high levels of prostaglandins and ease the pain of possible menstrual cramps.
Craving red meat at night
Why are you craving red meat at night? If you’re craving red meat at night, you probably need the iron to help you sleep better.
Even though red meat can be healthy, eating a large portion of it right before bed can prevent you from getting a whole night’s sleep.
In short, the iron in red meat can help you sleep better. However, it would be best not to eat it right before bedtime as red meat takes longer to digest and may lead to further complications.
Craving red meat when sick
Why are you craving red meat when you are sick? Whether you’re sick or not, your body will need the protein, and you can get this nutrient from red meat. Now, if you crave red meat, you probably need the iron to help you in your sickness.
Getting more iron can help you get through your sickness. In general, this nutrient can contribute to healthy muscle recovery by improving overall health and wellbeing. In times of rest or recovery, iron is needed to increase because it is lost through sweat.
In short, it’s a good idea to give in to your red meat craving when sick. However, make sure you only eat a necessary amount so you won’t have any other complications related to it.
Can you have a red meat addiction?
People are unlikely to become addicted to red meat. However, it is also possible to become attracted to red meat if you overeat. So, as always, you need to be careful what you eat and how much red meat you consume. Keeping your red meat intake in check is the only way to prevent overeating and remain safe.
Is craving red meat a sign of pregnancy?
There is no link between craving red meat and pregnancy. However, various factors can trigger red meat cravings, including hormone changes, stress, or boredom during menstruation. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to tell someone you’re pregnant because you’re craving red meat.
If you want to be specific, take a pregnancy test under the supervision of your healthcare provider. It is the most reliable way to determine if you are pregnant.
Can you eat too much red meat?
Yes, you can eat too much red meat, and it’s not healthy. In general, too much red meat consumption can make you prone to several diseases.
Often, people’s diets are based on red meat. However, research has shown that frequent red meat and processed meat consumption is associated with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes, and certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
For this reason, you need to make sure you’re not consuming too much red meat. When you enjoy such, always watch yourself not to overdo it.
Frequently asked questions
Below are a few answers to your frequently asked questions about red meat cravings. In addition, some helpful information is below, so keep reading to learn more.
What does craving red meat mean emotionally?
In general, emotional factors are associated with red meat cravings. If you’re depressed, stressed, or sad, eating red meat helps improve your mood, so you’ll feel better.
Therefore, you can consider these types of cravings to be self-medication. It’s the mind’s way to relax and recover from an emotional breakdown.
You can gain emotional benefits from satisfying your cravings. Moderation is the key to maintaining a healthy diet while keeping your cravings in check.
What deficiency causes you to crave red meat?
Iron and protein deficiencies are the usual causes of red meat cravings. Thus, if you crave such meat, you should get more iron and protein-rich food.
Iron and protein help in the growth and development of the body. Thus, both nutrients are essential and can affect your performance if you have a deficiency.
In short, you’ll do well if you give in to your cravings and eat some red meat. This way, you can address your cravings and your deficiency.
Craving red meat after a workout
If you’re craving red meat after a workout, you probably need the protein in it. Thus, red meat makes an excellent post-workout snack.
Exercise breaks down your muscle cells and rebuilds them afterward. Further, your muscles need suitable amino acids to complete the cellular rebuilding.
Typically, complete protein packages include animal sources like chicken or lean beef, which contain all those amino acids.
You can always give in to your red meat cravings after a workout since it will benefit your body. However, always stay on the safe side and eat in moderation.
Craving red meat on a keto diet
If you’re craving red meat while on a keto diet, you can give in to your cravings and eat some because it’s keto-friendly. However, make sure the red meat you eat comes from a grass-fed animal.
As a general rule, when determining the best meats to eat on a keto diet, you should consider natural, unprocessed sources. Grass-fed beef is the best, whether roast beef, ribs, steak, hamburgers, or kebabs.
Summary
In a nutshell, red meat cravings can mean several things. Also, it can occur due to several reasons. So, while you can solve these cravings by giving in, you must still understand what causes them.
In general, red meat cravings can be a simple need for satisfaction. However, it can also be as serious as a nutrient deficiency. In short, the best thing to do when the craving is to understand what causes it so you can handle it well to benefit your health.
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Resources
Image credits – Canva
