WSJ breaks down why we crave, what we crave, and what it means.
Studies show that food cravings involve a complex mix of social, cultural and psychological factors, heavily influenced by environmental cues. While chocolate is consistently the most-craved food in North America, Japanese women are more likely to crave sushi, a recent study found. And only 1% of young Egyptian men and 6% of young Egyptian women reported craving chocolate, according to a 2003 survey. “Many other languages don’t have a word for ‘craving.’ The concept seems to be uniquely important in American culture,” says psychologist Julia Hormes at the University at Albany.
Oddly enough, I wasn’t craving anything until I read this. And now that cupcake IS calling. Assuming it’s not because I haven’t had enough sugar lately…
