{"id":566,"date":"2026-05-14T18:07:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=566"},"modified":"2026-05-14T18:07:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:07:46","slug":"food-cravings-at-345-pm-arent-random-heres-what-your-body-may-be-warning-you-about","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=566","title":{"rendered":"Food cravings at 3:45 pm aren’t random, here’s what your body may be warning you about"},"content":{"rendered":"

That mid-afternoon urge to reach for something salty or sweet isn’t just a lack of willpower \u2014 it’s something many Americans experience every day.<\/p>

Read more Glass particles detected in recalled cancer treatment drug, FDA says<\/a><\/p>

Surveys have found that people report an average of two cravings daily, with urges peaking at about 3:45 p.m.<\/p>

There are a few reasons why, health experts<\/u> told Fox News Digital.<\/p>

6 HEALTHY FOODS THAT COULD SECRETLY SPIKE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR, AND WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

<\/div>

“Most of us can relate to the afternoon crash or slump<\/u>, and it’s tied to a couple of key factors,” North Carolina-based science communication consultant Megan Meyer, Ph.D., told Fox News Digital.<\/p>

A light lunch,<\/u> or skipping one altogether, can lead to a spike and drop in blood sugar, Meyer said, which “signals to the brain to seek out food \u2014 usually salty or sweet snacks \u2014 to stabilize blood sugar.”<\/p>

Add in a natural dip in circadian rhythm and widespread sleep deprivation \u2014 both linked to increased cravings for high-calorie foods \u2014 and the late-afternoon snack attack<\/u> starts to make sense, she said.<\/p>

But cravings aren’t just about biology.<\/p>

THE WORST FOODS TO BUY IN THE SUPERMARKET AND THE BETTER CHOICES INSTEAD<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

“Food is<\/u> so inherently personal and tied to experiences and emotion,” Meyer said.<\/p>

Stress, routines<\/u> and even what’s within arm’s reach can shape what \u2014 and how often \u2014 we crave.<\/p>

“I’ve also noticed that my environment really shapes my eating patterns,” she said. “If I am surrounded by less healthy food<\/u> options, I often crave those foods. When I remove them, those\u00a0cravings\u00a0tend to go away.”<\/p>

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Rather than viewing cravings as something to fight, they can be useful signals, South Carolina-based registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker told Fox News Digital.<\/p>

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n

FILE: Woman eats snack while working on the computer. (Credit: Getty Images)<\/span> <\/p> <\/div><\/div>

“Cravings are a natural part of how our bodies communicate with us, often signaling a need for energy, comfort or specific nutrients,” Manaker said.<\/p>

“Rather than resisting them entirely<\/u>, it’s helpful to approach cravings with balance and acknowledge them without judgment.”<\/p>

Instead, planning “satisfying, nutrient-dense meals<\/u> and snacks throughout the day can help reduce the intensity of cravings, especially during that mid-afternoon slump,” Manaker said.<\/p>

Still, modern food culture can complicate things.<\/p>

“There’s a lot of unhealthy expectations around food,” Meyer noted, pointing to the pressure of social media and so-called “influencer-worthy” meals.<\/p>

A healthier approach is less about perfection and more about awareness.<\/p>

“Remember, honoring your hunger<\/u> in a mindful way is an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship with food,” Manaker said.<\/p>

Peter Burke is a lifestyle editor with Fox News Digital. He covers various lifestyle topics, with an emphasis on food and drink.<\/p>

Read more US Border Patrol chief resigns \u2018effective immediately,\u2019 report says<\/a><\/p>

Find more updates on this story at FOXNews.com.<\/i><\/p> <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

That mid-afternoon urge to reach for a snack isn’t just a lack of willpower \u2014 it’s something many Americans experience every day. 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