Have you ever craved something random like raw cabbage? Or found yourself deep in a crunchy food era and wondering what it means?
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with making the same raw salad on repeat. It’s super simple white and purple cabbage, crunchy cucumber, shredded carrots, edamame, lemon juice, sea salt, a drizzle of olive oil, vinegar, dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, basil leaves, mint leaves, and raw pumpkins seeds. That’s it. No fancy dressings. No extra fluff. Just raw, crunchy veggies in their natural glory.
I literally find myself standing at the fridge eating raw cabbage straight from the cutting board like it’s the most satisfying snack in the world.
So I did what any wellness-loving, curious minded person would do who was bored laying out tanning. I asked ChatGPT, “Why am I craving raw cabbage and crunchy foods?” And the answers actually made so much sense.
Cravings aren’t the enemy, cravings also aren’t random. They’re signals, whispers from the body, they’re feedback, little nudges from your body saying, “Hey, I need something. Can you slow down and pay attention?”
So if you’ve been in a raw veggie, crunchy salad phase, this might be your sign that your body is doing something wise. Let it, support it, nourish it, and if you’re like me, maybe even enjoy it more than you ever thought you would.
Disclaimer: While cravings can be insightful, they aren’t a diagnosis. If you think you might be deficient in certain vitamins or minerals, always talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. My blogs and podcasts are not here to diagnose, cure, or treat any ailment.
Here is what ChatGPT said:
- I need gut and hormone support
- My nervous system is craving calm and rhythm
- I might be low in magnesium, fiber, or vitamin C
- My Gut Might Be Asking for a Reset
Cabbage is rich in glutamine, an amino acid that helps heal and support the lining of the gut. If you’ve been under stress (hi, life), eating more processed foods, or just feeling “off” digestively, this craving could be your body’s way of asking for gut support.
- My Hormones Are Detoxing (or Need Support)
Cabbage is a cruciferous veggie, and those are known for helping the body detox excess estrogen, a big deal in midlife when hormone shifts can feel like a roller coaster. Your liver loves cabbage. And if you’re in perimenopause or noticing more intense PMS, your body might just know exactly what it needs.
- I Might Be Low in Vitamin C or K
Raw cabbage is packed with both. Vitamin C helps with immunity, adrenal support, and skin health, all things that can take a hit during high-stress seasons. Vitamin K supports bone health and blood clotting, and many of us don’t get enough of it, especially in midlife.
- It’s Cooling + Grounding
Energetically, cabbage is cool, dense, and earthy. If your system is overheated, inflamed, or overstimulated, your body might be seeking something raw, hydrating, and grounding. (Ayurveda even teaches that cabbage pacifies excess Pitta, that fiery, intense energy we often carry.)
Why I’m Also Craving Crunchy Foods in General
It’s not just cabbage. It’s the crunch I’m craving. That satisfying snap from cucumber, raw carrots, jicama, or even dry roasted chickpeas. I have had this type of craving since I was a kid. I used to eat raw noddles like they were nuts. So I asked why this specific texture was calling to me and it turns out, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.
- Crunch Calms the Nervous System
Biting and chewing crunchy food activates the trigeminal nerve, which connects to the vagus nerve, the part of our nervous system that helps us feel calm and safe. Basically, crunching is its own little stress release. Who knew?
- It’s a Dopamine Hit When I’m Bored or Overstimulated
Crunchy foods are stimulating, they give instant feedback. Sound, texture, sensation. When life feels chaotic or flat, crunch gives your brain a quick little reward. That dopamine hit can feel grounding and regulating, especially when you’re tired or emotionally drained.
- Mineral + Fiber Needs
Raw, crunchy veggies are full of magnesium, potassium, fiber, and water. These nutrients support everything from gut health to hormone detox to blood sugar regulation. If your body is feeling depleted, it may crave raw veggies not for the taste, but for what’s inside.
- Old Habits, New Awareness
Crunch can also be comfort. A familiar rhythm. If I’m working, watching a show, or even feeling anxious, I might automatically want something crunchy, not because I’m hungry, but because it feels soothing.
So What Do I Do With All This?
I never judge my cravings and I listen to them.
Instead of thinking, “Ugh, why do I always want crunchy food,” I pause and ask:
- Am I feeling anxious or overstimulated?
- When was my last nourishing meal?
- Do I need actual food or a second to reset?
- What is my body really asking for?
And if the answer is: I just want that raw, crunchy salad again then I honor that. But I also make it a little more intentional. I’ll add lemon and sea salt for minerals, some olive oil for healthy fat, and a some edamame for protein. And then I enjoy every single bite, knowing it’s actually meeting a need, not just a habit. You can do this with any craving, sweets, chocolate, carbs, etc. I know when I am tired and stressed I crave sweets and carbs.
So again, remember, cravings aren’t the enemy. They’re feedback.
Have you ever craved something random like raw cabbage? Or found yourself deep in a crunchy food era and wondering what it means?
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
