Have you ever felt an insatiable craving for fish? This longing might be more than a simple desire; it could signal something significant about your health.

In “Understanding Your Fish Cravings: 5 Key Explanations You Need to Know,” we delve into the fascinating reasons behind these cravings, uncovering potential health benefits and insights about your body’s needs.

As you embark on this journey of discovery, the Eating Enlightenment Food Journal App stands as a trusted ally, offering guidance and tools to manage cravings, emotional eating, and binges. Empower yourself with mindful eating practices for a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.

What do cravings mean your body needs?

Before we begin this exploration into cravings, let’s briefly consider the two main reasons people get cravings:

• Physical hunger
• Emotional void

Regarding fish cravings, we can have a mixture of both reasons! I know we usually only think of sugary foods as being eaten in response to emotional issues, but that’s not true.

Many times, people will feel anxious and desire to eat healthily to manage their feelings of anxiety. Of course, eating healthy is nothing wrong, but knowing where your cravings originate is essential.

Are you lacking a nutrient or deficient in minerals? If so, you may be craving fish for physical reasons.

For example, if you crave fish for physical reasons like hunger, fish cooked on an electric smoker will exude an attractive smell and trigger cravings.

But what if you’re already full? What if you know you’re craving fish for emotional reasons but aren’t sure which emotional reasons?

Let’s explore both the physical and emotional aspects of fish cravings. Here are the top five explanations for why you may have these cravings!

1 – Omega 3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats, which means they cannot be synthesized by our bodies and must, therefore, come from dietary sources like seafood!

People who consume more Omega 3s tend to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. One study suggests people with high fish consumption had 40% less chance of dying from cardiovascular disease than those with low intakes. See another Harvard Omega 3 Salmon study here.

Omega 3s also help fight against depression because it helps maintain cognitive function, especially in older adults, where brain health can decline as we age.

This is why Omega 3s and their benefits could explain why you always want fish.

If your body is low on Omega 3s, one easy explanation is that you’re craving fish to replenish your body’s levels of Omega 3s.

Fish are a great source of Omega 3s and can explain your cravings.

2 – Protein

When you eat fish, it’s a great way to get protein into your diet.

Protein helps with muscle recovery after workouts and keeps you satisfied and full for extended periods, which means it can help fight against cravings!

Why does your body crave fish? Protein could be a great explanation for why.

Fish is also rich in minerals that affect your body’s ability to metabolize protein – zinc, selenium, and iron. It makes sense that people who eat more fish have a lower risk of developing anemia than those with low seafood intake diets.  

(Fish is also a great alternative to red meat. Red meat is way worse for your heart!)

So, if you’re craving fish because you want its health benefits, this one definitely applies!

Of course, many different other foods contain adequate amounts of protein, too:

• Milk, eggs, and yogurt are all great sources of protein. Read here for milk cravings info.
• Meat can be a good source for those who eat it
• Nuts and seeds are awesomely packed with protein, too

3 – Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that your body needs to produce thyroid hormones.

These, in turn, regulate metabolism, energy, and how our bodies’ cells grow and develop. So why do you crave fish? It could be linked to iodine deficiency!

A study found women who consumed more than 12 ounces of seafood each week had a 40% lower risk of developing hypothyroidism compared to those who ate less than four servings a month.

If you’re experiencing low energy while also craving fish, a deficiency of iodine may explain your cravings.  

Because fish are high in iodine!

Other ways people get iodine include:

• iodized salt (salt has added potassium iodide)
• kelp supplements

4 – Texture

Some people love the soft, smooth texture of seafood.

Sea critters and fish, in particular, have long, smooth muscles because of their watery home environment.

This gives fish meat a unique texture, which might actually be the texture of fish you’re craving!

Sometimes, textures are comforting and can help soothe us when we’re feeling down or upset. If you desire this kind of food during these moments, it’s likely you’re looking for some novel or unique texture in your mouth to distract you from whatever is ailing you.

This craving for novel textures also applies to fruit cravings!

Sushi & Craving Something Healthy

People love sushi because it’s a great source of healthy fat, protein, and carbs.

If you’re craving fish food, you may be craving sushi!

Sushi is usually made with white rice (which turns into glucose in our bodies), but it also contains nori, which has lots of iodine and Omega 3!  

For more info about sushi, you may also visit BoatBasinCafe.com! 

Of course, sushi also contains raw fish very frequently. Raw fish can be a novel taste experience and another reason why you are getting fish food cravings. Your body wants that raw fish flavor and a burst of magnesium and other great benefits!

It’s no wonder people crave sushi when they do—it’s packed with nutrients and often raw fish that make us feel good inside and out!

The last explanation for why you crave certain foods like fish could be what else your meals typically consist of.

If all your dinners contain meat or if the only fruit choices are apples, chances are you’ll start craving something different—like maybe more veggies or seafood—just to get a bit of variety into your diet!

5 – Comfort

We all know that fish is the perfect comfort food.

It’s warm and filling and has an amazing texture, which can be why people crave it!

If you’re feeling down or upset but don’t quite understand why, your body might want to eat something comforting like fish even if you aren’t hungry.  

Eating certain foods when we feel bad can soothe us because they are associated with happy memories or times in our lives when we enjoyed them —this could explain why some people only crave things like ice cream when they’re lonely, for example.

It reminds them of joyful moments spent eating it with friends at a picnic!  Or perhaps seafood was always served at essential events growing up – such as birthdays or Christmas dinners.

Whatever the case, why do you get fish food cravings? It might be because of an emotional connection to it.   

Why am I craving seafood?

There could be a few reasons why you’re experiencing a sudden craving for seafood. Maybe you’ve been watching cooking shows that feature seafood dishes, and your mouth is watering.

Or, you could be pregnant and craving fish because of the high omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, which benefit you and your baby.

Whatever the reason, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in your seafood craving! Just be sure to choose fresh, sustainable seafood options for the most health benefits.

In general, the reasons you crave seafood are the same as those for fish. However, with seafood, there is more variety.

Craving Fish Vitamin Deficiency – Beyond Omega 3’s

Omega 3 vitamins are commonly associated with fish cravings. However, did you know fish contain other vitamins and minerals which could help explain your cravings?

Let’s remember that most cravings are caused by hunger, lack of protein, etc. For most hunger cravings, you just need some great, healthy foods to eat.

However, in terms of vitamin or mineral deficiencies causing hunger then, there are a few possibilities (and these usually point to bigger issues):

• Hunger is actually thirst in disguise—our bodies can often mistake thirst for hunger, so we end up eating when we should be drinking water! Sometimes, people crave ice because they’re thirsty!
• If you’re deficient in iron, this could also lead to cravings and feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Iron is found in dark leafy greens, red meat, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, and tofu. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it’s important to include foods high in vitamin C at the same time, as this helps with the absorption of plant-based iron.
  Read my ‘best iron supplements’ review article here.
• Magnesium deficiency can also lead to food deficiency—cravings, fatigue, muscle cramps, and restless sleep. Magnesium-rich foods include dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, legumes, fish, whole grains and avocados.

If you constantly crave fish or other seafood, consider whether you might be deficient in one of the above nutrients. However, it’s always best to speak to a qualified health professional before changing your diet!

Scientific Insights into Fish Cravings

Craving fish might seem like a simple desire for its taste, but it could also be your body’s way of signaling a need for essential nutrients that fish provide. Scientific research suggests that certain cravings are closely linked to nutritional deficiencies.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These essential fats play a crucial role in brain function, heart health, and inflammation regulation. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that insufficient intake of omega-3s can lead to deficiencies that may manifest as cravings for omega-3-rich foods like fish. If your diet is low in these healthy fats, your body might crave fish to meet its nutritional needs.

2. Vitamin D Needs:
Fish, especially oily varieties, are also excellent sources of vitamin D. This nutrient is essential for maintaining bone health, supporting the immune system, and regulating mood. According to research in the Journal of Nutrition, vitamin D deficiency is widespread, particularly in areas with limited sun exposure. Craving fish might be an indicator that your body requires more vitamin D, prompting you to seek out this nutrient naturally through your diet.

3. Protein Intake:
Fish is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily function. The British Journal of Nutrition reports that during periods of increased physical activity or stress, the body’s demand for protein rises. A craving for fish could be your body’s response to a need for more protein, especially if your current diet lacks adequate amounts.

These scientific insights suggest that fish cravings could be a reflection of your body’s need for key nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and protein. Recognizing and responding to these cravings with nutrient-rich foods like fish can help support your overall health and well-being.

Why Do I Crave Fish? Conclusion

We all have our favorite foods, but why do we crave them so much? There are many reasons, from texture to nutrition.

Whatever your craving for fish or other seafood, you can find a way to indulge without harming yourself by overindulging in unhealthy options. 

Let us know what you think of these explanations, and feel free to share why you’re craving something specific, too!

If you specifically crave tuna, read here to learn more about tuna cravings.

Finally, if you want to know the meaning of other food cravings, like chocolate, be sure to read this food chart.