Those late-night snack attacks don’t happen out of nowhere. Whether it’s the siren call of a midnight martabak or that sudden craving for pisang goreng mid-afternoon, your body has its reasons.
What if I told you it’s not just willpower playing hide-and-seek but something deeper? Yep, your cravings might just be on your body clock’s payroll.
Your Circadian Rhythm
Your body isn’t winging it — there’s a built-in system keeping things on track. This natural rhythm, called your circadian clock, manages more than just when you wake up or hit the sack.
It’s like the conductor of a 24-hour orchestra, syncing everything from your hormones to digestion. And guess what? It’s got a thing or two to say about hunger, too.
In the morning, when your cortisol spikes, you’re primed for energy — a nasi uduk or a hearty breakfast sounds about right. But come 3 p.m., your energy dips, and like clockwork, you’re reaching for kopi and something sweet.
By nighttime, when your melatonin kicks in, your metabolism slows down, but cravings can spike. That’s when the nasi goreng and sambal tempts you. It’s no coincidence — it’s biology doing its thing.
Cravings Aren’t Just Random
Ever noticed how you crave sweets after a long, stressful day?
That’s your body’s way of asking for quick energy. Or when you’re up past midnight and suddenly want chips? Your system’s trying to stay awake, and salty, fatty snacks are like fuel for a tired engine.
Here’s where it gets interesting: your circadian rhythm doesn’t just dictate when you get hungry — it influences what you want to eat. Studies show that at different times of the day, our bodies process nutrients differently.
That donut at 10 a.m.? Easier to burn off than the same one at 10 p.m. (Sorry, late-night snackers.)
Fighting the Cravings Cycle
So, how do you deal when your body clock seems to have teamed up with your favorite warung? First, don’t beat yourself up. Cravings are natural — it’s what you do with them that counts.
- Listen, Don’t Obey: Feel like inhaling a bakso bowl at 11 p.m.? Ask yourself if you’re actually hungry or just bored. Sometimes, it’s your emotions — not your stomach — calling the shots.
- Hack the Timing: Align your meals with your energy peaks. Big breakfasts, balanced lunches, and lighter dinners can help keep those odd-hour cravings in check.
- Reprogram the Clock: Your circadian rhythm thrives on consistency. Stick to regular meal times, and you might notice those untimely urges dialing down.
Your Body Is Talking — Listen Up!
Your body isn’t out to sabotage you. It’s a finely-tuned system trying to survive, thrive, and yes, occasionally indulge. When you start syncing with its rhythm instead of fighting it, you’ll notice the difference.
So, next time your cravings strike, don’t just give in blindly. Take a moment. Decode the message. Because, girl, your body isn’t just hungry — it’s trying to tell you something.
